Agricultural-pest
Guides
Micrutalis malleifera
pseudo-curly top treehopper
Micrutalis malleifera is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, commonly known as the pseudo-curly top treehopper. It is the only known member of its family capable of transmitting a plant disease agent, specifically the Tomato pseudo-curly top virus (genus Topocuvirus). The species has been documented from the southern United States through Central America, with confirmed host plant associations including Physalis walteri and Solanum elaeagnifolium.
Milviscutulus
mango shield scale
Milviscutulus is a genus of soft scale insects (family Coccidae) established by Williams & Watson in 1990. The genus contains at least one economically significant species, M. mangiferae, commonly known as the mango shield scale. Species in this genus are phloem-feeding herbivores associated with mango (Mangifera indica). The genus has been documented in Egypt, Australia (north Queensland), and Papua New Guinea.
Milviscutulus mangiferae
Mango Shield Scale
Milviscutulus mangiferae is a soft scale insect (family Coccidae) commonly known as the mango shield scale. It is a significant pest of mango (Mangifera indica) throughout tropical and subtropical regions. The species exhibits kin-biased dispersal behavior and shows variable population dynamics across different mango varieties. First recorded in Australia in 2007, it has a broad global distribution across mango-growing regions.
Mocis latipes
Small Mocis Moth, Striped Grass Looper
Mocis latipes is a moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the Small Mocis Moth or Striped Grass Looper. It has a broad distribution across the Americas, from southern Canada through the United States and into Central and South America. The species is notable for its grass-feeding larval stage, which can include agricultural crops such as rice and corn.
Monellia
Blackmargined aphid, Yellow pecan aphid
Monellia is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, native to North America. The genus includes notable pecan pest species, particularly Monellia caryella (blackmargined aphid) and Monellia costalis (yellow pecan aphid). These aphids feed on phloem sap from pecan and hickory trees, causing direct damage through sap removal and indirect damage via honeydew production that supports sooty mold growth. The genus is subject to significant biological control pressure from diverse natural enemy communities including lacewings, lady beetles, parasitoid wasps, and entomopathogenic fungi.
Monelliopsis
yellow pecan aphid
Monelliopsis is a genus of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the subfamily Calaphidinae, established by Richards in 1965. The genus contains species that are specialized feeders on pecan (Carya illinoinensis), with Monelliopsis pecanis being the most economically significant species. These aphids are known as 'yellow pecan aphids' and are important pests of commercial pecan production in North America. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts and produce honeydew, which supports sooty mold growth. The genus is distinguished from the related Monellia by morphological and behavioral characteristics.
Monocrepidius falli
southern potato wireworm
Monocrepidius falli, commonly known as the southern potato wireworm, is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The larval stage is referred to as a wireworm, a soil-dwelling pest known for damaging agricultural crops. The species has been documented in 411 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is moderately well-recorded. Specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain limited in available sources.
Monocrepidius scissus
Peanut wireworm
Monocrepidius scissus is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the peanut wireworm. The common name reflects its larval form's association with peanut cultivation, where wireworm larvae can cause damage to developing crops. Adults are beetles with the characteristic body form of click beetles, capable of the jumping mechanism that gives the family its common name. The species has been documented across multiple observations, suggesting established populations in agricultural regions.
Monolexis fuscicornis
Monolexis fuscicornis is a parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, subfamily Doryctinae. It has been documented as a larva-pupa parasitoid of the wood-boring beetle Trogoxylon impressum, a pest of fig plants in Turkey. The species represents a potentially significant biological control agent for managing bostrichid beetle infestations in agricultural settings.
Monophadnoides
raspberry sawfly
Monophadnoides is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Blennocampinae, containing approximately eight described species. The genus was established by Ashmead in 1898. One species, Monophadnoides rubi, is known as the raspberry sawfly and is recognized as an agricultural pest. Sawflies in this genus possess the characteristic saw-shaped ovipositor typical of Tenthredinidae, which females use to insert eggs into plant tissue.
Monoptilota
lima-bean vine borer moth
Monoptilota is a monotypic genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, containing only the lima-bean vine borer moth (Monoptilota pergratialis). The genus was established by George Duryea Hulst in 1900. The single species is a pest of leguminous crops in the United States.
Monoptilota pergratialis
lima-bean vine borer moth
Monoptilota pergratialis, commonly known as the lima-bean vine borer moth, is the sole species in the genus Monoptilota. It is a small pyralid moth in the subfamily Phycitinae. The species is found in the central and southeastern United States. Larvae are known to bore into the stems of lima bean plants, causing damage to cultivated crops.
Mormidea lugens
Mormidea lugens is a small stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and eastern North America. In southern Illinois, it exhibits a univoltine life cycle with adults overwintering and emerging in late April, persisting until early November. The species develops on various grasses and sedges, with nymphs feeding on vegetation and adults targeting developing grass seeds. It is considered a potential pest of wheat and other small grains.
Murgantia
Murgantia is a genus of shield bugs (family Pentatomidae, tribe Pentatomini) comprising approximately six described species. The genus is best known for Murgantia histrionica, commonly called the harlequin bug, a significant agricultural pest of cruciferous crops in North America. Species in this genus exhibit bright aposematic coloration—typically combinations of orange, black, and yellow—and possess chemical defense mechanisms derived from host plant compounds. Research on M. histrionica has established it as a laboratory model for studying developmental plasticity, thermal melanism, and gene expression patterns in hemimetabolous insects.
Myllocerus
oriental broad-nosed weevils, ash weevils, grey weevils, Sri Lankan weevils
Myllocerus is a large genus of oriental broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, comprising at least 330 described species. Species within this genus are predominantly distributed across the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions, with several species recognized as significant agricultural pests. Notable pest species include Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus (Sri Lankan weevil), M. maculosus (cotton grey weevil), and M. viridanus (ash weevil), which attack diverse crop plants including cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruit trees. The genus exhibits typical weevil morphology with broad rostrums and root-feeding larval stages combined with foliage-feeding adults.
Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus
Sri Lankan weevil
Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus, the Sri Lankan weevil, is a polyphagous curculionid pest native to Sri Lanka that has spread to India, Pakistan, and the United States. It was first identified in Florida in 2000 on Citrus species and has since established populations in the state. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism with females typically larger than males. Research has documented its cold tolerance limitations, mating behavior involving female abdominal rocking and prolonged copulatory guarding, and susceptibility to certain biopesticides.
Myochrous
Myochrous is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae, containing over 50 described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. The generic name derives from Ancient Greek words meaning 'mouse' and 'color'. Several species are agricultural pests, including Myochrous denticollis (southern corn leaf beetle), Myochrous melancholicus (banana pest), and Myochrous armatus (emerging soybean pest in Brazil). The genus was formerly placed in tribe Adoxini but is now classified in Eumolpini.
Myodocha serripes
long-necked seed bug
Myodocha serripes, commonly known as the long-necked seed bug, is a dirt-colored seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae. It is native to North America, with records from the United States, Canada, and Jamaica. The species feeds on seeds and has been documented as a pest on strawberry crops. Adults hibernate during winter, either solitarily or in small groups, before migrating to fields in spring. Activity peaks in autumn, though populations in Florida remain active year-round without hibernating.
Mythimna
Armyworm moths
Mythimna is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as armyworm moths. Several species are significant agricultural pests, with larvae that feed on cereal crops, corn, rice, and other grasses. The genus has a global distribution spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australasia. Notable species include M. unipuncta (true armyworm), M. separata (Oriental armyworm), and M. loreyi, all of which cause economic damage to major food crops. Adult moths have been documented as nocturnal pollinators of apple flowers and other crops.
Mythimna sequax
wheat armyworm
Mythimna sequax, commonly known as the wheat armyworm, is a noctuid moth species whose larvae are significant agricultural pests of wheat and other cereals. Native to the Americas, it has become established in southern Brazil where it causes substantial damage to winter wheat crops. The species exhibits nocturnal larval behavior, sheltering under soil debris during daylight hours. Climate change research indicates its voltinism (number of generations per year) is sensitive to temperature increases, with nonlinear phenological models providing more accurate predictions than traditional degree-day approaches.
Mythimna unipuncta
true armyworm moth, white-speck moth, common armyworm, rice armyworm
Mythimna unipuncta is a migratory noctuid moth found across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Larvae feed on grasses and cereal crops, causing significant agricultural damage during outbreaks. Adults are nocturnal and nectivorous, feeding on flower nectar and ripe or decaying fruit. The species exhibits seasonal migration, traveling north in spring and south in fall to optimize mating conditions. Larvae display characteristic armyworm behavior, moving en masse between fields when food sources are depleted.
Myzus cerasi
black cherry aphid, cherry blackfly
Myzus cerasi, commonly known as the black cherry aphid or cherry blackfly, is a phloem-feeding aphid native to Europe that has become cosmopolitan in distribution. The species exhibits complex host alternation between primary hosts (Prunus cerasus and Prunus avium) and secondary hosts (Galium and Veronica species). Two host-specific subspecies are recognized: M. c. cerasi on sour cherry and M. c. pruniavium on sweet cherry, distinguished by mitochondrial COI haplotypes and subtle morphological differences. The species is a significant agricultural pest of cherry orchards, forming dense colonies that cause leaf curling and damage to new growth.
Myzus persicae
green peach aphid, greenfly, peach-potato aphid
Myzus persicae is a globally distributed aphid pest with a life cycle alternating between primary woody hosts (Prunus spp., especially peach) and secondary herbaceous hosts across 40 plant families. The species exhibits cyclical parthenogenesis in most populations, with sexual reproduction and egg-laying restricted to autumn on primary hosts. It is the most economically important aphid vector of plant viruses, capable of transmitting over 100 different viruses to crops including potato, tobacco, and brassicas. Some genotypes have lost sexual reproduction entirely, becoming obligate parthenogens that persist year-round on secondary hosts.
Nacoleia
Banana scab moth (for N. octasema)
Nacoleia is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Pyraustinae. The genus includes agricultural pests, most notably Nacoleia octasema (banana scab moth), which damages banana crops in tropical Asia and the Pacific. Some species serve as hosts for polyembryonic parasitoid wasps. The genus was established by Walker in 1859.
Naupactini
broad-nosed weevils
Naupactini is a diverse tribe of broad-nosed weevils (subfamily Entiminae) with highest genus and species diversity in South America. Members range from 3.5 to 35 mm and exhibit diverse coloration including iridescent scales. The tribe is notable for frequent flightlessness and parthenogenesis in habitats with sparse vegetation, with parthenogenesis linked to Wolbachia bacterial infection. Several species are agricultural pests, particularly on Fabaceae.
Naupactus leucoloma
white-fringed weevil, white-fringed beetle
Naupactus leucoloma is a broad-nosed weevil native to South America that has become a globally distributed agricultural pest. Adults are flightless, parthenogenetic females outside their native range, with males occurring only rarely in Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. The species is notable for its extreme polyphagy, having been documented feeding on over 385 plant species. Larval root-feeding causes substantially more economic damage than adult folivory.
Nemocestes
Nemocestes is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae. The genus includes at least one species, Nemocestes incomptus, a native root weevil known to feed on strawberry plants in western Washington. Members of this genus are classified within the tribe Peritelini. The genus was established by Van Dyke in 1936.
Nemocestes incomptus
Nemocestes incomptus is a native root weevil species in western North America. It is recognized as a significant agricultural pest of strawberries in western Washington, where larvae feed on plant roots. The species has been documented in California, Washington, and British Columbia.
Neocrepidodera
Neocrepidodera is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) containing approximately 100 described species distributed worldwide. Species occur primarily in the Western Palearctic, with many restricted to medium and high elevation mountain ecosystems. Adults are typically small, often exhibiting metallic or rusty coloration, and possess the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles that enable jumping. Several species have become established outside their native ranges, including N. ferruginea in North America.
Neocrepidodera ferruginea
European rusted flea beetle, Altise ferrugineuse européenne
Neocrepidodera ferruginea is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to Europe and introduced to North America. Adults are brown in color and feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, particularly grasses and composites. The species inhabits meadows and grasslands, and has been recorded from numerous host plants including Poaceae, Asteraceae, and various weeds. Larvae develop within roots and central stems of host plants. In North America, it was first documented in Ontario and Québec in the 1970s and has since spread northeastward, where it is considered a potential agricultural pest.
Neocurtilla
northern mole crickets
Neocurtilla is a genus of mole crickets in the family Gryllotalpidae, comprising approximately seven described species distributed primarily in North, Central, and South America. Species within this genus are fossorial insects adapted for burrowing, with enlarged forelegs modified for digging. The genus includes notable species such as Neocurtilla hexadactyla, commonly known as the northern mole cricket, which has been studied for its unique chromosome segregation mechanisms. Members of this genus are of interest in agricultural contexts due to their potential as pests and their associations with natural pathogens.
Neodactria caliginosellus
Black Grass-veneer, Corn Root Webworm
Neodactria caliginosellus is a crambid moth known by two common names: black grass-veneer and corn root webworm. The species was described in 1860 and occurs across much of North America. Larvae are documented pests of turf grasses and corn. Adults inhabit grassy areas and agricultural fields.
Neohydatothrips samayunkur
marigold thrips, French marigold thrips
Neohydatothrips samayunkur is a thrips species in the family Thripidae, commonly known as the marigold thrips. It is an economically significant pest of Tagetes species (marigolds), feeding on flowers and leaves. The species has a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Africa, Australia, Europe, Northern Asia, Central America, and North America. Originally described by Kudo in 1995 and validated by Nakahara in 1999, it has been intercepted at U.S. quarantine ports and represents a new country record for Egypt.
Neohydatothrips variabilis
soybean thrips
Neohydatothrips variabilis, commonly known as the soybean thrips, is a phytophagous thrips species in the family Thripidae and the most efficient known vector of Soybean Vein Necrosis Orthotospovirus (SVNV). The species has been documented in Central America and North America, with populations prevalent across all soybean-growing states in the United States. Research indicates that SVNV infection enhances vector fitness by increasing survival, longevity, and reproductive parameters while decreasing population doubling time. The species reproduces through sexual reproduction with arrhenotoky, producing haploid males from unfertilized eggs.
Neomegalotomus
Neomegalotomus is a genus of broad-headed bugs in the family Alydidae, established in 1998. The genus contains at least two described species: N. parvus and N. rufipes. Most biological knowledge derives from studies of N. parvus, a Neotropical pest of legume crops. The genus is characterized by broad head morphology typical of Alydidae and is associated with Fabaceae hosts.
Neopamera
dirt-colored seed bugs
Neopamera is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Harrington in 1980. The genus contains approximately 16 described species. At least one species, N. bilobata, has emerged as a significant agricultural pest of strawberry crops, causing catfacing symptoms in fruits.
Neopamera bilobata
dirt-colored seed bug
Neopamera bilobata is a seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae with a broad distribution across the Americas. It has emerged as a significant pest of strawberry cultivation in high tunnel systems, where it causes catfacing damage to fruits. The species exhibits distinctive reproductive behaviors including male courtship displays and female resistance during copulation. Laboratory studies indicate a lifespan of approximately 45-52 days and egg-laying rates of 2.2 eggs per day.
Neophilaenus
spittlebugs
Neophilaenus is a genus of spittlebugs (family Aphrophoridae) containing approximately 10 described species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region. Nymphs are known for producing characteristic foam masses ("cuckoo spit") that provide protection and moisture retention during development. Several species, particularly N. campestris and N. lineatus, have been extensively studied due to their role as vectors of the plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa, which threatens Mediterranean agriculture including olive, almond, and grapevine crops. The genus exhibits temperature-dependent phenology, with development rates and adult emergence timing varying predictably with altitude and latitude.
Neotephritis
sunflower seed maggot
Neotephritis is a genus of tephritid fruit flies established by Hendel in 1935. The genus contains approximately 12 described species distributed in the Americas. At least one species, Neotephritis finalis, is a documented pest of cultivated sunflowers, with larvae feeding within developing flower heads and reducing seed set. Adults are characterized by patterned wings typical of Tephritidae, often with dark markings and hyaline spots.
Neotephritis finalis
Sunflower Seed Maggot
Neotephritis finalis, commonly known as the sunflower seed maggot, is a univoltine tephritid fly that is a significant pest of cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in North America. Adults emerge in late June to early July, mate on sunflower heads, and females oviposit into developing heads during the R3-R4 growth stages. Larvae feed gregariously on developing seeds from July through August, causing direct damage that reduces seed quality and yield. The species completes one generation per year, with third instar larvae exiting heads to pupate in soil and overwinter as pupae.
Neotoxoptera
Neotoxoptera is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, comprising at least seven described species. The genus is best known for N. formosana, the onion aphid, a significant agricultural pest of Allium crops. Species in this genus are oligophagous, specializing on plants in the Allium genus, and are distributed across Asia, North America, South America, Europe, Oceania, and Africa.
Neotoxoptera formosana
Onion Aphid
Neotoxoptera formosana is an oligophagous aphid pest specialized on Allium crops, originally described from Taiwan in 1921 and now distributed globally. It causes severe economic losses to Allium agriculture, particularly Allium tuberosum in China, through direct feeding damage and as a vector for plant viruses including garlic latent potyvirus and alstroemeria mosaic potyvirus. The species exhibits temperature-sensitive population dynamics with optimal reproduction at 20°C, and employs specific olfactory cues—particularly sulfur compounds like diallyl disulphide and dipropyl trisulphide—to locate host plants.
Nephelodes minians
Bronzed Cutworm Moth, Shaded Umber Moth
Nephelodes minians is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Bronzed Cutworm Moth or Shaded Umber Moth. The species is widely distributed across North America, with adults active from mid-summer through autumn. Larvae are recognized agricultural pests that feed on grasses and cereal crops.
Neurocolpus nubilus
clouded plant bug
Neurocolpus nubilus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the clouded plant bug. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada and multiple U.S. states. The species feeds on a variety of herbaceous plants and has been documented on agricultural crops as well as native vegetation.
Nezara
Green Vegetable Bugs
Nezara is a genus of plant-feeding stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae, established by Amyot and Serville in 1843. The genus contains approximately 20 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The most economically significant species is Nezara viridula (Linnaeus, 1758), commonly known as the southern green stink bug or green vegetable bug, which is a major agricultural pest of legumes, cotton, and numerous other crops. Several species have been documented as pests of soybean and other economically important crops in South America, with N. viridula being particularly problematic due to its cosmopolitan distribution and polyphagous feeding habits.
Nezara viridula
Southern Green Stink Bug, Southern Green Shield Bug, Green Vegetable Bug
Nezara viridula is a cosmopolitan, shield-shaped stink bug and major agricultural pest of leguminous crops, particularly soybeans, beans, and peas. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it has spread worldwide through human trade and strong flight capability. The species exhibits complex behaviors including aggregation, maternal guarding of egg masses, and vibrational communication for mate location. In temperate zones, adults enter winter diapause with a reversible color change from green to brown or russet.
Nezarini
stink bugs
Nezarini is a tribe of stink bugs within the family Pentatomidae, containing at least 21 described genera. The tribe includes economically significant agricultural pests such as the southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) and various species in the genera Chinavia and Chlorochroa. Members are distributed across multiple continents with substantial observation records documenting their presence.
Nipaecoccus
Nipaecoccus is a genus of mealybugs in the family Pseudococcidae. The genus includes several economically important pest species, most notably Nipaecoccus viridis (hibiscus mealybug or lebbeck mealybug) and Nipaecoccus nipae (coconut mealybug). Species in this genus are characterized by their white, powdery wax covering and polyphagous feeding habits on a wide range of host plants including citrus, palms, ornamentals, and various fruit and row crops. Nipaecoccus viridis has emerged as a significant invasive pest in Florida since 2009, with documented impacts on citrus, blueberries, hemp, and ornamental plants.
Niphonyx
hops angleshade
Niphonyx is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, containing the single species Niphonyx segregata. The genus was erected by Shigero Sugi in 1982. The sole species, known as the hops angleshade, is native to eastern Asia and was introduced to the northeastern United States in the 1990s. The genus is characterized by its small size and specialized larval association with hop plants.
Niphonyx segregata
Hops Angleshade
Niphonyx segregata, known as the Hops Angleshade, is a noctuid moth native to eastern Asia. The species was introduced to the northeastern United States in the 1990s and has established a breeding population there. It belongs to the subfamily Condicinae within the diverse family Noctuidae.