Agricultural-pest
Guides
Liriomyza
Liriomyza leaf-mining flies
Liriomyza is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae comprising at least 410 described species. The genus is distributed worldwide with particularly notable diversity in the Neotropical region. Larvae feed internally within plant leaves, creating distinctive serpentine or blotch mines that impair photosynthesis. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the pea leafminer (L. huidobrensis) and vegetable leafminer (L. sativae), which have become invasive in multiple continents. The genus exhibits considerable variation in host plant specificity, with some species highly polyphagous and others restricted to particular plant families.
Liriomyza blechi
Liriomyza blechi is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, first described by Spencer in 1973. The species belongs to a group of 27 closely related taxa primarily distributed in the Neotropics, with some extending into temperate North and South America. It is a polyphagous pest known from diverse host plants including maize, various grasses, and dicots in the order Lamiales. Larvae create whitish linear mines in leaves, reducing photosynthetic capacity. The species has been recorded from the United States, Caribbean islands, and Brazil, with expanding documentation of its agricultural impact.
Liriomyza helianthi
Liriomyza helianthi is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1981. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae feed internally on leaf tissue, creating characteristic mines. Research has demonstrated strong female oviposition preference for its normal host Helianthus annuus (sunflower) compared to novel host plants, with larval performance generally correlating with this preference pattern. The species has potential significance as a pest of cultivated sunflower and related Asteraceae crops.
Liriomyza langei
leafminer
Liriomyza langei is a leafminer fly species in the family Agromyzidae, first described by Frick in 1951. The species is known as a significant agricultural pest, particularly of chrysanthemum and spinach crops. Larvae feed internally within leaf tissue, creating characteristic mines that reduce photosynthetic capacity and crop quality. The species has been the subject of biological control studies using the parasitoid wasp Diglyphus isaea, as well as genetic research on host plant resistance in spinach.
Liriomyza trifolii
American serpentine leafminer, celery leafminer
Liriomyza trifolii is a small leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, native to the Caribbean and southeastern United States. It has become a globally distributed invasive pest of greenhouse and vegetable crops, recognized as one of the three most damaging leafminer species worldwide. The species is highly polyphagous, feeding on numerous ornamental and vegetable plants including chrysanthemums, celery, and tomatoes. Its spread has been facilitated by insecticide resistance and international trade in plant material.
Lissonota
Lissonota is a large genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, comprising at least 390 described species. Members of this genus are parasitoids, with documented species attacking lepidopteran pests of agricultural crops including pistachio and maguey. The genus has been recorded across Europe, Mexico, and Turkey, with distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus
Rice Water Weevil
Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, the rice water weevil, is a major agricultural pest of rice and the most destructive invertebrate pest of California rice. Native to the southeastern United States, it has spread invasively to Asia since 1976 and Europe since 2004, with populations establishing in California for over 50 years. The species exhibits a unique reproductive strategy: most populations reproduce sexually, but a small percentage in the native range reproduces by triploid parthenogenesis, facilitating rapid range expansion. Adults feed on rice leaves and sheaths, while aquatic larvae feed on roots, causing yield losses up to 25-30% in severe infestations.
Listroderes
vegetable weevils
Listroderes is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Cyclominae. The genus includes at least 170 described species, though some sources suggest a smaller core group. Several species, particularly Listroderes costirostris (vegetable weevil), are significant agricultural pests with broad host ranges. The genus is characterized by distinctive body vestiture of subcircular to suboval scales. Species are native to southern South America, with some introduced widely through human activity.
Listroderes costirostris
vegetable weevil
Listroderes costirostris, commonly known as the vegetable weevil, is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae. It is native to southern South America but has been introduced to multiple continents. The species is recognized as a significant agricultural pest with a broad host range that includes vegetables and weeds. It has established populations in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
Listronotus
Listronotus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae containing at least 100 described species. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, notably the carrot weevil (L. oregonensis), annual bluegrass weevil (L. maculicollis), and Argentine stem weevil (L. bonariensis), as well as biological control agents such as L. setosipennis used against invasive weeds. Species in this genus exhibit diverse host associations ranging from cultivated Apiaceae crops to pasture grasses and invasive weeds.
Liviinae
Liviinae is a subfamily of plant lice within the family Liviidae (order Hemiptera). Members are small, sap-feeding insects that inhabit various host plants. The group is distinguished from the other subfamily in Liviidae, Euphyllurinae, by morphological and ecological characteristics.
Lobiopa
sap beetles
Lobiopa is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, containing approximately seven described species. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, particularly Lobiopa insularis (strawberry sap beetle), which causes direct fruit damage and indirect losses through fungal transmission in strawberry crops across the Americas. Members of this genus exhibit frugivorous feeding habits on ripe fruits and display complex reproductive behaviors including mate guarding and soil oviposition.
Lobiopa insularis
strawberry sap beetle
Lobiopa insularis is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, widely distributed across the Americas from North America through Central America to South America and the Caribbean. It is a significant agricultural pest of strawberry and other soft fruits, causing direct feeding damage and indirect losses through fungal dispersal. The species has been extensively studied for its biology, life history, and control options, including biological control using parasitoids and entomopathogenic nematodes.
agricultural-pestsap-beetlestrawberry-pestbiological-controlNitidulidaefrugivoroussexual-dimorphismmate-guardingparasitoid-hostentomopathogenic-nematode-hostpolyphagousfungal-dispersal-agentoverwintering-adultlong-lived-adulthigh-fecunditysoil-ovipositionripening-fruit-attractionintegrated-pest-managementBrazilArgentinaAmericas-distributionLonchaeidae
Lance Flies
Lonchaeidae, commonly known as lance flies, is a family of acalyptrate dipteran flies comprising approximately 611 described species across 10 genera. These small, robust flies are characterized by blue-black or metallic bodies and are predominantly associated with wooded habitats worldwide. The family exhibits diverse larval ecology, with most species being phytophagous on damaged plant tissues, though coprophagous, mycophagous, saprophagous, and predatory habits are also documented. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of figs, cassava, and conifer seeds, while others develop in bark beetle tunnels, decaying wood, or fungal fruiting bodies.
Loxomorpha
Loxomorpha is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae (order Lepidoptera). The genus contains at least four recognized species, including L. flavidissimalis, a known pest of cultivated cactus. The genus was established by Hoshide in 1988, though Amsel (1956) is also cited as an authority. Species in this genus are distributed in the Americas, with records from North America to Mexico.
Loxostege
webworms, meadow moths
Loxostege is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, commonly known as webworms or meadow moths. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, particularly L. sticticalis (beet webworm/meadow moth), which is a polyphagous species causing substantial crop damage across North America, Europe, and Asia. Species in this genus exhibit complex life histories including larval diapause, long-distance migration capabilities, and high reproductive potential. Many species are characterized by outbreak dynamics with cyclic population explosions.
Loxostege cereralis
Alfalfa Webworm, Alfalfa Webworm Moth
Loxostege cereralis, commonly known as the alfalfa webworm, is a crambid moth species distributed across much of North America. The species is known for its larval association with alfalfa and other agricultural crops, making it economically significant in some regions. Adults have a wingspan of 30–34 mm and are active during an extended flight period from March through October in warmer areas.
Loxostege commixtalis
alfalfa webworm
Loxostege commixtalis, commonly known as the alfalfa webworm, is a crambid moth species described by Francis Walker in 1866. The species has a transcontinental distribution spanning the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. In North America, it ranges from the Atlantic provinces to the Yukon, while in Europe it occurs in Fennoscandia, Estonia, and northern Russia. Recent records document its first occurrence in the Eastern Palearctic (South-Eastern Transbaikalia and Amur Uplands). The species is a documented host for the parasitoid wasp Bracon vulgaris. Its larvae feed on succulent plants including alfalfa and sugar beet.
Lucilia cuprina
Australian sheep blowfly, bronze bottle fly
Lucilia cuprina, commonly known as the Australian sheep blowfly, is a member of the blow fly family Calliphoridae. It is a significant agricultural pest in sheep-rearing regions, causing the condition known as fly strike or myiasis. The species has been introduced to multiple continents through human commerce and is also utilized in forensic entomology for estimating postmortem intervals. Adults are characterized by their metallic green or greenish-blue abdomen with bronze or coppery reflections.
Lycorma delicatula
Spotted Lanternfly
Lycorma delicatula, commonly known as the spotted lanternfly, is a planthopper native to China and Southeast Asia that has become a globally significant invasive pest. First detected in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014, it has since spread to over 20 states and the District of Columbia, primarily through human-assisted transport of egg masses. The species feeds on phloem sap from more than 100 plant species, with a strong preference for Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and causes severe economic damage to vineyards, orchards, and hardwood industries through direct feeding and secondary effects of honeydew secretion.
Lygocoris
green capsid bugs
Lygocoris is a genus of plant-feeding true bugs in the family Miridae, commonly known as green capsid bugs. The genus contains approximately 40 described species distributed across Eurasia and North America. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly Lygocoris pabulinus (common green capsid), which damages apple and other fruit crops. Species in this genus exhibit host-plant alternation between woody and herbaceous plants, and communicate using species-specific vibrational signals for mate location.
Lygocoris pabulinus
Common Green Capsid
Lygocoris pabulinus is a Holarctic plant bug in the family Miridae, widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a polyphagous herbivore that feeds on numerous herbaceous and woody plants, with documented associations including potato, nettle, apple, and various fruit crops. The species exhibits complex sexual communication involving female-produced pheromones and male vibrational signals. It is recognized as an agricultural pest in orchards and vegetable crops, causing characteristic damage to leaves, buds, and fruits through its piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Lygropia tripunctata
sweetpotato leafroller
Lygropia tripunctata, commonly known as the sweetpotato leafroller, is a small crambid moth described by Fabricius in 1794. The species is distributed across the southeastern United States, West Indies, Central America, and South America to Brazil. Adults are active primarily from March to October. The larvae feed on several Convolvulaceae species including sweetpotato (Ipomoea), making this species of agricultural significance.
Lygus
Lygus bugs, Plant bugs
Lygus is a genus of plant-feeding true bugs in the family Miridae, comprising over 40 species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. The most economically significant species include the tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris), western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus), and European tarnished plant bug (Lygus rugulipennis). These insects are serious agricultural pests that feed on a wide range of crop plants using piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing direct tissue damage and inducing plant reactions that result in deformities, discoloration, and yield loss.
Lygus atriflavus
Lygus atriflavus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1917. It is one of 34 recognized Lygus species in North America. Like other members of the genus Lygus, it belongs to a group of economically significant agricultural pests known for feeding on developing reproductive structures of crops.
Lygus borealis
Lygus borealis is a mirid plant bug native to North America. The species has a two-generation annual life cycle with overwintering adults emerging in early May and second-generation adults entering diapause by autumn. It occurs in agricultural and wild habitats across southern Canada and the northern United States, where it feeds on a variety of herbaceous plants. Seasonal phenology closely resembles that of the closely related tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris.
Lygus elisus
pale legume bug, lucerne plant bug
Lygus elisus is a plant bug species in the family Miridae, commonly known as the pale legume bug or lucerne plant bug. It is a significant agricultural pest of forage, fiber, and fruit crops, particularly alfalfa, cotton, and strawberries. The species is distributed across western North America from Alaska to northern Mexico, with established populations also reported in Oceania. Adults and nymphs feed on developing plant tissues using piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing economic damage including cat-faced berries in strawberry production. Female-produced sex pheromones have been identified and developed for monitoring and potential management applications.
Lygus hesperus
Western Tarnished Plant Bug
Lygus hesperus is a significant agricultural pest in western North America, causing extensive damage to cotton, strawberries, alfalfa seed, and other crops. In California alone, annual losses exceed $30 million in cotton and $40 million in strawberries. Adults overwinter in reproductive diapause triggered by short day lengths, resuming activity when conditions improve. The species has been the subject of extensive research on sampling methods, biological control, and insecticide resistance.
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keltoni
Lygus keltoni is a plant bug species in the family Miridae, recently distinguished from L. shulli. It is a documented pest of canola and alfalfa in western Canada, with laboratory studies confirming its life history parameters. The species occurs across North America from Canada through the western United States to Mexico.
Lygus lineolaris
tarnished plant bug, North American tarnished plant bug
Lygus lineolaris, commonly known as the tarnished plant bug, is a highly polyphagous mirid bug and major agricultural pest throughout North America. It attacks over half of all cultivated plant species grown in the United States, with particularly significant damage to cotton, alfalfa, strawberries, and conifer seedlings. The species has piercing-sucking mouthparts and causes injury by feeding on developing reproductive structures, resulting in deformed fruits, shed squares, and reduced yields. It serves as prey for numerous natural enemies including spiders, predatory bugs, and solitary wasps.
Lygus punctatus
plant bug
Lygus punctatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It reaches a body length of approximately 6–7 mm. The species has a broad distribution across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. Adults have been recorded in high abundance on alfalfa (Medicago sativa).
Lygus rugulipennis
European Tarnished Plant Bug
Lygus rugulipennis is a small plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the European tarnished plant bug. It is a widespread polyphagous pest with an exceptionally broad host range, documented on over 400 plant species across 57 families. The species is native to the Palaearctic region but has been introduced to North America. It is economically significant as a pest of alfalfa, clover, potato, cereals, sugar beet, and various other crops, causing damage through feeding on plant tissues.
Lytta
blister beetles
Lytta is a genus of blister beetles in the family Meloidae, established by Fabricius in 1775. The genus comprises approximately 70 described species in North America and over 100 species worldwide, making it one of the more diverse genera in its tribe. Species are distributed across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Members are known for producing cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin.
Lytta nuttalli
Nuttall's blister beetle
Lytta nuttalli is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. The specific epithet honors botanist Thomas Nuttall. Adults display brilliant purple and green iridescent coloration. This species is notable for its complex life cycle involving hypermetamorphosis, with larvae developing as parasitoids in the nests of solitary bees. Adults are gregarious feeders on legumes and can occasionally damage agricultural crops. Populations are naturally limited by their dependence on native ground-nesting bees for larval development.
Lytta viridana
Viridescent Blister Beetle
Lytta viridana is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, occurring in mixed colonies with congeners in the Canadian prairies and western North America. Adults are active from late May to late June, feeding primarily on wild and cultivated legumes with occasional consumption of non-leguminous plants including cereals and sugar beets. The species exhibits complex reproductive behavior including multiple matings, multiple egg batches per female, and documented hybridization with L. nuttalli. Embryological development is well-studied, with eggs requiring moist soil conditions and completing development in 2-3 weeks at typical summer temperatures.
Macristis schausi
Bulia schausi
Macristis schausi is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Hypeninae, described by Barnes & Benjamin in 1924. It is native to northwestern Mexico and has been intercepted at U.S. ports of entry on commercial produce shipments, indicating potential invasive risk. The species was previously known under the synonym Bulia schausi. It is not established in the United States.
Macrodactylus
rose chafers, American rose chafers
Macrodactylus is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as rose chafers or American rose chafers. The genus contains at least 110 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Adults are typically associated with vegetation, and some species are documented agricultural pests of crops such as maize. Larval stages are soil-dwelling and develop in association with organic matter or host plant roots.
Macrosaccus
Macrosaccus is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Davis & De Prins in 2011. The genus currently contains six recognized species, all of which are leaf miners on Fabaceae (legume family) host plants. The generic name derives from Greek μακρο- (long) and σάκκος (bag), referring to the elongate saccus in male genitalia. Several species have become economically significant as agricultural pests, particularly M. morrisella, which recently expanded from native forest legumes to soybean.
Macrosaccus morrisella
hog peanut moth, soybean tentiform leafminer
Macrosaccus morrisella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, native to North America. Historically associated with native legumes including American hogpeanut and slickseed fuzzybean, it has recently expanded its host range to include soybean, with first reports from Quebec in 2016 and Minnesota in 2021. The species is notable for its hypermetamorphic larvae that produce distinctive serpentine-to-blotch-to-tentiform leaf mines, and its emergence as a potential agricultural pest of a major commodity crop.
Macrosiphini
Macrosiphini is a large tribe of aphids within the subfamily Aphidinae, comprising over 200 genera and numerous species distributed worldwide. Members exhibit diverse life cycles, including both monoecious species that remain on herbaceous plants year-round and heteroecious species that alternate between woody primary hosts and herbaceous secondary hosts. The tribe includes many economically significant agricultural pests, such as Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) and Macrosiphum species. Host plant specificity varies considerably, with some species restricted to single host species and others feeding across multiple plant families.
Macrosiphum euphorbiae
potato aphid
Macrosiphum euphorbiae, commonly known as the potato aphid, is a polyphagous sap-sucking insect in the family Aphididae. It is a globally significant agricultural pest, particularly of potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato, lettuce, and numerous other crops across more than 20 plant families. The species exhibits complex life cycle strategies including host alternation between primary (Rosa spp.) and secondary hosts, cyclical parthenogenesis in North America, and obligate asexual reproduction in UK populations. It vectors multiple plant viruses including potato leaf roll virus, potato virus Y, and tomato yellow top virus. The aphid demonstrates notable phenotypic plasticity with green and pink color morphs, and possesses distinctive antipredator behaviors including dropping from host plants followed by tonic immobility.
Macrosteles
leafhoppers
Macrosteles is a genus of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) comprising more than 80 species distributed primarily in the northern hemisphere. Members are phloem-feeding insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts. Several species are economically significant as vectors of phytopathogenic phytoplasmas, including "Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris" (aster yellows disease) and "Candidatus Phytoplasma oryzae" (rice yellow dwarf). Some species exhibit migratory behavior. The genus harbors complex endosymbiotic microbiota including obligate nutritional symbionts "Candidatus Sulcia muelleri" and "Candidatus Nasuia deltocephalinicola".
Macrosteles divisus
Macrosteles divisus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. It is known primarily as a vector of carrot yellows disease (phytoplasma) in agricultural systems. The species overwinters as eggs in plant tissues, with nymphs emerging in spring and multiple generations occurring through the growing season. Population activity peaks in mid to late summer.
Macrosteles quadrilineatus
Aster leafhopper, Six-spotted leafhopper
Macrosteles quadrilineatus is a small leafhopper species native to the United States and a major agricultural pest. It is the primary vector of aster yellows phytoplasma, transmitting the pathogen to vegetable crops including carrot, celery, lettuce, and potato. Adults migrate northward in spring on southerly winds, often arriving in the Midwest and northern regions earlier and in greater numbers than resident overwintering populations. The species exhibits polyphagous feeding behavior on numerous grasses, cereals, and broadleaf plants.
Maladera formosae
Asiatic garden beetle
Maladera formosae, the Asiatic garden beetle, is an invasive scarab beetle native to East Asia that was introduced to North America in 1921. It has become a significant agricultural pest, particularly in the Great Lakes region where it damages field corn, soybeans, and commercial mint. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with soil-dwelling larvae that feed on plant roots and nocturnal adults that consume foliage and flowers. Both life stages cause economically important damage, with larvae responsible for early-season crop losses and adults defoliating ornamental and crop plants.
Mamestra
Cabbage moth
Mamestra is a genus of noctuid moths established in 1816. The genus contains at least five described species, with M. brassicae (cabbage moth) being the most economically significant. Cell lines from M. brassicae are used in biopharmaceutical research for recombinant protein production.
Manduca
hornworms, hawkmoths, sphinx moths
Manduca is a genus of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) established by Jacob Hübner in 1807. The genus contains approximately 70 species distributed primarily in the Americas. Several species, notably Manduca sexta (tobacco hornworm) and M. quinquemaculata (tomato hornworm), are extensively studied as model organisms in biological research due to their large size and ease of laboratory rearing. The larvae, commonly called hornworms, are significant agricultural pests of solanaceous crops.
Manduca sexta
Carolina sphinx moth, tobacco hawk moth, tobacco hornworm, Goliath worm
Manduca sexta is a large sphinx moth native to the Americas, widely recognized as both a significant agricultural pest and a premier model organism in biological research. The species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism in adults and undergoes complete metamorphosis through five larval instars. Larvae are notable for their ability to sequester and metabolize nicotine from tobacco plants, using it as a chemical defense against predators. The species has been extensively studied in neurobiology, developmental biology, and immunology due to its large size, short life cycle, and accessible nervous system.
Marasmia
Marasmia is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. It was established by Julius Lederer in 1863 and is currently treated as a synonym of Cnaphalocrocis in most modern taxonomic databases, though it remains in use in some literature. The genus includes species that are significant agricultural pests, particularly of rice crops. The best-known species, Marasmia ruralis (also known as Cnaphalocrocis medinalis or the rice leaf roller), causes substantial damage to global rice production by folding leaves for feeding and shelter.
Margaroniini
Margaroniini is the most species-rich tribe within the subfamily Spilomelinae (Crambidae), comprising approximately 1,116 species across 74 genera. The tribe was established in 1889 and includes numerous economically significant agricultural pests. Many species have larvae that feed on cultivated crops, causing substantial damage to legumes, cucurbits, olives, peaches, coconuts, and box trees.