Agricultural-pest
Guides
Herpetogramma fluctuosalis
Greater Sweet Potato Webworm Moth
Herpetogramma fluctuosalis, commonly known as the greater sweet potato webworm moth, is a crambid moth distributed across the southeastern United States, Mexico, and the West Indies. Adults have a wingspan of 22–25 mm and are active primarily from April through July, with additional activity in October and December in Florida. The species is associated with agricultural and natural habitats where its larval host plants occur.
Heteroderes amplicollis
Gulf Wireworm
Heteroderes amplicollis is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Gulf Wireworm. The species is part of a genus whose larvae are known as wireworms, soil-dwelling pests that feed on plant roots and tubers. Adults are typically encountered in field settings and can be found on vegetation.
Heterostylum robustum
bomber fly
Heterostylum robustum is a parasitic bee fly (Diptera: Bombyliidae) commonly known as the bomber fly. It is a significant parasitoid of ground-nesting bees, particularly the alkali bee Nomia melanderi, an important pollinator of alfalfa in western North America. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism and has a complex life cycle involving active larval host-seeking behavior and overwintering underground. Its parasitic strategy involves launching eggs into host nests rather than direct contact with hosts.
Hishimonus
Hishimonus is a genus of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) established by Ishihara in 1953. Species in this genus are distributed across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, with particular diversity in the Indian subcontinent. Multiple Hishimonus species are economically significant as vectors of phytoplasma diseases affecting citrus, jujube, brinjal (eggplant), and other crops. H. phycitis transmits witches'-broom disease of lime and brinjal little leaf disease; H. hamatus transmits jujube witches' broom; and H. sellatus transmits Rhus yellows. Several species have been introduced to Europe, including H. diffractus and H. hamatus.
Homalodisca
sharpshooters
Homalodisca is a genus of large leafhoppers (sharpshooters) in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Proconiini. The genus contains approximately 18 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. The most economically significant species is Homalodisca vitripennis (formerly H. coagulata), commonly known as the glassy-winged sharpshooter, a major agricultural pest and vector of Xylella fastidiosa bacteria causing Pierce's disease in grapevines and other plant diseases. Members of this genus are characterized by their relatively large size among leafhoppers, xylem-feeding habits, and strong flight capabilities.
Homalodisca insolita
johnsongrass sharpshooter
Homalodisca insolita, commonly known as the johnsongrass sharpshooter, is a proconiine sharpshooter in the family Cicadellidae. It is native to southern North America and has been documented spreading northward into the southeastern United States. The species is a known vector of Xylella fastidiosa, a xylem-limited bacterium that causes Pierce's disease in grapevines and other plant diseases. Its eggs serve as hosts for egg parasitoids including Paracentrobia americana (Trichogrammatidae).
Homalodisca liturata
smoketree sharpshooter, lacertate sharpshooter
Homalodisca liturata, commonly known as the smoketree sharpshooter or lacertate sharpshooter, is a relatively large leafhopper species native to North America, measuring approximately 13 mm in length. The species exhibits strong host-plant associations, with documented preference for desert smoketree (Psorothamnus spinosus) where available, though it utilizes multiple host species. H. liturata is a known vector of Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterial pathogen causing Pierce's disease in grapevines and other plant diseases. Both sexes produce acoustic signals, a notable behavioral trait among sharpshooters. The species has been documented harboring phytoplasma bacteria related to 'Candidatus Phytoplasma hispanicum' in its salivary glands, suggesting potential involvement in transmitting yellows-type diseases.
Homoeosoma
sunflower moth
Homoeosoma is a genus of pyralid moths (family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae) containing multiple species associated with plants in the Asteraceae family. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, particularly of sunflower (Helianthus annuus), as well as species feeding on weedy composites such as ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and thistles. Several species have been studied extensively for their host plant relationships, chemical ecology, and potential for biological control of invasive weeds.
Homotoma
fig psylla
Homotoma is a genus of psyllids (jumping plant-lice) erected by Félix Guérin-Méneville in 1844. Members are primarily Palaearctic in distribution and represent the type genus of the subfamily Homotominae. Species in this genus are strongly associated with Ficus (fig) host plants, with several species documented as pests of cultivated figs. The genus includes economically significant species such as Homotoma ficus and Homotoma indica.
Homotoma ficus
Mediterranean fig psyllid, fig psylla
Homotoma ficus is a Mediterranean psyllid species in the family Homotomidae, commonly known as the Mediterranean fig psyllid or fig psylla. It has been introduced to regions outside its native range, including Serbia, through the cultivation of fig plants. The species can cause economic damage to its host plant in certain years. First described by Linnaeus in 1758 as Chermes ficus, it is now classified under the genus Homotoma.
Hoplia callipyge
Grapevine Hoplia
Hoplia callipyge is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the Grapevine Hoplia. Adults are active in spring and are recognized as minor agricultural and garden pests due to their feeding on rose petals and other flowers. The species occurs in western North America from British Columbia to Baja California. Larvae develop in soil, feeding on roots and decaying organic matter.
Hoplocampini
Hoplocampini is a tribe of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, suborder Symphyta. Members are small to medium-sized sawflies, many of which are associated with rosaceous plants. The tribe includes economically significant species that feed on fruits such as apples, pears, and cherries. Adults are generally inconspicuous, while larvae often cause damage to developing fruits or foliage.
Hortensia
Hortensia is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Cicadellinae, and tribe Cicadellini. The genus was established by Metcalf and Bruner in 1936. Species in this genus are distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with records from South America including Argentina. Some species, such as Hortensia similis, are associated with agricultural crops including maize and have been studied as vectors of plant diseases.
Hortensia similis
Common Green Leafhopper
Hortensia similis is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, originally described as Tettigonia similis by Walker in 1851. It is commonly known as the Common Green Leafhopper and has a wide distribution across the Americas, from the southwestern United States through Central America to South America. The species has been documented in California, Arizona, the British Virgin Islands, and several South American locations including Amazonas and Bahia. It is an agricultural pest associated with maize cultivation in parts of its range, where it serves as a host for various egg parasitoid wasps.
Hyadaphis coriandri
coriander aphid
Hyadaphis coriandri is a species of aphid specialized on coriander (Coriandrum sativum), where it is considered a major pest. It has been documented as a prey species for the ladybird beetle Menochilus sexmaculatus in laboratory biocontrol studies, though it supports predator development with reduced growth metrics compared to alternative aphid hosts. The species has a wide geographic distribution including parts of Asia, Europe (Madeira), and North America (Hawaii, conterminous United States).
Hyalopterus pruni
Mealy Plum Aphid
Hyalopterus pruni, the mealy plum aphid, is a sap-feeding aphid in the family Aphididae with a cosmopolitan distribution. It exhibits a complex life cycle involving multiple generations of wingless adults followed by the production of winged migrants that disperse to secondary hosts. The species is notable for its waxy covering and seasonal host alternation between Prunus species and grasses or reeds.
Hydraecia immanis
Hop Vine Borer Moth
A noctuid moth native to North America whose larvae are root pests of corn and hops. The species was described in 1852 and is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut, where it is believed to be extirpated. It belongs to a genus of borers that target plant roots and stems.
Hydraecia micacea
Rosy Rustic, Potato Stem Borer
Hydraecia micacea, known as the rosy rustic or potato stem borer, is a noctuid moth native to the Palearctic realm and introduced to eastern North America. The species exhibits significant agricultural pest status, particularly affecting hop cultivation and potato crops through subterranean larval feeding on roots and crowns. Adults are active from July to November in temperate regions. The species is univoltine with a single generation per year.
Hylastinus
clover root borer (for H. obscurus)
A genus of crenulate bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) comprising approximately 11 described species. The genus is best known through Hylastinus obscurus, the clover root borer, which has been extensively studied due to its status as a major agricultural pest of red clover (Trifolium pratense). Members develop in roots of leguminous plants, with larvae creating short galleries in root tissues. The genus has a Palearctic native distribution but H. obscurus has been introduced to North and South America where it causes significant crop damage.
Hyles lineata
white-lined sphinx, hummingbird moth
Hyles lineata is a large, abundant sphinx moth native to North and Central America, recognized for its distinctive hovering flight and striking wing pattern. Adults display a 2–3 inch wingspan with dark brown forewings marked by white longitudinal lines and black hindwings bearing a broad pink median band. The species exhibits unusual flexibility in activity patterns, flying at dusk, dawn, and occasionally during daylight hours to feed on nectar. Caterpillars show extreme color polymorphism, ranging from black with orange spots to lime green with black markings, and possess a characteristic posterior horn. This generalist feeder has been documented on over a dozen plant families and serves as a significant pollinator and occasional agricultural pest.
Hymenia
Hawaiian beet webworm moth (for H. recurvalis)
Hymenia is a genus of crambid moths in the subfamily Spilomelinae, established by Hübner in 1825. The genus includes at least three described species: Hymenia perspectalis (Hübner, 1796), Hymenia nigerrimalis (Hampson, 1900), and Hymenia lophoceralis (Hampson, 1912). The most extensively studied species is Hymenia recurvalis, commonly known as the Hawaiian beet webworm, which has become a significant agricultural pest of leafy vegetables and weeds across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Hypena humuli
Hop Looper, Hop Vine Moth, Hop Vine Snout
Hypena humuli, commonly known as the hop looper or hop vine moth, is a moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by Thaddeus William Harris in 1841, it has a broad distribution across North America from coast to coast in Canada south to Florida and Arkansas in the east and California in the west. The species is an emerging agricultural pest of hops (Humulus lupulus), with larvae feeding on hop foliage. It has been studied for its phenology and natural enemy associations in Washington State hop yards.
Hypena scabra
Green Cloverworm Moth, Black Snout, Green Cloverworm
Hypena scabra, commonly known as the green cloverworm moth or black snout, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is an abundant species across much of North America east of the Rocky Mountains, with multiple generations per year. The larvae are significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybeans and other legumes, though they feed on a wide variety of plants. Adults are active from early spring through late fall, or year-round in warmer regions.
Hypera
clover weevils, alfalfa weevils
Hypera is a large genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, tribe Hyperini, containing at least 280 described species. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, notably the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica), which is the most problematic insect pest for alfalfa growers in the western United States. Species in this genus are associated with leguminous host plants, particularly clovers (Trifolium spp.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa).
Hypera brunnipennis
Egyptian alfalfa weevil
Hypera brunnipennis, commonly known as the Egyptian alfalfa weevil, is a true weevil in the family Curculionidae. It is a significant agricultural pest of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in certain regions, particularly in parts of the Middle East and North Africa. The species has been subject to biological control research focusing on its natural enemies, including parasitoid wasps and predatory insects. Its scientific name is frequently misspelled as 'brunneipennis' in the literature.
Hypera nigrirostris
lesser clover leaf weevil, black-beaked green weevil
Hypera nigrirostris, commonly known as the lesser clover leaf weevil, is a small curculionid beetle native to Europe and northern Africa that has been introduced to North America and Japan. It is a specialized herbivore of leguminous plants, particularly red clover (Trifolium pratense), and has become a significant agricultural pest in red clover seed production systems where larval feeding can reduce yields by up to 50%.
Hypera postica
Alfalfa Weevil
Hypera postica, the alfalfa weevil, is a small curculionid beetle native to Europe and a major pest of alfalfa in North America following accidental introductions. Adults measure 4–5.5 mm and are brown with a dark mid-dorsal stripe; larvae are yellowish-green with a black head and white dorsal stripe, reaching about 1 cm before pupation. The species causes significant economic damage through larval skeletonization of alfalfa foliage, with yield reductions up to 15%. Multiple biological control agents, particularly parasitoid wasps in the genus Bathyplectes, have been introduced to manage populations.
Hypera rumicis
Dock Hyper Weevil
Hypera rumicis is a small true weevil in the family Curculionidae, known as the Dock Hyper Weevil. The species is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America. It is a specialist herbivore associated with dock and sorrel plants (Rumex spp.), where both larvae and adults feed on host tissues. The species has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for invasive Rumex weeds, though it can also cause damage to crops. Adults show complex behavioral responses to plant volatile compounds, with attraction and repellency depending on concentration and mating status.
Hyperomyzus
Currant-Daisy Aphids
Hyperomyzus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Börner in 1933. The genus comprises more than 20 described species, commonly known as Currant-Daisy Aphids. The best-studied species, Hyperomyzus lactucae (the sowthistle aphid), is a significant agricultural pest and plant virus vector. Members of this genus exhibit typical aphid characteristics including phloem-feeding habits and complex life cycles involving both sexual and asexual reproduction.
Hyphantria cunea
Fall Webworm, Fall Webworm Moth, American White Moth
The fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) is a moth native to North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico. It is best known for its larval stage, in which caterpillars construct large silken webs on the terminal branches of host trees during late summer and fall. The species exhibits two color races that vary geographically: white moths with black-headed caterpillars predominate in northern populations, while spotted moths with red-headed caterpillars are more common in the south. Accidentally introduced to Hungary in the 1940s, it has become a destructive invasive pest across Europe and Asia, particularly in China where it is known as the 'North American White Moth.'
defoliatorweb-forming-caterpillarinvasive-speciesnative-pestpolyphagousfreeze-avoiderthermoregulationbiological-control-targethazelnut-pestmulberry-pesturban-pestornamental-pestforest-pestagricultural-pestgregarious-larvaesilken-webNorth-American-nativeEuropean-invasiveAsian-invasiveviral-biocontrolparasitoid-hosthyperparasitismHypnoidus
wireworms
Hypnoidus is a genus of click beetles (family Elateridae) whose soil-dwelling larval stages are known as wireworms. Species in this genus are found across Eurasia and North America, with several species recognized as agricultural pests. The genus includes economically significant species such as Hypnoidus bicolor and Hypnoidus abbreviatus, which damage crop roots in the Canadian Prairies.
Hypnoidus bicolor
Bicolour Click Beetle
Hypnoidus bicolor is a click beetle species (Elateridae) found throughout the Canadian Prairies and other parts of the Holarctic region. The species exists as a potential cryptic species complex, with two genetically distinct clades (>4.66% COX1 sequence divergence) identified in prairie populations. Larvae are soil-dwelling wireworms that can damage soybean and other crops, though they are smaller and less destructive than related pest species such as Limonius californicus and Hypnoidus abbreviatus. Population genetic studies indicate uneven gene flow among populations with low regional genetic structuring, and evidence of range expansion coinciding with intensive agricultural practices.
Hypocala andremona
andremona moth, Hypocala Moth
Hypocala andremona is a moth species in the family Erebidae, originally described by Stoll in 1781. It occurs in North America and has been studied in relation to persimmon cultivation in Brazil. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8642.
Hypothenemus
Hypothenemus is a genus of bark beetles in the family Curculionidae containing more than 200 described species. The genus is most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with reduced representation in temperate areas of eastern North America and eastern Asia. Members are minute beetles, ranging from 0.6 mm to 2.2 mm in length, with males consistently smaller than females. The genus includes several economically significant species, most notably H. hampei (coffee berry borer), which is considered the most destructive insect pest of coffee globally.
Hypothenemus obscurus
apple twig beetle, tropical nut borer
Hypothenemus obscurus is a small scolytine bark beetle in the family Curculionidae. It is known by two common names: "apple twig beetle" in North America and "tropical nut borer" in tropical regions. The species attacks several crops including macadamia nut and coffee, and has been documented developing on artificial diets of both macadamia and coffee. Its life cycle from egg to adult has been estimated at approximately 28.5 days under laboratory conditions. The species is native to tropical regions and has been introduced to North America.
Hypsopygia costalis
Gold Triangle, Clover Hayworm Moth, Clover Hay Moth
A small pyralid moth native to Europe, now established in eastern North America. Adults display a distinctive golden triangular marking on the forewings. The species is notable as a pest of stored hay and dried vegetation, with larvae feeding on clover and alfalfa hay. Adults are nocturnal, active from July through November in the British Isles, with earlier emergence (May–July) reported elsewhere. The genome has been sequenced, revealing 818 Mb across 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules.
Icerya
Cushion Scale Insects
Icerya is a genus of scale insects in the family Monophlebidae, notable for containing some of the few hermaphroditic insects known to science. The genus includes approximately 50 described species distributed worldwide, with several species being significant agricultural pests. The most economically important species is Icerya purchasi (cottony cushion scale), native to Australia but now cosmopolitan in distribution, which has caused severe damage to citrus crops globally. Several Icerya species exhibit androdioecy—a rare mating system where hermaphrodites and males coexist—with hermaphrodites possessing ovotestes and reproducing primarily through self-fertilization. This reproductive strategy, combined with the sessile nature of adult females, contributes to their invasive potential. The genus is named after physician-naturalist Dr. Edmond Icery of British Mauritius.
Icerya purchasi
cottony cushion scale, fluted scale, cochinilla australiana
Icerya purchasi is a scale insect native to Australia that has become a globally distributed pest of citrus and ornamental plants. The species is notable for its distinctive reproductive system: most individuals are hermaphrodites capable of self-fertilization, with rare males enabling occasional outbreeding. Adult females are sessile and produce large white fluted egg sacs that can exceed twice the body length. The species achieved historical significance as the target of one of the first successful biological control programs, using the vedalia beetle (Novius cardinalis) in California in 1888–1889.
Idiocerus
Idiocerus is a large genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Lewis in 1834. The genus is taxonomically challenging, with many species exhibiting similar morphology that complicates identification. Species are predominantly associated with woody host plants, particularly poplars (Populus) and willows (Salix), though some species have been documented as pests of mango (Mangifera indica) in India. The genus has a broad distribution across the Holarctic region, with numerous species in both Europe and North America.
Idona
Idona is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, and tribe Dikraneurini. The genus was established by DeLong in 1931. Species within this genus are associated with agricultural crops, including avocado, where at least one species (Idona minuenda) has been identified as a pest. The genus is part of the diverse leafhopper fauna of the Americas and has been documented in taxonomic studies focusing on Typhlocybinae systematics.
Illinoia
Illinoia is a genus of aphids (Aphididae: Aphidinae: Macrosiphini) established by Wilson in 1910. The genus contains multiple economically and ecologically significant species, including the tuliptree aphid (I. liriodendri), a notable pest of ornamental Liriodendron tulipifera, and the blueberry aphid (I. pepperi). Species in this genus are phloem-feeding insects associated with specific host plants, with some having become invasive outside their native ranges.
Illinoia spiraecola
spirea aphid, green citrus aphid
Illinoia spiraecola is a medium-sized aphid species in the family Aphididae. It is primarily associated with Spiraea (spirea) as a host plant and has been documented as a pest of citrus in some regions. The species exhibits the typical aphid life cycle with both sexual and parthenogenetic generations, and produces alate (winged) dispersal morphs.
Inopus
sugarcane soldier fly, soldier fly
Inopus is a genus of soldier flies in the family Stratiomyidae, comprising approximately six described species native to Australia. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, particularly Inopus rubriceps (sugarcane soldier fly) and Inopus flavus, whose larvae feed on plant roots and cause substantial damage to sugarcane crops and pastures. Larvae develop underground for one to two years, while short-lived adults do not feed. Several species have been introduced to New Zealand and California, where they continue to impact agricultural systems.
Jalysus
stilt bugs
Jalysus is a genus of stilt bugs in the family Berytidae, comprising approximately 12 described species. These insects are characterized by their exceptionally long, slender legs and antennae. Species within this genus exhibit diverse feeding habits, ranging from generalist herbivores to omnivores that consume both plant material and small arthropod prey. Some species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of tomatoes, while others serve as biological control agents by preying on pest eggs and soft-bodied insects.
Jalysus wickhami
Spined Stilt Bug
Jalysus wickhami, commonly known as the spined stilt bug, is a species of stilt bug in the family Berytidae. It is the most common stilt bug in the eastern United States and has been documented from gardens and meadows. The species exhibits omnivorous feeding habits, consuming plant juices from legumes, grasses, and tomato plants, as well as preying on insect eggs and parasitoid prepupae. It has been studied for its role in biological control and its potential negative impacts through intraguild predation on beneficial parasitoids.
Javesella
Javesella is a genus of delphacid planthoppers (family Delphacidae) established by Fennah in 1963, containing at least 20 described species. The genus is best known through Javesella pellucida, a significant agricultural pest and virus vector. Species in this genus exhibit wing dimorphism and are associated with grass hosts including cereals.
Javesella pellucida
Javesella pellucida is a delphacid planthopper with a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It is documented as a pest of cultivated plants, with confirmed feeding associations on rice (Oryza sativa) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum). The species exhibits wing dimorphism with distinct macropterous and brachypterous forms, and serves as a vector for multiple plant viruses including European wheat striate mosaic virus and Festuca leaf streak virus. Transovarial virus transmission has been demonstrated, with 85-96% of progeny from infected females becoming infective.
Jikradia olitoria olitoria
Jikradia olitoria olitoria is a leafhopper subspecies in the family Cicadellidae. It has been identified as a potential vector of phytoplasmas causing North American Grapevine Yellows (NAGY), specifically transmitting the NAGYIIIβ strain of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni'-related phytoplasma in artificial feeding assays. The subspecies exhibits seasonal movement from woodland vegetation into vineyard edges.
Keiferia lycopersicella
Tomato Pinworm
Keiferia lycopersicella, the tomato pinworm, is a gelechiid moth and significant agricultural pest of Solanaceae crops. Native to warm regions of the Americas, it has expanded its range through greenhouse production and international trade. The species completes seven to eight generations annually in favorable climates. Larvae are leaf miners and fruit borers, causing direct damage to tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes. Adults communicate via sex pheromones, with synthetic lures used for monitoring and management.
Labiduridae
striped earwigs
Labiduridae is a family of earwigs commonly known as striped earwigs, containing approximately 72 species across seven genera in three subfamilies. Members are moderate to large in size with cylindrical bodies, well-developed wings, and notably long antennae. The family exhibits cosmopolitan distribution and includes well-known species such as Labidura riparia (tawny earwig) and Nala lividipes. Many species display subsocial maternal care and predatory habits, with some serving as biological control agents of agricultural pests.