The solanum mealybugbody is oval-shaped and covered with white, corny wax. The body is surrounded with strong, short wax filaments and long tail hairs are lacking. From above, two slightly dark longitudinal stripes and several horizontal stripes across the body are visible. This resembles a mosaic pattern. Their body has a greyish color. No egg masses are produced and the young develop inside the mother’s body (vivipary). Unfertilized eggs produce new females and males are very rare.

Solanum mealybug damage and distribution

Sap sucking by mealybugscauses leafdamage and premature leaf shedding. The produced honeydew can damage fruits, particularly when the sticky substance remainson the fruit, which enables molds to grow. This mealybugspreads fairly well throughout the plant, but has the tendency to remain low in the crop. It can feed on all above-ground plant parts and partly on roots.