The mealybug, Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead), is a serious threat to the agricultural industry by attacking food, forage, fiber and ornamental crops in the subtropical and tropical regions of the world. This study is a review of the literature on synonyms, geographical distribution, host plants, direct and indirect damage, and control, by means of chemicals and natural enemies. The descriptions of all stages, its life history and rearing techniques of N. viridis are also reviewed.