How do mealy bugs deal with shelter?

Mealybugs create their own shelter by excreting a waxy, cotton-like substance that forms a protective covering around their bodies. This wax not only offers physical protection from predators and environmental factors but also helps retain moisture. They often inhabit hidden areas on plants, such as leaf axils and stem joints, which further shields them from threats. This combination of physical and strategic sheltering aids in their survival and reproduction.