Giant Whitefly

• The giant whitefly (Aleurodicus dugesii) measures up to 3/16 inch in length and leaves behind a collection of white wax as it infests the wax begonia. The pest sucks away the sap of the plant, causing a discoloration of leaves and defoliation of the begonia. It also deposits honeydew -- waste -- that results in the development of a black, sooty mold on the plant. Several species of parasitic wasps are drawn to the begonia in order to feed on the giant whitefly.