Agricultural-pest
Guides
Euscelidius variegatus
leafhopper
Euscelidius variegatus is a multivoltine, polyphagous leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, widespread across Europe and North America. It serves as a natural vector of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris' (chrysanthemum yellows strain) and as a laboratory vector for Flavescence dorée phytoplasma and the X-disease phytoplasma affecting cherry production. The species has become a model organism for studying phytoplasma-vector interactions due to its ease of laboratory rearing compared to natural vectors like Scaphoideus titanus. Development from egg to adult occurs in approximately 35 days under controlled conditions, with adult longevity averaging 52 days.
Euscelis
Euscelis is a genus of leafhoppers in the subfamily Deltocephalinae, characterized by pronounced phenotypic plasticity driven by photoperiodic cues. Species exhibit seasonal wing polymorphism, producing long-winged (macropterous) dispersal forms under long-day conditions and short-winged (brachypterous) reproductive forms under short-day conditions. Males communicate through substrate-borne vibrational signals produced by abdominal tymbal organs, with species-specific songs functioning in mate recognition and reproductive isolation. The genus occurs primarily in the Palearctic region and includes agricultural pests such as Euscelis lineolata, which damages Medicago crops.
Euscepes
hidden snout weevils
Euscepes is a genus of hidden snout weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing at least 20 described species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, most notably Euscepes postfasciatus (West Indian sweetpotato weevil), which infests sweet potato crops across tropical and subtropical regions. Research on this genus has focused heavily on reproductive behavior and sterile insect technique applications for pest management.
Euscepes postfasciatus
West Indian sweetpotato weevil, hidden snout weevil, scarabee
Euscepes postfasciatus is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae that is a significant agricultural pest of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) across tropical and subtropical regions. The species has been extensively studied for its reproductive biology, including male-produced chemical signals that induce female post-mating unreceptivity and stridulatory communication during courtship. It is a target of sterile insect technique (SIT) eradication programs, particularly in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture, due to its economic impact on sweet potato cultivation.
Euschistus conspersus
consperse stink bug
Euschistus conspersus, the consperse stink bug, is a pentatomid stink bug native to North America and an agricultural pest of processing tomatoes in California. Research has characterized its seasonal pheromone trap response dynamics and established laboratory life history parameters. Females attracted to methyl (2E,4Z)-decadienoate pheromone traps are exclusively reproductively active with matured eggs, enabling phenology-based management strategies targeting susceptible nymphal stages.
Euschistus egglestoni
Euschistus egglestoni is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, genus Euschistus. The genus Euschistus comprises brown stink bugs, a group of related species that are agricultural pests of soybean and other crops. Members of this genus are characterized by their predominantly brown coloration and relatively small size compared to other stink bug pests. Like other Euschistus species, E. egglestoni likely shares the general biology of brown stink bugs, though specific details for this species are poorly documented.
Euschistus politus
Euschistus politus is a brown stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, found in North America. In southern Illinois, it has been observed to have one generation per year, with adults overwintering and emerging in spring. Both nymphs and adults feed on developing seeds of various plants, including soybeans. The species develops through five nymphal instars before reaching adulthood.
Euschistus quadrator
quadrate stink bug
Euschistus quadrator is a stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae, first described by Rolston in 1874. It belongs to the brown stink bug group (Euschistus spp.), which are recognized agricultural pests in soybean and other legume crops. The species occurs across Central America and North America, where it feeds on plant juices using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Like other Euschistus species, it has been observed to cause pod and seed damage in soybeans, though specific damage thresholds for this species have not been independently quantified.
Euschistus tristigmus
Dusky Stink Bug
Euschistus tristigmus, commonly known as the dusky stink bug, is a pentatomid species native to North and Central America. It belongs to the economically important genus Euschistus, which includes several brown stink bug species that are agricultural pests. The species exhibits adult seasonal dimorphism, with morphological differences between spring and summer generations. Research has documented its vertical distribution patterns in pecan orchards, where it shows a preference for canopy habitats compared to the ground-dwelling tendencies of its congener Euschistus servus.
Euschistus variolarius
one-spotted stink bug, onespotted stink bug
Euschistus variolarius, commonly known as the one-spotted stink bug, is a Nearctic species of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae. It is a phytophagous insect that feeds primarily on seeds and developing fruits of various plants, including legumes, grasses, and agricultural crops such as soybean and alfalfa. The species produces one generation per year in northern parts of its range, with adults overwintering in ground debris and emerging in spring to reproduce. While historically considered a minor pest, it has become increasingly recognized as an emerging pest in Midwestern soybean and corn production.
Eustylini
Eustylini is a tribe of broad-nosed weevils (Curculionidae: Entiminae) primarily restricted to the Neotropical region. The tribe comprises approximately 25 genera and 339 described species, with highest diversity in the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. Species are medium to large (10–25 mm) and often strikingly colored with variable scale coverage. The tribe includes notable agricultural pests, particularly Diaprepes abbreviatus, which causes significant economic damage to citrus and other crops. Taxonomic boundaries remain unclear due to phylogenetic clustering with Geonemini.
Euwallacea fornicatus
tea shot-hole borer, polyphagous shot-hole borer, PSHB
Euwallacea fornicatus is an invasive ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) native to Asia that has established populations in North America, Israel, South Africa, Australia, and South America. It is now recognized as part of a cryptic species complex containing at least four distinct species (E. fornicatus, E. fornicatior, E. whitfordiodendrus, and E. kuroshio) that are morphologically indistinguishable but genetically distinct. The species is a significant economic pest of tea, avocado, citrus, and numerous ornamental and native trees, acting as a vector for Fusarium fungi that cause Fusarium dieback disease.
Euxesta
Cornsilk Flies
Euxesta is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, commonly known as cornsilk flies. Multiple species are significant agricultural pests of sweet corn (Zea mays), particularly in Florida, the southeastern United States, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. The genus includes at least four species documented attacking corn in Florida: E. stigmatias, E. eluta, E. annonae, and E. mazorca. Larvae develop within corn ears, feeding on silks and kernels and causing direct crop damage, often in association with secondary fungal infections.
Euxesta annonae
cornsilk fly
Euxesta annonae is a picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, one of four 'cornsilk fly' species documented as pests of sweet corn in Florida. The species has a broad distribution spanning from Florida to Hawaii. Like other cornsilk flies, it exhibits distinctive wing patterning and wing-flapping behavior.
Euxesta nitidiventris
Euxesta nitidiventris is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Hermann Loew in 1873. The species is recognized as a pest of maize, with larvae causing damage to corn crops. It belongs to a genus containing multiple agricultural pest species.
Euxesta stigmatias
Cornsilk fly, Maize silk fly
Euxesta stigmatias is a picture-winged fly (family Ulidiidae) known as the cornsilk fly, a significant agricultural pest of maize in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The species has established invasive populations in North America, including Florida and Hawaii. Larvae develop inside corn ears, feeding on silk and kernels, where they are protected from insecticide applications by the surrounding plant tissue. The species exhibits a normally saprophytic lifestyle but becomes destructive when corn is available.
Euxoa
miller moths, cutworm moths
Euxoa is a genus of noctuid moths established by Jacob Hübner in 1821, comprising approximately 305 species distributed primarily across dry and semi-dry regions of the northern hemisphere. The genus is notably absent from South-East Asia and Australia. Larvae are cutworms that feed on surface vegetation and occasionally climb plants. The genus includes the army cutworm moth (Euxoa auxiliaris), a significant agricultural pest whose adult aggregations serve as a critical food source for grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Euxoa albipennis
White-striped Dart
Euxoa albipennis is a noctuid moth first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1876. It is distributed across southern Canada and the northern United States, with western populations extending to New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The species has a wingspan of 30–35 mm. Larval host plants include Oxytropis, Lupinus, Melilotus, Helianthus, Solanum tuberosum, and Zea mays.
Euxoa annulipes
Ring-legged Cutworm
Euxoa annulipes is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1890. The common name "ring-legged cutworm" refers to characteristic banding on the legs. Like other Euxoa species, the larvae are soil-dwelling caterpillars that feed on plant stems at or near the soil surface. The species is part of a large genus of cutworms that are significant agricultural pests, though specific details about E. annulipes biology are sparse in the literature compared to better-studied congeners such as the army cutworm (Euxoa auxiliaris).
Euxoa auxiliaris
Army Cutworm Moth, Miller Moth
Euxoa auxiliaris, the army cutworm moth, is a seasonal migrant and agricultural pest in the Great Plains of North America. The larval stage damages field crops by cutting stems and feeding on foliage, while adults undertake remarkable long-distance migrations to alpine talus slopes in the Rocky Mountains to escape summer heat. These aggregations serve as a critical, high-calorie food source for grizzly bears during their pre-hibernation hyperphagia. Adults are commonly called 'miller moths' due to the fine, easily-shed wing scales that resemble flour dust.
Euxoa comosa
hairy euxoa moth
Euxoa comosa is a noctuid moth native to northern North America, commonly known as the hairy euxoa moth. The species exhibits considerable geographic variation, with five recognized subspecies distributed across western North America eastward through the northern Great Plains to the Atlantic Ocean. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 32 mm. Larvae are cutworms that have been recorded feeding on Secale cereale (rye) and are likely generalist feeders on various plants.
Euxoa dargo
Euxoa dargo is a noctuid moth species described by Ferdinand Heinrich Hermann Strecker in 1898. It occurs in western North America from south-eastern Manitoba to the southern interior of British Columbia, south to Oregon, southern Idaho, and northern New Mexico, and east to eastern South Dakota. Adults are active from August to September with one generation per year. The species is known to be associated with agricultural settings, with larvae recorded feeding on corn and Salsola species.
Euxoa detersa
Rubbed Dart, Sandhill Cutworm, Sand Cutworm
Euxoa detersa is a noctuid moth commonly known as the rubbed dart, sandhill cutworm, or sand cutworm. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1856 and occurs across northern and eastern North America. Adults are nocturnal and active from July to October, with a single generation annually. The larvae are subterranean cutworms that construct burrows to feed on underground plant parts, making them particularly destructive in sandy agricultural soils.
Euxoa inconcinna
cutworm, dart moth
Euxoa inconcinna is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae. It is found in North America and has been recorded in Colorado. The species is part of a large genus of dart moths, many of which are agricultural pests as larvae. Adults are attracted to light sources.
Euxoa ochrogaster
red-backed cutworm, red-backed cutworm moth
Euxoa ochrogaster, the red-backed cutworm, is a Noctuidae moth with a Holarctic distribution spanning Iceland, northern Europe, and North America from Alaska to Newfoundland and south to Arizona and New Mexico. Adults are active from late July to early September, with flight phenology tied to accumulated degree-days above 12.5°C. The larvae are generalist feeders on broad-leaved plants and grasses, including Plantago species, and are economically significant as pests of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in North America. Laboratory studies indicate eggs possess a moderately severe diapause terminated more quickly at 5°C, with development rates varying inversely with temperature.
Euxoa punctigera
Euxoa punctigera is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It belongs to a large genus of cutworm moths whose larvae are significant agricultural pests. The species was described by Walker in 1865 and is found in North America. Like other Euxoa species, the larvae likely exhibit typical cutworm behavior, feeding on plant stems at or below the soil surface.
Euxoa riversii
Rivers' Cutworm, Rivers' Dart Moth
Euxoa riversii is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, native to North America. Like other Euxoa species, it is a nocturnal moth whose larvae are likely cutworms that feed on plants. The species was described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1903. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10868 in the North American moth numbering system.
Euxoa scandens
white cutworm, white cutworm moth
Euxoa scandens, commonly known as the white cutworm, is a noctuid moth native to North America. It is recognized as a sporadic agricultural pest, particularly affecting tobacco in Quebec, asparagus in Michigan, and various vegetable crops grown in light sandy soils. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with immature larvae overwintering and resuming feeding in spring, causing significant damage to young plants. Adult moths emerge and oviposit from late June through late July. Research has focused on developing female sex pheromone-based monitoring systems to improve management of this pest.
Euxoa serricornis
cutworm, dart moth
Euxoa serricornis is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, found in North America. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are known as cutworms—generalist feeders that sever plant stems at or near the soil surface. The species is one of many Euxoa spp. that can be agricultural pests, though specific documentation of E. serricornis damage is sparse. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Euxoa servitus
Slave Dart
Euxoa servitus, commonly known as the slave dart, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It is one of many Euxoa species that can damage agricultural crops, particularly small grains and sorghum. The larvae are typical cutworms that feed at night and hide in soil during the day. The species is assigned MONA (Moth Photographers Group) or Hodges number 10854.
Euxoa silens
silent dart
Euxoa silens, commonly known as the silent dart, is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Alberta and Manitoba in Canada. The species is part of a large genus of dart moths, many of which are significant agricultural pests as larvae.
Euxoa terrenus
cutworm, dart moth
Euxoa terrenus is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It occurs in North America, where the larvae feed as generalist herbivores on various plants. The species is one of many Euxoa species known as cutworms, with larvae that typically feed at night and hide in soil during the day. Adult moths are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Euxoa tessellata
tessellate dart, striped cutworm
Euxoa tessellata, commonly known as the tessellate dart or striped cutworm, is a noctuid moth recognized as the most widespread Euxoa species in North America. The adult moth has a wingspan of 30–38 mm and is active from June to September. Its larvae are known agricultural pests that feed on tobacco, garden crops, and the leaves of apple, cherry, and pear trees. The species forms the tessellata group with E. plagigera, with which it can hybridize in laboratory conditions, though resulting offspring are sterile.
Euxoa tristicula
early cutworm
Euxoa tristicula, the early cutworm, is a noctuid moth found along the Pacific coast of North America from British Columbia to central California. Adults have a wingspan of 38–42 mm and are active from late spring through early September. The species inhabits coastal rainforests and mixed forest habitats west of the Cascade Mountains.
Euzophera
snout moths
Euzophera is a genus of snout moths (Pyralidae) established by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1867. The genus comprises approximately 70 described species distributed across multiple continents, with larvae that typically bore into plant tissues. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including stem borers of solanaceous crops and fruit borers of pomegranate. The genus exhibits considerable diversity in host plant associations, ranging from monophagous specialists to oligophagous generalists within particular plant families.
Evacanthus
Evacanthus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, first described in 1828. Species in this genus are found across Eurasia and North America. One species, Evacanthus interruptus, has been identified as an economically significant pest of agricultural and horticultural crops.
Evergestis
Evergestis is a genus of crambid moths established by Jacob Hübner in 1825. Species within this genus are distributed across the Palaearctic region, with some exhibiting highly disjunct, fragmented distributions. Several species are documented agricultural pests of cruciferous crops, including E. rimosalis (cross-striped cabbageworm) and E. forficalis. The genus has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, with new species described from Central Asia and Iran.
Feltia herilis
Master's Dart, Herald Dart
Feltia herilis, commonly known as Master's Dart or Herald Dart, is a noctuid moth native to North America. First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873, this species has one generation per year with adults active from July through October. The larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of plants including crops, forages, vegetables, forbs, and herbs. Adults have been observed feeding on nectar, with one documented instance on Liatris.
Feltia jaculifera
Dingy Cutworm Moth, Bent-line Dart, Dingy Cutworm
Feltia jaculifera, commonly known as the dingy cutworm moth or bent-line dart, is a widespread noctuid moth found throughout North America. Adults are nocturnal and active from July to November, often attracted to lights. The larvae are generalist feeders known as cutworms, feeding on over forty plant species including agricultural crops and garden vegetables. The species is frequently confused with three congeners: F. herilis, F. subgothica, and F. tricosa.
Feltia subgothica
gothic dart, subgothic dart, tricose dart
Feltia subgothica, commonly known as the gothic dart or subgothic dart, is a noctuid moth species found in central North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 34 mm and are active from July to September. The species is notable for its polyphagous larvae, which have been documented feeding on over 40 plant species spanning crops, forages, vegetables, and forbs.
Feltia subterranea
granulate cutworm, subterranean dart moth, tawny shoulder, Subterranean Dart
Feltia subterranea is a noctuid moth whose larvae are subterranean cutworms feeding on plant roots and crowns. The species has a broad geographic range spanning North, Central, and South America, as well as Hawaii. Adults have a wingspan of 38–44 mm and are known to pollinate fetterbush lyonia. The larvae are polyphagous pests of numerous agricultural crops.
Ferrisia
mealybugs
Ferrisia is a genus of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) established by David T. Fullaway in 1923 with F. virgata as the type species. The genus underwent taxonomic revision in 2012, resulting in recognition of 18 species including eight newly described species, and the transfer of F. floridana to the new genus Pseudoferrisia. Species of Ferrisia are characterized by distinctive morphological features including enlarged dorsal tubular ducts with associated discoidal pores, and ventral oral-collar tubular ducts of varying sizes. The genus is native to the Americas but includes species now found worldwide, with F. virgata being a particularly widespread and economically significant pest.
Ferrisia virgata
striped mealybug, grey mealybug
Ferrisia virgata, commonly known as the striped mealybug, is a highly polyphagous pest species in the family Pseudococcidae. First described from Jamaica in 1893, it spread globally within approximately a decade and is now established in all tropical and subtropical zoogeographic regions. The species is recognized by two dark dorsal longitudinal stripes and is a significant agricultural pest with a host range spanning over 203 genera in 77 plant families. It vectors plant badnavirus diseases affecting cocoa and black pepper, and has been demonstrated to acquire but not effectively transmit 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus', the bacterium associated with citrus huanglongbing.
Fieberiella
Fieberiella is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, comprising at least 20 described species. The genus was established by Signoret in 1880. Members are phloem-feeding insects with documented significance as vectors of plant pathogens, particularly phytoplasmas affecting fruit trees. The best-studied species, Fieberiella florii, has been confirmed as a vector of "Candidatus Phytoplasma mali" causing apple proliferation disease.
Fieberiella florii
privet leafhopper, Flor's leafhopper, cherry leafhopper
Fieberiella florii is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, native to Europe and established in North America. It is a phloem-feeding insect that develops on multiple woody host plants, particularly in stone fruit orchards and surrounding vegetation. The species has been experimentally confirmed as a vector of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma mali', the causal agent of apple proliferation disease. In western Oregon, it shows a distinct seasonal cycle with overwintering eggs, spring nymph emergence, and peak adult populations in summer.
Fieberiellini
Fieberiellini is a tribe of leafhoppers in the subfamily Deltocephalinae, containing 48 species across 10 genera. Members are predominantly native to the southern Palaearctic region, with some species established adventively in the Nearctic. The tribe includes economically significant species such as Fieberiella florii, a known vector of phytoplasma diseases affecting cherry trees.
Fiorinia theae
tea scale
Fiorinia theae, known as the tea scale, is an armored scale insect native to Asia that has become an established pest in the Americas. It is polyphagous on woody plants, with primary hosts including tea (Camellia sinensis), ornamental camellias, and hollies (Ilex species). Heavy infestations cause leaf yellowing, premature defoliation, branch dieback, and plant death. The species is multivoltine in warmer climates, with overlapping generations and year-round activity in southern regions.
Fissicrambus
Grass-veneers
Fissicrambus is a genus of grass-veneer moths in the family Crambidae, established by Bleszynski in 1963. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed primarily in North America. Several species, notably F. mutabilis, are recognized as agricultural pests of turfgrass, wheat, and corn. Larvae are commonly known as sod webworms due to their habit of constructing silk-lined burrows in soil.
Flatidae
Flatid Planthoppers
Flatidae are a family of planthoppers in the superfamily Fulgoroidea, distributed worldwide. Adults of some species display brightly colored forewings (tegmina), while others are camouflaged with waxy secretions. They feed on phloem sap and some species communicate using substrate-borne vibrations through plant stems. The family contains two subfamilies distinguished by body shape and wing posture: Flatinae with laterally flattened bodies and tent-like tegmina, and Flatoidinae with uncompressed bodies and more horizontal wing positioning.
Flatinae
Flatinae is a subfamily of planthoppers within the family Flatidae, erected by Maximilian Spinola in 1839. Adults are distinguished by bodies that are flattened laterally and tegmina held in a tent-like posture, unlike the related Flatoidinae. The subfamily is cosmopolitan in tropical and subtropical regions, with records from all continents except Antarctica.