What bugs feed on orange trees?

There are several types of bugs that can feed on orange trees, including:

1. Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can infest orange trees in large numbers and suck the sap from leaves, stems, and fruits, causing yellowing, wilting, and reduced fruit production.

2. Citrus red mites: These tiny, reddish spider mites feed on the leaves of orange trees, piercing the surface and sucking out the cell contents. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely, leading to reduced fruit production and tree health.

3. Scale insects: Scale insects are small, immobile, armored insects that attach themselves to the branches and leaves of orange trees. They feed on the sap of the tree, causing yellowing, wilting, and reduced fruit production.

4. Citrus mealybugs: These small, white, cottony insects can infest orange trees and feed on the sap from leaves, stems, and fruits. They excrete a honeydew substance that can attract ants and other pests, and their feeding can cause yellowing, wilting, and reduced fruit production.

5. Orange dog caterpillar: The larvae of the orange dog butterfly can feed on the leaves of orange trees, sometimes causing significant defoliation.

6. Fruit flies: Fruit flies can infest orange trees and lay their eggs inside the fruit. The larvae that hatch from these eggs can feed on the fruit, causing it to rot and drop prematurely.

7. Citrus leafminers: The larvae of citrus leafminers feed on the inner tissues of orange leaves, creating winding tunnels called mines. This can cause the leaves to become distorted and drop prematurely, affecting the tree's overall health and productivity.

To protect orange trees from these pests, a combination of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques is recommended, including regular monitoring, cultural practices (such as proper pruning and irrigation), and biological control. Chemical pesticides should only be used as a last resort and in accordance with label instructions.