Agricultural-pest
Guides
Acalitus
Acalitus is a genus of microscopic eriophyoid mites in the family Eriophyidae. Species within this genus are cosmopolitan plant parasites that induce gall formation on various host plants. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including Acalitus essigi and Acalitus vaccinii, which affect berry crops, and Acalitus phloeocoptes, which damages stone fruit trees. The genus exhibits narrow host specificity, with individual species typically restricted to particular plant genera or families.
Acalitus phloeocoptes
Apricot bud gall mite, Plum bud gall mite, Almond and plum bud gall mite
Acalitus phloeocoptes is a destructive eriophyoid mite pest that causes bud gall formation on Prunus species, particularly apricot (Prunus armeniaca). The mite manipulates host plant hormones to induce gall development: cytokinin (zeatin) and auxin (IAA) drive rapid bud proliferation, abscisic acid (ABA) controls gall maturity, and reduced gibberellic acid (GA3) triggers lignification. Infestation results in delayed flowering, deformed foliage, poor fruit quality, stunted growth, and potential tree death. The species has four generations annually in studied populations, with overwintering occurring as adult females in galls, bark crevices, branches, and soil up to 3 cm deep.
Acalymma
striped cucumber beetles, cucumber beetles
Acalymma is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae comprising approximately 72 described species in the Western Hemisphere. The genus is primarily distributed in the New World, with most species occurring in North America including Mexico. Two species, A. vittatum (striped cucumber beetle) and A. trivittatum (western striped cucumber beetle), are major agricultural pests of cucurbit crops. Acalymma species are specialists on plants in the family Cucurbitaceae, with adults feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruit, and larvae feeding on roots.
Acalymma trivittatum
Western Striped Cucumber Beetle
Acalymma trivittatum, the western striped cucumber beetle, is a specialist leaf beetle native to western North America. It is a key agricultural pest of cucurbit crops including melons, cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins. The species is closely related to the eastern striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum), with which it shares similar biology and damage potential. Both adults and larvae cause significant economic injury through direct feeding damage and transmission of bacterial wilt pathogen Erwinia tracheiphila.
Acalymma vittatum
striped cucumber beetle
Acalymma vittatum, the striped cucumber beetle, is a chrysomelid beetle native to eastern North America and a serious agricultural pest of cucurbit crops. Adults and larvae both feed on host plants, with adults damaging foliage, flowers, and fruit while larvae feed on roots. The species is a vector of Erwinia tracheiphila, the causal agent of bacterial wilt, which can destroy susceptible crops. Males produce an aggregation pheromone, vittatalactone, that attracts both sexes to host plants and facilitates mate finding. The species is replaced west of the Rocky Mountains by the western striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma trivittatum.
Acanalonia conica
Green Cone-headed Planthopper
Acanalonia conica is a planthopper species native to North America that has established invasive populations across Europe since its first detection in Italy in 2003. Adults are bright green with a distinctive conical head and red eyes, while nymphs are brown with white waxy filaments. The species is univoltine, highly polyphagous, and produces abundant honeydew. In Europe, it has been observed forming denser populations than in its native range and is considered a potential agricultural pest.
Acanthoscelides obtectus
Bean Weevil, Bean Bruchid, Dry Bean Weevil
Acanthoscelides obtectus is a small bruchid beetle and major pest of stored legume seeds, particularly common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Native to mountainous regions of northern South America, it has spread globally through grain shipments and now occurs on every continent except Antarctica. The species is notable for its ability to infest seeds both in the field and in storage, with larvae developing entirely within seeds while adults feed on pollen. Its economic impact stems from reduced seed quality, germination failure, and contamination of legume products.
Acari
Mites and Ticks, mites, ticks
Acari is a subclass of arachnids containing mites and ticks. The group exhibits extraordinary diversity with fossil records dating to the early Devonian period. Recent phylogenetic analyses have challenged the monophyly of Acari, suggesting that the two main lineages—Parasitiformes (ticks and allies) and Acariformes (dust mites, spider mites, chiggers, and allies)—may not share a single common ancestor exclusive of other arachnids. This would render Acari a paraphyletic or polyphyletic grouping rather than a natural taxon. The traditional unifying character, the gnathosoma (a modified mouthpart region), has been shown to be absent or differently constructed in many species across both lineages.
Aceria caryae
Pecan Leafroll Mite
Aceria caryae, commonly known as the Pecan Leafroll Mite, is an eriophyid mite in the family Eriophyidae. These microscopic, worm-like mites are plant parasites that infest pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and related hickory species (Carya spp.). Eriophyid mites are characterized by their elongated, annulated bodies and reduced number of legs (four legs in adults, compared to eight in most mites). The species causes distinctive leaf rolling symptoms on pecan foliage. As with other eriophyid mites, A. caryae has a short development period of approximately 7–10 days, allowing rapid population buildup under favorable conditions.
Aceria vaga
Aceria vaga is a species of eriophyid mite in the family Eriophyidae. Eriophyid mites are minute, worm-like arachnids with four legs that are specialized plant parasites. Many species in this group cause distinctive growth abnormalities on their host plants, including galls, witches' brooms, and leaf distortions. Aceria vaga is among the numerous eriophyid species that remain poorly studied despite the group's significant agricultural and ecological importance.
Achyra
Achyra is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1849. The genus belongs to the subfamily Pyraustinae and contains species that are primarily known as agricultural pests. The most widely documented species, Achyra rantalis (garden webworm), feeds on soybean foliage and other plants, with larvae that produce protective silk webs. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light and have been documented at blacklighting events in North America.
Acleris
Acleris is a large genus of tortrix moths in the family Tortricidae, containing approximately 241 species as of 2007. The genus includes several economically significant forest pests, notably the black-headed budworm complex (A. gloverana-variana), which causes periodic outbreaks in North American coniferous forests. Some species are also agricultural pests, such as A. comariana on strawberries. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with records from North America, Europe, and Asia.
Acleris minuta
Yellow-headed Fireworm, Lesser Apple Leaf-folder
Acleris minuta is a small tortricid moth native to eastern North America, commonly known as the yellow-headed fireworm or lesser apple leaf-folder. The species is recognized by its forewing length of 6.5–9.5 mm and its multivoltine life cycle with up to three generations annually. Adults are active primarily from June through August, with some individuals recorded in October. The larvae are polyphagous leaf-feeders on a range of woody and ericaceous plants, including economically significant hosts such as apple, pear, and cranberry.
Acleris variegana
Garden Rose Tortrix, Garden Rose Tortricid, Fruit Tortricid
A small tortricid moth with distinctive wing patterning, recognized as a significant agricultural pest of rosaceous fruit trees. Adults fly nocturnally during late summer and are attracted to light. The species has a broad Palearctic distribution with introduced populations in North America. Larval damage is most severe from the spring generation, which attacks fruit buds, flowers, and developing fruits.
Aclypea bituberosa
Western Spinach Carrion Beetle, Spinach Carrion Beetle
Aclypea bituberosa is a phytophagous carrion beetle in the family Silphidae, notable for being herbivorous rather than necrophagous like most of its relatives. Adults and larvae feed on leaves and shoots of various crop plants, particularly spinach and beets, causing occasional agricultural damage. The species has a single generation per year, overwintering as adults. It is restricted to the northwestern quarter of North America.
Aclypea opaca
dark carrion beetle, beet carrion beetle
Aclypea opaca is a carrion beetle in the family Silphidae, commonly known as the dark carrion beetle or beet carrion beetle. The species is native to northern and central Europe and has been introduced to North America, where it occurs in Alaska and the Northwest Territories. Unlike many carrion beetles, species in the genus Aclypea are phytophagous, feeding on living plant material rather than carrion.
Acrobasis
Acrobasis is a genus of small moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. Species in this genus are primarily known as pests of nut and fruit crops, with several economically significant species including the pecan nut casebearer (A. nuxvorella) and species affecting chokeberry, walnut, and hickory. Larvae typically bore into developing nuts or fruits, causing direct damage to yield. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with records from North America and Europe.
Acrobasis vaccinii
cranberry fruitworm, Cranberry Fruitworm Moth
Acrobasis vaccinii is a small pyralid moth whose larvae are significant pests of cultivated blueberries and cranberries. Adults emerge after bloom and fruit set, with females depositing eggs on unripe berries. Larvae feed internally on berry contents, consuming up to eight fruits to complete development. The species has one generation per year and overwinters as full-grown larvae in cocoons.
Acrocercops
Acrocercops is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae. Species in this genus are primarily known as internal feeders on plant foliage, creating mines within leaves. Several species have been extensively studied as models for host race formation and host-associated speciation, particularly A. transecta, which exhibits distinct host races on distantly related plant families. The genus includes both native and invasive species, with some members recognized as agricultural pests.
Acrolepiopsis
Acrolepiopsis is a genus of small moths in the family Glyphipterigidae, established by Gaedike in 1970. The genus includes approximately six described species in North America and additional species in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably Acrolepiopsis assectella (leek moth) and A. sapporensis (Asiatic onion leafminer), which specialize on Allium species including onion, garlic, and leek. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with DNA barcoding data supporting species-level distinctions.
Acrolepiopsis assectella
Leek Moth, Onion Leaf Miner
Acrolepiopsis assectella, commonly known as the leek moth or onion leaf miner, is a specialist herbivore native to Europe and Siberia that has become an invasive pest in North America. It is a significant agricultural pest of Allium crops including garlic, leek, onion, and chives, capable of causing up to 40% crop damage. The species has expanded its range from initial detections in the Ottawa area in 1993 to much of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Its life cycle is temperature-dependent, with 1–3 generations per year possible depending on climate.
Actebia
Eversmann's rustic, Portland moth
Actebia is a genus of noctuid moths established by Stephens in 1829. The genus includes several species distributed across northern regions, with notable members including Actebia fennica (Eversmann's rustic or black army cutworm) and Actebia praecox (Portland moth). Some species have been observed to respond to landscape fire smoke with altered reproductive behavior.
Aculops
Aculops is a genus of eriophyid mites comprising parasitic plant-feeding species. Several members are significant agricultural pests, including Aculops lycopersici (tomato russet mite) and Aculops cannabicola (hemp russet mite). The genus also includes species under consideration for biological control, such as Aculops ailanthii for management of invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima). Species diversity within Aculops remains incompletely documented, with new species continuing to be described.
Acyrthosiphon
pea aphids
Acyrthosiphon is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Alexander Mordvilko in 1914. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution and includes several economically important agricultural pests. The best-known species, Acyrthosiphon pisum (pea aphid), is a major pest of legume crops and serves as a model organism for studies of insect-bacteria symbiosis, particularly its relationship with the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola.
Acyrthosiphon pisum
Pea aphid, green dolphin, pea louse, clover louse
Acyrthosiphon pisum, the pea aphid, is a sap-sucking hemipteran and major agricultural pest of legume crops worldwide. It is notable as the first hemimetabolous insect with a fully sequenced genome and serves as a model organism for studying aphid biology, endosymbiosis, polyphenism, and asexual reproduction. The species exhibits complex polyphenism with multiple morphs including winged and wingless parthenogenetic females, sexual males and females, and green or red/pink color morphs. Its survival depends entirely on the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola, which provides essential amino acids lacking in its phloem sap diet.
Adelphocoris
plant bugs
Adelphocoris is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, tribe Mirini. Multiple species are significant agricultural pests, particularly in Chinese cotton production following widespread Bt cotton adoption. The genus includes at least three economically important species—A. suturalis, A. lineolatus, and A. fasciaticollis—that exhibit distinct geographic distributions, seasonal dynamics, and host plant associations. Species within this genus show complex life histories involving migratory behavior, diapause, and multi-generational development on diverse host plants.
Adelphocoris lineolatus
Lucerne bug, alfalfa plant bug
Adelphocoris lineolatus is a mirid bug native to the Old World that has become a significant agricultural pest following its introduction to North America in 1917. It primarily damages alfalfa and other legume crops through feeding on reproductive and vegetative structures. The species exhibits migratory behavior that facilitates rapid population dispersal and range expansion. In northern regions, it typically follows a univoltine life cycle with overwintering eggs, while southern populations may show partial second generation development.
Adoxophyes
Summerfruit tortrix moths
Adoxophyes is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Archipini, established by Meyrick in 1881. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, most notably Adoxophyes orana (summerfruit tortrix), which damages fruit crops across Europe and Asia. Species in this genus are characterized by their polyvoltine life cycles, larval feeding on buds, leaves, and fruits of numerous host plants, and the use of sex pheromones for mate location. Several species have been introduced to new regions, causing significant damage to orchards and requiring integrated pest management.
Aegomorphus
Aegomorphus is a large genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Haldeman in 1847. The genus underwent significant taxonomic revision: most species were originally placed in Acanthoderes, then transferred to Psapharochrus, which was elevated to genus rank before being determined in 2020 to be a junior synonym of Aegomorphus. The genus contains numerous species distributed across the Americas, with at least one species (A. quadrigibbus) documented as an agricultural pest of Persian lime orchards in Mexico.
Aegomorphus quadrigibbus
Four-humped Longhorned Beetle
Aegomorphus quadrigibbus is a longhorned beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1831 as Acanthoderes quadrigibba. The species is characterized by four prominent tubercles on the pronotum and distinctive heart-shaped elytral patterning. Historically associated with hardwood forests in eastern North America, it has recently emerged as an agricultural pest in Mexican Persian lime orchards. The species was transferred to the genus Aegomorphus by Yanega in 1996.
Aelia
shield bug
Aelia is a genus of shield bugs (family Pentatomidae) in the tribe Aelini. These true bugs (Hemiptera) are characterized by their shield-shaped bodies. The genus is well-documented with over 11,000 observations on iNaturalist, indicating widespread recognition among naturalists. Aelia species are associated with grassland and agricultural habitats.
Aeolus trilineatus
Three-lined Click Beetle
Aeolus trilineatus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The genus name derives from Aeolus, the Greek keeper of the winds, referencing the wind-dispersed nature of many beetle species. The species epithet 'trilineatus' refers to the three longitudinal lines characteristic of this beetle's elytral pattern. Like other elaterids, it possesses a prosternal process that fits into a mesosternal groove, enabling the distinctive clicking mechanism used to right itself when overturned.
Agallia albidula
Agallia albidula is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae. It has been identified as a vector of a phytoplasma associated with "Huanglongbing"-like symptoms in citrus in Brazil. The species was described by Uhler in 1895 and occurs in the Americas, with records from Brazil, Argentina, and the United States.
Agnorisma badinodis
Pale-banded Dart, Spotted-sided Cutworm
Agnorisma badinodis is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 36 mm. It occurs in southern Canada and the eastern United States, with one generation annually. Larvae feed on a broad range of herbaceous plants and crops.
Agonoscelidini
Agonoscelidini is a monotypic tribe of shield bugs (family Pentatomidae) containing the single genus Agonoscelis. Members are native to the Afrotropics and Australia, with at least one species introduced to the New World. Some species are recognized as agricultural pests.
Agonoscelis
Agonoscelis is a genus of shield bugs (Pentatomidae) in the monotypic tribe Agonoscelidini. The genus contains approximately 19–22 species native to the Afrotropics and Australia, with one species, A. puberula, established in the New World. Several species are agricultural pests of sorghum, sunflower, and other crops. Adults range from 8 to 12 mm in length and possess five nymphal stages.
Agrilus ruficollis
Red-necked Cane Borer
Agrilus ruficollis, commonly known as the red-necked cane borer, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is distributed across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. It is a documented pest of blackberries (Rubus spp.), with larvae tunneling through cane pith and causing cane death. Adults are relatively large for the genus Agrilus and display distinctive coloration with a reddish pronotum.
Agriotes
click beetles, wireworms (larvae)
Agriotes is a large genus of click beetles (family Elateridae) containing approximately 274 described species distributed across the Americas, Asia, and Europe. The genus includes numerous agricultural pest species whose larvae, known as wireworms, feed on crop roots and tubers. Several Palearctic species have become invasive in North America, where they threaten potato and cereal production. Adults are attracted to species-specific sex pheromones, enabling monitoring and mass trapping programs.
Agriotes ferrugineipennis
Rusty Click Beetle
A click beetle (Elateridae) native to western North America. Adults emerge in spring and are active in grassy agricultural habitats. The species was identified in a 2022 study as having 7-methyloctyl 7-methyloctanoate as its major female-produced sex pheromone, to which males show strong attraction. Larvae are soil-dwelling wireworms with potential agricultural pest status.
Agriotes lineatus
lined click beetle, wireworm
Agriotes lineatus, the lined click beetle, is a click beetle species native to Europe and western Asia that has become invasive in North America. Adults are 7.5–11 mm long with brownish-black bodies and distinctive longitudinal stripes on the elytra. The larvae, known as wireworms, are significant agricultural pests that attack roots, tubers, and seeds of crops including potatoes, maize, and strawberries. The species has a life cycle of approximately 3 years with up to 12 larval instars. Management relies on integrated pest management approaches including pheromone monitoring, crop rotation, and biological control.
Agriotes oblongicollis
Oblong-necked Click Beetle
Agriotes oblongicollis is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Oblong-necked Click Beetle. Larvae of this genus are known as wireworms and are significant agricultural pests. The species is native to eastern North America, with confirmed records from Ontario and Québec, Canada. As a member of the economically important genus Agriotes, it has potential significance for crop protection and pest management, though specific damage records for this species are not well documented.
Agriotes obscurus
dusky wireworm, obscure click beetle
Agriotes obscurus is a click beetle native to Europe and northern Asia that has become an established invasive pest in western North America since its accidental introduction around 1900. The larvae, known as wireworms, are significant agricultural pests that feed on tubers, seeds, and roots of numerous crops including potatoes, cereals, and vegetables. Adults are dark brown to black beetles 7–10 mm long, distinguishable from related species by their pronotum morphology and elytral ridges. The species has a prolonged life cycle of 2–4 years depending on temperature, with larvae passing through 8–13 instars before pupation.
Agriotes sparsus
Western Wireworm
Agriotes sparsus is a click beetle in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Western Wireworm. The species is native to western North America and has been recorded in British Columbia, Canada. Like other members of the genus Agriotes, the larval stage is a wireworm—a soil-dwelling pest that feeds on plant roots and tubers. The species is of agricultural concern due to its potential to damage crops.
Agriotes sputator
Spitting Click Beetle, Common Click Beetle
Agriotes sputator is a click beetle native to Europe, with established populations in parts of western Asia, North Africa, and an introduced range in eastern Canada. Adults are small (6–9 mm), dark brown to black with reddish-brown antennae and legs. The larvae, known as wireworms, are soil-dwelling agricultural pests that feed on roots and germinating seeds. The species completes its life cycle in up to five years, with larvae developing through multiple growth stages before pupation. It is considered a serious pest of cereals, potatoes, and other crops, and is monitored using pheromone traps baited with geranyl butanoate.
Agriphila straminella
Pearl Veneer, Straw Grass-veneer moth
Agriphila straminella is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of 16–20 mm, found across Europe and the Palearctic region. Adults are active from June to September, with flight timing varying by location. The species is attracted to light traps. Larvae feed on grasses including sheep's fescue, smooth meadowgrass, and wheat.
Agrius
sweetpotato hornworms, convolvulus hawkmoths
Agrius is a genus of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) containing approximately 3–5 species, most notably Agrius cingulata (sweetpotato hornworm) and Agrius convolvuli (convolvulus hawkmoth). These are large, robust moths with distinctive pinkish abdominal bands. The larvae are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and related Convolvulaceae. Adults are powerful fliers capable of long-distance migration, with some populations undertaking transcontinental movements. The genus occurs across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with some species extending into temperate zones during summer months.
Agrius cingulata
pink-spotted hawkmoth, sweetpotato hornworm
Agrius cingulata is a large sphingid moth with broad neotropical distribution extending northward through migratory behavior. Adults are nocturnal nectar feeders with exceptionally long proboscises, while larvae are robust hornworms that feed voraciously on Convolvulaceae, particularly sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), causing significant agricultural damage. The species has been documented as a "nectar thief" of rare orchids, removing nectar without providing pollination services.
Agromyza
A genus of small flies in the family Agromyzidae. Adults are distinguished by stridulatory files on the first two abdominal tergites and halteres that are usually white or yellow. The genus is best known for its leaf-mining larvae, which feed internally on plant leaf tissue. Some species are minor agricultural pests of crops including corn and rice.
Agromyza frontella
alfalfa blotch leafminer
Agromyza frontella, the alfalfa blotch leafminer, is a small dipteran leafminer in the family Agromyzidae. Native to Europe, it has become an established agricultural pest of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in North America, particularly in Canada and the northern United States. Larvae feed between leaf surfaces, creating distinctive blotch-shaped mines. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in daily activity patterns, with males most active during cooler morning and evening periods while females feed and oviposit throughout the day. It has been subject to classical biological control using the introduced parasitoid Dacnusa dryas.
Agromyza parvicornis
Corn Blotch Leafminer
A leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, primarily associated with corn (Zea mays) cultivation. The species creates distinctive blotch-shaped mines in host plant foliage. It is considered a minor and sporadic agricultural pest with limited economic impact. Documented from North American corn-growing regions and more recently recorded in Mexico.