Eggs hatch in 2-10 days. Each nymphal stage is separated by a molt. Approximately four days into the second instar, a black tinge develops around the insect body. Two days later, the nymph start spinning a cocoon around itself. This cocoon is continuously spun increasing in density until the winged adult mealybug is ready to emerge two molts later.
Female mealybugs have only three nymphal stages.
This mealybug is capable of active movement throughout its life. Although this mealybug is not a great honeydew producer, several ant species will tend to them. The most common tending ant species is Anoplolepis longipes , the longlegged ant. Damage is generally increased in severity when the citrus mealybug is associated with ants. There are numerous parasitic wasps that attack the citrus mealybug and several predatory beetles.