The Pasture Mealybug: A New Invasive Pest of Pastures and Hayfields

The pasture mealybug is a new introduced pest into the United States and it affected summer pastures and hayfields in southeastern Texas in 2025. It was found in Louisiana sugarcane fields in Vermilion and Iberia parishes in the fall of 2025.

This pest is being closely monitored by federal, state, and LSU AgCenter scientists for possible invasion into summer pastures and hayfields in Louisiana in 2026. Producers need to be aware of this pest and be alert for further notices as the summer forages begin to green up.

Photos compiled by LDAF State Entomologist.

Pest Profile from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry:

PEST: Pasture Mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei)

BASIC PROFILE: The pasture mealybug (PMB) is native of Australia and has recently been found in Texas causing moderate to severe damage on pastureland. The nymphs are the damaging stage of the pest. Early infestation symptoms are yellowing and discoloration progressing into reddening or purpling of the leaves. The host list is broad and includes Bermudagrass, rice, sugarcane and St. Augustine grass.

LDAF ACTIVITY: As this is a new pest, no quarantine action has been taken as of January 2026. Farm equipment should be cleaned thoroughly before moving into another area or field as this is likely a pathway to spread the pest. For possible PMB sightings, LDAF recommends notifying them by email or phone - pasturemealybug@ldaf.state.la.us or 225-952-8100. It is helpful to note the GPS coordinate (preferably in decimal) for possible PMB sightings. Please don't take any samples yourself, as they have to be taken by authorized personnel only.

So far, there have been no documented cases of PMB found in pastures in Louisiana.

The following fact sheet from the LSU AgCenter has more information on how to identify pasture mealybugs and damage from pasture mealybugs.

Pasture Mealybug Factsheetpdf.pdf

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