Agricultural-pest
Guides
Agromyzidae
leaf-miner flies, leaf miner flies
Agromyzidae is a large family of small flies comprising approximately 2,500 species worldwide. Adults are minute to small (0.9–6.5 mm), with distinctive head sclerotization patterns and reduced wing venation. The family derives its common name from the larval feeding habit: larvae are predominantly leaf miners that feed between the upper and lower epidermis of plant leaves, creating visible mines that are often species-specific in shape. Some species are significant agricultural pests, particularly in the genera Liriomyza, Phytomyza, and Ophiomyia.
Agrotis
cutworms
Agrotis is a large genus of noctuid moths containing numerous cutworm species, many of which are significant agricultural pests. The genus was established by Ferdinand Ochsenheimer in 1816. Several species have been documented as extinct. Larvae are known as cutworms due to their habit of severing plant stems at or near the soil surface. The bogong moth (Agrotis infusa) was historically important as a seasonal food source for Indigenous Australians.
Agrotis gladiaria
Swordsman Dart, Claybacked Cutworm
Agrotis gladiaria is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Swordsman Dart or Claybacked Cutworm. The species is distributed across eastern North America, from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States. Adults are active in autumn, with larvae feeding on a broad range of agricultural and wild plants. The larval stage functions as a cutworm, severing plant stems at or near the soil surface.
Agrotis ipsilon
dark sword-grass, ipsilon dart, black cutworm, greasy cutworm, floodplain cutworm
Agrotis ipsilon is a globally distributed noctuid moth whose larvae, known as black cutworms, are serious agricultural pests. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive black Y-shaped or epsilon-shaped markings on brown forewings. The species exhibits seasonal migration, traveling north in spring and south in fall to avoid temperature extremes. Larvae feed on a wide range of vegetable crops and grains, cutting plants at or below the soil surface and causing significant economic damage.
Agrotis orthogonia
Pale Western Cutworm Moth, Pale Western Cutworm
Agrotis orthogonia, the Pale Western Cutworm Moth, is a noctuid moth native to dry regions of western North America. Its larvae are subterranean cutworms that feed on the stems of wheat and other small grains just below the soil surface, causing significant agricultural damage during outbreaks. The species prefers loose, sandy, dry, or dusty soils and is particularly associated with wheat production systems. Adult moths emerge in late summer and fall, with most eggs hatching in late winter or early spring.
Agrotis venerabilis
dusky cutworm, Venerable Dart
Agrotis venerabilis, commonly known as the dusky cutworm or Venerable Dart, is a noctuid moth species first described by Francis Walker in 1857. The species has a broad transcontinental distribution across North America, ranging from central Canada to Mexico. Adults are active from August to September in temperate regions, with an extended season in the Neotropics beginning as early as March. The larvae are agricultural pests known as cutworms that feed on a variety of cultivated crops and weeds.
Agrotis vetusta
Old Man Dart, Spotted-legged Cutworm, Muted Dart (for subspecies A. v. mutata)
Agrotis vetusta is a medium-sized noctuid moth commonly known as the Old Man Dart or Spotted-legged Cutworm. Adults have a wingspan of 35–42 mm and are active from August to September. The species is notable for its broad North American distribution spanning from southern Alaska to Nova Scotia and southward into Mexico. Larvae are polyphagous cutworms that feed on forbs, vegetables, and row crops, occasionally causing agricultural damage. Three subspecies are recognized, with A. v. mutata restricted to western populations.
Agrotis volubilis
Voluble Dart, Voluble Dart Moth
Agrotis volubilis, the voluble dart moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Leon F. Harvey in 1874. It has a broad distribution across North America, ranging from Newfoundland to British Columbia in Canada and from Maine to Florida west to the Pacific Coast in the United States. The species is univoltine, with adults active from May to July. Larvae are generalist feeders on a variety of herbaceous plants including agricultural crops.
Agrypnus
Agrypnus is a genus of click beetles (Elateridae) in the subfamily Agrypninae. The genus includes species with Palearctic distribution, with some members inhabiting diverse environments from scrubland and grasslands to coastal sand dunes. Larvae of at least some species are soil-dwelling wireworms that feed on plant roots and other insects. One species, Agrypnus murinus, has been subject to genome sequencing and is recognized as an agricultural pest.
Alarodia
Alarodia is a genus of slug caterpillar moths (Limacodidae) established by Möschler in 1886. The genus includes species that are agricultural pests of Citrus in Jamaica, with larvae causing severe defoliation. Adults are nocturnal and weak fliers. The genus has been documented through both field observations and laboratory rearing studies.
Aleurocanthus
Aleurocanthus is a genus of whiteflies in the family Aleyrodidae, established by Quaintance & Baker in 1914. Species in this genus are significant agricultural pests, particularly of citrus and other cultivated crops. The genus includes notable species such as the orange spiny whitefly (A. spiniferus) and the citrus blackfly (A. woglumi), both of which have been subjects of extensive biological control programs due to their economic impact. The genus is characterized by distinctive spiny or ornamented puparial cases and exhibits sexual dimorphism in some species.
Aleurocanthus woglumi
Citrus blackfly
Aleurocanthus woglumi is a whitefly species in the family Aleyrodidae, native to India and widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. It is a significant agricultural pest of citrus and over 300 other host plants, causing damage through sap feeding and honeydew excretion that promotes sooty mold growth. The species has been introduced to the Americas, Africa, and Pacific islands, where biological control using parasitic wasps has been implemented.
Aleurothrixus floccosus
woolly whitefly
Aleurothrixus floccosus, commonly known as the woolly whitefly, is a sap-feeding insect in the family Aleyrodidae. Native to the Neotropics, it has spread globally and become a significant agricultural pest, particularly of citrus. The species is distinguished by the dense, woolly wax filaments produced by its nymphs, which cover the colonies and give the insect its common name. It reproduces year-round in suitable climates, with overlapping generations. Biological control using parasitoid wasps, especially Cales noacki, has been widely implemented as chemical control is often ineffective due to the protective waxy covering.
Aleyrodoidea
whiteflies
Aleyrodoidea is a superfamily of small hemipteran insects commonly known as whiteflies. The superfamily contains a single family, Aleyrodidae, with more than 1,550 described species. Whiteflies are phytophagous insects that feed on plant sap, typically from the undersides of leaves. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the citrus blackfly (Aleurocanthus woglumi) and the Bemisia tabaci species complex.
Allagrapha aerea
Unspotted Looper Moth, Copper Looper Moth
A medium-sized noctuid moth found across eastern North America. Adults fly from spring through early autumn, with two generations annually. Larvae are loopers that move with a characteristic looping gait.
Allantus
Allantus is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae. Members of this genus are herbivorous, with larvae feeding on various plants including roses, buckwheat, and dock weeds. Some species are significant agricultural pests, while others have been investigated as potential biological control agents for invasive weeds. The genus is distributed across the Holarctic region, with species found in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Althaeus folkertsi
velvetleaf seed beetle
Althaeus folkertsi, the velvetleaf seed beetle, is a seed weevil in the subfamily Bruchinae (formerly treated as family Bruchidae). Adults are extremely small, measuring 1.5–2.5 mm in length. The species is associated with velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) and related mallows, developing within the seeds. It occurs in North America.
Altica chalybea
Grape Flea Beetle, Grape Steely Beetle
Altica chalybea, commonly known as the grape flea beetle or grape steely beetle, is a North American leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is recognized by its small bluish-green metallic coloration and reflective appearance. It is a documented pest of cultivated grape vines, where adults feed on buds and cause measurable reduction in vegetative growth. The species is distributed across North America and the Caribbean.
Amauromyza
Amauromyza is a genus of leaf-miner and stem-borer flies in the family Agromyzidae, comprising over 60 described species. Most species are phytophagous, with larvae feeding internally in plant tissues. The genus includes significant agricultural pests such as Amauromyza karli, which has recently emerged as a major constraint to quinoa production in the western United States. Species exhibit variation in feeding ecology, with some mining leaves and others boring stems.
Amorbia cuneanum
Western Avocado Leafroller Moth
Amorbia cuneanum, known as the western avocado leafroller moth, is a tortricid moth ranging from Baja California, Mexico, to southwestern Canada. It is a polyphagous species whose larvae feed on diverse woody plants including avocado, citrus, and various native shrubs and trees. Adults are active year-round with two generations annually. The species is of economic concern due to larval damage to avocado and citrus crops.
Amorbia emigratella
Mexican leaf-roller
Amorbia emigratella, commonly known as the Mexican leaf-roller, is a tortricid moth native to the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. It was first described from Hawaii in 1910 by August Busck, where it has become established on all major islands. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in forewing length and undergoes multiple generations annually. Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a broad range of cultivated and wild plants.
Amphicerus
horned powder-post beetles
Amphicerus is a genus of horned powder-post beetles in the family Bostrichidae, established by LeConte in 1861. The genus comprises approximately 14 described species. Members are wood-boring beetles, with at least some species associated with woody plants including grapevines and pomegranates. The genus has been documented as a host for parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Doryctinae (Braconidae).
Amphipoea interoceanica
Interoceanic Ear Moth, Strawberry Cutworm Moth, Strawberry Cutworm
Amphipoea interoceanica is a noctuid moth species first described by Smith in 1899. It is widely distributed across North America, occurring from coast to coast in the United States and across much of southern Canada. The species is known for its larval association with strawberry plants and other low-growing vegetation.
Amphorophora
Berry Aphids
Amphorophora is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by George Bowdler Buckton in 1876. The genus contains approximately 27 species, predominantly distributed in the Nearctic region with presence in Eurasia and North America. Species within this genus are significant agricultural pests of Rubus crops, particularly raspberries and blackberries. Several species, including A. idaei and A. agathonica, are major vectors of plant viruses affecting commercial berry production.
Amplicephalus
Amplicephalus is a genus of leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in the tribe Deltocephalini. At least one species, A. funzaensis, has been documented as a vector for phytoplasmas of groups 16SrI and 16SrVII in Colombia, transmitting these plant pathogenic bacteria to bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris). The genus belongs to a large group of phloem-feeding insects with potential agricultural significance as disease vectors.
Amyelois
navel orangeworm
Amyelois is a monotypic genus of snout moths (Pyralidae) containing a single species, Amyelois transitella, commonly known as the navel orangeworm. The species is endemic to the tropical Western Hemisphere, including the southern United States, and has become a major agricultural pest in California nut orchards. Its abundance increased substantially during the first half of the 20th century.
Anabrus
Mormon cricket
Anabrus is a genus of shield-backed katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, comprising four described species including the extinct Anabrus caudelli. The genus is best known for Anabrus simplex, commonly called the Mormon cricket, a large flightless insect famous for forming massive migratory bands that cause significant agricultural damage in western North America. Despite the common name, these insects are not true crickets but katydids characterized by their gregarious behavior, distinctive morphology, and periodic population outbreaks.
Anabrus simplex
Mormon Cricket
Anabrus simplex, commonly known as the Mormon cricket, is a large flightless shieldbacked katydid (family Tettigoniidae, subfamily Decticinae) native to western North America. Despite its common name, it is not a true cricket. The species is notable for its periodic outbreak populations that form large migratory bands, causing significant damage to rangeland forage and cultivated crops. It exhibits a sex-role reversed mating system where males provide nuptial gifts and females compete for mates. The species has been documented from low-elevation sagebrush steppe to alpine tundra above 11,000 feet.
Anagrapha falcifera
Celery Looper, Celery Looper Moth
Anagrapha falcifera, the celery looper, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species was first described by William Kirby in 1837. Adults have a wingspan of 35–40 mm. Larvae are generalist feeders on low-growing plants including agricultural crops. The species gained scientific significance in 1985 when specimens collected in Missouri were found infected with a naturally occurring baculovirus, which became the first patented baculovirus and contributed to the development of biological insect control products.
Anaplectoides
green arches (for A. prasina)
Anaplectoides is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by McDunnough in 1929. The genus comprises at least 13 described species distributed across the Holarctic and Oriental regions. The best-known species is Anaplectoides prasina (green arches), a widespread Palearctic moth. Some species, particularly A. virens, are recognized as agricultural pests due to their polyphagous herbivorous habits.
Anarsia lineatella
Peach twig borer, Almond fruit moth
Anarsia lineatella, commonly known as the peach twig borer, is a gelechiid moth native to Europe that was introduced to California in the 1880s and has since spread to other regions. It is a significant agricultural pest of stone fruits, particularly peach, almond, plum, and apricot. The species exhibits multivoltine life cycles with two to three generations per year in most regions, with development rates varying by climate. Adults are small moths with a wingspan of 11–14 mm. The species overwinters as second or third instar larvae within buds and bark cracks, with diapause termination synchronized by winter chilling.
Anasa
squash bugs
Anasa is a genus of squash bugs in the family Coreidae, containing more than 70 described species distributed throughout North, Central, and South America. The genus includes major agricultural pests, particularly Anasa tristis, which causes significant damage to cucurbit crops and vectors cucurbit yellow vine disease. Members of this genus are specialized herbivores of plants in the family Cucurbitaceae.
Anasa tristis
Squash Bug
Anasa tristis is a significant agricultural pest native to North America, specializing in cucurbit crops including squash, pumpkins, and zucchini. Adults are greyish-brown, flattened insects approximately 1.5 cm long with distinctive alternating brown and gold spots along the abdominal margin. The species is a phloem-feeding sap sucker that physically damages plant xylem and leaves, causing wilting, darkening, and death. It also vectors the bacterial pathogen Serratia marcescens, which causes cucurbit yellow vine disease—a condition particularly prevalent in Oklahoma and Texas but spreading to other regions. When disturbed, adults emit an unpleasant odor.
Anastrepha ludens
Mexican fruit fly, Mexfly
Anastrepha ludens, the Mexican fruit fly or Mexfly, is a major agricultural pest native to Mexico and Central America. It is one of the most economically damaging fruit flies, particularly threatening citrus and mango production. The species is notable among Anastrepha species for its subtropical distribution, allowing it to range further north than most congeners. It has been repeatedly introduced to the United States, where it is subject to intensive eradication efforts using sterile insect technique and biological control. The USDA estimates it causes $1.44 billion in damage over five-year periods.
Anatrachyntis rileyi
pink cornworm, pink bud moth, pink scavenger, Pink Scavenger Caterpillar Moth
A small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, described from the southern United States in 1882 but likely introduced to North America from elsewhere. It has established populations across warm and tropical regions worldwide, including the Americas, Pacific islands, and parts of Africa and Asia. The species is known by multiple common names reflecting its association with corn and its scavenging habits.
Anavitrinella
Common Gray (for A. pampinaria)
Anavitrinella is a genus of geometrid moths erected by James Halliday McDunnough in 1922. The genus contains four recognized species, with Anavitrinella pampinaria (common gray) being the most widespread and well-documented. Species in this genus are characterized by relatively plain, grayish wing coloration that makes identification challenging. The caterpillars are inchworms typical of the family Geometridae.
Ancylis comptana
Strawberry leafroller
Ancylis comptana is a tortricid moth whose larvae roll leaves of strawberry plants, historically recognized as a significant pest in North American strawberry cultivation. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with populations formerly identified as A. comptana now often assigned to A. fragariae or other species, creating confusion in older literature. Adults are small moths with distinctive wing patterns. The species complex remains under study.
Ancylostomia stercorea
pigeonpea pod borer
Ancylostomia stercorea is a pod-boring moth whose larvae feed on developing seeds of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). In Trinidad, it is considered the most serious pest of this crop. The species has been documented across the Caribbean, southern Florida, southern Texas, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. It serves as host to multiple parasitoid species that have been studied for biological control potential.
Anicla infecta
Green Cutworm Moth, Green Cutworm
Anicla infecta is a noctuid moth native to the Americas, ranging from southeastern Canada to South America. The species is known by two common names reflecting its life stages: the green cutworm (larva) and green cutworm moth (adult). Adults have a wingspan of 30–35 mm and are active from June through September. The species is attracted to blacklight and has been documented visiting flowers as a pollinator.
Anisolabis
Anisolabis is a genus of earwigs in the subfamily Anisolabidinae, with most species occurring in Asia. The genus name derives from the asymmetrical male cerci, with the right cercus more acute than the left. The best-studied species is Anisolabis maritima, the maritime earwig, which has been extensively researched for its social behavior, sexual selection, and maternal care. Other species such as A. annulipes are known agricultural pests.
Anomala binotata (Gyllenhal, 1817)
Shining leaf chafer
Anomala binotata is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as the shining leaf chafers. It is native to North America, primarily occurring east of the Rocky Mountains. The species is recognized as an agricultural pest, with adults feeding on grapes and other fruit crops, while the larval grubs cause minor damage to grain crops including corn, wheat, and oats.
Anomis erosa
Yellow Scallop Moth, Abutilon Moth
Anomis erosa is a small moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the yellow scallop moth or abutilon moth. First described by Jacob Hübner in 1818, it occurs primarily in southeastern North America, with migrants occasionally reaching as far north as Manitoba, Quebec, and Maine. The species has a wingspan of approximately 27 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on plants in the family Malvaceae, including cotton, hibiscus, and okra.
Anomis flava
cotton looper, tropical anomis, white-pupiled scallop moth
Anomis flava is a widespread moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Fabricius in 1775. It is known by multiple common names reflecting its agricultural significance (cotton looper), geographic range (tropical anomis), and distinctive eye morphology (white-pupiled scallop moth). The species has a broad distribution spanning tropical and subtropical regions across Asia, Africa, Australasia, Pacific Islands, and North America (as the subspecies A. flava fimbriago). It is primarily recognized as a pest of cotton and other malvaceous plants.
Anomoea
Anomoea is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, family Chrysomelidae. The genus name is frequently confused with the tephritid fly genus Anomoia due to historical nomenclatural confusion. The genus includes species such as Anomoea flavokansiensis, which has been studied as a herbivore of leguminous plants in agricultural systems.
Anomoea flavokansiensis
Anomoea flavokansiensis is a case-bearing leaf beetle (Chrysomelidae) described by Moldenke in 1970. It is known from North America and has been studied as a herbivore of the legume Desmanthus illinoensis, where high population densities can potentially reduce seed yield. Research has examined its overwintering biology and the effects of agricultural polyculture on its population density.
Anthonomini
Anthonomini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Curculioninae, comprising approximately 40 genera including Anthonomus, the type genus. Members are primarily herbivorous weevils, with many species exhibiting specific host plant associations. The tribe includes economically significant pests such as the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) and several species associated with Malvaceae, Rosaceae, and other plant families. Species are distributed across multiple continents, with documented occurrences in the Neotropics, Nearctic, Palearctic, and Oriental regions.
Anthonomus
Anthonomus is a large genus of weevils (Curculionidae) described by Germar in 1817. The genus includes numerous species, many of significant economic importance. Several members are major agricultural pests, including the cotton boll weevil (A. grandis), strawberry blossom weevil (A. signatus), and pepper weevil (A. eugenii). Conversely, some species such as A. santacruzi are utilized as biological control agents against invasive plants. The taxonomy of the genus remains under revision, particularly regarding the status of Cnemocyllus as either a distinct genus or subgenus.
Anthonomus grandis
Cotton Boll Weevil, Boll Weevil
Anthonomus grandis, the cotton boll weevil, is a beetle in the family Curculionidae and a historically destructive pest of cotton (Gossypium spp.). Native to Central America, it spread into the United States in the late 19th century and infested all U.S. cotton-growing regions by the 1920s, causing severe economic damage to the cotton industry. Extensive eradication programs have eliminated populations from most of the United States, though persistent populations remain in extreme South Texas and northern Mexico that threaten reinfestation of adjoining areas. The species also remains a critical pest in South America.
Anthonomus signatus
strawberry bud weevil, clipper
Anthonomus signatus, commonly known as the strawberry bud weevil or 'clipper,' is a small weevil native to North America and a significant agricultural pest of strawberry and raspberry crops. Adults measure approximately 3 mm (1/8 inch) and display distinctive copper, black, and white striping. The species derives its common name 'clipper' from the female's behavior of severing flower buds from host plants after egg deposition. It has been documented causing severe economic damage, with up to 55% bud injury observed in raspberry plantings in some years.
Anticarsia gemmatalis
Velvetbean Caterpillar, Velvetbean Moth, Velvetbean Caterpillar Moth
Anticarsia gemmatalis is a tropical moth whose larvae are among the most significant lepidopteran pests of soybean throughout the Americas. The species undergoes annual northward migration from tropical overwintering areas, reaching as far north as Wisconsin in the United States. Larvae feed on foliage of leguminous crops, with velvet bean, soybean, and peanut being primary hosts. The species has been studied in spaceflight experiments, where moths reared in microgravity exhibited altered flight behavior compared to earth-reared individuals.