This insect has a host range of more than 250 ornamental and vegetable plants. Poinsettia, begonia, nicotiana, aster, calendula, cucumber, lantana, tomato, grape, ageratum, bean and hibiscus are commonly infested. The greenhouse whitefly sucks sap from the plant, primarily from the phloem. Heavy infestations cause decline of plant vigor. Stunting, yellowing of foliage and premature leaf drop are among the symptoms of injury.
Whiteflies excrete sticky honeydew during feeding.
This detracts from plant appearance and allows gray sooty mold fungi to grow on the foliage. It has become endemic in the southwestern United States and in Florida. There it causes serious damage to Crops and ornamental plants. It is far less common on house plants than the greenhouse whitefly. The familiar form is the white, winged adult.