Agricultural-pest
Guides
Nitidulini
Nitidulini is a tribe of small beetles within the family Nitidulidae, established by Latreille in 1802. The tribe comprises approximately 10 genera and at least 20 described species, including economically significant genera such as Aethina and Stelidota. Members are primarily associated with fermenting or decaying plant materials and sap flows. The tribe is taxonomically well-defined within the subfamily Nitidulinae and has been documented across multiple continents.
Noctua pronuba
Large Yellow Underwing, Winter Cutworm
Noctua pronuba is a widespread noctuid moth commonly known as the large yellow underwing or winter cutworm. It is the type species for the family Noctuidae and one of the most abundant and familiar moths across the Palearctic region. The species exhibits highly migratory behavior in some years, with sudden appearances in marginal parts of its range. Research using optical coherence tomography has revealed that its compound eyes employ a light-absorbing pigment migration mechanism to adapt to changing light conditions over approximately 30 minutes.
Noctuidae
owlet moths, cutworms, armyworms
Noctuidae is a large family of moths in the superfamily Noctuoidea, currently comprising approximately 1,089 genera and 11,772 species. The family is taxonomically unstable, having recently lost several subfamilies (Lymantriinae, Catocalinae, Calpinae) to the family Erebidae, making it now the second-largest family in Noctuoidea rather than the largest in Lepidoptera. Adults are predominantly nocturnal with cryptic brown, grey, or black coloration, though some tropical subfamilies exhibit bright coloration. Larvae are commonly known as cutworms or armyworms, with many species being significant agricultural pests.
Nola
Nola is a genus of moths in the family Nolidae, described by William Elford Leach in 1815. The genus is the namesake of the subfamily Nolinae and occurs worldwide wherever suitable habitat is present. The genus includes numerous species, with at least one species, Nola sorghiella (sorghum webworm), recognized as an agricultural pest of sorghum in the eastern United States and Texas.
Nolidae
Tufted Moths, Tuft Moths
Nolidae is a family of small to medium-sized moths within the superfamily Noctuoidea, comprising approximately 1,400-1,700 described species worldwide. Members are characterized by relatively dull coloration and, in the subfamilies Nolinae and Collomeninae, distinctive tufts of raised scales on the forewings. The family was historically treated as a subfamily of Noctuidae but is now recognized as distinct based on morphological and molecular evidence. A defining feature of the family is the construction of a silk cocoon with a vertical exit slit for pupal emergence.
Nomophila nearctica
Lucerne Moth, Clover Nomophila, False Webworm, Celery Stalkworm, American Celery Webworm
Nomophila nearctica is a crambid moth with broad distribution across North America and southward into the Neotropics. Adults are active from spring through late autumn. The species is notable for its narrow, elongated wing profile and association with low-growing herbaceous vegetation. Larvae feed on a range of plants including grasses, legumes, and celery, making it occasionally significant in agricultural contexts.
Nomophilini
Nomophilini is a tribe within the subfamily Spilomelinae of the Crambidae moth family. The tribe was erected in 1979 and contains 24 genera with approximately 358 species. It includes economically significant genera such as Nomophila, which contains the rice leaffolder (Nomophila noctuella), a notable agricultural pest. The tribe is characterized by diverse feeding habits across its constituent genera.
Notostraca
tadpole shrimp, shield shrimp
Notostraca is an order of small crustaceans commonly known as tadpole shrimp or shield shrimp. The group contains a single extant family, Triopsidae, with two genera: Triops and Lepidurus. These animals are considered living fossils, with morphologically similar forms dating back to the Late Devonian approximately 360 million years ago. They inhabit temporary freshwater pools, shallow lakes, and similar aquatic environments worldwide except Antarctica.
Nysius
false chinch bugs
Nysius is a large genus of seed-feeding true bugs in the family Lygaeidae, commonly known as false chinch bugs. The genus contains approximately 100-106 described species with worldwide distribution. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including N. huttoni (wheat bug) in New Zealand and N. cymoides in Europe and Turkey. A unique Hawaiian radiation contains 26 species, including two flightless, predatory wēkiu bugs (N. wekiuicola and N. aa) that feed on dead and dying insects on high-elevation volcanoes. Most species feed on seeds and plant fluids, though some exhibit atypical feeding behaviors.
Nysius raphanus
False Chinch Bug
Nysius raphanus, commonly known as the false chinch bug, is a small North American seed bug in the family Lygaeidae. Adults measure no more than 1/8 inch (approximately 3 mm) in length. The species undergoes hemimetabolous development with multiple nymphal stages rather than a larval stage; nymphs resemble wingless adults. While recognized as the most serious pest among Nysius species, reports of heavy infestations causing significant crop damage are uncommon. Populations can reach outbreak levels under dry conditions.
Ochropleura implecta
Flame-shouldered Dart
Ochropleura implecta is a North American noctuid moth described by Don Lafontaine in 1998. It was distinguished from the European and Asian Ochropleura plecta based on morphological differences. The species has a broad transcontinental distribution across North America and exhibits bivoltine flight activity.
Oebalus
rice stink bug
Oebalus is a genus of stink bugs (Pentatomidae) containing several species that are significant agricultural pests, particularly of rice and sorghum. The most extensively studied species, Oebalus pugnax (rice stink bug), is a serious pest of rice in the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Other species including O. insularis, O. ornatus, and O. poecilus also develop on rice and are distributed across the Americas. All life stages feed on developing grain kernels, causing direct damage and facilitating fungal infection.
Oebalus pugnax
Rice Stink Bug
Oebalus pugnax, the rice stink bug, is a shield bug in the family Pentatomidae native to North America and a major agricultural pest in the Southern United States. First described by Fabricius in 1775, this species attacks cereal crops with small seeds, particularly rice, wheat, and sorghum. Adults are highly mobile and migrate en masse between wild grass hosts and cultivated fields. The species is distinguished from similar stink bugs by its narrower profile and lighter straw coloration.
Oenomaus
Oenomaus is a genus of hairstreak butterflies (Lycaenidae: Theclinae: Eumaeini) first described by Hübner in 1819. Species in this genus are relatively large compared to other hairstreaks and are distributed from southern Texas through Central America to southern Brazil. At least one species, Oenomaus ortygnus, is a significant agricultural pest of Annona fruit crops, with larvae boring into fruit pulp and causing economically important damage.
Oligonychus
Oligonychus is a genus of spider mites in the family Tetranychidae containing approximately 200 described species. Many species are significant agricultural pests attacking diverse crops including tea, coffee, corn, sugarcane, date palms, and numerous ornamental plants. The genus exhibits broad host plant associations spanning monocots and dicots, with several species causing economically important damage through leaf feeding.
Oligotrophini
Oligotrophini is a large tribe of gall midges (family Cecidomyiidae) containing over 300 described species across approximately 40 genera. Members are small flies known for inducing galls on diverse host plants. The tribe includes economically significant pests such as the Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) and numerous species associated with woody plants.
Omiodes indicata
bean-leaf webworm moth, soybean leaf folder
Omiodes indicata is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of approximately 20 mm. It is a significant agricultural pest of leguminous crops across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The species is multivoltine with overlapping generations, causing damage throughout the year.
Oncometopia
sharpshooters
Oncometopia is a genus of sharpshooters (leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae) found in North and South America, erected by Carl Stål in 1869. Species range from 9.4 to 15.0 mm in length and are characterized by distinctive morphological features including a moderately produced head, coriaceous forewings with apical membranes, and specialized hindleg tarsomere proportions. Several species are economically important as vectors of plant pathogens, particularly Xylella fastidiosa, which causes diseases such as phony peach disease and citrus variegated chlorosis.
Ophiomyia
Ophiomyia is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae, established by Brazhnikov in 1897. The genus contains over 200 described species distributed worldwide, with particularly significant agricultural impact in tropical and subtropical regions. Several species, notably O. phaseoli, O. spencerella, and O. centrosematis, are major pests of leguminous crops, with larvae feeding internally in stems and leaves. The genus exhibits diverse host associations across multiple plant families, though many species show specialization on particular host genera.
Ophiomyiinae
Ophiomyiinae is a subfamily of small flies within the family Agromyzidae, commonly known as leaf-miner flies. Members of this subfamily are characterized by their highly specialized association with monocotyledonous plants, particularly grasses and sedges. The group includes economically significant pests of cereal crops and pasture grasses. Larval development occurs within plant tissues, creating distinctive feeding damage.
Opogona sacchari
banana moth, sugar-cane moth
Opogona sacchari is a tineid moth native to humid tropical and subtropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar and Indian Ocean islands. It has become established in glasshouses and tropical agriculture worldwide, causing damage to bananas, pineapples, sugarcane, and numerous ornamental plants. The species exhibits thermal sensitivity, with development optimal at 25°C and complete mortality above 30°C.
Opomyza germinationis
Opomyza germinationis is a univoltine fly species in the family Opomyzidae. The larva is a stem-boring pest of cereals and grasses, feeding on the central shoot and causing 'dead-heart' symptoms in young plants. Adults emerge in mid-summer and persist until early autumn, with oviposition occurring in September-November. The species has been documented as an agricultural pest in Britain and is present in Scandinavia.
Orasema
Orasema is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Eucharitidae containing at least 50 described species. These wasps are specialized parasitoids of myrmicine ants (Formicidae: Myrmicinae), with documented hosts including Pheidole, Wasmannia, and Solenopsis. The genus is widespread in the New World, ranging from northern Argentina to southern Canada. Several species groups have been established based on morphology and molecular phylogeny, with the stramineipes group being the most diverse. Some species have been associated with minor agricultural damage when ovipositing into crop plant leaves.
Orchestes pallicornis
Apple Flea Weevil, Apple Flea-weevil
Orchestes pallicornis, commonly known as the Apple Flea Weevil, is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae that has become a destructive agricultural pest of apple orchards. The species was extensively studied by the Illinois Natural History Survey and the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station during the 1910s–1920s due to its significant economic impact. It has been documented as causing serious damage across large areas of Illinois and parts of Ohio. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1832 and continues to be recognized as an accepted species in major taxonomic databases.
Orchidophilus aterrimus
orchid weevil
Orchidophilus aterrimus, commonly known as the orchid weevil, is a flower weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. It is recognized as a pest of cultivated orchids, causing economic damage through feeding activity. The species has been documented in the Philippines and Hawaii, with additional records from Europe.
Orientus ishidae
Japanese leafhopper, Mosaic leafhopper
Orientus ishidae is a leafhopper native to East Asia that has established populations across Europe and North America. Adults measure 4.5–6.5 mm and display a distinctive mosaic pattern on the forewings with an orange band between the eyes. The species is recognized as an alternative vector of phytoplasma diseases affecting grapevines, including Flavescence dorée, and has demonstrated capacity to acquire pathogens associated with Apple Proliferation and Elm Yellows. Its introduction to European agricultural landscapes has raised concerns due to its broad host plant range and potential to bridge wild and cultivated pathosystems.
Orphanostigma
Orphanostigma is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, established by William Warren in 1890. The genus contains at least seven described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. One species, Orphanostigma abruptalis, has been documented as an agricultural pest of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), where larvae fold leaves lengthwise and web them to the plant.
Orthoptera
grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, katydids, bush crickets, wētā
Orthoptera is a diverse order of insects comprising over 20,000 species worldwide, including grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, katydids, and wētā. The order is defined by enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping, stridulatory sound production, and incomplete metamorphosis. Orthopterans are divided into two monophyletic suborders: Caelifera (grasshoppers and locusts) and Ensifera (crickets and katydids). The group originated approximately 300 million years ago, with the divergence between suborders occurring around 256 million years ago.
Oscinella
frit flies
Oscinella is a genus of small flies in the family Chloropidae, commonly known as frit flies. The genus contains multiple species, several of which are significant agricultural pests of cereal crops and pasture grasses. The most economically important species is O. frit, which attacks oats, wheat, and other cereals. Species within the genus exhibit distinct flight behaviors and host plant preferences, with some being migratory and others sedentary.
Ostrinia obumbratalis
smartweed borer
Ostrinia obumbratalis, commonly known as the smartweed borer, is a moth species in the family Crambidae. It was first described by Julius Lederer in 1863. The species is native to North America, with a range extending from New Brunswick and Manitoba in Canada south to Louisiana and Florida in the United States. The larvae are known to feed on a variety of plants including several Polygonum species, as well as agricultural crops such as corn (Zea mays).
Otiorhynchini
Otiorhynchini is a tribe of true weevils within the subfamily Entiminae, family Curculionidae. The tribe was established by Schönherr in 1826 and contains approximately 24 extant genera, including the large and economically significant genus Otiorhynchus. Members of this tribe are part of the broad-nosed weevil group, characterized by their relatively short, broad rostrums compared to other weevil lineages. The tribe includes both extant and fossil genera, with two extinct genera known from the fossil record.
Otiorhynchus cribricollis
Cribrate Weevil, Apple Weevil
Otiorhynchus cribricollis, commonly known as the cribrate weevil or apple weevil, is a flightless weevil native to the Mediterranean region. It has been introduced to Western Australia, where it is recognized as a significant pest of apple orchards and vineyards. The species reproduces through parthenogenesis, with all individuals being female. It has also been recorded from North America (USA), though its establishment status there is less documented.
Otiorhynchus ligustici
Alfalfa Snout Beetle, Lovage Weevil
Otiorhynchus ligustici is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the alfalfa snout beetle or lovage weevil. It is a flightless, parthenogenetic species native to Europe that has been introduced to North America, where it is considered a significant agricultural pest of alfalfa and other legumes.
Otiorhynchus ovatus
Strawberry Root Weevil
Otiorhynchus ovatus is a flightless weevil native to North America, occurring across Canada and the northern United States. The species reproduces exclusively through parthenogenesis—no males have ever been observed. Adults feed nocturnally on leaves and stems of host plants, while larvae feed on roots and crowns, causing significantly more damage. The species is a major agricultural pest of strawberries and other crops, with larvae capable of killing seedlings and young transplants.
Otiorhynchus rugifrons
Strawberry Root Weevil
Otiorhynchus rugifrons is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the Strawberry Root Weevil. It is part of a large genus of root-feeding weevils, many of which are significant agricultural pests. The species has been documented across parts of North America and northern Europe. Like other Otiorhynchus species, adults are flightless and nocturnal.
Oulema
Cereal leaf beetles
Oulema is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Criocerinae. The genus contains approximately 100 species distributed primarily in temperate to tropical regions. Several species are economically important agricultural pests, most notably Oulema melanopus (cereal leaf beetle), which has been introduced to North America and causes significant damage to wheat and other small grain crops. The genus can be distinguished from the closely related Lema by pronotum shape and the converging angle of frontal grooves.
Oulema melanopus
cereal leaf beetle
Oulema melanopus is a leaf beetle native to Eurasia that was introduced to North America in 1962, where it has since become a significant economic pest of small grain crops. The species is particularly damaging to spring wheat and oats, with outbreaks that are sporadic and difficult to predict. Larval feeding causes the most damage by skeletonizing leaves. Management relies on insecticides, though biological control using introduced parasitoids and host plant resistance breeding programs offer promising alternatives.
Oxya
Rice Grasshoppers
Oxya is a genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, distributed across Africa and Asia. Several species, including O. chinensis and O. japonica, are significant agricultural pests of rice and other cereal crops, earning the group the common name "rice grasshoppers." The genus is taxonomically placed in the subfamily Oxyinae and tribe Oxyini. Some species have been introduced to Pacific islands and Australia.
Oxycarenus
ground bugs, seed bugs
Oxycarenus is a genus of ground bugs in the family Oxycarenidae, comprising approximately 55 described species. Several species are documented as important agricultural pests, particularly of cotton and other malvaceous crops. The genus exhibits notable range expansion dynamics in response to climate change, with some species demonstrating rapid northward spread facilitated by behavioral thermoregulation.
Pachnaeus
broad-nosed weevils, citrus root weevils
Pachnaeus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils comprising approximately seven described species. Several species, notably P. litus and P. opalus, are economically significant pests of citrus, commonly referred to as citrus root weevils. The genus has been targeted for biological control research, with studies evaluating parasitoid wasps for management of P. litus populations.
Pachnaeus opalus
Northern Citrus Root Weevil
Pachnaeus opalus is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the northern citrus root weevil. It is native to the southeastern United States and has been documented in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and New Jersey. The species is associated with citrus and related plants, where adults feed on foliage and larvae develop in roots. It was first described by Olivier in 1807 as Curculio opalus.
Pachycoris
Pachycoris is a genus of shield-backed bugs (Scutelleridae) in the subfamily Pachycorinae, distributed across the Americas. Adults are recognized by large bright spots on the dorsal surface. Several species have been documented exhibiting maternal care of eggs and early-instar nymphs. The genus feeds primarily on plants in the family Euphorbiaceae.
Pachygrontha
Pachygrontha is a genus of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in the family Pachygronthidae, comprising more than 30 described species. The genus is classified within the superfamily Lygaeoidea and is characterized as seed bugs and allies. One well-studied species, Pachygrontha antennata, has been documented as a generalist inhabitant of urban, forested, and agricultural environments across East Asia.
Pachygronthidae
Pachygronthidae is a family of true bugs (Hemiptera) within the infraorder Pentatomomorpha, superfamily Lygaeoidea. The family comprises approximately 14 genera and at least 80 described species, organized into two subfamilies: Pachygronthinae and Teracriinae. Members are seed bugs with documented occurrence across North America, Mexico, and temperate regions of East Asia including Korea, Japan, China, and Russia.
Pachymerini
Pachymerini is a tribe of seed beetles (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae) established by Bridwell in 1929. Members are primarily associated with legume seeds as hosts. The tribe includes several genera of economic importance due to their seed-feeding habits.
Palpita
Palpita Moths
Palpita is a genus of crambid moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus includes numerous species distributed across multiple continents, with several species recognized as significant agricultural pests. Notable pest species include Palpita forficifera and Palpita unionalis, which are major pests of olive trees in Brazil, Uruguay, and the Mediterranean region. Other species such as Palpita (Diaphania) indica feed on cucurbits, while Palpita flegia feeds on Cascabela thevetia. The genus is taxonomically complex, with members of the genus Stemorrhages appearing very similar in appearance.
Pandemis
Leafroller moths
Pandemis is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Archipini, commonly known as leafroller moths. The genus comprises approximately 60 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with particular diversity in Eurasia. Several species are recognized as agricultural pests, notably Pandemis cerasana (barred fruit-tree tortrix) and Pandemis pyrusana (Pandemis leafroller), which damage fruit trees and other woody plants. Larvae typically feed on leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs, often rolling or folding leaves for shelter.
Pangaeus
burrower bugs
Pangaeus is a genus of burrower bugs in the family Cydnidae (Hemiptera), comprising approximately 14 described species. Members are fossorial insects adapted for subterranean life, with species distributed across the Americas. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, most notably P. bilineatus, which damages peanut crops in the southeastern United States. Species exhibit morphological adaptations for burrowing, including stout, spiny forelegs.
Pangaeus bilineatus
peanut burrower bug, Two-lined Burrowing Bug
Pangaeus bilineatus, commonly known as the peanut burrower bug, is a soil-dwelling true bug in the family Cydnidae. It is a major agricultural pest of peanut crops in the southeastern United States, where it causes significant economic damage by feeding underground on developing peanut kernels. The species exhibits a single generation per year in most regions, with adults entering diapause in soil during winter months. Its subterranean lifestyle renders conventional foliar pesticide applications ineffective, necessitating specialized integrated pest management approaches.
Panonychus
spider mites
Panonychus is a genus of spider mites in the family Tetranychidae, established by Yokoyama in 1929. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species, including several economically significant agricultural pests. Notable species include Panonychus citri (citrus red mite), a major pest of citrus crops, and Panonychus ulmi (European red mite or fruit tree red spider mite), which attacks deciduous fruit and forest trees. These mites are characterized by their phytophagous feeding habits and have developed resistance to numerous pesticides.