Some of the secretion is fluffy and some waxy and in ribbons as long as, or longer than, the width of body. The adults are similar in appearance to those of many other species of whiteflies. They somewhat resemble tiny moths, and both sexes are winged. The eyes of this whitefly are dark reddish-brown. Females begin laying eggs within a day of emergence and continue to lay eggs throughout her lifetime.
Unmated females produce only male progeny while mated females produce both sexes.
After first being reported in Hawaii in 1978, the spiraling whitefly was considered a major economic pest by 1979 and extensive searches were conducted for natural enemies to be introduced to control whitefly populations. Five natural enemies were introduced into Hawaii from the Caribbean to control the spiraling whitefly. Dilute aqueous solutions of detergents and soaps have been reported as helpful. Apply a strong stream of water onto the underside of infested leaves as often as possible without wasting water. This can be done during normal watering of plants.