Abstract
Mealybugs are found from the low moist coastal regions to the high snow-covered areas. They are found from elevations of −200 ft to altitudes of over 12,000 ft above mean sea level. On foliage and stems, mealybugs apparently prefer tight enclosed areas, for they normally are found in leaf or stem axils. Infestations on fruit are almost always enclosed in the calyx area. Very heavy infestations often occur below the ground. Adult males and newly emerged first-instar nymphs of most mealybug species display dispersal actively. Usually the mealybugs are found in larger numbers in summer months and low in winter months. Heavy sporadic rains and cool temperatures of less than 20 °C result in temporary reduction in the mealybug population. Wind influences the dispersal and establishment of mealybugs in addition by walking of the mealybugs.
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Mani, M., Shivaraju, C. (2016). Ecology. In: Mani, M., Shivaraju, C. (eds) Mealybugs and their Management in Agricultural and Horticultural crops . Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2677-2_12
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