At present, it is widely spread over Central and South Florida from Cross Creek to Key West. Economic Importance Citrus blackfly infests over 300 host plants, but citrus is the most suitable for large population development. It damages citrus by sucking nutrients from foliage which weakens the plants. Citrus blackflies excrete honeydew on which sooty molds develop. Sooty molds coat citrus leaves, causing them to appear black.
Sooty molds can severely impair leaf respiration and photosynthesis.
Description and Life History Eggs are laid in a spiral pattern on the underside of the leaf. Each female lays two to three egg-spirals during her 10 to 14 day life span. The first instar is elongate-oval, averaging 0.30 mm long x 0.15 mm wide and is brow in color, with two glassy filaments curving over the body. The first instar lasts seven to 16 days. The second instar is more ovate and convex than the first instar, averaging 0.40 mm long x 0.20 mm wide, and is dark brown in color with numerous spines covering the body.