Pest profile

Rhododendron Whitefly

Dialeurodes chittendeni (iNaturalist genus: Massilieurodes) · Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae[2]

The rhododendron whitefly is a small whitefly that mottles and curls the young leaves of rhododendrons; it's mainly an appearance problem, though heavy infestations can harm susceptible plants.[1]

No licensed photo of this species is available yet; the identification notes below describe what to look for.

How to identify it

  • Adults are white, 0.04 to 0.08 inch long, and hold their wings roof-like over the body.[1]
  • Infested young leaves at branch tips are mottled yellow on top, often with curled margins and white, sometimes circular, powdery residue.[1]
  • Tiny black eggs are laid in circles, half-circles or singly under the leaves.[1]

Look-alikes

Look-alikeHow to tell them apart
Other whitefliesSome other whiteflies only overwinter under rhododendron, salal and Oregon grape leaves and leave in spring without breeding; check for eggs or larvae first.[1]

Where it lives

The PNW Insect Management Handbook covers it on rhododendrons in Pacific Northwest landscapes.[1]

Biology and life cycle

It overwinters as a nymph, adults appear from mid-May to early August, and there's one generation a year.[1]

Rhododendron species with smooth leaf undersides are most affected; species with thick, leathery leaves often escape.[1]

Damage and signs

  • Heavy honeydew can build up a coating of black sooty mold.[1]

Health risk

It feeds on plants; the PNW Insect Management Handbook mentions no risk to people.[1]

Control

Prevention

Don't overfertilize: whitefly numbers rise with leaf nitrogen, so switch to a slow-release or lower-nitrogen fertilizer if needed.[1]

Grow species with thick, leathery leaves, which are often unaffected.[1]

Traps and physical control

Lightly vacuum plants early in the morning, when cold adults are less likely to fly.[1]

Common questions

Why are my rhododendron's new leaves mottled yellow and curled?
Rhododendron whiteflies feeding under young leaves cause yellow mottling and curled edges.[1]
Does fertilizer make whiteflies worse?
Yes. Whitefly numbers increase with leaf nitrogen, so avoid overfertilizing.[1]

Sources

  1. Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks (OSU, WSU, University of Idaho), “Rhododendron (Rhododendron): Rhododendron whitefly (Insect Management Handbook).” pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/hosts-pests-landscape-plants/rhododendron-rhododendron-rhododendron-whitefly (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. iNaturalist, “Massilieurodes taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1104503 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.