Agricultural-entomology
Guides
Atractotomus mali
Atractotomus mali is a zoophytophagous plant bug in the family Miridae, native to Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China) and introduced to North America. First described in 1843, it has become a recognized pest of apple (Malus domestica) in Canadian orchards, particularly in Nova Scotia where it was first documented causing fruit damage in the mid-20th century. The species was first recorded in Quebec in 2014, expanding its known Canadian distribution. Its feeding behavior combines plant and animal matter, though it has been observed causing more damage to fruit than providing predatory benefits in some orchard contexts.
Brachinus
bombardier beetles
Brachinus is a genus of ground beetles commonly known as bombardier beetles, native to the Nearctic, Palearctic, Near East, and North Africa. The genus is renowned for its explosive defensive chemistry, wherein beetles discharge a hot, noxious spray from the abdomen when disturbed. Species within Brachinus exhibit diverse ecological strategies: wetland-associated species are pupal ectoparasitoids of water beetles (Dytiscidae, Gyrinidae, Hydrophilidae), while dryland species such as B. explodens and B. crepitans parasitize ground beetle pupae of the genus Amara (Carabidae). The genus has been extensively studied for its chemical ecology, parasitoid life history, and habitat associations across agricultural and natural landscapes.
Bruchus brachialis
Vetch Bruchid
Bruchus brachialis, the vetch bruchid, is a univoltine seed beetle specialized on vetch (Vicia spp.). Adults emerge from overwintering sites in spring, feed on vetch flowers and pollen, and oviposit on developing pods. Larvae complete development within seeds, with new adults emerging to briefly feed before entering summer aestivation. The species shows tight phenological synchronization with host plant flowering and seed development. It occurs across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America, and is recognized as an agricultural pest of pulse crops.
Chasmodon
Chasmodon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae. Species in this genus are ground-dwelling and function as parasitoids of stem-boring Diptera, particularly frit flies (Oscinella spp.) in grassland ecosystems. The genus has been documented in northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Comperiella
Comperiella is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, containing approximately 10 species. Species in this genus are internal parasitoids of armored scale insects (Diaspididae), with documented hosts including Aonidiella aurantii, A. citrina, A. orientalis, Aspidiotus rigidus, and Chrysomphalus ficus. Several species have been employed or studied as biological control agents against agricultural pests, particularly in citrus and coconut production systems. The genus was established by Howard in 1906.
Delphastus
whitefly destroyers
Delphastus is a genus of small predatory lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, tribe Serangiini. The genus contains approximately 7-20 described species, with several species commercially utilized as biological control agents of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in agricultural and ornamental systems. Species such as D. catalinae, D. pusillus, and D. pallidus are well-documented predators of immature whitefly stages, feeding on eggs and nymphs of multiple whitefly species including Bemisia tabaci, B. argentifolii, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, and Singhiella simplex. The genus is characterized by specialized predatory behavior on whiteflies, with documented functional response curves and prey preferences varying by species and whitefly life stage.
Delphastus pusillus
Whitefly Destroyer
Delphastus pusillus is a minute coccinellid beetle specialized as a predator of whiteflies. Adults measure approximately 1.6 mm (1/16 in) and are shiny black with brown heads, though newly emerged individuals appear pale brown to nearly white. The species is a voracious predator of all whitefly life stages, with demonstrated preference for eggs and first-instar nymphs. It has been widely studied as a biological control agent for agricultural whitefly pests including Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Both larvae and adults are active predators capable of consuming over 100 whitefly eggs daily under optimal conditions.
Eriophyes mali
apple blister mite
Eriophyes mali is a microscopic eriophyid mite and a significant pest of apple orchards. It overwinters behind bud scales and initiates spring migration when midday temperatures exceed 10°C, developing two generations per growing season. The mite induces characteristic blister-like galls on apple leaves through its feeding activity, reducing yield and fruit quality. Field studies in Ukraine have demonstrated that targeted insecto-acaricide applications can reduce mite populations by 72.9–93.3% and improve orchard productivity.
Eudorylas
big-headed flies
Eudorylas is a genus of big-headed flies in the family Pipunculidae, characterized by their enlarged compound eyes and parasitoid life history. Species in this genus are known to parasitize leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), including agricultural pests such as Dalbulus maidis and D. elimatus that vector corn stunting pathogens. The genus has a global distribution across multiple biogeographic regions and contains over 400 described species. Taxonomic revisions rely heavily on male genitalia morphology and DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial COI gene.
Eulophidae
Eulophidae is a large family of minute chalcidoid wasps comprising over 4,300 described species in approximately 300 genera. Members are distinguished by having only four tarsomeres on each leg, a small straight protibial spur, and antennae with two to four funicle segments and at most 10 antennomeres. The majority of species are primary parasitoids of arthropods across all developmental stages, with exceptional diversity in host associations including thrips, leafhoppers, gall wasps, and various other insects. The family includes the former family Elasmidae (now subfamily Elasminae) and is represented globally across virtually all terrestrial habitats, including one aquatic species that parasitizes water-penny beetles.
Eupelmus cushmani
Eupelmus cushmani (Crawford, 1908) is a chalcidoid wasp in the family Eupelmidae, classified within the subgenus Eupelmus (Eupelmus). It is known as a parasitoid of the avocado branch borer Copturus aguacatae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), with documented occurrences in Mexico, Brazil, and Hawaii. The species was previously described under the synonym Eupelmus amicus Girault.
Exochomus
Exochomus is a genus of lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, first described by Redtenbacher in 1843. The genus comprises at least 77 recognized species distributed globally. Multiple species have been studied as biological control agents against mealybugs and other soft-bodied pests in agricultural and forestry systems. Research has focused particularly on E. nigripennis in Egypt and E. flaviventris in Central Africa as predators of invasive mealybug species.
Geocoris undescribed
bigeyed bug
An undescribed species within the genus Geocoris, commonly known as bigeyed bugs. Members of this genus are recognized as important natural enemies of agricultural insect pests. This particular species is referenced in studies examining habitat management for integrated pest management, specifically in the context of red clover plantings in cucumber fields where it contributes to biological control of crop pests.
Inopus rubriceps
Sugarcane soldier fly, Australian soldier fly
Inopus rubriceps is a soldier fly (Stratiomyidae) native to subtropical eastern Australia, where it has a long evolutionary history in Southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. The species has been introduced to New Zealand (first recorded 1944) and California, where it establishes in warm, moist climates. Larvae develop in soil around plant roots, with a life cycle typically spanning 24 months but occasionally completing in 12 months. The species is an agricultural pest of sugarcane, pasture, oats, and maize, though not considered major.
Jaliscoa
Jaliscoa is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, established by Bouček in 1993. The genus was redefined in a 2013 taxonomic revision and currently includes four species: J. nudipennis (type species), J. bouceki, J. hunteri, and J. vulgaris. The most extensively studied species, J. hunteri, is a parasitoid of weevils in the genus Anthonomus, particularly the pepper weevil (A. eugenii), and has been investigated as a biological control agent. Unlike many parasitoids, J. hunteri exhibits significant host feeding behavior that contributes to pest suppression.
Lixophaga
Lixophaga is a genus of tachinid flies in the tribe Blondeliini. Species in this genus are parasitoids, primarily attacking lepidopteran hosts including stem borers in the genus Diatraea and other moth larvae. The genus has been recorded from the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific, with some species studied for biological control potential against agricultural pests. Lixophaga diatraeae has been particularly well-studied as a parasitoid of sugarcane borers.
Macrosiphum creelii
Western Vetch Aphid
Macrosiphum creelii is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Davis in 1914. It is commonly known as the Western Vetch Aphid and is associated with alfalfa (Medicago sativa) as a primary host plant. The species has been studied for its temperature-dependent survival and reproduction patterns.
Monolexis fuscicornis
Monolexis fuscicornis is a parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, subfamily Doryctinae. It has been documented as a larva-pupa parasitoid of the wood-boring beetle Trogoxylon impressum, a pest of fig plants in Turkey. The species represents a potentially significant biological control agent for managing bostrichid beetle infestations in agricultural settings.
Nemorilla
Nemorilla is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) established by Rondani in 1856. Species within this genus are parasitoids of Lepidoptera larvae, with documented hosts including the legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata) and the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis). At least one species, N. maculosa, has been studied for its use of herbivore-induced plant volatiles to locate hosts. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed across multiple continents.
Pachnaeus litus
blue-green citrus root weevil, blue-green citrus weevil
Pachnaeus litus is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the blue-green citrus root weevil or blue-green citrus weevil. It is a pest of citrus in North America, with eggs that serve as hosts for multiple parasitoid wasp species. The species has been studied extensively for biological control potential, particularly targeting its egg stage with parasitoids such as Brachyufens osborni (Trichogrammatidae), Pediobius irregularis, and Horismenus bennetti (Eulophidae).
Pseudatomoscelis
Pseudatomoscelis is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Poppius in 1911. The genus contains at least four described species, with P. seriatus (cotton fleahopper) being the most economically significant due to its status as a major pest of cotton in the southern United States. Species in this genus are associated with diverse host plants, including both agricultural crops and native wild plants.
Sipha
yellow sugarcane aphid (for S. flava), hedgehog grain aphid (for S. maydis)
Sipha is a genus of aphids (Aphididae) in the tribe Siphini, with nearly cosmopolitan distribution. The genus includes notable agricultural pests, particularly Sipha flava (yellow sugarcane aphid) and Sipha maydis (hedgehog grain aphid). Species in this genus feed on grasses and cereal crops, with some capable of transmitting plant viruses such as barley yellow dwarf virus. Several species have expanded their ranges rapidly in recent decades, becoming significant pests of sorghum, sugarcane, wheat, and barley.
Sitochroa
Sitochroa is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, established by Hübner in 1825. The genus includes approximately nine described species distributed across North America and Eurasia. Some species, such as Sitochroa verticalis, have been documented in agricultural settings including corn fields, where they can be confused with pest species like the European corn borer due to superficial wing pattern similarities.
Suleima
Suleima is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, established by Heinrich in 1923. The genus contains seven described species distributed in North America. Suleima helianthana, commonly known as the sunflower bud moth, is the best-known species due to its association with cultivated sunflowers and, more recently, sunchoke. Most species remain poorly studied with limited ecological data available.
Tortistilus
Tortistilus is a genus of treehoppers (Membracidae: Ceresini) established by Caldwell in 1949. The genus includes at least one well-documented species, T. wickhami, which has been studied in California and Mexican vineyards as a potential vector of grapevine red blotch virus. Members of this genus are morphologically cryptic and difficult to distinguish from related genera such as Spissistilus without molecular diagnostics. The genus belongs to the diverse New World treehopper fauna.
Tupiocoris
Tupiocoris is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae containing approximately nine described species. The genus includes both herbivorous and predatory species. Tupiocoris notatus is a Solanaceae-specializing herbivore with documented genome-level research on host plant transcriptional responses. Tupiocoris cucurbitaceus is a generalist predatory mirid studied as a potential biocontrol agent for tomato pests in Argentina. Species within this genus show divergent feeding strategies, with some functioning as herbivores and others as omnivorous predators.