Many weed species serve as alternate hosts of the whitefly. This pest has a world-wide distribution. They are distributed widely throughout the tropics and subtropics and occur in greenhouses in temperate zones. Greenhouse whiteflies were first recorded on Oahu in 1907 and are presently distributed on all islands. Damage is often not visible.
Large populations reduce plant vigor.
Adults and young excrete honeydew. This sticky material serves as a medium for the growth of sooty mold. Extensive honeydew and sooty mold deposits reduces marketability of plants and fruits. In Hawaii the life cycle is completed in 19 to 25 days. They are attached to the underside of a leaf by the petioles, often in a circle or semicircle.