Distribution M. hirsutus recently invaded several islands in the Caribbean. Pink hibiscus mealybugs are expected to colonize all of Florida and spread north into southern Georgia. Because pink hibiscus mealybug attacks so many crop and ornamental plants, populations could become common on many plant species in Florida. The waxy filaments are short and females are usually obscured by this white mealy wax. When adults are crushed their body fluids are also pink.
Adult males are smaller than females, reddish brown and have one pair of wings.
Freshly-laid eggs are orange, becoming pink before they hatch. Eggs are found in egg sacs. Nymphs also can walk considerable distances to find suitable host plants. The life cycle takes about 23 to 30 days. Pink hibiscus mealybug eggs overwinter in bark crevices, leaf scars, under bark, in the soil, tree boles, inside fruit clusters, and inside crumpled leaf clusters.