Population increases generally coincide with a new flush of foliage on trees. Whiteflies damage citrus by removing sap from leaves during feeding and by secreting large amounts of honeydew upon which black sooty mold grows. Photosynthesis can be substantially reduced in trees with extensive amounts of sooty mold. Several species of whiteflies occur in Texas citrus, including the citrus blackfly, the citrus whitefly, the woolly whitefly and the cloudy-winged whitefly. Females lay their eggs in a characteristic spiral pattern that provides an easy method of identifying this pest.
Immature forms are dark black.
The life cycle requires two to four months and the occurrence of various life stages usually overlaps considerably. If not destroyed by unfavorable weather conditions or pesticides, parasites can effectively control the blackfly. A number of chemicals bring about control, but most are broad spectrum materials that must be used carefully to avoid upsets of other pests. The citrus whitefly lays smooth, shiny pale-yellow eggs. Eggs usually hatch in one to three weeks and the crawlers move about for several hours before settling.