whitefly
A small sap-sucking insect of the family Aleyrodidae, often found on the undersides of leaves. The name comes from the powdery white wax covering the wings and body.
There were many whiteflies on the undersides of the tomato leaves.
Whiteflies damage plants by sucking their sap.
Kanji form is rare and may not be recognized by many readers; the katakana form is strongly preferred.
Compound of 粉 (kona, 'powder') and 虱 (shirami, 'louse'), referring to the powdery white appearance. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the name is descriptive of the insect's appearance.