In recent years the silverleaf whitefly has become the dominant of the two species throughout the southern United States and in many other areas. They usually alight on the upper leaf surface but quickly move to the lower surface where they feed on plant sap, mate, and lay up to 300 eggs. Once settled, the crawler inserts its tube-like stylet and begins to feed. A few days later an adult whitefly emerges. The entire process from egg to adult is about two to four weeks long, depending on the temperatures present during development.
Higher temperatures decrease the time required for whitefly development.
The whitefly may remain on the plant or fly. Adult whiteflies can fly for several hours and with wind assistance can traverse significant distances. Studies in Israel have shown that the minimum time required for the whitefly to acquire the virus is 15 to 30 minutes, and longer feeding periods result in higher rates of transmission. Similar time periods are required for transmission. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus can be acquired by immature whiteflies but only adults can transmit the virus.