Pest profile

Rugose Spiraling Whitefly

Aleurodicus rugioperculatus · Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae[2]

Since 2009 the rugose spiraling whitefly has become an escalating problem in South Florida yards, mostly because of its wax, honeydew and sooty mold.[1]

Rugose spiraling whitefly eggs laid in white waxy spirals on the underside of a leaf
Rugose spiraling whitefly eggs laid in white waxy spirals on the underside of a leaf. (c) Sandra H Statner, some rights reserved (CC BY) — via iNaturalist, CC BY 4.0

How to identify it

  • Females lay eggs on leaf undersides in circular or spiral patterns covered with white wax.[1]
  • Adults are about 2.5 mm, roughly three times the size of common whiteflies, with irregular light brown bands across the wings.[1]

Look-alikes

Look-alikeHow to tell them apart
Common whitefliesRugose spiraling whitefly adults are about three times larger.[1]

Where it lives

Native to Central America, it was first reported in Florida in Miami-Dade County in 2009 and has spread from coastal South Florida into central Florida.[1]

US map: public records from 2 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

The life cycle takes about 30 days in warm weather.[1]

Hosts include palms (especially coconut), gumbo limbo, Calophyllum, avocado, black olive and mango.[1]

Damage and signs

  • It rarely kills plants, but honeydew grows thick black sooty mold on leaves and on nearby cars, windows and walls.[1]

Health risk

It feeds on plants; UF/IFAS mentions no risk to people.[1]

Control

Traps and physical control

Early on, pressure washing with water, repeated regularly, removes many eggs and immatures; take care not to damage plants.[1]

Biological control

Two Encarsia parasitic wasps and a predatory beetle often show up on infested plants and are spreading north.[1]

Pesticides

Soaps and horticultural oils need thorough coverage and repeat applications; systemic insecticides are the main tool, used only when necessary.[1]

Common questions

What are the white wax spirals under my palm leaves?
Eggs of the rugose spiraling whitefly, laid in spiral patterns.[1]
Will it kill my trees?
Usually not, but it stresses plants and the sooty mold is a big nuisance.[1]

Sources

  1. University of Florida IFAS Extension (Featured Creatures), “Rugose Spiraling Whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus (EENY-578).” edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1015 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. iNaturalist, “Aleurodicus rugioperculatus taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/204448 (accessed 2026-10-06)

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