Agricultural-pest-management
Guides
Abax parallelepipedus
Abax parallelepipedus is a ground beetle (Carabidae) native to Europe with an introduced population in North America. It is among the larger species in its genus and has been studied for its potential as a biological control agent of slugs in agricultural systems. Molecular evidence places this species in a distinct clade with A. fiorii, A. ovalis, and A. pyrenaeus, separate from the 'parallelus' group within the genus.
Aceria chondrillae
chondrilla gall mite, skeletonweed gall mite, rush skeletonweed gall mite
Aceria chondrillae is a gall-forming eriophyid mite specialized as a biological control agent for rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea), an invasive herbaceous perennial. Native to the Mediterranean region and ranging from southeast Russia to Portugal, this deuterogynous mite induces leafy galls in host plant buds, causing stunting and reduced seed production. It was introduced to Australia in 1971 and has been released in North America for weed management. The mite exhibits high host specificity and completes its entire life cycle within galls, with populations declining markedly in winter and recovering rapidly in summer.
Aenasius
Aenasius is a genus of solitary endoparasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae. Species within this genus are specialized parasitoids of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), with documented hosts including the invasive cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis. The genus has been extensively studied for its potential in biological control of agricultural pests, particularly in cotton-growing regions. Some species show remarkable developmental plasticity in response to temperature, enabling them to track their hosts across invaded ranges.
Aeolothrips
Banded Thrips
Aeolothrips is a genus of predatory thrips comprising over 80 described species. Members are characterized by distinctive banded forewings with alternating dark and light transverse stripes. Both adults and larvae are predatory, feeding on small invertebrates including other thrips, mites, aphids, and insect eggs. Some species are recognized as important native predators in agricultural ecosystems and have been evaluated for biological control programs against pest thrips such as Thrips tabaci.
Alcaeorrhynchus grandis
Giant Strong-nosed Stink Bug
Alcaeorrhynchus grandis is a large predatory stink bug reaching approximately 20 mm in length. It is a member of the subfamily Asopinae within Pentatomidae, a group characterized by predatory rather than herbivorous habits. The species has been studied as a potential biological control agent for lepidopteran pests in agricultural systems, particularly in palm oil plantations in the Brazilian Amazon. Its life cycle stages have been documented for field identification purposes.
Alloxysta
Alloxysta is a genus of small parasitic wasps in the family Figitidae, subfamily Charipinae. The genus was described by Arnold Förster in 1869 and contains over 100 species with cosmopolitan distribution. Members are aphid hyperparasitoids, attacking primary parasitoids (aphidiid wasps) that develop within aphids. Some species exhibit thelytokous parthenogenesis induced by Wolbachia endosymbionts, where unmated females produce female offspring without mating.
Amara aenea
Common Sun Beetle
Amara aenea, commonly known as the common sun beetle, is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae. It occurs across almost all of Europe and Northern Asia, with its range extending into parts of Northern Africa. Adults are predatory, feeding on insects including agricultural pests such as apple maggot and soybean aphid. The species has been studied for potential use in integrated pest management programs.
Amblyseius
Amblyseius is a large genus of predatory mites in the family Phytoseiidae. Species in this genus are generalist predators that feed on pest mites, thrips, whiteflies, and other small arthropods. Several species, particularly A. swirskii and A. andersoni, are widely used as biological control agents in integrated pest management programs for agricultural crops. The genus exhibits considerable ecological versatility, with many species capable of surviving on alternative food sources such as pollen and fungal secretions when prey is scarce.
Anagrus
fairyflies
Anagrus is a genus of fairyflies (Mymaridae) comprising over 90 described species, many of which are important biological control agents of agricultural pests. Adults are minute parasitoids, typically 1-2 mm in length, with coloration ranging from brown and orange to black and pale. The genus is divided into three subgenera—Anagrella, Anagrus, and Paranagrus—for taxonomic purposes. Species in this genus are specialized egg parasitoids, primarily attacking Hemiptera (leafhoppers and planthoppers), with some species also recorded from Odonata eggs. Their role in regulating populations of economically significant pests like the brown planthopper and glassy-winged sharpshooter has made them valuable in integrated pest management programs worldwide.
Anagyrus
Anagyrus is a large genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, containing at least 247 described species distributed worldwide. These wasps are specialized parasitoids primarily targeting mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), with several species commercially important for biological control of agricultural pests. The genus includes notable species such as A. pseudococci, A. lopezi, and A. vladimiri, which have been extensively studied and deployed for managing mealybug infestations in crops including cassava, citrus, and grapes. A subgenus, Nesoanagyrus, was established by Beardsley in 1969.
Anagyrus californicus
Anagyrus californicus is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, originally described by Compere in 1947 as Apoanagyrus californicus. It is a specialized parasitoid of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), with documented records from California, Arizona, Florida, and Hawaii. The species has been utilized in biological control programs targeting mealybug pests in agricultural systems.
Anaphes
fairyflies
Anaphes is a genus of fairyflies (family Mymaridae), among the smallest known insects, first described by Alexander Henry Haliday in 1833. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution and is divided into two subgenera: Anaphes (Anaphes) with approximately 37 recognized species and Anaphes (Patasson) with approximately 56 species in the Palearctic region alone. Species are egg parasitoids of various insects, with documented hosts including weevils (Curculionidae), leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), and true bugs (Miridae). Several species have been studied for biological control of agricultural pests, particularly the carrot weevil (Listronotus oregonensis) and lygus bugs (Lygus spp.).
Anystis
Whirligig Mites
Anystis is a genus of predatory mites in the family Anystidae, commonly known as whirligig mites. Species in this genus are generalist predators of small arthropods, including mites, aphids, thrips, and other soft-bodied insects. They are frequently red in coloration with long legs, ranging from 500–1500 μm in size. The genus has gained attention for biological control applications, particularly Anystis baccarum, which has been documented in agricultural systems including apple orchards, raspberry crops, vineyards, and greenhouses.
Anystis baccarum
Whirligig mite
Anystis baccarum is a cosmopolitan predatory mite in the family Anystidae, commonly known as the whirligig mite. It is a generalist predator of small, soft-bodied arthropods including aphids, spider mites, thrips, and other pests in agricultural systems. Populations consist entirely of females that reproduce by thelytokous parthenogenesis. The species has been identified as a promising biological control agent in crops such as raspberry, apple, sweet pepper, and tea, though its cannibalistic tendencies and long generation time limit its effectiveness as a sole control method.
Aphelinidae
Aphelinidae is a family of minute parasitic wasps containing approximately 1,100-1,160 described species across 34-35 genera. These tiny insects are among the most important biological control agents used in agriculture, particularly for managing scale insects, whiteflies, and other Hemiptera. The family was formerly paraphyletic, leading to the recent elevation of Azotidae, Calesidae, and Eriaporidae to family rank. Specimens deteriorate rapidly after death unless preserved in ethanol, making museum identification challenging.
Aphelinoidea
Aphelinoidea is a genus of minute wasps in the family Trichogrammatidae, described by A.A. Girault in 1911. Species are egg parasitoids of leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with several species of economic importance as biological control agents. The genus has an almost cosmopolitan distribution. Notable hosts include the beet leafhopper (Circulifer tenellus), a vector of beet curly top virus affecting crops such as tomatoes, sugar beets, and peppers. Two species, A. anatolica and A. turanica, were introduced from Iran into California for biological control and became established. The genus reproduces by arrhenotoky, where unmated females produce only male offspring.
Aphelopus
Aphelopus is a genus of dryinid wasps described by Dalman in 1823. Species are parasitoids of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), particularly typhlocybine leafhoppers, and are considered important natural enemies with potential for biological control in agricultural systems. The genus is relatively diverse, with 39 species recorded from China alone and a cosmopolitan distribution. Identification relies on wing venation characteristics and head morphology including clypeal structures.
Aphelopus albopictus
A parasitoid wasp in the family Dryinidae studied primarily in grape vineyards for its role as a biological control agent of leafhopper pests. Research has focused on its abundance, parasitism rates, and spatial distribution relative to leafhopper host populations in agricultural settings.
Aprostocetus
Aprostocetus is a large genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, established by Westwood in 1833. With approximately 800 described species, it has a global distribution across all major zoogeographic regions. Species are primarily ectoparasitoids or endoparasitoids of insects inhabiting plant galls, including gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), gall wasps (Cynipoidea), and other hosts spanning Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Blattodea, Orthoptera, and Neuroptera. Some species are phytophagous, inducing galls directly on plants. The genus is economically significant as a source of biological control agents for invasive pests.
Archytas marmoratus
marbled bristle fly
Archytas marmoratus is a tachinid bristle fly and member of the marmoratus species group. It is a larval-pupal parasitoid of noctuid moth caterpillars, particularly the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). In 1986, it was successfully employed in biological control programs against the fall armyworm. The species has been used in inundative release programs, achieving parasitism rates exceeding 90% in isolated corn fields.
Aridelus
Aridelus is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Euphorinae, comprising approximately 40 described species with cosmopolitan distribution but greatest diversity in tropical regions. These wasps are solitary koinobiont endoparasitoids of heteropteran bugs, primarily targeting nymphs and adults of stink bugs (Pentatomidae) and related families. Several species have been investigated for biological control potential against agricultural pests, particularly Nezara viridula.
Athrycia
Athrycia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the tribe Voriini. The genus contains at least five described species, with Athrycia cinerea being the most thoroughly studied. Species in this genus are larval parasitoids of Lepidoptera, with documented host associations primarily involving noctuid moths. The genus has been recorded from the Palearctic region (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and Nearctic region (Canada).
Banchus
Banchus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Fabricius in 1798. Species occur in Europe, North America, and Asia. The genus comprises at least eight described species, with Banchus flavescens being the most abundant hymenopteran parasitoid of the bertha armyworm in western Canada. Members are endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, particularly Noctuidae.
Bathyplectes
Bathyplectes is a genus of ichneumonid wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Campopleginae) comprising larval parasitoids of weevil pests, particularly the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica). The genus includes multiple Palaearctic species, with B. curculionis and B. anura being the most studied for biological control of alfalfa weevil in agricultural systems. These parasitoids have been introduced to North America as part of classical biological control programs. A distinctive behavioral trait occurs in B. anura, whose cocooned larvae jump up to 5 cm to locate favorable microhabitats.
Bathyplectes curculionis
Bathyplectes curculionis is a parasitoid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae that attacks larvae of the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica), a major pest of alfalfa crops. It has been introduced and established in various regions as a biological control agent. Field studies indicate that its populations are influenced by sugar availability, including aphid honeydew and floral nectar. In some regions, it has been displaced by the congener Bathyplectes anurus, which exhibits superior reproductive capacity, more rapid host handling, and avoidance of host encapsulation.
Bathyplectes infernalis
Bathyplectes infernalis is a parasitoid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It is a biological control agent of the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica), a major agricultural pest in western North America. The species has been introduced and released in the United States as part of classical biological control programs. It is one of several Bathyplectes species used to manage weevil populations in alfalfa fields.
Beskia aelops
Beskia aelops is a tachinid fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) studied for its potential as a biological control agent against the rice stink bug Oebalus poecilus, a pest of rice crops. Its distribution patterns are closely tied to those of its host. The species was originally described by Walker in 1849 under the name Tachina aelops.
Blepyrus
Blepyrus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, subfamily Tetracneminae. Species within this genus are known biological control agents that parasitize mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). The genus includes at least five described species: B. clavicornis, B. insularis, B. kirkpatricki, B. saccharicola, and B. schwarzi. These wasps have been studied for their potential in managing agricultural pests, particularly species attacking economically important mealybugs.
Brachistini
Brachistini is a tribe of parasitoid wasps within the subfamily Brachistinae (Braconidae). The tribe comprises five genera: Eubazus, Chelostes, Foersteria, Polydegmon, and Schizoprymnus. At least 70 species have been recorded from Turkey alone, with the Black Sea region showing highest diversity. Members of this tribe are recognized for their potential in biological control of agricultural pests.
Brachymeriinae
Brachymeriinae is a subfamily of chalcidid wasps (Chalcididae) established by Mani in 1938. Members are primarily pupal parasitoids of various insects. Some species are characterized by females having an elongate syntergum, referred to as 'long tailed' species. The subfamily includes economically important species used in biological control of agricultural pests.
Braconidae
braconid wasps, braconids
Braconidae is a family of parasitoid wasps, the second-largest family in Hymenoptera with approximately 17,000 described species and estimates of 30,000–50,000 total species. Members are primarily internal or external parasitoids of other insects, with larvae developing in or on hosts including caterpillars, beetle larvae, aphids, and other insects. Many species possess polydnaviruses—virus-like particles derived from ancient viral integration—that suppress host immune defenses. The family is divided into about 47 subfamilies, informally grouped into cyclostomes and noncyclostomes based on mouthpart morphology. Braconids are economically significant as biological control agents against agricultural and forestry pests.
Campoletis sonorensis
Campoletis sonorensis is a parasitoid ichneumonid wasp distributed across much of the Americas, including the United States, Brazil, and Chile. It is a generalist endoparasitoid of lepidopteran larvae, with documented hosts including Spodoptera frugiperda, Spodoptera exigua, Helicoverpa species, Chrysodeixis includens, and Heliothis virescens. The species employs sophisticated immune evasion strategies involving a mutualistic polydnavirus (Campoletis sonorensis ichnovirus, CsIV) and ovarian proteins that suppress host hemocyte function and prevent encapsulation. It has been extensively studied as a model system for host-parasitoid interactions, host selection behavior, and biological control potential.
Carcelia
Carcelia is a genus of tachinid flies comprising over 100 described species distributed across multiple subgenera. Species within this genus are larval parasitoids of Lepidoptera, with documented hosts including noctuid moths, geometrid moths, lymantriid moths, and notodontid moths. Several species have been studied for their potential in biological control of agricultural and forestry pests, including Carcelia iliaca, which achieves parasitism rates of approximately 80% on the invasive oak processionary moth in the United Kingdom. The genus exhibits life cycle adaptations including generation synchronization with host populations and diapause strategies.
Cardiochiles
Cardiochiles is a genus of braconid wasps with nearly cosmopolitan distribution. Species are larval endoparasitoids, primarily attacking lepidopteran hosts. The genus includes economically significant species used in biological control, particularly against noctuid pests in agricultural systems.
Celatoria
Celatoria is a genus of tachinid flies whose larvae are parasitoids of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae). Several species have been evaluated as biological control agents for agricultural pests, particularly Diabrotica species and the striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum). The genus includes both New World species with documented host associations in cucurbit and maize agroecosystems.
Ceranisus
Ceranisus is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae. Species are solitary larval endoparasitoids of thrips (Thysanoptera), with females laying eggs within early larval instars of their hosts. The genus has received attention for its potential in biological control of agricultural thrips pests, including Thrips tabaci, Frankliniella occidentalis, and F. intonsa. Strains collected worldwide show variation in biology and behavior based on geographic origin and phenotypic appearance.
Cholomyia inaequipes
Cholomyia inaequipes is a tachinid bristle fly described by Bigot in 1884. The species is a parasitoid of weevils in the genus Conotrachelus, with documented associations to nine species including plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) and hickory curculio (Conotrachelus juglandis). It occurs across North, Central, and South America.
Chrysoperla rufilabris
Red-lipped Green Lacewing
Chrysoperla rufilabris, the red-lipped green lacewing, is a predatory insect in the family Chrysopidae native to eastern North America. Larvae are voracious predators of soft-bodied insects, particularly aphids, and are widely used as biological control agents in agricultural and ornamental systems. Adults are primarily nocturnal and are commonly attracted to artificial lights. The species has been extensively studied for its potential in integrated pest management, with research demonstrating its effectiveness against diverse prey including aphids, scale insects, and lepidopteran eggs.
Clitostethus
dusky lady beetles
Clitostethus is a genus of minute lady beetles (Coccinellidae: Scymninae) comprising over 40 species. Members are recognized as specialized predators of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae). Several species have been evaluated as biological control agents against agricultural pests including Bemisia tabaci and Siphoninus phillyreae. The genus was established by Weise in 1885 and includes species formerly classified under Nephaspis.
Closterocerus
Closterocerus is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae (Hymenoptera). Species within this genus are predominantly larval parasitoids of various insect hosts, including leafmining Lepidoptera, Chrysomelidae beetles, and gall-forming Eulophidae. Several species have been documented as effective biological control agents, particularly against invasive pests. The genus exhibits considerable diversity in host associations and geographic distribution across multiple continents.
Coccinella transversoguttata
Transverse Lady Beetle, transverse ladybird
Coccinella transversoguttata is a predatory lady beetle native to North America, now also found in Europe and Asia including the Tibetan plateau. It is recognized by the transverse black band across the base of its elytra, formed by connected spots. The species serves as an important biological control agent against aphids and other agricultural pests, though its populations appear to be declining in some regions following the introduction of competing non-native lady beetles.
Coelophora
Coelophora is a genus of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) established by Mulsant in 1850, containing approximately 14 described species distributed across Asia, Australia, and surrounding regions. Members of this genus are predominantly aphidophagous predators, with several species studied for their potential as biological control agents in agricultural systems. The genus exhibits notable colour pattern polymorphism, particularly in Coelophora inaequalis, where multiple elytral pattern morphs are controlled by alleles showing mosaic dominance. Some species have been transferred to other genera upon taxonomic revision, such as Coelophora circumusta moved to Phrynocaria.
Coelophora inaequalis
variable ladybird, common Australian lady beetle, common Australian ladybug, Variable Ladybird Beetle
Coelophora inaequalis is a small predatory ladybird beetle native to Australia, Oceania, and Southern Asia. Adults measure 3.70–5.20 mm and display highly variable elytral coloration, with yellow to orange backgrounds bearing four to five black spots that differ among individuals. The species has been introduced to Florida and Hawaii as a biological control agent against the yellow sugarcane aphid (Sipha flava). It is an effective aphid predator with documented prey including Aphis gossypii, Aphis craccivora, and Toxoptera citricida.
Coenosia humilis
tiger fly
Coenosia humilis is a predatory muscid fly commonly known as the tiger fly. It is an active predator of small flying insects, particularly agromyzid leafminers, and has been studied as a biological control agent in agricultural systems. The species is native to Europe but has been recorded in multiple regions including Indonesia and the North Atlantic islands. It exhibits distinct daily activity patterns with peak hunting during morning and afternoon hours.
Coleomegilla
Coleomegilla is a genus of lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae native to the Americas. The genus contains at least five described species, with Coleomegilla maculata (the pink-spotted or twelve-spotted lady beetle) being the most studied and economically significant. Members of this genus are generalist predators used in biological control programs, with C. maculata being notable as the only North American lady beetle known to complete its life cycle on plant pollen alone. The genus is distinguished from other coccinellids by its elongated body form and distinctive pink or reddish coloration with black spotting.
Coleomegilla maculata
spotted pink lady beetle, spotted lady beetle, pink spotted lady beetle, twelve-spotted lady beetle
Coleomegilla maculata is a native North American coccinellid beetle widely used in biological control programs. Adults and larvae are primarily aphid predators, though this species is unusual among North American lady beetles in its facultative pollen-feeding habit—pollen may constitute up to 50% of adult diet. The species shows increasing abundance and westward range expansion while many native coccinellids are declining, possibly due to its dietary flexibility reducing competitive impacts from invasive species. Multiple subspecies exist, with C. m. fuscilabris distinguished by bright orange-red rather than pink coloration.
Collops cribrosus
Collops beetle
Collops cribrosus is a soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, first described by LeConte in 1852. The species belongs to the genus Collops, which comprises predatory beetles frequently associated with flowering plants where they hunt small arthropod prey. Like other members of its genus, C. cribrosus is recognized as a beneficial insect in agricultural contexts, serving as a natural enemy of pest insects. The species has been documented in western North America, with confirmed records from British Columbia.
Collops hirtellus
Hairy Soft-winged Flower Beetle
Collops hirtellus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, first described by LeConte in 1876. It is one of several Collops species recognized as beneficial predators in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton production. The species has been documented in western Canada and is part of a genus known for predatory feeding habits on pest insects.
Collyria coxator
Collyria coxator is an ichneumonid wasp that acts as a specialized parasitoid of stem sawflies (Cephidae). It has been studied as a biological control agent for the common stem sawfly Cephus pygmaeus, a pest of winter cereals. Its effectiveness as a population regulator varies with summer weather conditions.
Conura albifrons
Conura albifrons is a native North American hyperparasitoid wasp in the family Chalcididae. It has been documented attacking Diadromus pulchellus, an exotic ichneumonid parasitoid introduced for biological control of the leek moth (Acrolepiopsis assectella). This hyperparasitoid relationship represents a potential challenge to biological control programs, as native hyperparasitoids can reduce the effectiveness of introduced natural enemies. The species is recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick.