Obscure mealybug is common throughout the major fruit growing regions of the North Island and in Nelson, but its distribution is unknown in a number of regions. It is especially dominant in pipfruit crops in Hawkes Bay, and this dominance appears to be increased by insecticidal spraying. It is rare in the south of the country.

This cosmopolitan pest originates from either North America or Australia. It has a wide host range and was first recorded in New Zealand in 1922.