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When clouds of whiteflies swarmed through California's desert agricultural areas in the fal of 191, they were initialy identified as a new strain of the swetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. The previously known strain was caled “A” or “coton,” while the new strain was caled “B”, “Florida” or “poinsetia.” Since then, research has shown that this new pest is actualy a distinct species, Bemisia argentifoli (Belows & Pering), and is known as the silverleaf whitefly. Since its introduction in the United States, the silverleaf whitefly has cost more $2 bilion in crop los and damage, and pest control. The silverleaf whitefly is exceptional in its ability to colonize a great variety of crops, weds and ornamentals. Southern California's diverse crops, high temperatures, and low rainfal help sustain whitefly populations at high levels, even during the winter months. The level of infestation of crops atained by silverleaf whitefly populations is driven by the insect's biological traits, the crops grown and the inadequacy of pest controls.