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Copidosoma
copidosoma wasp
Copidosoma is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, comprising over 200 species of polyembryonic parasitoids. These wasps deposit one or two eggs into host Lepidoptera eggs, which then proliferate into thousands of genetically identical embryos. A unique caste system produces two larval morphs: sterile soldiers that defend the host from competitors and reproductive larvae that consume the host and emerge as adults. The genus has been extensively studied for its extreme clonal reproduction and is widely used in biological control programs against agricultural pests.
polyembryony parasitoid biological-control caste-system clonal-development soldier-caste Encyrtidae Lepidoptera-parasitoid agricultural-pest-management genome-sequenced
Copidosoma floridanum
Copidosoma floridanum is a polyembryonic parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, notable for producing the largest recorded brood of any parasitoidal insect—up to 3,055 individuals from a single egg. Females oviposit into the eggs of plusiine moths, and the resulting embryos undergo clonal division to form genetically identical siblings. The brood develops into two distinct castes: reproductive larvae that emerge as adult wasps, and sterile soldier larvae that defend their siblings from competitors.
polyembryony parasitoid biological-control caste kin-selection soldier-caste Plusiinae Encyrtidae agricultural-pest-management genome-sequencing i5K-project
Cryptochetum iceryae
cottony cushion scale parasite, cottony cushion scale parasitoid
Cryptochetum iceryae is a parasitic fly in the family Cryptochetidae, native to Australia. It was deliberately introduced to California in the 1880s as a biological control agent against the cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi), a major pest of citrus crops. The species has since been introduced to Israel and South America for similar purposes. In 2019, it was discovered in the United Kingdom for the first time, identified in the wildlife garden at the Natural History Museum in London.
biological-control parasitoid agricultural-pest-management Diptera Cryptochetidae classical-biological-control citrus-pest invasive-species-management Australia-native 1880s-introduction California Israel South-America United-Kingdom-2019-discovery Natural-History-Museum-London scale-insect-parasite endoparasitoid Icerya-purchasi cottony-cushion-scale successful-biocontrol integrated-pest-management vedalia-beetle-complement Williston-1888 Lestophonus-iceryae
Cycloneda sanguinea
Spotless Lady Beetle, Spotless Ladybug
Cycloneda sanguinea, commonly known as the spotless lady beetle, is a widespread ladybird beetle native to the Americas. It is distinguished by its lack of spots on the elytra, with coloration ranging from orange to deep red. The species is a voracious predator of aphids and other soft-bodied insects, making it valuable for biological control in agricultural systems. Adults and larvae both actively hunt prey, with females using volatile chemical cues to assess patch quality and avoid competitor-rich habitats. Recent research has also identified C. sanguinea as a potential vector for dispersing plant pathogens in soybean fields.
lady-beetle aphid-predator biological-control Coccinellidae agricultural-pest-management pathogen-vector Americas
Cystiphora sonchi
Cystiphora sonchi is a gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) native to Eurasia that has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent for sow-thistles (Sonchus species). The larvae induce small, circular galls on the leaves of host plants, with females ovipositing through stomata of leaves in final growth stages. The species exhibits strict host specificity to the genus Sonchus, and has established populations in multiple Canadian provinces following intentional releases.
gall-midge biological-control herbivore introduced-species agricultural-pest-management Sonchus
Delphastus catalinae
Whitefly Predatory Lady Beetle
Delphastus catalinae is a minute predatory lady beetle (Coccinellidae) specialized in feeding on whiteflies (Aleyrodidae). Adults measure 1.40–1.50 mm with a medium reddish-brown body and slightly darker median pronotum. The species name derives from Latin 'catalinae' meaning fierce, referring to its forbidding head and mouthpart appearance. It is widely used as a biological control agent against pest whiteflies including Bemisia argentifolii, Bemisia tabaci, and Aleurothrixus trachoides in agricultural systems. Mass rearing protocols have been developed using whitefly-infested poinsettia plants, with production costs estimated at $0.22 per adult beetle.
biological-control whitefly-predator augmentative-biocontrol agricultural-pest-management mass-rearing Coccinellidae Aleyrodidae integrated-pest-management
Deraeocoris nebulosus
Deraeocoris nebulosus is a predatory plant bug in the family Miridae. It is native to North America and has been documented from the northeastern United States through the mid-Atlantic and into the South. The species is a significant biological control agent in agricultural and ornamental systems, feeding on mites, aphids, and other small arthropod pests. It has been studied extensively for its role in managing European red mite in Virginia apple orchards.
predator biological-control agricultural-pest-management apple-orchards mites aphids ornamental-plants
Diadegma
Diadegma is a genus of ichneumonid wasps established by Förster in 1869. Species in this genus are koinobiont parasitoids, primarily attacking lepidopteran larvae. Several species, notably D. insulare and D. semiclausum, have been extensively studied and deployed as biological control agents against agricultural pests, particularly the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). The genus contains over 200 described species with cosmopolitan distribution.
parasitoid biological-control Ichneumonidae diamondback-moth agricultural-pest-management kairomone integrated-pest-management
Dielis tolteca
Toltec scoliid wasp
Dielis tolteca is a species of scoliid wasp native to western North America and Mesoamerica. The species is known to parasitize scarab beetle grubs, with females hunting underground hosts to provision their offspring. Adults have been observed feeding on flowering plants, particularly mustards (Brassicaceae) and goldenrods (Solidago). The species has been documented in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area in western Colorado, where it is active as a spring-emerging species.
scoliid-wasp parasitoid scarab-beetle western-Colorado McInnis-Canyons spring-emergence Solidago mustards biological-control Hymenoptera Scoliidae Dielis Campsomerini biodiversity-survey integrated-pest-management melissa-schreiner extension-entomology saussure-1857 toltec-scoliid-wasp riparian Colorado-River flower-visitor nectar-feeding solitary-wasp ground-nesting-parasitoid scarab-grub-parasitoid aculeate apocrita aculeata campsomerinae western-North-America Nearctic Neotropical Mesoamerica Arizona Baja-California Sonora underground-host-hunter external-parasitoid larval-provisioning spring-active insect-biodiversity rare-ecosystem-survey natural-heritage-survey CSU-extension Colorado-State-University agricultural-pest-management tree-fruit wine-grapes row-crops invasive-species-monitoring Japanese-beetle Popillia-japonica corn-earworm Helicoverpa-zea IPM pest-monitoring moth-trapping B3-allele-testing citizen-science Department-of-Agriculture-trapping targeted-larval-treatments 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clavatus-Aeropedellus collare-Spharagemon coloradus-Amphitornus complanatipes-Melanoplus confusus-Melanoplus conspersa-Arphia conspersa-Chloealtis corallipes-Xanthippus coronata-Trachyrhachys crenulata-Cordillacris curtipennis-Chorthippus cyaneipennis-Trimerotropis cyaneus-Leprus dawsonii-Melanoplus delicatula-Psoloessa deorum-Ageneotettix differentialis-Melanoplus discolor-Melanoplus dodgei-Melanoplus elliotti-Aulocara enigma-Oedaloenotus equale-Spharagemon fasciatus-Melanoplus femoratum-Aulocara femurrubrum-Melanoplus flavidus-Melanoplus foedus-Melanoplus fontana-Trimerotropis formosus-Tropidolophus fratercula-Trimerotropis fusiformis-Ceuthophilus gladstoni-Melanoplus glaucipes-Melanoplus gracile-Stethophyma gracilis-Trimerotropis haldemanii-Pardalophora haydeni-Derotmema hirtipes-Acrolophitus humile-Spharagemon inconspicua-Trimerotropis infantilis-Melanoplus keeleri-Melanoplus kennicotti-Melanoplus kiowa-Trachyrhachys lakinus-Melanoplus latifasciata-Trimerotropis longipennis-Dissosteira magna-Brachystola magnifica-Trimerotropis melanoptera-Trimerotropis montanus-Xanthippus montezuma-Syrbula nebrascensis-Phoetaliotes neglectus-Cratypedes nevadensis-Acrolophitus niveus-Oecanthus nubilum-Boopedon obscura-Opeia occidentalis-Melanoplus occipitalis-Cordillacris ocelote-Hippiscus olivacea-Campylacantha oregonensis-Melanoplus packardii-Melanoplus pallidipennis-Trimerotropis pardalinus-Metator parviceps-Cibolacris pelidna-Orphulella pellucida-Camnula picta-Mermiria pistrinaria-Trimerotropis plattei-Mestobregma ponderosus-Melanoplus pseudonietana-Arphia quadrimaculatum-Phlibostroma quadripunctatus-Oecanthus rabula-Circotettix regalis-Melanoplus robusta-Udeopsylla robustus-Leprus rufa-Heliaula sanguinipes-Melanoplus simplex-Anabrus simplex-Arphia simplex-Eritettix sordidus-Encoptolophus sparsa-Trimerotropis speciosa-Orphulella speciosus-Hesperotettix splendidus-Melanoplus spretus-Melanoplus spurcata-Dissosteira subgracilis-Encoptolophus sulcifrons-Conozoa tenuipennis-Aeoloplides texana-Conozoa texana-Mermiria texana-Psoloessa tolteca-Trimerotropis trifasciatus-Hadrotettix tristis-Melanoplus turnbulli-Aeoloplides utahensis-Ceuthophilus verruculatus-Trimerotropis virgata-Paropomala viridifasciata-Chortophaga viridis-Hesperotettix wyomingensis-Paropomala xanthoptera-Arphia yarrowii-Melanoplus not-true-grasshoppers Acrididae discussed-manual confused-with-grasshoppers top-of-page back-to-contents navigation-main-page learn-more biology distribution-maps fact-sheets key-to-stages grasshopper-development grasshopper-names-common-scientific grasshopper-names-species-genus grasshopper-names-genus-species Acrolophitus-hirtipes Acrolophitus-nevadensis Aeoloplides-chenopodii Aeoloplides-tenuipennis Aeoloplides-tumbulli Aeropedellus-clavatus Ageneotettix-deorum Amphitomus-coloradus Anabrus-simplex Arphia-conspersa Arphia-pseudonietana Arphia-simplex Arphia-xanthoptera Aulocara-elliotti Aulocara-femoratum Boopedon-nubilum Brachystola-magna Camnula-pellucida Campylacantha-olivacea Ceuthophilus-alpinus Ceuthophilus-fusiformis Ceuthophilus-utahensis Chloealtis-abdominalis Chloealtis-conspersa Chorthippus-curtipennis Chortophaga-viridifasciata Cibolacris-parviceps Circotettix-carlinianus Circotettix-rabula Conozoa-suicifrons Conozoa-texana Cordillacris-crenulata Cordillacris-occipitalis Cratypedes-neglectus Dactylotum-bicolor Daihnia-brevipes Derotmema-haydeni Dissosteira-carolina Dissosteira-longipennis Dissosteira-spurcata Encoptolophus-sordidus Encoptolophus-subgracilis Eritettix-simplex Gryllus-spp Hadrotettix-trifasciatus Heliaula-rufa Hesperotettix-speciosus Hesperotettix-viridis Hippiscus-ocelote Hippopedon-capito Hypochlora-alba Leprus-cyaneus Leprus-robustus Melanoplus-alpinus Melanoplus-angustipennis Melanoplus-arizonae Melanoplus-bispinosus Melanoplus-bivittatus Melanoplus-borealis Melanoplus-bowditchi Melanoplus-bruneri Melanoplus-complanatipes Melanoplus-confusus Melanoplus-dawsonii Melanoplus-differentialis Melanoplus-discolor Melanoplus-dodgei Melanoplus-fasciatus Melanoplus-femurrubrum Melanoplus-flavidus Melanoplus-foedus Melanoplus-gladstoni Melanoplus-glaucipes Melanoplus-infantilis Melanoplus-keeleri Melanoplus-kennicotti Melanoplus-lakinus Melanoplus-occidentalis Melanoplus-oregonensis Melanoplus-packardii Melanoplus-ponderosus Melanoplus-regalis Melanoplus-sanguinipes Melanoplus-splendidus Melanoplus-spretus Melanoplus-tristis Melanoplus-yarrowii Mermiria-bivittata Mermiria-picta Mermiria-texana Mestobregma-plattei Metator-pardalinus Oecanthus-argentinus Oecanthus-californicus Oecanthus-niveus Oecanthus-quadripunctatus Oedaloenotus-enigma Opeia-obscura Orphulella-pelidna Orphulella-speciosa Pardalophora-apiculata Pardalophora-haidemanii Paropomala-virgata Paropomala-wyomingensis Phlibostroma-quadrimaculatum Phoetaliotes-nebrascensis Pseudopomala-brachyptera Psoloessa-delicatula Psoloessa-texana Schistocerca-alutacea Spharagemon-bolli Spharagemon-collare Spharagemon-equale Spharagemon-humile Stenobothrus-brunneus Stethophyma-gracile Syrbula-admirabilis Syrbula-montezuma Trachyrhachys-aspera Trachyrhachys-coronata Trachyrhachys-kiowa Trimerotropis-agrestis Trimerotropis-californica Trimerotropis-campestris Trimerotropis-cincta Trimerotropis-citrina Trimerotropis-cyaneipennis Trimerotropis-fontana Trimerotropis-fratercula Trimerotropis-gracilis Trimerotropis-inconspicua Trimerotropis-latifasciata Trimerotropis-magnifica Trimerotropis-melanoptera Trimerotropis-pallidipennis Trimerotropis-pistrinaria Trimerotropis-sparsa Trimerotropis-tolteca Trimerotropis-verruculatus Tropidolophus-formosus Udeopsylla-robusta Xanthippus-corallipes Xanthippus-montanus true-grasshoppers Acrididae-discussed manual-confused grasshoppers-top page-back contents-navigation main-page learn-more-biology distribution-maps-fact sheets-key stages-grasshopper development-grasshoppers Colorado-grasshoppers Wyoming-West Entomology-GRASSHOPPERS COLORADO-GRASSHOPPER NAMES-GENUS SPECIES-GRASSHOPPER NAMES-COMMON SCIENTIFIC-GRASSHOPPER NAMES-SPECIES GENUS-abdominalis Chloealtis-Thomas Uhler-agrestis Trimerotropis-McNeill Dodge-alpinus Ceuthophilus-Scudder Scudder-alutacea Schistocerca-Scudder Dodge-apiculata Pardalophora-Harris Saussure-arizonae Melanoplus-Scudder Scudder-bicolor Dactylotum-Thomas Scudder-bivittata Mermiria-Serville Say-bolli Spharagemon-Morse Fieber-bowditchi Scudder-brevipes Daihnia-Haldeman Scudder-brunneus Stenobothrus-Thomas Bruner-californicus Oecanthus-Saussure McNeill-capito Hippopedon-Stal Thomas-carolina Dissosteira-L Bruner-cincta Trimerotropis-Thomas Scudder-clavatus Aeropedellus-Thomas Scudder-coloradus Amphitornus-Thomas Scudder-confusus Scudder-conspersa Chloealtis-Harris Haldeman-coronata Trachyrhachys-Scudder Bruner-curtipennis Chorthippus-Harris Bruner-cyaneus Leprus-Cockerell Scudder-delicatula Psoloessa-Scudder Scudder-differentialis Melanoplus-Thomas Scudder-dodgei Thomas-enigma Oedaloenotus-Scudder Say-fasciatus Melanoplus-F-Walker Scudder-femurrubrum Melanoplus-DeGeer Scudder-foedus Thomas-formosus Tropidolophus-Say McNeill-fusiformis Scudder-glaucipes Scudder-gracilis Scudder-haydeni Derotmema-Thomas Say-humile Bruner-infantilis Thomas-kennicotti Thomas-lakinus Scudder-longipennis Dissosteira-Thomas Girard-magnifica Trimerotropis-Rehn McNeill-montanus Xanthippus-Thomas Saussure-nebrascensis Phoetaliotes-Thomas Thomas-nevadensis Acrolophitus-Thomas DeGeer-nubilum Boopedon-Say Thomas-occidentalis Thomas-ocelote Hippiscus-Saussure Scudder-oregonensis Scudder-pallidipennis Trimerotropis-Burmeister Saussure-parviceps Cibolacris-Bruner Burmeister-pellucida Camnula-Scudder Walker-pistrinaria Trimerotropis-Saussure Thomas-ponderosus Thomas-quadrimaculatum Phlibostroma-Thomas Beutenmuller-rabula Circotettix-Rehn Hebard-regales Melanoplus-Dodge Haldeman-robustus Leprus-Hebard Scudder-sanguinipes Melanoplus-Fabricius Haldeman-simplex Arphia-Scudder Scudder-sordidus Encoptolophus-Burmeister Thomas-speciosa Orphulella-Scudder Scudder-splendidus Melanoplus-Hebard Walsh-spurcata Dissosteira-Saussure Caudell-sulcifrons Conozoa-Scudder Scudder-texana Conozoa-Bruner Bruner-texana Brunner-trifasciatus Hadrotettix-Say Bruner-turnbulli Aeoloplides-Caudell Thomas-verruculatus Trimerotropis-Scudder Scudder-viridifasciata Chortophaga-DeGeer Scudder-wyomingensis Paropomala-Thomas Burmeister-yarrowii species-not-true grasshoppers-Acrididae discussed-manual-because top-of-the page-back-to Contents-Navigation-Main Page-Grasshoppers-of Colorado-LEARN-MORE Biology-Distribution-Maps Fact-Sheets-Key to-Stages-of Grasshopper-Development-Biology Distribution-Maps-LEARN MORE-Distribution-Maps Fact-Sheets-LEARN MORE-Grasshoppers-of Colorado-Fact-Sheets of-Grasshopper-Development LEARN-MORE-Grasshoppers
Diglyphus
Diglyphus is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae. Species are larval ectoparasitoids of leaf-mining flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae) and some Lepidoptera leafminers. Several species, particularly D. isaea and D. begini, are commercially used for biological control of agricultural leafminer pests in greenhouses and field crops. The genus contains at least 15 European species, with additional species described from Asia and North America.
parasitoid biological-control leafminer Eulophidae agricultural-pest-management ectoparasitoid
Digonogastra
Digonogastra is a genus of braconid wasps comprising approximately 260 described species distributed across Afrotropical, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. Members are idiobiont ectoparasitoids that attack larval stages of stalk-boring Lepidoptera, particularly pyralid and crambid borers in gramineous crops. The genus has documented significance as a biological control agent for agricultural pests in sugarcane, maize, and sorghum systems.
parasitoid biological-control sugarcane-pest idiobiont ectoparasitoid Braconidae Diatraea Eoreuma gramineous-crops agricultural-pest-management
Diomus
lady beetles, ladybirds
Diomus is a genus of small lady beetles (Coccinellidae) comprising at least 20 described species. Species within this genus exhibit diverse ecological strategies, including generalist predation on mealybugs and aphids, as well as specialized myrmecophilous associations. Several species have been evaluated or employed as biological control agents against agricultural pests such as the papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus), yellow sugarcane aphid (Sipha flava), and cassava mealybug (Phenacoccus manihoti). The genus shows notable variation in habitat associations, from agricultural crops to ant nests.
Coccinellidae biological-control mealybug-predator aphid-predator myrmecophily agricultural-pest-management
Diploschizia impigritella
yellow nutsedge moth, five-barred glyphipterid moth
A minute sedge moth with a wingspan of 7–9 mm, described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1862. Adults are active from early May to early November across much of North America. The larvae are stem borers in yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus), making this species a potential biocontrol agent against this agricultural weed.
microlepidoptera stem-borer biocontrol Cyperus agricultural-pest-management nocturnal blacklight-attraction
Doru taeniatum
lined earwig
Doru taeniatum, the lined earwig, is a predaceous earwig species in the family Forficulidae. It is native to the Americas, ranging from North America through Central America to South America. The species has been studied extensively for its potential role in biological control, particularly in maize agroecosystems where it preys on pest lepidopterans including the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Laboratory studies indicate it is omnivorous, capable of completing development and reproduction on plant pollen or lepidopteran eggs alone, with optimal fitness on mixed or egg-only diets.
predator biological-control agricultural-pest-management earwig maize fall-armyworm virus-vector
Encyrtidae
Encyrtidae is a large family of parasitic wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea, comprising approximately 3,710 described species in about 455 genera. The family is distinguished by distinctive wing venation patterns, forward-migrated cerci on the metasoma with accompanying tergite distortion, and an enlarged mesopleuron with anteriorly positioned mesocoxae. Most species are primary parasitoids of Hemiptera, particularly scale insects, mealybugs, and psyllids, though host associations span multiple insect orders and even include ticks. Encyrtidae are globally distributed across virtually all terrestrial habitats and are among the most important biological control agents used in agriculture.
parasitoid biological-control Chalcidoidea Hemiptera-parasitoid agricultural-pest-management polyembryony hyperparasitoid
Encyrtinae
Encyrtinae is a large subfamily of parasitoid wasps within the family Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Members are primarily endoparasitoids of insect eggs and immature stages, with documented hosts including hemipterans (pentatomoid bugs, whiteflies, scale insects), lepidopterans, cockroaches, and even ticks (genus Ixodiphagus). The subfamily contains over 300 genera and is distributed worldwide. Several species have been deployed or have arrived adventively as biological control agents of agricultural and urban pests.
parasitoid biological-control egg-parasitoid Chalcidoidea agricultural-pest-management
Epipyropidae
Planthopper Parasite Moths, Planthopper Parasitic Moths, Cicada Parasitic Moths
Epipyropidae is a small family of moths whose larvae are obligate ectoparasites of planthoppers and leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea and related groups), with some species parasitizing cicadas. The family exhibits hypermetamorphosis, with first instar larvae being triungulin-like and highly mobile, while subsequent instars become sessile and highly modified for parasitic feeding. This parasitic lifestyle is unique among Lepidoptera and shared only with the closely related family Cyclotornidae. Approximately 20 species have been described worldwide, distributed across genera including Epipyrops, Epiricania, Fulgoraecia, and Epipomponia.
ectoparasite hypermetamorphosis biological-control planthopper-parasite cicada-parasite agricultural-pest-management
Eretmocerinae
Eretmocerinae is a subfamily of minute parasitoid wasps within the family Aphelinidae. Members are known primarily as parasitoids of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae). The subfamily was established by Shafee and Khan in 1978 and contains the genus Eretmocerus, which is the most widely studied group within the subfamily due to its importance in biological control.
parasitoid whitefly biological-control agricultural-pest-management Chalcidoidea
Euborellia annulipes
Ring-legged Earwig, Ringlegged Earwig
Euborellia annulipes, commonly known as the ring-legged earwig, is a widespread earwig species in the family Anisolabididae. It has been introduced to many regions worldwide and is recognized as a significant natural biological control agent in agricultural systems, particularly in banana groves and cornfields. The species exhibits notable parental care behavior by females, who remain sedentary to guard eggs and nymphs. Males are more mobile and frequently engage in egg cannibalism, though they can distinguish their own offspring from unrelated eggs and reduce cannibalism accordingly. The species has been studied extensively for its predatory activity against pests including Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) and its response to agricultural management practices.
earwig biological-control predator agricultural-pest-management parental-care egg-cannibalism Dermaptera Anisolabididae integrated-pest-management Spodoptera-frugiperda banana corn peanut
Eucelatoria
Eucelatoria is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising approximately 70 species distributed throughout the Western Hemisphere from southern Canada to northern Argentina. The genus is characterized by distinctive reproductive morphology in females of certain species groups, notably the sword-like piercer found in the E. ferox species group. Species within this genus are parasitoids of Lepidoptera larvae, with documented host associations including Noctuidae (Helicoverpa zea, Heliothis virescens, Heliothis armigera) and Crambidae caterpillars. Several species, particularly E. bryani, have been extensively studied for their potential as biological control agents of agricultural pests.
Tachinidae parasitoid biological-control Lepidoptera New-World gregarious oviposition-piercer host-manipulation agricultural-pest-management
Eucelatoria bryani
Eucelatoria bryani is a gregarious endoparasitoid tachinid fly native to North America. It parasitizes larval stages of noctuid moths, particularly Helicoverpa zea and Heliothis virescens. The species exhibits sophisticated host manipulation, accelerating host burrowing behavior to ensure pupariation in protected soil environments. It has been extensively studied for its potential as a biological control agent against agricultural pests.
parasitoid tachinid biological-control Helicoverpa-zea Heliothis-virescens host-manipulation gregarious North-America agricultural-pest-management
Eupeodes americanus
American hoverfly, Long-tailed Aphideater
Eupeodes americanus, the American hoverfly, is a Nearctic aphidophagous hoverfly commercialized in Canada as a biological control agent for aphid management. Adults feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are voracious predators of aphids, with one larva consuming approximately 2,000 aphids during development. The species is notable for its ability to remain active at low temperatures (12–18°C) where other biocontrol agents become inactive. It has been evaluated as a biocontrol agent for greenhouse and field crops including sweet pepper, cucumber, cotton, soybeans, melons, and potatoes.
biocontrol aphid-predator hoverfly Syrphidae agricultural-pest-management Nearctic
Euplectrus platyhypenae
Euplectrus platyhypenae is a gregarious ectoparasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae that develops externally on lepidopteran host larvae. The species has been documented attacking fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in laboratory studies and peanut foliage-feeding caterpillars in Oklahoma. Females exhibit host strain preference, ovipositing preferentially on corn-strain fall armyworm over rice-strain hosts. Development is rapid, with egg-to-adult times of approximately 9.8–10.5 days depending on host strain.
parasitoid ectoparasitoid gregarious biological-control fall-armyworm Spodoptera-frugiperda agricultural-pest-management Eulophidae
Geocoridae
Big-eyed bugs
Geocoridae is a family of predatory true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) comprising over 290 described species. Members are commonly known as big-eyed bugs due to their prominent, laterally expanded eyes. The family is classified within the superfamily Lygaeoidea and includes five subfamilies: Australocorinae, Bledionotinae, Geocorinae, Henestarinae, and Pamphantinae. Several species, particularly in the genus Geocoris, are recognized as important biological control agents in agricultural systems.
predator biological-control agricultural-pest-management Lygaeoidea big-eyed-bugs
Geocoris barberi
bigeyed bug
Geocoris barberi is a species of bigeyed bug in the family Geocoridae, described by Readio & Sweet in 1982. Species in the genus Geocoris are recognized as important natural enemies of agricultural insect pests. They serve as biological control agents in integrated pest management programs, particularly in crop systems such as cucumber fields where they help suppress pest populations.
bigeyed-bug biological-control integrated-pest-management predator agricultural-pest-management Geocoridae Hemiptera natural-enemy
Geocoris carinatus
big-eyed bug
Geocoris carinatus is a predatory true bug in the family Geocoridae, commonly known as big-eyed bugs. The species was described by McAtee in 1914 and is native to North America. Like other members of the genus Geocoris, it serves as an important natural enemy of agricultural pests, particularly preying on eggs and small nymphs of various pest insects. The species is recognized as a beneficial predator in agricultural ecosystems, contributing to biological control of pest populations.
predator biological-control agricultural-pest-management big-eyed-bug North-America
Geocoris davisi
big-eyed bug
Geocoris davisi is a species of big-eyed bug in the family Geocoridae, described by Barber in 1935. It belongs to a genus of predatory true bugs widely recognized as important natural enemies of agricultural pests. Species in the genus Geocoris are commonly used in habitat management strategies for integrated pest management, though specific biological details for G. davisi remain limited in the available literature.
big-eyed-bug predatory-bug biological-control integrated-pest-management Geocoridae Hemiptera North-America natural-enemy agricultural-pest-management cover-crops Barber-1935
Geocoris frisoni
big-eyed bug
Geocoris frisoni is a species of big-eyed bug in the family Geocoridae, first described by Barber in 1926. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from the United States. As a member of the genus Geocoris, it belongs to a group of predatory true bugs recognized for their beneficial role in agricultural pest management.
predatory-bug biological-control agricultural-pest-management North-American-fauna
Geocoris limbatus
big-eyed bug
Geocoris limbatus is a species of big-eyed bug in the family Geocoridae, occurring in North America. Like other members of the genus Geocoris, it is a generalist predator of small arthropods and is considered beneficial in agricultural systems. The species was described by Stål in 1874.
beneficial-insect predator biological-control agricultural-pest-management Hemiptera Geocoridae North-America generalist-predator
Geocoris pallens-or-bullatus
bigeyed bug
Geocoris pallens-or-bullatus is a species of bigeyed bug in the family Geocoridae. Species in the genus Geocoris are recognized as important natural enemies of agricultural insect pests. They have been observed in association with crops including cucumber, where they contribute to biological control of pest populations. The specific epithet "pallens-or-bullatus" indicates taxonomic uncertainty or an unresolved species complex designation.
biological-control integrated-pest-management predator agricultural-pest-management Hemiptera Geocoridae
Geocoris punctipes
big-eye bug, bigeyed bug, Corner-spotted Geocoris
Geocoris punctipes, commonly known as the big-eye bug or bigeyed bug, is a predatory true bug in the family Geocoridae. It is a generalist predator found across the Americas and Oceania, with documented effectiveness in biological control of agricultural pests including whiteflies, aphids, moth eggs and larvae, and plant bugs. The species has been extensively studied for its feeding behavior, reproductive biology, and potential as a natural enemy in integrated pest management programs.
predator biological-control agricultural-pest-management generalist-predator true-bug
Geocoris uliginosus
big-eyed bug
Geocoris uliginosus is a species of big-eyed bug in the family Geocoridae, a group of predatory true bugs. It occurs in North America, with records from the United States, Canada, and North Caicos. As a member of the genus Geocoris, it is a generalist predator that feeds on small arthropods and insect eggs.
predator biological-control agricultural-pest-management lygus-bug-predator true-bug North-America
Goniozus legneri
Goniozus legneri is a gregarious larval ectoparasitoid wasp in the family Bethylidae, native to Argentina. It parasitizes concealed-feeding lepidopteran larvae and has been evaluated as a biological control agent for multiple agricultural pests including the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana), carob moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae), codling moth (Cydia pomonella), tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta), and cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum). The species exhibits parental care behavior, with females guarding their brood for approximately four days. While it has shown promise in augmentative biological control programs, its effectiveness varies considerably depending on host species and rearing conditions.
parasitoid biological-control ectoparasitoid gregarious parental-care agricultural-pest-management Argentina-native Bethylidae
Gyranusoidea
Gyranusoidea is a genus of encyrtid parasitoid wasps established by Compere in 1947. The genus contains species that are primary parasitoids of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), with several species deployed as biological control agents for agricultural pest management. Gyranusoidea tebygi is the most extensively studied species, introduced from India to West Africa in 1987 to control the invasive mango mealybug Rastrococcus invadens, where it established readily and achieved significant pest suppression. Other species such as G. indica have been reported as parasitoids of additional mealybug pests including Maconellicoccus hirsutus.
Encyrtidae parasitoid biological-control mealybug Rastrococcus classical-biological-control Hymenoptera agricultural-pest-management Togo India West-Africa hyperparasitism interspecific-competition Gyranusoidea-tebygi Gyranusoidea-indica
Harpalus rufipes
strawberry seed beetle
Harpalus rufipes is a trans-palearctic ground beetle commonly known as the strawberry seed beetle. Adults are active from April through November in temperate regions. The species functions as a significant weed seed predator in agricultural ecosystems, with larvae and adults feeding on seeds of various grasses and agricultural crops. It has been widely studied as a biological control agent for weed management and serves as a host for multiple parasites including the braconid wasp Microctonus caudatus and the gregarine protozoan Clitellocephalus ophoni.
ground-beetle Carabidae weed-seed-predator biological-control agricultural-pest-management trans-palearctic cover-crops parasitoid-host gregarine-host
Hemiptarsenus
Hemiptarsenus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae. Species in this genus are primarily known as larval parasitoids of leaf-mining flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae), with some species also attacking Lepidopteran hosts. The genus has been studied extensively for its potential in biological control of agricultural pests, particularly leafminers affecting vegetable crops. Multiple species have been described from Asia, with new species continuing to be discovered in China.
parasitoid biological-control agromyzid leafminer agricultural-pest-management Eulophidae Hymenoptera Indonesia China Australia
Hippodamia convergens
Convergent Lady Beetle, Convergent Ladybug
The convergent lady beetle is among the most common lady beetles in North America, recognized by the distinctive white converging lines on its pronotum. It is a voracious predator of aphids and other soft-bodied insects, with both larvae and adults actively hunting prey. The species exhibits complex life history traits including facultative reproductive diapause triggered by food scarcity, mass aggregations for overwintering in western mountain valleys, and long-distance migratory behavior. It is one of the few natural enemies commercially collected from wild aggregations for biological control distribution, though released beetles often disperse rapidly from release sites.
biological-control aphid-predator diapause migration agricultural-pest-management Coccinellidae North-America-native mass-aggregation tri-trophic-interactions
Idris
Idris is a large genus of parasitic wasps in the family Scelionidae, first described by Förster in 1856. The genus contains over 300 described species worldwide, with many more remaining undescribed. Most species are egg parasitoids, historically associated with spider eggs, though at least one species has been documented parasitizing stink bug eggs. Members are typically very small, measuring 1–2 mm in length, with reduced wing size that facilitates access to concealed host eggs.
parasitoid egg-parasitoid biological-control Scelionidae spider-egg-parasitoid agricultural-pest-management host-switching
Jaliscoa hunteri
Jaliscoa hunteri is a pteromalid parasitoid wasp native to North America that functions as a biological control agent of weevil pests in agricultural systems. Originally described as Catolaccus hunteri in 1908, it was transferred to Jaliscoa in a 2013 revision. The species is best known for parasitizing and host-feeding on pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii) larvae in pepper crops, and has been evaluated for control of hibiscus bud weevil (Anthonomus testaceosquamosus). Laboratory studies demonstrate strong attraction to volatiles emitted by weevil-infested pepper plants and fruit.
parasitoid biological-control agricultural-pest-management pepper-weevil host-feeding Hymenoptera Pteromalidae
Labidura
striped earwigs
Labidura is a genus of earwigs in the family Labiduridae, established by Leach in 1815. The genus includes approximately nine species, with Labidura riparia being the most widespread and cosmopolitan member. Labidura riparia is notable as a predator of agricultural pests, including the Asian corn borer and Mediterranean fruit fly pupae. The Saint Helena earwig (Labidura herculeana), now possibly extinct, was the largest known earwig species. Several Labidura species exhibit subsocial maternal care of eggs and young.
earwig Dermaptera predator biological-control subsocial-behavior maternal-care agricultural-pest-management Labiduridae
Larra
Mole Cricket Hunters
Larra is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Crabronidae, commonly known as mole cricket hunters. These wasps are distributed throughout tropical regions worldwide and have gained prominence as biological control agents for mole cricket pests. The genus was established by Fabricius in 1793 and belongs to the subfamily Crabroninae within the tribe Larrini.
parasitoid biological-control agricultural-pest-management mole-cricket tropical
Lebia grandis
Large Foliage Ground Beetle
Lebia grandis is a North American ground beetle and the largest species in its genus on the continent. Adults are specialist predators of Colorado potato beetle eggs and larvae, consuming up to 23 eggs or 3 third-instar larvae daily. First-instar larvae are obligate parasitoids of Leptinotarsa pupae, developing within host pupal chambers in soil. The species has primarily nocturnal habits and a cryptic life cycle that delayed recognition of its ecological importance for approximately a century after its formal description.
Carabidae Lebia ground-beetle biological-control Colorado-potato-beetle parasitoid predator North-America agricultural-pest-management Leptinotarsa nocturnal
Lema cyanella
Californian Thistle Leaf Beetle
Lema cyanella is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae investigated as a biological control agent for Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense). In Europe, it has been observed breeding primarily on C. arvense, though laboratory studies demonstrate broader feeding and reproductive capacity on Cirsium, Carduus, and Silybum genera. The species was introduced to New Zealand in 1981 and evaluated for release in North America. Females lay an average of 1564 eggs, with development from egg to adult taking approximately 17.6 days under controlled temperature conditions.
biological-control weed-biocontrol agricultural-pest-management invasive-species-management thistle-feeder Chrysomelidae leaf-beetle Palearctic introduced-species
Leptotrachelus dorsalis
Leptotrachelus dorsalis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, distributed across North America including Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Cuba. The species has been documented as a predator of eggs and larvae of Diatraea saccharalis, a significant agricultural pest. As a member of the subfamily Ctenodactylinae, it represents one of the many predatory beetle species contributing to biological control in crop systems.
ground-beetle predator biological-control agricultural-pest-management Diatraea-saccharalis
Lespesia
Lespesia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) distributed from Canada to Chile, with approximately 37 species in the Neotropical Region. Species are endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera caterpillars, with some records from sawfly larvae. The genus includes economically significant species such as L. archippivora, a major parasitoid of monarch butterfly larvae documented through extensive citizen science monitoring.
Tachinidae parasitoid biological-control monarch-butterfly Lepidoptera citizen-science endoparasitoid agricultural-pest-management
Lysiphlebus
Lysiphlebus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Aphidiinae. Species in this genus are endoparasitoids of aphids, with females laying eggs inside aphid hosts where larvae develop and eventually emerge from mummified aphid remains. The genus exhibits remarkable reproductive diversity, including both sexual and asexual lineages, with some species capable of facultative sex. Several species, particularly L. testaceipes, are important biological control agents used in integrated pest management programs worldwide.
parasitoid biological-control aphid parthenogenesis integrated-pest-management chemical-mimicry hymenoptera braconidae agricultural-pest-management thelytoky facultative-sex mummy-formation
Macrocentrinae
Macrocentrinae is a subfamily of braconid parasitic wasps comprising eight recognized genera. Members are relatively large braconids characterized by small teeth on the trochantellus and often exhibit pale coloration and nocturnal habits. They are solitary or gregarious koinobiont endoparasitoids of caterpillars, with documented associations primarily with pyralid moth larvae. Several species have been deployed in biological control programs against agricultural pests.
parasitoid biological-control agricultural-pest-management nocturnal koinobiont Braconidae
Macrocentrus
Macrocentrus is a genus of braconid wasps containing at least 180 described species. Species in this genus are parasitoids of lepidopteran larvae and have been studied extensively for biological control applications. Several species, including M. ancylivorus, M. cingulum, and M. grandii, are economically important as natural enemies of agricultural pests such as the oriental fruit moth, European corn borer, and stalk borers.
parasitoid biological-control Braconidae Hymenoptera agricultural-pest-management lepidopteran-parasitoid
Mesochorus
Mesochorus is a large genus of ichneumonid wasps containing approximately 690-900 described species worldwide. Members are obligate hyperparasitoids that attack the larvae of primary parasitoids, typically ichneumonid or braconid wasps, and occasionally tachinid flies. These primary parasitoids are themselves endoparasitoids of larval Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, placing Mesochorus at the fourth trophic level in complex food webs. The genus has been extensively studied in agricultural contexts due to its interactions with biological control agents.
hyperparasitoid ichneumonidae biological-control food-web agricultural-pest-management trophic-cascade host-location kairomones DNA-barcoding citizen-science
Metaphycus
Metaphycus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, established by Mercet in 1917. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution and comprises numerous species that are important biological control agents, particularly of scale insects (Coccoidea). Species such as Metaphycus helvolus and M. luteolus have been widely used in classical biological control programs against soft scale pests in agriculture.
parasitoid biological-control scale-insect Coccoidea Hymenoptera Encyrtidae agricultural-pest-management