whitefly

[ hwahyt-flahy, wahyt- ]

noun

, plural white·flies.

1. any of several plant-sucking, homopterous insects of the family Aleyrodidae, having the body and wings dusted with a white, powdery wax, and being widely distributed chiefly in tropical regions where they are often serious crop pests, as Dialeurodes citri citrus whitefly, commonly occurring on citrus trees, and Trialeurodes vaporariorum greenhouse whitefly, inhabiting greenhouses.

whitefly

/ ˈwaɪtˌflaɪ /

noun

1. any hemipterous insect of the family Aleyrodidae, typically having a body covered with powdery wax. Many are pests of greenhouse crops

Word History and Origins

Origin of whitefly¹

First recorded in 1885–90; white + fly ¹

Example Sentences

The halberd fern gene protected the cotton from whiteflies and other sucking pests, and Singh has now isolated other fern compounds that deter chewing insects, such as caterpillars.

From Science Magazine

And other insects need also beware, including termites, red palm weevils, whiteflies and other agricultural nuisances.

From Salon

But if you’re fighting tiny pests with limited mobility, like aphids, mites, flea beetles and whiteflies, Ms. Walliser recommends planting the trap crop very close, in alternate rows with the crop you want to protect.

From New York Times

There are some vegetable-safe insecticides you can use in vegetable gardens to control common pests like aphids and whiteflies, but you'll want to use these products sparingly and be sure to wash produce thoroughly.

From Salon

In 2016, Mr. Singh’s son died by putting himself in the path of a train after their cotton fields were devoured by whiteflies.

From New York Times