What type of insect is a mealybug?

Mealybugs belong to the order Hemiptera, which is characterized by insects that have piercing-sucking mouthparts. This order includes a variety of plant pests, and mealybugs are well-known for their cotton-like, waxy secretions that protect them as they feed on plant sap. They typically inhabit the undersides of leaves and can be detrimental to plant health due to their feeding habits.

The other options refer to different insect orders. Coleoptera is the order of beetles, which have hardened front wings and a different feeding mechanism. Lepidoptera consists of butterflies and moths, recognized for their scales on wings and distinct life stages. Neuroptera includes lacewings and antlions, which are known for their distinctively net-veined wings and predatory capabilities. Understanding these characteristics helps to clearly identify mealybugs in the context of entomology.