Pritchard’s Ground Mealybug – Rhizoecus pritchardii

Pritchard’s Ground Mealybug (Rhizoecus pritchardii) Common Name: Pritchard’s Ground Mealybug Latin Name: Rhizoecus pritchardii Appearance: Pritchard’s mealybug is a snow-white mealybug that is 1.6 to 2.1 millimeters long and round with extremely small eyes. Pritchard’s mealybug wax is often snow-white in hue. The Pritchard mealybug was found on sedum roots in our investigation. Host plant: Pritchard’s mealybug is a major pest of African violets, but it also infests Achillea, Arctostaphylos, Geum, and Polygala. It feeds on anemone, chrysanthemum, gladiolus, iris, other flowers, shrubs, and ornamental grassroots. Territory: The ground mealybug was initially described in France and is considered widespread in the United States. Pritchard’s mealybug is widespread across the United States. Damage caused by Pritchard’s Ground Mealybug: The ground mealybug can grow plentiful enough to harm its host. Pritchard’s mealybug causes host plant devitalization, leaf degradation, and ultimately death. Life History and habitat: The life cycle of root mealybugs has received little attention. Pritchard’s mealybugs climb out drainage holes and spread around the greenhouse when afflicted African violets are irrigated. Eggs are placed in clusters of at least six eggs in a loose ovisac. All phases may be found on African violet roots and potting mix, where they resemble slow-moving, creamy white collembola.