Prior to this report it was known from Hawaii where it attacked buds of hibiscus, tomato and jasmine. Since that time the number of people reporting problems with premature bud drop has greatly increased. According to the January 1997 Newsletter of the Sunset Chapter-American Hibiscus Society, the Schermerhorns first found them after they dissected some of the aborted hibiscus buds. When infested orchid buds were examined 5-30 small white fly larvae were found. Once these larvae are fully developed they drop to the soil were they eventually burrow into the soil and pupate.
Adults emerge in about three weeks depending on temperature.
One interesting behavior that helps in this pest's identification is its ability to jump or spring several centimeters. When infested hibiscus buds are placed in a plastic vegetable storage bag, fully developed larvae begin to emerge within a day. Control tactics have not been fully investigated. What we do know however is that many of the nurseries that make regular applications of pesticides for whiteflies have not reported a problem. To be effective at managing this pest you must practice sanitation by removing all dropped buds or buds on the plant that are beginning to mold.