Agricultural-pest
Guides
Forficula
earwigs
Forficula is the largest genus of earwigs, containing at least 68 species. The genus was established by Linnaeus in 1758 and is native to Afro-Eurasia, primarily Europe, though it now occurs on all continents except Antarctica. The best known species is Forficula auricularia, a common household and agricultural pest that has been introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Members of this genus exhibit maternal care of eggs and nymphs, a rare trait among insects.
Forficula auricularia
European earwig, common earwig
Forficula auricularia is an omnivorous earwig native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, now invasive across North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It is recognized by forceps-like cerci—curved in males, straight in females—and concealed hindwings that unfold to resemble human ears, inspiring both its common name and specific epithet. The species exhibits extended maternal care, with females guarding eggs and nymphs in underground nests. Population dynamics vary geographically: temperate populations typically produce one brood annually, while warmer regions may support two broods.
Forficulidae
common earwigs
Forficulidae is a large family of earwigs containing over 70 genera and more than 500 described species. Members possess the characteristic forceps-like cerci at the abdomen tip that define the order Dermaptera. The family includes notable species such as the European earwig (Forficula auricularia), which has been introduced globally and studied extensively for its agricultural impacts. Forficulidae was formerly treated as a suborder (Forficulina) but is now classified within the suborder Neodermaptera.
Frankliniella
Frankliniella is a genus of thrips in the family Thripidae containing approximately 230 species with cosmopolitan distribution. The genus was established by Karny in 1910. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably Frankliniella occidentalis (western flower thrips) and F. intonsa, which cause direct feeding damage and vector plant viruses including tomato spotted wilt virus. Species exhibit considerable morphological variability, complicating identification.
Frankliniella occidentalis
Western Flower Thrips, alfalfa thrips, California thrips
Frankliniella occidentalis, the western flower thrips, is a minute insect native to the southwestern United States that has become a globally significant agricultural pest. Adults measure approximately 1.5 mm in length. The species feeds on plant fluids by piercing and sucking, causing direct damage to hundreds of host species including tomatoes, grapes, strawberries, soybeans, and ornamentals. Its economic impact is compounded by its role as the principal vector of Tomato spotted wilt virus and other tospoviruses, which cause billions of dollars in annual crop losses worldwide. The species exhibits arrhenotokous parthenogenesis, where unfertilized females produce haploid males. It has demonstrated high resistance to pesticides and has spread to Europe, Australia, South America, Asia, and Africa through transport of infested plant material.
Gargaphia
Gargaphia is a genus of lace bugs (family Tingidae) containing more than 70 described species. Members are small, phytophagous true bugs characterized by intricate reticulated forewings. Several species are economically significant as agricultural pests, particularly on solanaceous crops and passion fruit. The genus is notable for exhibiting maternal care behaviors, including egg guarding and defensive responses to predators.
Gargaphia solani
eggplant lace bug
Gargaphia solani is a subsocial lace bug in the family Tingidae, described by Heidemann in 1914 after emerging as a pest of eggplant in Norfolk, Virginia. It is the first species in its family in which maternal care was discovered. Females guard circular egg masses on leaf undersides and defend nymphs against predators, a behavior essential for offspring survival given heavy predation pressure. Development from egg to adult takes approximately 20 days, with nymphs passing through five instars. The species is a significant agricultural pest of solanaceous crops and has been extensively studied for its reproductive trade-offs and the evolution of parental care.
Gelechiidae
twirler moths, gelechiid moths
Gelechiidae is a large family of small moths, commonly known as twirler moths, that serves as the namesake family for the superfamily Gelechioidea. The family contains over 4,500 described species across more than 900 genera, with particularly high diversity in North America. Members are characterized by their small size, narrow fringed wings, and larvae that typically feed internally on host plant tissues. Many species are significant agricultural pests, while others have been employed for biological control of invasive plants.
Geomyza
frit flies
Geomyza is a genus of frit flies in the family Opomyzidae, comprising at least 30 described species. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, notably Geomyza tripunctata, whose larvae feed internally on grasses and cereals, killing the central shoot. These flies are distributed across the Holarctic region, with documented occurrences in Europe and North America. Larvae serve as hosts for hymenopterous parasitoids in grassland ecosystems.
Geopinus
Geopinus is a monotypic genus of ground beetles (family Carabidae) containing only the species Geopinus incrassatus. The genus is classified within the tribe Anisodactylini. The single known species has been documented feeding on seedlings in agricultural seed beds.
Glischrochilus quadrisignatus
Four-spotted Sap Beetle, Four-spotted Fungus Beetle, Beer Bug, Picnic Beetle
Glischrochilus quadrisignatus is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, commonly known as the four-spotted sap beetle or picnic beetle. It is native to North America and has been introduced to parts of Europe including Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, and Austria. The species is strongly attracted to fermenting plant fluids, overripe fruits, and fungal growths, and is a notable pest of sweet corn and other crops. It has been studied for its complex ecological interactions, including its role as a mortality factor for European corn borer larvae and its potential as a biological control agent.
Glyptoscelis
Glyptoscelis is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae, tribe Eumolpini. The genus contains 38 described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. One species, Glyptoscelis squamulata, is a documented agricultural pest of grape vines in southern California. The genus was historically classified in tribe Adoxini but has been reassigned to Eumolpini based on current taxonomy.
Gonocephalum
Dusty Surface Beetles, false wireworms
Gonocephalum is a large genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) comprising over 350 described species with worldwide distribution on every continent except Antarctica. Commonly known as 'Dusty Surface Beetles' or 'false wireworms,' members of this genus are characterized by elongated bodies and the ecological habit of sheltering under stones, fallen leaves, or debris. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly in Australia where they damage seedling field crops including sorghum, sunflower, soybeans, and mungbeans. The genus serves as host for various parasites including microsporidians, haplosporidians, and mites.
Gonodonta bidens
fruit-piercing moth
Gonodonta bidens is a fruit-piercing moth in the family Erebidae, found in North America. The species is classified under the MONA/Hodges number 8542.1. Three subspecies are recognized: G. b. bidens, G. b. meridionalis (Todd, 1959), and G. b. tenebrosa (Todd, 1959). As a member of the genus Gonodonta, it belongs to a group of moths known for their specialized feeding behavior on ripe or overripe fruit.
Gonodonta nutrix
Citrus fruitpiercer
Gonodonta nutrix, commonly known as the citrus fruitpiercer, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Pieter Cramer in 1780. The species is distributed across the Caribbean and from North to South America, with larvae that feed on Annona species.
Gracillariidae
Leaf Blotch Miner Moths, Leaf Miner Moths
Gracillariidae is a large family of small moths in the order Lepidoptera, comprising approximately 98 described genera and many undescribed tropical species. Adults are typically diminutive with wingspans of 5–20 mm. The family is best known as the principal group of leaf-mining moths, with larvae that feed internally within leaf tissue. Several species are economically significant agricultural and horticultural pests, including the invasive horse-chestnut leaf miner (Cameraria ohridella). The family has a fossil record extending to 97 million years ago, with Phyllocnistinae leaf mines preserved in Cretaceous rocks.
Graminella
Graminella is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, comprising at least 30 described species. The genus is best known through extensive research on Graminella nigrifrons (black-faced leafhopper), a significant agricultural pest and plant virus vector in North American maize systems. Members of this genus feed on grasses and grass-family crops, with documented vectoring capacity for multiple economically important plant pathogens including corn stunt spiroplasma, maize chlorotic dwarf virus, and maize fine streak virus.
Graminella nigrifrons
black-faced leafhopper
Graminella nigrifrons is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae that serves as a significant agricultural pest and plant virus vector. It transmits multiple agronomically important pathogens including corn stunt virus, maize chlorotic dwarf virus, maize fine streak virus, and phytoplasmas. The species feeds on phloem sap of maize, sorghum, oats, and various grass species. Research has characterized its salivary gland transcriptome, revealing 14,297 salivary gland-enriched transcripts and 195 predicted secretory peptides involved in host feeding and potential modulation of plant defenses.
Graphocephala
sharpshooters, leafhoppers
Graphocephala is a large genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as sharpshooters. The genus is notable for its colorful, often vividly patterned species and its economic significance as vectors of plant pathogens. Members range from southern Canada to northern South America, with several species extensively studied for their role in transmitting Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium causing Pierce's disease in grapevines. The genus includes well-known species such as the candy-striped leafhopper (G. coccinea) and the blue-green sharpshooter (G. atropunctata), a principal native vector of X. fastidiosa in California vineyards.
Grapholita
Grapholita is a large genus of tortrix moths comprising approximately 126 recognized species. Established by Georg Friedrich Treitschke in 1829, it serves as the type genus for the tribe Grapholitini within subfamily Olethreutinae. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, notably the Oriental fruit moth (G. molesta), plum moth (G. funebrana), and Eurasian hemp borer (G. delineana), which infest fruits and reproductive structures of host plants. Species delimitation between Grapholita and the related genus Cydia remains under investigation.
Gretchena bolliana
Pecan Bud Moth, Gray-flanked Gretchena Moth
Gretchena bolliana is a small tortricid moth native to the southern and southwestern United States. The species is an economic pest of pecan orchards, where larvae feed on foliage of Carya illinoinensis. It completes multiple generations annually in its warm-climate range.
Gryllidea
crickets
Gryllidea is an infraorder within the suborder Ensifera comprising crickets and their relatives. The group contains two superfamilies—Grylloidea (true crickets, tree crickets, scaly crickets, and allies) and Gryllotalpoidea (mole crickets and ant crickets)—encompassing more than 6,000 described species globally. Members are characterized by acoustic communication through stridulation, with males producing species-specific songs to attract mates. The infraorder originated in the Triassic period approximately 250–200 million years ago and represents the third most diverse group within Orthoptera.
cricketsOrthopteraEnsiferaacoustic-communicationstridulationmole-cricketsant-cricketsmyrmecophilybioacousticsedible-insectsagricultural-pesthousehold-pestTriassic-originhemimetabolous-developmentkleptoparasitismchemical-mimicryautotomythigmotaxisinvasive-speciesDiestrammena-asynamoraAcheta-domesticusGryllodes-sigillatusGryllus-firmusParagordius-variushost-parasite-interactionsmitochondrial-genomicspositive-selectioncox1Nearctic-faunaYunnan-biodiversityurban-ecologysoil-ecosystem-engineeringdecomposerfood-securityalternative-proteinGryllotalpa
mole crickets
Gryllotalpa is a genus of mole crickets in the family Gryllotalpidae, characterized by highly modified fossorial front legs adapted for digging. The genus contains numerous species distributed across Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, with several cryptic species complexes distinguished primarily by song patterns. Species within this genus are found in diverse habitats ranging from steppe zones and wet grasslands to gardens and agricultural fields. Some species, particularly Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa, are of conservation concern in parts of Europe while also being agricultural pests in other regions.
Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa
European mole cricket
Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa, the European mole cricket, is a subterranean insect native to the Western Palaearctic and introduced to the eastern United States. It is characterized by fossorial forelegs adapted for digging, velvety body covering, and a subterranean lifestyle. The species is now understood to represent a cryptic species complex distinguishable by song patterns. In the United Kingdom, it is legally protected and considered endangered due to dramatic range contraction.
Gryllus
field cricket
Gryllus is a widespread genus of field crickets in the family Gryllidae, with members found across Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Adults typically measure 15–31 mm and are darkly colored. Species in this genus are often difficult to distinguish from related genera based on external morphology alone; male genitalia, particularly the structure of the epithallus, provide more reliable identification characters. The genus has been extensively studied for its acoustic communication, with male calling songs used for mate attraction and territorial defense.
Gymnandrosoma
Gymnandrosoma is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Grapholitini. The genus includes at least eight described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Gymnandrosoma aurantianum, the most economically significant species, is a major agricultural pest known as the citrus fruit borer in Brazil and the macadamia nut borer in Central America. Other species in the genus have been described from North and South America, with limited biological information available.
Gymnocarena diffusa
Sunflower Receptacle Maggot
Gymnocarena diffusa is a tephritid fruit fly that develops exclusively on sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Adults are pale with patterned wings and feed on extrafloral nectaries. Females lay eggs between bract layers on sunflower heads, and larvae bore into the head to feed on developing tissues. The species is known from North Dakota and has been observed in Canada and the United States. It completes one generation per year, with larvae overwintering in soil after exiting the sunflower head.
Gyropsylla
paraguay tea ampul, ampola da erva-mate
Gyropsylla is a genus of psyllids in the family Aphalaridae, containing species that are significant agricultural pests of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis). The genus includes G. spegazziniana, commonly known as 'paraguay tea ampul' or 'ampola da erva-mate', which is a major pest in southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina where yerba mate is cultivated. These insects are phloem feeders that damage the economically important native crop. No registered insecticides exist for this pest in Brazil, making biological control research particularly important.
Haimbachia
Haimbachia is a genus of crambid moths comprising approximately 30 described species distributed across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The genus was established by Dyar in 1909. At least one species, Haimbachia ignefusalis (formerly placed in the genus Contesta), has been documented as an agricultural pest with studied oviposition preferences and habitat selection behavior. Most species appear to be small, relatively nondescript moths with limited published ecological data.
Halticus
fleahoppers, jumping plant bugs
Halticus is a genus of fleahoppers in the family Miridae, containing at least 20 described species. Members are commonly known as jumping plant bugs due to their characteristic leaping behavior. Some species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of cotton and sweet potato, while at least one species has been identified as a putative vector of phytoplasma plant pathogens.
Halyomorpha
Halyomorpha is a genus of shield bugs (family Pentatomidae) in the subfamily Pentatominae and tribe Cappaeini, erected by G. Mayr in 1864. The genus likely originated in Asia. Halyomorpha halys, the brown marmorated stink bug, is the most well-known species and has become a globally significant invasive pest. The genus is characterized by shield-shaped bodies typical of pentatomids.
Halyomorpha halys
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, BMSB
Halyomorpha halys is an invasive shield bug native to East Asia that has become a major agricultural and nuisance pest across North America, Europe, and beyond. First detected in Pennsylvania in 1998, it has spread to at least 47 U.S. states, 4 Canadian provinces, and numerous European countries. The species is highly polyphagous, feeding on over 300 plant species across 49 families, with particular preference for Rosaceae. Its invasion success is facilitated by high mobility, broad host range, and absence of natural enemies in invaded ranges. Natural control is emerging through adventive populations of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus and other native predators and pathogens.
Haplaxius
Haplaxius is a genus of cixiid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) in the tribe Oecleini, containing at least 60 described species with a New World distribution. The genus was reinstated by Emeljanov in 1989 for New World species formerly placed in Myndus. Several species are economically significant as vectors of phytoplasmas causing lethal diseases in palms. Haplaxius crudus transmits Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae, the causal agent of lethal yellowing in coconut palms and lethal wilt in oil palms, causing substantial agricultural losses in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and the southern United States.
Haplaxius crudus
American Palm Cixiid, palm leafhopper
Haplaxius crudus is a cixiid planthopper and the primary known vector of lethal yellowing phytoplasma, a devastating disease of palms. The species has a complex life cycle split between two distinct host groups: nymphs develop on grasses and sedges, while adults feed exclusively on palms. This host alternation makes management challenging, as nymphs and adults occupy different habitats. The species is economically significant across the Caribbean, Florida, and tropical America, where it has caused millions of palm deaths and substantial agricultural losses.
Harmonia axyridis
harlequin ladybird, multicolored Asian lady beetle, Asian lady beetle, Halloween beetle
Harmonia axyridis is a highly variable coccinellid beetle native to eastern Asia, introduced to North America and Europe beginning in 1916 for biological control of aphids and scale insects. It became established in the wild in North America around 1988 and has since spread across multiple continents, becoming one of the world's most invasive insects. The species exhibits exceptional color polymorphism, with forms ranging from orange-red with black spots to entirely black with red markings. It is now recognized as a significant threat to native ladybird populations through competition and intraguild predation, while also functioning as a household nuisance pest and occasional agricultural contaminant.
Harrisina
grapeleaf skeletonizer moths
Harrisina is a genus of moths in the family Zygaenidae, commonly known as grapeleaf skeletonizer moths. The genus includes several species, notably Harrisina americana (grapeleaf skeletonizer) and Harrisina metallica (western grapeleaf skeletonizer), which are significant agricultural pests of grapevines. Members of this genus are characterized by their aposematic coloration—typically black with bright red or metallic markings—and their ability to produce hydrogen cyanide as a chemical defense. The larvae feed gregariously on grape foliage, skeletonizing leaves by consuming the tissue between the veins.
Heilipus
pine weevils
Heilipus is a genus of New World weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing over 280 described species distributed from the southern United States to northern Argentina. The genus is characterized by two primary feeding guilds: seed borers that develop within fruits of Lauraceae, and trunk borers that tunnel into stems of host trees. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of avocado (Persea americana) and other commercial crops. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest has been proposed as a possible center of origin for the genus based on high diversity of both weevils and host plants.
Helcystogramma
Helcystogramma is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1877. The genus contains approximately 93+ described species distributed almost worldwide, with highest diversity in Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably of malvaceous and convolvulaceous crops. Larvae are characterized by leaf-folding behavior, feeding within folded or rolled leaves.
Helicoverpa
Heliothine moths, bollworms, earworms
Helicoverpa is a genus of noctuid moths established by David F. Hardwick in 1965. Several species rank among the world's most destructive agricultural pests, particularly H. armigera (cotton bollworm), H. zea (corn earworm/cotton bollworm), and H. punctigera. These species exhibit long-distance migration capabilities, with H. armigera recently expanding from the Old World into the Americas and threatening to establish in the continental United States. The genus is notable for rapid evolution of insecticide resistance, including documented introgression of resistance genes between sibling species H. zea and invasive H. armigera.
Helicoverpa zea
corn earworm, cotton bollworm, tomato fruitworm, soybean podworm
Helicoverpa zea is a major agricultural pest moth native to the Americas. The larvae are highly polyphagous, feeding on reproductive structures of numerous crop plants including corn, cotton, tomato, and soybean. The species has developed widespread resistance to many insecticides and Bt toxins. Adults are nocturnal seasonal migrants capable of traveling hundreds of kilometers on wind currents. Recent hybridization with the invasive Old World bollworm (H. armigera) has introduced additional resistance genes through introgression.
Heliocheilus
Heliocheilus is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Heliothinae, established by Grote in 1865. The genus contains species distributed across multiple continents, with at least one species, Heliocheilus albipunctella, recognized as a significant agricultural pest of pearl millet in sub-Saharan Africa. Formerly known as Canthylidia, this genus is part of a diverse group of noctuid moths with varied ecological roles.
Heliothis
Heliothis is a genus of noctuid moths established by Ochsenheimer in 1816. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with several economically important species formerly placed here now reclassified to Helicoverpa and Chloridea. Larvae of remaining Heliothis species are agricultural pests on crops including tobacco, cotton, soybean, and pigeon pea. The genus is characterized by specific morphological features including porrect palpi with long hair on the second joint, a short third palpal joint, and distinctive venation patterns in the forewing.
Hellula
cabbage webworm, cabbage centre grub, cabbage budworm moth
Hellula is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, established by Achille Guenée in 1854. The genus includes approximately ten described species distributed worldwide in warm regions. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of brassica crops. The most economically important species, Hellula undalis (cabbage webworm) and H. hydralis (cabbage centre grub), cause substantial damage to cabbage and related crops through larval feeding on stems and leaves.
Hellula rogatalis
Cabbage Webworm, Cabbage Webworm Moth
Hellula rogatalis, commonly known as the cabbage webworm, is a small crambid moth native to North America. The species is a significant agricultural pest whose larvae feed on Brassicaceae crops and related plants. Adults are active from spring through fall, with multiple generations occurring annually in southern regions. The species was first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886.
Helvibotys helvialis
Helvibotys helvialis is a crambid moth described by Francis Walker in 1859. It is widespread across North America, ranging from California to Florida and northward to eastern Canada and the Midwest. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wingspan, with males slightly larger than females. Larvae are associated with amaranths and beets.
Hemeroblemma mexicana
Hemeroblemma mexicana is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Guenée in 1852. The species is distributed across Mexico and Central America, with a single documented occurrence in southern Texas (Starr County, 2012). Larvae have been recorded feeding on cacao leaves, causing damage in some years.
Hendecaneura
Hendecaneura is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, established by Walsingham in 1900. The genus contains seven described species distributed primarily in Asia and North America. At least one species, H. shawiana, is a documented agricultural pest of blueberry. Most species were described by Walsingham in 1900 from material collected in Asia.
Hendecaneura shawiana
Blueberry Tip Borer Moth
Hendecaneura shawiana is a tortricid moth commonly known as the blueberry tip borer. It is a univoltine species with one generation per year. The larvae are specialized feeders that bore into the shoot tips of blueberry plants, causing characteristic dieback damage. It is recognized as a pest of cultivated blueberry in northeastern North America.
Hercinothrips
Hercinothrips is a genus of thrips in the family Thripidae, subfamily Panchaetothripinae, containing several economically significant pest species. The most widely documented species, H. femoralis (banded greenhouse thrips), is a pantropical invader that has established in greenhouses worldwide and feeds on a broad range of vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. Members of this genus are characterized by their small size, fringed wings, and piercing-sucking mouthparts that cause characteristic silvery streaking and discoloration on host foliage.
Hercinothrips femoralis
Banded Greenhouse Thrips
Hercinothrips femoralis is a pantropical thrips species and significant agricultural pest known as the banded greenhouse thrips. It infests a wide range of crops including bananas, cotton, pineapple, sugar beet, sugar cane, and ornamentals, causing characteristic silver streaking and discoloration of leaf tissue through its piercing-sucking feeding. The species exhibits remarkable phenotypic plasticity with a "phenotype explosion" phenomenon—multiple color morphs and forms that facilitate successful colonization of new regions. Under laboratory conditions at 25°C, it completes development from egg to adult in approximately 21 days with high fecundity (averaging 133 offspring per female), enabling rapid population growth in greenhouses.