Agriculture: Carrot Pest Management Guidelines

Identification of Most Common Whitefly Species in Carrot

The following photos and identification tips will help you distinguish the characteristics of whitefly found in carrots. Names link to more information on identification and management.

  Nypmh Adult
Greenhouse whitefly

Close-up of whitefly nymphs and a mature whitefly on a leaf. The mature whitefly has pale white wings and a yellow head. The nymphs are circular, translucent, with spindly legs. Two nymphs have holes in them.

Identification tip: Nymphs are elevated in profile with edges perpendicular like a cake or hat box. They have many long waxy filaments around the edge of their bodies.

A single mature whitefly with pale white wings and yellow head on a leaf.

Identification tip: Adults are very similar in appearance to silverleaf whitefly adults, but hold their wings flatter over the back with no space between the wings where they meet in the center.

Iris whitefly

A close-up of a small insect nymph on a green leaf. The nymph is oval-shaped, translucent, and has textured, slightly ridged surface.

Identification tip: No long filamnets are present around the edges of their bodies. A large amount of wax can often be found around the nymphs.

A small whitefly on a green leaf. The insect has elongated oval wings that lay flat over its back. The wings are pale white with a powdery appearance. The insect is on a green leaf next to a scattered patch of white, dusty material.

Identification tip: Adults are powdery in appearance and have a black dot on each wing. Wings are held flat over their backs.

Sweetpotato whitefly

Close-up of nymphs that are primarily yellow and translucent on a green leaf. The nymphs are shiny and oval-shaped.
 
Identification tip: Nymphs are convex or rounded in profile. From above they are oval, whitish, soft and unlike 4th instar greenhouse whitefly nymphs, do not have filaments.

Close-up of a small white whitefly, on a textured green leaf surface. The whitefly has wings closed at an angle like the top of a roof and is and elongated, oval shape.

Identification tip: Adults hold their wings rooflike over their bodies. The wings do not meet in the back as they do in greenhouse whitefly adults, but have a slight space between them.

Text Updated: 11/24
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