Mealybugs
Scientific name: Pseudococcidae
Mealybugs
Scientific name: Pseudococcidae
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
These small, sap-sucking Pseudococcidae can wreak havoc on crops, causing distorted growth and even plant death, earning them notoriety among gardeners and farmers worldwide. Additionally, Pseudococcidae do engage in a mutualistic relationship with ants, which protect them from predators in exchange for a share of their sweet, nutritious excretions. This fascinating cooperation illustrates the complexity of ecological interactions and challenges the notion of 'pests' as merely destructive.
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original