[2] This species is native to India, but also occurs in other parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Mexico, the West Indies, Jamaica, and the United States (Florida, Texas, and Hawaii).

In Hawaii, such trees as mango, avocado, pink tecoma, and surinam cherry have hosted colonies.

The first instar is a brown, elongated oval shape, about 0.30 mm (3⁄256 in) long with two transparent filaments curling back over the body.

The third instar is glossy black with many stout spines and measures about 0.87 millimetres (9⁄256 in) long by 0.74 mm (7⁄256 in) wide.

[1] The principal harm done by the citrus blackfly is the sucking of the tree's sap, which deprives it of both water and nutrients.

[8][9] The latter is well synchronized with its host, as adult female wasps are ready to lay their eggs at about the same time as suitable larval stages of the blackfly are present.

[3] The use of insecticides may help to control infestations temporarily, but this is not advised because of the adverse effects on the environment and any existing predators.