Whitefly species that occur on avocado in California can be distinguished by pupal shape, filaments, and waxiness and sometimes by adult wing markings.

 

Mulberry whitefly, Tetraleurodes mori	Redbanded whitefly, Tetraleurodes perseae	Nesting whitefly, Paraleyrodes minei	Greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum	Giant whitefly, Aleurodicus dugesii
ADULTS
Reddish to gray wing markings, including a blotch at the base and tip of each wing.	Reddish wing markings, commonly in two broken bands and a blotch at the base of each wing.	Grayish blotches on forewings.	No markings on white wings. Wings usually held flat—parallel to top of its yellowish body.	Grayish blotches or mottling on wings. Larger that other species, about 3/16 inch (4 mm) long.
Mulberry whitefly	Redbanded whitefly	Nesting whitefly	Greenhouse whitefly	Giant whitefly
PUPAE
A black body fringed with white wax that extends out flat and does not curl over the body.	A black body fringed with white wax that curls over the body.	Pale green to orangish with a marginal fringe of many short filaments. Produces numerous wax strands so that insects appear to be covered with tiny spaghetti noodles.	Pupa has long submarginal wax filaments and a marginal fringe of short filaments. Elevated in profile, with edges parallel to the leaf surface.	Several marginal filaments and covered with powdery wax. Elevated in profile with edges parallel to the leaf surface. Long wax strands, 1 inch in length (not shown), hang from infested leaves, giving foliage a white bearded appearance.

Whitefly species that occur on avocado in California can be distinguished by pupal shape, filaments, and waxiness and sometimes by adult wing markings.

Illustration adapted from Flint, M. L. 1995. Whiteflies in California: A Resource for Cooperative Extension. Davis: University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program Publ. 19; giant, nesting, and redbanded whiteflies by David H. Headrick.