Agricultural-pest
Guides
Lacinipolia renigera
Kidney-spotted Minor, Bristly Cutworm, Bristly Cutworm Moth
Lacinipolia renigera is a small owlet moth (Noctuidae) with a wingspan of 21–30 mm, smaller than most other members of its family. Adults rest with hindwings tucked beneath forewings, creating a tented or arrowhead-like silhouette. The species is endemic to most of North America, flying from May to October depending on location. Larvae feed on herbaceous plants and are considered a pest of agricultural crops including cabbage, lettuce, and corn.
Lagocheirus
Lagocheirus is a genus of longhorn beetles in the subfamily Lamiinae, established by Dejean in 1835. The genus includes species that have been documented as pests of agricultural crops, particularly cassava and sugarcane. One species, Lagocheirus araneiformis, has been recorded with phoretic mites inhabiting specialized pronotal pits, suggesting a possible mutualistic relationship. The genus occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the Americas from the southern United States through Central America and the Caribbean to South America.
Lamprolonchaea
metallic-green tomato flies, lance flies
Lamprolonchaea is a genus of lance flies (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) characterized by bright metallic golden-green coloration. The genus includes at least 24 species in Australia, with Lamprolonchaea brouniana being the most economically significant as a pest of tomato fruit. Australian species are taxonomically poorly understood, with limited descriptions of immature stages and no prior molecular characterization. The genus appears to be restricted to Australia, with most records from temperate southern regions.
Lamprosema
Lamprosema is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, described by Jacob Hübner in 1823. The genus contains approximately 80 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. Several species are documented as agricultural pests, particularly on leguminous crops. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some species transferred to other genera over time.
Lanelater
Lanelater is a genus of click beetles (family Elateridae, subfamily Agrypninae) established by Arnett in 1952. The genus includes at least 10 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Species have been documented in India, Pakistan, and other regions, with some species such as Lanelater fuscipes recognized as significant agricultural pests whose larvae (wireworms) damage field crops by feeding on below-ground plant structures. A new species, Lanelater majeednsis, was recently described from Khairpur district, Sindh, Pakistan.
Languria
lizard beetles
Languria is a genus of lizard beetles (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Languriinae) established by Latreille in 1802. The genus contains approximately 15-18 described species distributed primarily in North America and the Oriental Region. Members are characterized by their association with plant stems, where larvae develop as internal borers. Several species have been documented as agricultural pests when they colonize cultivated crops outside their native host range.
Languria mozardi
clover stem borer
Languria mozardi is a small lizard beetle (Coleoptera: Erotylidae) commonly known as the clover stem borer. Adults are red and black, measuring 4–9 mm in length. The species is native to North and Central America, with larvae developing inside the stems of host plants. Multiple host records document its presence on agricultural crops, including clover, canola, and soybeans.
Laniifera
Laniifera is a genus of snout moths (family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae) containing two species: L. cyclades and L. rawlinsi. The genus was erected by George Hampson in 1899 with Pachynoa cyclades Druce, 1895 as type species. The caterpillars of L. cyclades are specialized feeders on Opuntia cacti and are recognized as pests of commercial prickly pear cultivation.
Lasioptera
Lasioptera is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae containing at least 140 described species. Species in this genus are primarily known for inducing galls on host plants, with larvae developing inside plant tissues. Some species have established complex relationships with fungi, including ambrosia fungus feeding. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the Mediterranean tomato gall midge (L. tomaticola) and a stem-boring pest on tomatoes reported from Greece and Turkey. The genus has a wide geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, North America, and other regions, with host associations including Rubus (raspberry/blackberry), tomato, Arundo donax (giant reed), Leea indica, and various other plants.
Lathrotelinae
Spotted-costa Crambid Snout Moths
Lathrotelinae is a small subfamily of crambid moths comprising approximately 54 species in six genera, distributed mainly in tropical regions. The subfamily was established by Clarke in 1971 but remained classified within Spilomelinae until phylogenetic studies in the mid-2010s demonstrated its distinctiveness. Larvae are root-feeders on monocotyledonous plants, with some species causing economic damage to cultivated palms and sugarcane.
Leiodes
round fungus beetles
Leiodes is a genus of small, rounded beetles in the family Leiodidae, comprising at least 110 described species with a primarily Holarctic distribution. Most species are subterranean mycophages, with several species acting as economically significant pests of truffle orchards. The genus exhibits specialized morphological and behavioral adaptations for life in ephemeral and solid fungi, including unique larval structures such as pseudomycangia.
Lema daturaphila
Three-lined Potato Beetle
Lema daturaphila, the three-lined potato beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Native to Central and North America, it has spread to other regions including Africa and Oceania. Adults measure 7–8 mm and display bright orange-yellow coloration with three dark longitudinal stripes on the elytra. The species is a specialist herbivore of Solanaceae plants, particularly Datura species, though it occasionally feeds on agricultural crops such as tomato, potato, and eggplant. Larvae are slug-like with black heads and exhibit a distinctive defense behavior of covering themselves with excrement.
Lema trivittata
three-lined lema beetle, three-lined potato beetle
A leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, recognized by its bright orange thorax, yellow legs, and three black longitudinal stripes on yellow elytra. Adults and larvae feed on plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), including potato, jimsonweed, and bittersweet nightshade. The species has evolved physiological tolerance to tropane alkaloids, toxic compounds produced by its host plants. Native to Central and North America, with introduced populations in Australia.
Lepidosaphes
armored scale insects
Lepidosaphes is a large genus of armored scale insects (Diaspididae) with at least 190 described species distributed worldwide. Species in this genus are phytophagous pests of woody plants, particularly fruit trees and ornamentals. Several species, including L. beckii and L. ulmi, are significant agricultural pests. Members of this genus are hosts for various parasitoids, notably species of Aphytis (Aphelinidae), which are used in biological control programs.
Lepidosaphes ulmi
oystershell scale, apple mussel scale
Lepidosaphes ulmi, commonly known as the oystershell scale or apple mussel scale, is a widely distributed armored scale insect in the family Diaspididae. It is a significant pest of deciduous trees and woody plants, including major fruit crops such as apples, pears, plums, and peaches. The species causes damage by attaching to bark and sucking sap, potentially killing branches or entire trees under heavy infestation. It has been introduced to many regions worldwide beyond its native range and is considered invasive in numerous countries.
Leptinotarsa
Potato Beetles
Leptinotarsa is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) containing approximately 20 described species, with the most notable being Leptinotarsa decemlineata, the Colorado potato beetle. Several species in the genus produce leptinotarsin, a toxin structurally similar to diamphotoxin found in African leaf beetles of the genus Diamphidia. Some Leptinotarsa species serve as hosts for parasitoid ground beetles in the genus Lebia.
Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Colorado potato beetle, Colorado beetle, ten-striped spearman, ten-lined potato beetle, potato bug
Leptinotarsa decemlineata is a major agricultural pest of potato and other solanaceous crops, causing approximately half a billion dollars in annual crop losses globally. Native to Mexico and originally associated with buffalo bur (Solanum rostratum), it shifted to potato as a host around 1860 and subsequently expanded its range across North America, Europe, and Asia. The species is notorious for its rapid evolution of resistance to insecticides, making it a model organism for studying pesticide resistance and integrated pest management strategies. Both larvae and adults feed on foliage, with the fourth instar consuming the most plant material.
Leptinotarsa juncta
False Potato Beetle
Leptinotarsa juncta, the false potato beetle, is a chrysomelid beetle native to eastern North America. It is closely related to the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) but is distinguished by its more limited geographic range and less severe economic impact. The species feeds on solanaceous plants and is found primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States.
Leptoglossus
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
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clypealis
western leaf-footed bug
Leptoglossus clypealis, commonly known as the western leaf-footed bug, is a phytophagous true bug native to western North America. Adults measure 18–19 mm in length and are characterized by brown coloration with leaf-like expansions on the hind tibiae and a pale band across the wings. The species has been documented as a pest of agricultural crops, particularly almonds and pistachios, causing kernel damage and fruit drop. Its range has expanded eastward in recent decades, with genetic studies confirming populations in Texas represent native range extensions rather than recent introductions.
Leptoglossus oppositus
leaf-footed bug
Leptoglossus oppositus is a leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae, distinguished from similar species by deeper scallops on the leaf-like hind tibiae and three white spots across the hemelytra. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, from New York south to Florida and west to Iowa, Minnesota, and the southwestern United States into Mexico. The species feeds on a broad range of host plants including corn, cotton, squash, tomatoes, oaks, maples, conifers, and other trees, vines, and shrubs.
Leptoglossus phyllopus
eastern leaf-footed bug
Leptoglossus phyllopus, the eastern leaf-footed bug, is a polyphagous true bug in the family Coreidae. It is found throughout the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Adults and nymphs feed on developing seeds and fruits using piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing damage to agricultural crops including cotton, citrus, pecans, tomatoes, and sorghum. The species is recognized by the leaf-like expansion of the hind tibiae and a white band across the forewings. Males produce acetosyringone as a pheromone for mate location, though this also attracts parasitic tachinid flies.
Leptoglossus zonatus
leaf-footed bug
Leptoglossus zonatus is a polyphagous leaf-footed bug native to the Americas, ranging from the southwestern United States through Central America to South America. Adults measure approximately 20 mm in length with gray coloration, a zigzagging whitish band across the dorsum, and two distinctive yellowish spots on the anterior pronotum that serve as the primary identifying characteristic. The species has emerged as a significant agricultural pest, particularly in California almonds and Gulf Coast satsuma mandarins, causing direct feeding damage and transmitting plant pathogens. Two genetically distinct strains occur in the Western Hemisphere, with low overall genetic diversity suggesting potential for further range expansion.
Leptopharsa
lace bugs
Leptopharsa is a genus of lace bugs in the family Tingidae containing more than 120 described species. Species within this genus are associated with diverse host plants, including palms and rubber trees, and several are economically significant agricultural pests. Leptopharsa gibbicarina is a major pest of oil palm in Colombia and Venezuela, vectoring the Pestalotiopsis fungal complex that causes leaf spot disease. Leptopharsa heveae is a principal pest of rubber tree plantations in Brazil, where it can reduce latex productivity by up to 30%.
Leptopterna
meadow plant bugs
Leptopterna is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae comprising at least nine described species. The genus includes the well-studied meadow plant bug, Leptopterna dolabrata, which has been sequenced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project. Species in this genus are grass-feeding insects found primarily in moist meadow habitats across the Palearctic, with some species introduced to North America. Sexual dimorphism in wing development is pronounced: males are fully winged (macropterous) while females are typically short-winged (brachypterous).
Leptopterna dolabrata
meadow plant bug
Leptopterna dolabrata is a heteropteran bug in the family Miridae, measuring 8.3–9.8 mm in length. It is sexually dimorphic: males are always macropterous (long-winged), while females are mostly brachypterous (short-winged). The species feeds on developing grass seeds and is considered a pest in grass seed production. It has an extensive native range across Europe and Asia, and is adventive in North America.
Lepyronia coleoptrata
European spittlebug
Lepyronia coleoptrata is a spittlebug species in the family Aphrophoridae, native to Europe and Asia and introduced to northeast North America. Adults measure 5.1–7.8 mm and are pale brown with dark wing membranes. The species has one generation per year, with eggs hibernating under bark and larvae emerging in late April to early May. Nymphs produce characteristic foam masses while feeding on plant sap, primarily on lavender and other crops.
Lerodea eufala
Eufala Skipper, Rice Leaffolder
Lerodea eufala, commonly known as the Eufala Skipper or Rice Leaffolder, is a small grass-feeding skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is widely distributed across the Americas, from the southeastern United States through Mexico and Central America to Patagonia, with seasonal northward range expansion during summer months. The species is notable for its association with agricultural and weedy grasses, including cultivated sorghum and sugarcane, and maintains multiple generations per year in warm climates.
Lespesia archippivora
Caterpillar Destroyer
Lespesia archippivora is a tachinid fly parasitoid that develops internally within caterpillars, eventually killing its host. It is a generalist parasitoid known to infect at least 25 lepidopteran species and one hymenopteran species. The species is particularly notable for its impact on monarch butterfly populations, with studies estimating 6.2% of wild monarchs are killed by this fly. It has been widely used as a biological control agent against agricultural pests including armyworms, cutworms, and corn earworms. First introduced to Hawaii in 1898 for pest control, it is now established across North America and several Pacific islands.
Leucania
wainscot moths
Leucania is a genus of noctuid moths established by Ochsenheimer in 1816, commonly known as wainscot moths. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing venation with veins 8 and 9 anastomosing to form an areole, and vein 7 arising from its terminal end. Several species have been studied as agricultural pests, particularly Leucania loreyi and Leucania separata, which have been documented as hosts for braconid parasitoids. The genus has a broad geographic distribution with numerous species worldwide.
Leucania senescens
cutworm, dart moth
Leucania senescens is a noctuid moth (family Noctuidae) described by Möschler in 1890. Originally known from North America, it was first recorded in Brazil in 2019, where larvae have been observed feeding on maize silk in both Bt and conventional varieties. The species has been documented at 13 localities in Brazil through systematic surveys and is associated with agricultural systems containing grass crops. It is part of a complex of herbivorous insects associated with maize agroecosystems and serves as a host for braconid and tachinid parasitoids.
Leucoptera
leaf miners, white-winged moths
Leucoptera is a genus of small moths in the family Lyonetiidae, commonly known as leaf miners. The genus includes several economically important agricultural pests, most notably Leucoptera coffeella (the coffee leaf miner) and Leucoptera malifoliella (the apple leaf miner). Larvae feed internally within leaf tissue, creating distinctive serpentine or blotch mines that reduce photosynthetic capacity and can cause significant crop losses. The genus has a global distribution with species associated with diverse host plants including coffee, apple, and other crops.
Ligyrus gibbosus
Carrot beetle
Ligyrus gibbosus, commonly known as the carrot beetle, is a rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Adults measure 13–17 mm and are dark reddish-brown to black. The species feeds on roots, grasses, and decaying vegetation in soil, and is recognized as a pest of sunflowers and other crops. Formerly classified under the genus Tomarus, it was reclassified to Ligyrus in a 2022 taxonomic revision.
Limonius
click beetles, wireworms (larval stage)
Limonius is a genus of click beetles in the family Elateridae, containing at least 30 described species. The larvae, known as wireworms, are significant agricultural pests in North America, particularly affecting root vegetables and cereals. Many species formerly placed in this genus have been reassigned to other genera such as Gambrinus. Research on Limonius has focused on both the damaging larval stage and the adult stage, including pheromone-based trapping and molecular gut content analysis to understand feeding ecology.
Limonius agonus
Eastern Field Wireworm
Limonius agonus, commonly known as the eastern field wireworm, is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The species is native to North America and has been documented in Canadian provinces including Ontario and Québec. Larvae of this species are soil-dwelling wireworms that can cause damage to agricultural crops.
Limonius aurifer
Gold-headed Click Beetle
Limonius aurifer is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Gold-headed Click Beetle. It is native to North America and has been documented in Canada (Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec) and the United States. The species is part of the genus Limonius, which includes several economically important agricultural pests known as wireworms. Research has investigated the efficacy of synthetic sex pheromones for trapping multiple Limonius species across various North American locations.
Limonius auripilis
Red-Shouldered Wireworm
Limonius auripilis is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Red-Shouldered Wireworm. The larval stage, referred to as wireworms, are soil-dwelling pests known to damage agricultural crops. The species has been documented in Ontario and Québec, Canada. Research has examined pheromone-based trapping methods for monitoring and managing this and related Limonius species.
Limonius californicus
sugarbeet wireworm
Limonius californicus, commonly known as the sugarbeet wireworm, is a click beetle in the family Elateridae. The larval stage, referred to as wireworms, is an agricultural pest particularly associated with sugar beet and other crops in the northwestern United States and western Canada. Adult males exhibit distinctive mate-finding behavior, using olfactory cues to locate females that release a sex attractant shortly after emergence.
Limonius canus
Pacific Coast Wireworm
Limonius canus, commonly known as the Pacific Coast wireworm, is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae. The larval stage is a significant agricultural pest, particularly damaging to potatoes, wheat, and other crops in the Pacific Coast region of North America. Research has documented its behavioral responses to insecticides, including repellence and contact-induced morbidity from certain compounds. The species harbors diverse gut bacteria that have been investigated for potential biocontrol applications.
Limonius ectypus
Western Field Click Beetle
Limonius ectypus, commonly known as the Western Field Click Beetle, is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. It is distributed across central and western Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. As a member of the genus Limonius, it belongs to a group of soil-dwelling beetles whose larvae (wireworms) are significant agricultural pests. The species has been the subject of recent research on pheromone-based trapping methods for wireworm management.
Limonius infuscatus
Western field wireworm
Limonius infuscatus, commonly known as the Western field wireworm, is a nocturnal click beetle native to the northwestern United States. The larval stage, referred to as a wireworm, is a soil-dwelling pest known to damage agricultural crops. The species belongs to the family Elateridae, characterized by the ability of adults to produce an audible click when righting themselves from a supine position.
Limonius jonesi
Limonius jonesi is a species of click beetle (family Elateridae) described by Lane in 1965. It belongs to a genus containing several North American pest species commonly known as wireworms in their larval stage. The species is one of multiple Limonius species studied for pheromone-based trapping methods as part of integrated pest management research.
Limonius subauratus
Columbia Basin Wireworm
Limonius subauratus, commonly known as the Columbia Basin Wireworm, is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The species is found in North America, with confirmed distribution records from Canadian provinces including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and New Brunswick. The larval stage, referred to as a wireworm, is the economically significant form. Research has been conducted on synthetic sex pheromones for monitoring this and related Limonius species.
Limotettix vaccinii
Blunt-nosed Leafhopper
Limotettix vaccinii is a leafhopper known as the blunt-nosed leafhopper, recognized as the primary insect vector of phytoplasma causing false blossom disease in cranberries. Nymphal development occurs on cranberry plants, with slower development but larger adult size on phytoplasma-infected hosts. Females preferentially oviposit on uninfected plants despite showing no detectable preference in olfactory attraction assays. The species has been recorded across northern and western North America.
Limothrips
Grain thrips, Barley thrips
Limothrips is a genus of thrips in the family Thripidae comprising six recognized species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, particularly Limothrips cerealium (grain thrips) and Limothrips denticornis (barley thrips), which feed on cereals and grasses. Species exhibit wing dimorphism, with both winged (macropterous) and wingless (apterous) forms documented. Several species have been documented as crop pests causing reduced seed set in wheat, oats, and barley.
Limothrips denticornis
barley thrips
Limothrips denticornis is a grass-dwelling thrips species with a Holarctic distribution. It is primarily associated with cereal crops, particularly spring barley, where females deposit eggs within leaf sheaths during inflorescence emergence. The species has been documented as an incidental nest parasite of birds and mammals, entering nests passively on grass nest materials. It has been recorded in museum environments as a secondary pest associated with damaged artworks.
Lineodes integra
Eggplant Leafroller Moth, Nightshade Leaftier
Lineodes integra is a small moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the eggplant leafroller moth or nightshade leaftier. The species is native to the Americas, with a broad distribution from the southern United States through Central America to South America. It is recognized as a pest of cultivated Solanaceae crops, with larvae that feed on leaves and developing fruit. The species was first described by Zeller in 1873.
Linepithema humile
Argentine ant
Linepithema humile, the Argentine ant, is a highly invasive species native to northern Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and southern Brazil. It has become established in Mediterranean climate regions worldwide through human-mediated dispersal. The species forms expansive supercolonies through unicolonial organization, where neighboring colonies cooperate rather than compete. This structure enables rapid population growth and displacement of native ant species. L. humile is considered one of the most ecologically damaging invasive ants globally.
Liorhyssus
scentless plant bugs
Liorhyssus is a genus of scentless plant bugs in the family Rhopalidae, subfamily Rhopalinae. The genus contains at least 12 described species distributed across multiple continents. The most widely studied species, Liorhyssus hyalinus, has emerged as an agricultural pest of quinoa when the crop is cultivated outside its native Andean region, particularly in coastal Peru. Members of this genus feed on developing seeds and grains using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Liposcelis entomophila
booklouse
Liposcelis entomophila is a small psocid species commonly known as a booklouse. It is a significant pest of stored grain products, with documented infestations in wheat and other stored foods. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in development, with females passing through four nymphal stages and males through three. It has developed notable resistance to phosphine fumigants used in grain storage, with resistant factors of 40- to 80-fold reported in Chinese populations. The species has a broad global distribution spanning six continents.