Agricultural
Guides
Acleris comariana
strawberry tortrix
Acleris comariana, the strawberry tortrix, is a tortricid moth and significant agricultural pest of cultivated strawberries. Adults have two annual flight periods in summer and autumn. Larval feeding on flowers and leaves causes direct crop damage, including deformed or aborted berries. The species is difficult to distinguish from Acleris laterana without genitalic examination.
Acrobasis caryivorella
pecan nursery casemaker
Acrobasis caryivorella, known as the pecan nursery casemaker, is a snout moth in the family Pyralidae described by Ragonot in 1887. It is a pest of pecan and walnut trees, with larvae that bore into new growth and developing nuts. The species has two to four generations per year and overwinters in the larval stage. It occurs in southeastern Ontario, Canada, and the eastern United States.
Acrobasis juglandis
Pecan Leaf Casebearer, Pecan Leaf Casebearer Moth
Acrobasis juglandis is a small pyralid moth commonly known as the pecan leaf casebearer. The species is a significant pest of pecan and walnut trees, with larvae feeding on foliage and nutlets of host plants in the genus Carya and Juglans. Its common name derives from the larval habit of constructing protective cases from leaf material. The species is native to North America and has been documented from Ontario south to Florida and west to New Mexico.
Amphicerus bicaudatus
Apple Twig Borer, Grape Cane Borer
Amphicerus bicaudatus is a horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as the apple twig borer or grape cane borer. It is recognized as a pest of cultivated orchard trees, grapevines, and other woody plants. The species has been studied for its complex population dynamics, with research showing periodic, quasiperiodic, and chaotic patterns depending on environmental and management factors.
Amyelois transitella
Navel Orangeworm, Navel Orangeworm Moth
The navel orangeworm moth (Amyelois transitella) is a pyralid moth native to the tropical western Hemisphere and southwestern United States. First described from Arizona in 1899, its abundance in California increased dramatically during the first half of the 20th century. It is now the most serious insect pest of almonds and pistachios in California, with larvae feeding directly on nuts and adults capable of introducing fungi that produce aflatoxins. The species has been extensively studied for its chemical ecology, particularly its sex pheromone system, which has enabled practical mating disruption programs in agricultural fields.
Anastrepha suspensa
Caribbean fruit fly, Greater Antillean fruit fly, guava fruit fly, Caribfly
Anastrepha suspensa is a tephritid fruit fly native to the Caribbean region and now established in Florida. Adults are 11–14 mm long with yellow-orange-brown coloration and distinctive wing venation patterns. The species is a significant agricultural pest, infesting over 100 host plants with particular preference for guava, Cayenne cherry, and citrus. Females possess a serrated ovipositor for cutting into fruit to deposit eggs. Mating occurs through lek formation on host fruit, with males establishing territories and producing acoustic signals through wing vibrations.
Anthonomus musculus
cranberry weevil
Anthonomus musculus, commonly known as the cranberry weevil, is a small weevil native to North America that is a significant agricultural pest of blueberries and cranberries. Adults are tiny reddish-brown beetles with the characteristic curved snout of weevils. The species has one generation per year, with females depositing eggs in flower buds where larvae develop internally, preventing fruit formation. It ranges from New England to Florida and west of the Rocky Mountains, with notable pest pressure in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Anthonomus rubi
strawberry blossom weevil, strawberry-blossom weevil
Anthonomus rubi is a small weevil native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa that has become established in North America (first detected in British Columbia, Canada in 2019, then Washington State, USA in 2021). It is a major agricultural pest of strawberry and raspberry, with females laying single eggs in unopened flower buds before severing the stalk, causing bud death and yield losses up to 80% in severe cases. The species has been observed to exhibit prolonged adult activity year-round in protected cultivation systems, with recent documentation of direct fruit feeding behavior in addition to traditional bud damage.
Apini
honey bees
Apini is a tribe of bees within the family Apidae, comprising the genus Apis (honey bees). Members are characterized by production and storage of honey, construction of perennial colonial nests from wax, and highly organized eusocial behavior. The tribe includes approximately seven recognized species with numerous subspecies, distributed across Africa, Europe, Asia, and introduced worldwide. Honey bees are among the most economically important insects due to their role as pollinators and honey producers.
Apinocis deplanatus
sugarcane rootstock weevil
Apinocis deplanatus, commonly known as the sugarcane rootstock weevil, is a sporadic pest of sorghum and sugarcane in the southern United States. The species is associated with dry conditions and fields where johnsongrass is abundant. Adults overwinter beneath plant residues and infest wild grasses in spring before moving to cultivated sorghum. Larval tunneling in stalks near the soil surface causes the most significant damage, often resulting in lodging and secondary pathogen infection. Economic thresholds have not been established, and chemical control is rarely required.
Apis mellifera mellifera
European Dark Bee, German Black Bee, German Dark Bee, Dark European Bee
Apis mellifera mellifera is a subspecies of the Western honey bee native to Northern Europe and western Russia. Historically, it was the first honey bee introduced to North America, brought by European colonists to Jamestown in 1622. The subspecies is characterized by its dark coloration, large body size, and unusually short tongue relative to other honey bees. It has been largely displaced in commercial beekeeping by the Italian honey bee (A. m. ligustica), which arrived in the United States in 1859. Conservation efforts exist to preserve its genetic resources, though its status as a 'native' subspecies is complicated by extensive hybridization across much of its former range.
Aspila molesta
Oriental Fruit Moth
Aspila molesta, commonly known as the Oriental Fruit Moth, is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae. It is a known agricultural pest whose larvae feed on fruit trees. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations, indicating established populations in areas where it occurs.
Aspisoma
Aspisoma is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) comprising at least 70 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropics. Species in this genus exhibit distinctive coloration patterns that differ markedly from typical North American fireflies: yellow to orange elytra with black markings rather than the reverse, and diurnal activity in some species. The genus belongs to tribe Cratomorphini within subfamily Lampyrinae. Taxonomic knowledge of South American species remains incomplete, with many specimens identified only to genus level.
Bactrocera oleae
olive fruit fly, olive fly, δάκος της ελιάς
Bactrocera oleae is a tephritid fruit fly and the most destructive pest of olive cultivation worldwide. Larvae feed exclusively on olive fruits (Olea europaea), causing direct damage to pulp and oil quality. Annual crop losses can reach 30% without control, and exceed 90% in severe infestations. The species is monophagous on olives and has developed resistance to multiple insecticide classes, driving research into alternative management strategies including sterile insect technique and biological control.
Banisia myrsusalis
sapodilla borer, sapota midrib folder
Banisia myrsusalis is a small moth in the family Thyrididae, described by Francis Walker in 1859. It is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions including the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The species is known for its association with sapodilla and related trees, where larvae fold leaf midribs and mine tissues. Adults are distinguished by greyish-brown wings with linear dark striations and yellow costal margins.
Bombus pensylvanicus
American bumblebee, Sonoran bumblebee
Bombus pensylvanicus is a threatened bumble bee species historically widespread across eastern North America. Populations have declined approximately 90% since the early 2000s, with range contractions particularly severe in northern and eastern portions of its former distribution. The species is a long-tongued pollinator favoring open grassland and agricultural habitats. It maintains a typical bumble bee colony cycle with queens initiating nests in early spring and colonies persisting until late autumn. The species is of significant conservation concern and has been proposed for Endangered Species Act protection.
Brachyplatys subaeneus
black bean bug
Brachyplatys subaeneus, commonly known as the black bean bug, is a shield bug in the family Plataspidae native to Asia. It has established invasive populations in the Western Hemisphere, first detected in Panama in 2012 and subsequently reported from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, and Florida (USA). The species is a significant agricultural pest with a strong preference for legume crops, though it feeds on multiple plant families. Genetic studies have identified three distinct lineages within its native range and traced invasive populations to specific source regions.
Caenurgina
grass moths, loopers
Caenurgina is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, containing several species commonly known as grass moths or loopers. The genus includes widespread North American species such as the forage looper (C. erechtea), clover looper (C. crassiuscula), and cerulean looper moth (C. caerulea). These moths are associated with open habitats including lawns, meadows, and agricultural fields.
Caloptilia porphyretica
blueberry leafminer
Caloptilia porphyretica is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the blueberry leafminer. It is documented from North Carolina and New Jersey, where it is recognized as a frequent pest in commercial highbush blueberry operations. The species produces at least three generations annually. Larvae are leaf miners, feeding internally on leaf tissue of host plants.
Carabus goryi
Gory's worm and slug hunter
Carabus goryi is a North American ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Gory's worm and slug hunter. The species inhabits cool, moist forests as well as agricultural settings including orchards and cultivated fields. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), nocturnal, and exhibit gregarious behavior. They are predatory, feeding on soft-bodied insect larvae including those of the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar).
Chrysocharis oscinidis
Chrysocharis oscinidis is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae. It has been documented as a biological control agent of the leaf-mining fly Liriomyza trifolii on bean plants. The species occurs across western North America from Alaska to California.
Chrysoesthia drurella
Spinach moth
Chrysoesthia drurella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 7–9 mm. It is known as the spinach moth due to its larval association with Chenopodium and Atriplex host plants. The species has a broad distribution across Europe, Russia, and North America, and is frequently encountered in agricultural settings. It produces two generations annually, with adults active in spring and late summer.
Coccotrypes dactyliperda
date stone beetle, button beetle, palm seed borer
Coccotrypes dactyliperda is a small scolytine weevil (1.8–2.3 mm) that spends nearly its entire life cycle inside palm seeds, particularly those of date palms (Phoenix dactylifera). Native to Africa and the Middle East, it has achieved cosmopolitan distribution through international trade in dates and horticultural palm seeds. The species is a significant agricultural pest, causing 20–40% yield losses in unprotected date plantations by attacking green, unripe fruit and causing premature fruit drop. It employs a haplodiploid sex-determination system with extensive inbreeding, enabling rapid population growth within individual seeds that can support 70–80 beetles through multiple overlapping generations.
Coenosia
Tiger Flies
Coenosia is a large genus of predatory muscid flies comprising more than 350 species. Members are commonly known as tiger flies due to their active hunting behavior. They are documented from multiple continents including Europe, Asia, and North America. Some species serve as hosts for entomopathogenic fungi in the genus Strongwellsea, which exhibit unusual extended-host survival during infection.
Collyria
Collyria is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Collyriinae. Species within this genus are specialized parasitoids of stem sawflies (Cephidae), particularly those infesting cereal crops such as wheat. The genus includes species that have been investigated and employed as biological control agents against wheat stem sawfly pests in North America and Europe. Members exhibit phenological synchrony with their hosts, with adults typically emerging earlier than host sawflies, and demonstrate complex host discrimination behaviors including variable superparasitism rates.
Conotrachelus crataegi
quince curculio, Hawthorn Curculio
Conotrachelus crataegi, commonly known as the quince curculio or hawthorn curculio, is a true weevil (Curculionidae) that infests hawthorn fruits (Crataegus spp.) in North America and Mexico. Adults are attracted to fruit volatiles, and females oviposit into developing fruits where larvae bore through flesh to destroy seeds. The species exhibits overlapping developmental stages with adults active primarily from April to September. It is a significant pest of commercial hawthorn (tejocote) production, causing direct damage through larval feeding and indirect losses via premature fruit abortion.
Corythucha gossypii
cotton lace bug, bean lace bug
Corythucha gossypii is a lace bug in the family Tingidae, commonly known as the cotton lace bug or bean lace bug. It is a recognized pest of cotton and castor bean (Ricinus communis), with documented feeding damage causing chlorosis and premature leaf drop. Laboratory studies indicate temperature-dependent development, with optimal development occurring at 25-28°C and oviposition inhibited at 20°C. The species has been reported from multiple host plants including cotton and at least 23 other plant species.
Crioceris asparagi
Common Asparagus Beetle
Crioceris asparagi, the common asparagus beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Native to Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Siberia, it has been introduced to North America where it is a significant pest of cultivated asparagus. Both adults and larvae feed externally on leaves and stems of Asparagus species. The beetle is notable for its distinctive appearance: metallic blue-black with cream or yellow spots on red-bordered elytra, and for its specialized egg attachment mechanism that allows eggs to adhere to the anti-adhesive crystalline waxy surface of host plants.
Cydia caryana
Hickory Shuckworm Moth
Cydia caryana, the hickory shuckworm moth, is a tortricid moth native to North America and a significant pest of pecan and hickory crops. Larvae tunnel within the shucks of developing nuts, disrupting nutrient and water flow to kernels. The species completes multiple generations annually and overwinters as mature larvae in old shucks. It is subject to biological control by parasitoid wasps, particularly Calliephialtes grapholithae.
Cydia latiferreana
Filbertworm Moth
Cydia latiferreana, the filbertworm moth, is a small tortricid moth (wingspan approximately 18 mm) found across most of North America. Adults are active from July to October, with timing varying by location. The species is a significant agricultural pest, particularly of hazelnut orchards in the Pacific Northwest, and also infests acorns of multiple oak species. Larvae develop inside nuts, reducing germination success and crop viability.
Cydia nigricana
Pea Moth
Cydia nigricana, commonly known as the pea moth, is a small tortricid moth native to Europe and introduced to North America. The species is a significant agricultural pest whose larvae develop inside pea pods, feeding on developing seeds. Adults emerge from overwintering cocoons in early summer and are monitored using pheromone traps for integrated pest management. The species exhibits strong male response to synthetic sex pheromone, with peak flight activity occurring in late afternoon and evening hours.
Cydia pomonella
Codling Moth
Cydia pomonella is a tortricid moth and major global pest of apple and pear orchards. The caterpillar, commonly known as the 'worm in the apple,' bores into fruit and prevents normal development, causing premature ripening and crop loss. Adults are attracted to pheromone traps with limited plume reach, requiring multiple traps for reliable monitoring. The species has been detected via environmental DNA in yard waste shipments, highlighting its potential for human-mediated dispersal.
Cylas formicarius
Sweet Potato Weevil
Cylas formicarius is a globally significant pest of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), causing 30-100% yield losses in over 80 countries. The species exhibits a highly cryptic lifestyle: larvae feed internally within vines and tubers, making chemical control ineffective once infestation occurs. Adults are nocturnal and migratory, with sexual dimorphism in antennae structure. The weevil has been designated a quarantine pest worldwide due to its economic impact on food security and agricultural trade.
Diaphania
Diaphania is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, containing approximately 30-40 species distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, with some species extending into temperate North America. Several species are significant agricultural pests of cucurbit crops, including the melonworm (D. hyalinata), pickleworm (D. nitidalis), and cucumber moth (D. indica). These species are characterized by distinctive translucent wing patches and rapid larval development on cucurbitaceous hosts.
Diatraea crambidoides
southern cornstalk borer moth, southern corn stalk borer
Diatraea crambidoides is a moth in the family Crambidae whose larvae are significant agricultural pests of corn, sorghum, and sugarcane. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1880 and occurs in eastern North America from Alabama and northern Florida to Ohio and Maryland. Adults are straw-colored to dull white with wingspans of 15–40 mm. The species has two generations per year, with larvae boring into stalks and damaging internodes, reducing crop yield. It has been evaluated as a target for biological control using the parasitoid wasp Aprostocetus esurus.
Eichlinia calabaza
Southwestern Squash Vine Borer
Eichlinia calabaza is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Southwestern Squash Vine Borer. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where its larvae develop within the stems of wild and cultivated cucurbits. The species is a significant agricultural pest of squash, pumpkins, and related crops. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking in appearance.
Eichlinia cucurbitae
Squash Vine Borer
Eichlinia cucurbitae, commonly known as the squash vine borer, is a sesiid moth whose larvae are a major pest of cucurbit crops. The adult moth is a diurnal clearwing that mimics wasps in appearance and behavior. Larvae tunnel into the stems of host plants, disrupting vascular tissues and causing vine wilt and death. The species has a broad distribution in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions and typically produces two generations per year in temperate climates.
Entomoscelis americana
red turnip beetle
Entomoscelis americana is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the red turnip beetle. It is native to North America, primarily distributed between 45° and 68° north latitude within the Western Cordillera and Interior Plains physiographic regions. The species is associated with forest, forest-grassland, and grassland vegetation types. In 2020, it was synonymized with the Palearctic species Entomoscelis adonidis, though this relationship was historically disputed based on morphological differences in male genitalia.
Erinnyis ello
ello sphinx
Erinnyis ello, the ello sphinx, is a sphingid moth distributed from Argentina through Central America to the United States. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is a significant agricultural pest, particularly of cassava, and has been extensively studied for its parasitoid relationships. Two subspecies are recognized: E. e. ello throughout the Americas and E. e. encantada endemic to the Galápagos Islands.
Eriosoma lanigerum
woolly apple aphid, woolly aphid, American blight
Eriosoma lanigerum is a small phloem-feeding aphid native to North America that has become a major worldwide pest of apple cultivation. Adults are concealed beneath dense white, cotton-like wax secretions produced from specialized abdominal glands, giving the species its common name. The aphid induces gall formation on both aerial and root tissues of host plants, disrupting vascular transport and potentially killing trees. Populations are primarily parthenogenetic in most regions, though sexual reproduction occurs where American elm (Ulmus americana) is present.
Euetheola rugiceps
Sugarcane Beetle
Euetheola rugiceps, commonly known as the sugarcane beetle, is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is a sporadic but serious pest of corn in parts of Texas, where damage to young plants by overwintered adults can result in plant death, stunting, or lodging. The species has one generation per year, with adults emerging from soil in spring and late summer to early fall. It is also known to damage sugarcane and other grass crops. The beetle is distributed across the eastern and central United States.
Euphyllura olivina
olive psyllid
Euphyllura olivina is a psyllid species in the family Liviidae that feeds exclusively on olive (Olea europaea). Native to the Mediterranean region, it has become invasive in California where it threatens olive production. The species develops two generations annually, with spring and autumn reproductive activity and summer reproductive diapause induced by high temperatures. Nymphal infestations concentrate near fruits and on shaded, lower canopy portions. Temperature sensitivity shapes its distribution and seasonal activity patterns.
Eupithecia pinata
Eupithecia pinata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae, described by Samuel E. Cassino in 1925. It is known from North America, with records from Arizona. Like other members of the genus Eupithecia, it is a pug moth, a group characterized by small size and relatively plain wing patterns. The species has been documented visiting apple flowers in Arkansas, where it was observed as part of a nocturnal pollinator community.
Euura ribesii
Imported Currantworm
Euura ribesii is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the Imported Currantworm. It is a significant pest of currant and gooseberry plants (Ribes species), with larvae that feed gregariously on foliage. The species has been introduced to North America from Europe and is now established in multiple regions. Adults are small, wasp-like insects that lack the narrow waist characteristic of many other Hymenoptera.
Evergestis rimosalis
cross-striped cabbageworm, Cross-striped Cabbageworm Moth
Evergestis rimosalis is a crambid moth commonly known as the cross-striped cabbageworm. It is recognized as a pest of brassica crops in eastern North America and serves as a host for the gregarious endoparasitoid wasp Cotesia orobenae. The species has been studied primarily in the context of biological control research.
Fumibotys fumalis
Mint Root Borer Moth
Fumibotys fumalis, the Mint Root Borer Moth, is the sole species in its genus. It belongs to the family Crambidae, a group of grass moths. The species is found across most of North America and is associated with mint plants. Its common name derives from the larval habit of boring into mint roots.
Grapholita delineana
Eurasian hemp moth, hemp moth, hemp borer
Grapholita delineana, commonly known as the Eurasian hemp moth or hemp borer, is a tortricid moth species in the family Tortricidae. It has emerged as a significant economic pest of hemp (Cannabis sativa) in the United States following the crop's legalization for commercial production. The species is native to Eurasia but has established populations in North America where it can cause substantial damage to hemp crops, particularly those grown for cannabidiol (CBD) production.
Gymnoclytia
Gymnoclytia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the tribe Phasiini. Species in this genus are endoparasitoids of true bugs (Hemiptera), with documented associations with stink bugs in agricultural systems. The genus contains approximately 14 described species distributed in the Americas.
Harpalus pensylvanicus
Pennsylvania ground beetle, Pennsylvania Dingy Ground Beetle
Harpalus pensylvanicus is a ground beetle species in the subfamily Harpalinae, distributed throughout North America. Adults are characterized by shiny black elytra with distinct lines, reddish-brown ventral surfaces, and moderate size. The species is a significant weed seed predator in agricultural ecosystems, with documented preferences for small seeds of grasses and broadleaf weeds. It has been observed in cultivated fields, high hayfields, and open habitats, showing attraction to lights. The species occasionally damages ripening strawberries.
Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis
greenhouse thrips, glasshouse thrip, black tea thrips
Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis, commonly known as the greenhouse thrips, is a polyphagous pest species in the family Thripidae. It is parthenogenetic with rare males, and reproduces rapidly in favorable conditions. The species is a significant agricultural pest of greenhouse crops, ornamentals, and fruit trees worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It has been introduced globally and is subject to biological control efforts using parasitoids such as Thripobius semiluteus and Thripobius javae.