Agricultural-pest
Guides
Pseudacysta
avocado lace bug
Pseudacysta is a monotypic genus of lace bugs (family Tingidae) containing a single described species, P. perseae. The genus is notable for its specialized association with avocado as a host plant. The sole species is a significant agricultural pest causing foliar damage to avocado crops and has undergone substantial range expansion across the Americas.
Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli
false oleander scale, fullaway oleander scale, magnolia white scale, mango scale, oleander scale, oyster scale
Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli is an armored scale insect (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) commonly known as false oleander scale. It is a polyphagous pest with a broad global distribution spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Oceania. The species infests numerous ornamental and agricultural plants, with documented hosts including oleander (Nerium oleander), mango (Mangifera indica), magnolia, and various palms. As a member of the armored scales, it produces a protective waxy covering over its body while feeding on plant sap.
Pseudexentera mali
pale apple leafroller, pale apple budworm
Pseudexentera mali is a tortricid moth species commonly known as the pale apple leafroller or pale apple budworm. It belongs to the family Tortricidae and was described by Freeman in 1942. The species is an early-season flier and is considered economically important as a pest of apple (Malus). Males are attracted to the sex pheromone component Z,Z-8,10-16:Ac. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 3247.
Pseudococcus
mealybugs
Pseudococcus is a genus of unarmoured scale insects in the family Pseudococcidae, commonly known as mealybugs. The genus contains more than 150 species distributed worldwide. Species in this genus are polyphagous pests of agricultural and horticultural crops, feeding on plant phloem and causing direct damage through sap extraction and indirect damage through honeydew production and sooty mold development. Several species have been introduced to new regions through international plant trade, with some becoming significant invasive pests.
Pseudococcus longispinus
long-tailed mealybug, longtailed mealybug
Pseudococcus longispinus is a cosmopolitan mealybug pest in the family Pseudococcidae. It is distinguished by two long, waxy filaments extending from the posterior abdomen of adult females. The species is a significant agricultural and horticultural pest, particularly damaging to grapevines, citrus, orchids, and tropical fruits. It is a known vector of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3), transmitting the virus only during the first instar crawler stage. The species has been observed to develop three generations annually in temperate regions, with complex dispersal patterns shifting from exposed foliage in early instars to protected bark and fruit clusters for reproduction.
Pseudophacopteron
Pseudophacopteron is a genus of psyllids (Hemiptera: Phacopteronidae) first described by Enderlein in 1921. Species in this genus are associated with specific host plants in Central Africa, particularly in Cameroon. Multiple species have been documented as pests of cultivated and wild plants, causing damage through feeding activity. The genus exhibits host specialization, with different species utilizing distinct plant families including Burseraceae and Rutaceae.
Psila
Psila is a genus of rust flies in the family Psilidae, established by Meigen in 1803. The genus is native to Europe and contains species that are significant agricultural pests, particularly of root vegetables. The most well-studied species is Psila rosae, commonly known as the carrot rust fly or carrot fly, which attacks carrot, parsnip, celery, and related crops. Members of this genus are characterized by their slender body form typical of psilid flies and their association with Apiaceae host plants.
Psilidae
rust flies
Psilidae is a family of small to medium-sized flies commonly called rust flies, with at least 38 species in four genera. The family is well represented in temperate zones and is found mainly in the Holarctic region. The carrot fly (Chamaepsila rosae) is the most economically significant member, a major agricultural pest of carrots and related crops. Larvae are phytophagous, feeding in stems, tubers, or roots of nonwoody plants.
Psylliodes
flea beetles
Psylliodes is a large cosmopolitan genus of flea beetles comprising approximately 200 described species worldwide. Members are characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping, a trait shared with other Alticini. Approximately half of all species are specialized feeders on Brassicaceae, with the remainder associated with roughly 24 other plant families. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including the cabbage stem flea beetle (P. chrysocephala) and potato flea beetle (P. affinis). The genus includes rare endemic species such as the Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle (P. luridipennis), a globally Critically Endangered species restricted to a single island off the coast of England.
Psylliodes affinis
Potato Flea Beetle
Psylliodes affinis, commonly known as the potato flea beetle, is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It is distributed across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. As a member of the genus Psylliodes, it shares the characteristic jumping ability that gives flea beetles their common name.
Psylliodes chrysocephala
cabbage-stem flea beetle, cabbage stem flea beetle
Psylliodes chrysocephala, the cabbage-stem flea beetle, is a small flea beetle native to the Western Palaearctic and introduced to Canada. It is a major agricultural pest of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in northern Europe, with adults feeding on leaves and larvae mining within petioles and stems. The species exhibits an obligatory summer aestivation period to survive heat and desiccation stress, with complex physiological and genetic mechanisms regulating this dormancy. Management has become increasingly difficult due to neonicotinoid bans and rising pyrethroid resistance.
Psylliodes napi
turnip flea beetle, cabbage-stem flea beetle
Psylliodes napi is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, widely distributed across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species is associated with brassicaceous host plants and is recognized as an agricultural pest of turnip and related crops. Two subspecies are recognized: P. n. napi and P. n. flavicornis.
Pterocomma populeum
Poplar Bark Aphid
Pterocomma populeum is an aphid species specialized on poplar trees (Populus spp.). It forms dense colonies on branches and in bark crevices, feeding on phloem sap. The species relies on the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola to obtain essential amino acids absent from its carbohydrate-rich diet. Heavy infestations can cause shoot dieback in poplar plantations.
Pterolonchidae
Pterolonchidae is a small family of minute moths in the superfamily Gelechioidea, comprising approximately 19 species across seven genera. The family has undergone substantial taxonomic revision, with genera reassigned from multiple other families based on cladistic analysis. Species are distributed across every continent except Australia and Antarctica, with notable concentrations in the Mediterranean region, western North America, and southern Africa. Several species have significant ecological and economic importance, including one used as a biological control agent for invasive knapweeds and another that is a major agricultural pest of cereal crops.
Ptosima
Redbud Borers, jewel beetles
Ptosima is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) in the subfamily Polycestinae. The genus contains approximately 12 described species distributed across multiple continents. One species, Ptosima undecimmaculata, is a documented agricultural pest of grapevines, with larvae boring into stems and roots. Adults of at least some species feed on leaves and shoots of host plants. The common name "Redbud Borers" suggests association with Cercis (redbud) trees for certain species, though this relationship requires confirmation.
Pycnoderes
Pycnoderes is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, comprising more than 50 described species. Members are native primarily to the Americas, with some species such as P. quadrimaculatus expanding their range and demonstrating invasive potential. The genus includes species that feed on a variety of plants, including economically important crops.
Pycnoderes quadrimaculatus
bean capsid
Pycnoderes quadrimaculatus, commonly known as the bean capsid, is a plant-feeding mirid bug native to North and Central America. The species has expanded its range to South America and the Caribbean, with records from Oceania suggesting further spread. Ecological niche modeling indicates potential for establishment in diverse climatic regions worldwide, raising concerns about its capacity to become an agricultural pest on multiple continents.
Pyraloidea
pyraloid moths, snout moths, Pyralid and Crambid Snout Moths
Pyraloidea is a superfamily of small moths containing approximately 16,000 described species worldwide, with many more likely undescribed. Historically treated as part of the paraphyletic Microlepidoptera, the group now comprises two monophyletic families: Pyralidae (snout moths) and Crambidae (grass moths). The superfamily exhibits the most diverse life history adaptations among all Lepidoptera, with larvae occupying roles as leaf rollers, borers, root feeders, seed feeders, leaf miners, and aquatic specialists.
Pyrausta
Mint Moths
Pyrausta is a speciose genus of crambid moths commonly known as mint moths. Larvae of various species feed on diverse host plants including mints (Mentha), monardas, Prunella vulgaris, and other herbaceous plants. Several species are significant agricultural or horticultural pests, notably Pyrausta nubilalis (European corn borer), a major pest of maize with a nearly worldwide distribution. The genus exhibits considerable variation in host specialization, with some species restricted to single host genera while others are polyphagous.
Pyroderces
cosmet moths
Pyroderces is a genus of small moths in the family Cosmopterigidae, subfamily Cosmopteriginae. The genus includes species with diverse ecological roles: some, such as Pyroderces rileyi, are agricultural pests of banana and other crops, while others have been identified as potential supplementary pollinators of oil palm in Malaysia. The genus was established by Herrich-Schäffer in 1853. Taxonomic boundaries remain fluid, with some authors including the genus Anatrachyntis within Pyroderces.
Pyrrhocoroidea
Red and Bordered Plant Bugs, Red Cotton Bugs
Pyrrhocoroidea is a superfamily of true bugs comprising approximately 520 species in two families: Pyrrhocoridae (red bugs, ~300 species) and Largidae (bordered plant bugs, ~220 species). Members are primarily herbivorous, with many species exhibiting bright red or orange coloration. The superfamily is distinguished by specific bacterial symbiont associations, particularly Burkholderia in Largidae, which are acquired environmentally each generation rather than transmitted maternally. Pyrrhocoroidea represents the earliest-diverging superfamily of Burkholderia-associated Hemiptera.
Quesada gigas
Giant cicada, chichara grande, coyoyo, coyuyo, coffee cicada
Quesada gigas is a large cicada species native to North, Central, and South America, with the widest geographic range of any cicada in the Western Hemisphere. It is a significant agricultural pest, particularly of coffee (Coffea) in Brazil and paricá (Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum) in the Amazon region, where nymphal feeding on roots can cause substantial yield losses or tree mortality. The species exhibits low selectivity in oviposition site choice, with females documented laying eggs in dry branches of non-host plants such as Conyza spp. weeds, which cannot support complete nymphal development due to their annual life cycle.
Rachiplusia
sunflower looper (R. nu)
Rachiplusia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae, containing at least four species distributed across the Americas. The most economically significant species is Rachiplusia nu, known as the sunflower looper or "oruga medidora del girasol," which has emerged as a major pest of soybean and sunflower in South America. Larvae of this genus are characterized by the looping locomotion typical of Plusiinae, resulting from having only three pairs of prolegs. The genus was revised taxonomically by Barbut in 2008, clarifying species boundaries and distributions.
Reptalus
Reptalus is a genus of planthoppers in the family Cixiidae, established by Emeljanov in 1971. Species in this genus are widely distributed across Europe and parts of Asia, with documented occurrences in European Russia, Kazakhstan, Korea, and Serbia. Multiple Reptalus species have been implicated as vectors of phytoplasma plant pathogens, particularly 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani', which causes economically significant diseases such as potato stolbur. The genus exhibits sexual dimorphism in some species, and identification traditionally requires examination of male genitalia, limiting identification of females and nymphs.
Resseliella
Resseliella is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae containing at least 50 described species. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, notably R. maxima (soybean gall midge) which threatens soybean production in the north-central United States, as well as R. citrifrugis, a major citrus pest in China, and R. theobaldi (raspberry cane midge), an important pest of cultivated red raspberry in Europe. Some species exhibit mutualistic relationships with plants, such as R. kadsurae which pollinates Kadsura longipedunculata in China.
Rhabdocephala brunnea
Rhabdocephala brunnea is a planthopper species in the family Fulgoridae, described by Van Duzee in 1929. The species is known from limited distributional records in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Nymphal stages have been described in detail, with five instars ranging from 2.5–3.0 mm in first instar to 10.0–12.5 mm in fifth instar. The species has an exceptionally broad host plant range, feeding on numerous grass species across multiple genera including agricultural crops such as corn, sorghum, rice, and sugarcane.
Rhabdopterus picipes
Cranberry Rootworm
Rhabdopterus picipes, commonly known as the cranberry rootworm, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. This species is native to North America and is associated with cranberry cultivation, where its larval feeding on roots can cause economic damage. The specific epithet 'picipes' refers to the dark, pitch-black coloration of the legs. Despite its common name, detailed biological information remains sparse in published literature.
Rhagoletis
fruit flies
Rhagoletis is a genus of tephritid fruit flies comprising approximately 70–100 species. The genus name derives from Ancient Greek *rhago* (a kind of spider), possibly referencing the jumping spider mimicry observed in at least *R. pomonella*. Species are primarily phytophagous, with larvae developing in fruits of specific host plants. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the apple maggot (*R. pomonella*), blueberry maggot (*R. mendax*), and cherry fruit flies (*R. cingulata*, *R. cerasi*). The genus exhibits strong host specialization, with females showing preference for ovipositing in the host fruit where they developed.
Rhagoletis cerasi
cherry fruit fly, European cherry fruit fly
Rhagoletis cerasi is a tephritid fruit fly native to Europe and Asia, and an invasive species in North America since 2016. Adults are small, dark flies with distinctive wing patterns. The species is univoltine, with larvae developing inside cherry fruits and causing significant agricultural damage. It is considered a major pest of cherry crops across its range.
Rhagoletis cingulata
Eastern Cherry Fruit Fly, North American Cherry Fruit Fly, Cherry Fruit Fly
Rhagoletis cingulata, commonly known as the eastern cherry fruit fly, is a tephritid fruit fly species native to North America and introduced to Europe. It is a significant agricultural pest of cultivated and wild cherry species (Prunus spp.), particularly sweet cherry (P. avium) and sour cherry (P. cerasus). Females oviposit into ripening fruit, and larvae develop within the pulp, causing direct crop damage. The species exhibits latitudinal variation in morphology and phenology, with European populations appearing later in the season than the native European cherry fruit fly (R. cerasi).
Rhammatocerus
Rhammatocerus is a genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae, and tribe Scyllinini. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species distributed across South America and the Caribbean. One notable species, R. schistocercoides, is known as the "Mato Grosso locust" and has been documented as an agricultural pest. The genus has been included in molecular phylogenetic studies of Acrididae, contributing to understanding of grasshopper evolutionary relationships.
Rhectocraspeda
eggplant webworm moth
Rhectocraspeda is a genus of snout moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was described by Warren in 1892 and currently contains one recognized species, Rhectocraspeda periusalis, commonly known as the eggplant webworm moth. The genus is considered a synonym of Psara in some taxonomic databases, though this classification remains disputed. Members of this genus are associated with agricultural crops, particularly Solanaceae.
Rhectocraspeda periusalis
Eggplant Webworm Moth
Rhectocraspeda periusalis is a small crambid moth commonly known as the eggplant webworm moth. It exhibits sexual dimorphism in adult size and is active year-round in tropical and subtropical regions. The species is notable as a pest of solanaceous crops, with larvae feeding on eggplant, tomato, pepper, tobacco, and various nightshades. Its distribution spans the Caribbean, southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
Rhodobaenus quinquepunctatus
cocklebur weevil
A medium-sized weevil distinguished by its striking red-and-black spotted coloration. The cocklebur weevil is primarily known as a pest of sunflowers, where larvae tunnel through stalk pith and roots. Adults and larvae have been documented causing economic damage in agricultural settings, particularly in Texas sunflower production. The species is found throughout North America.
Rhopalosiphum
Cherry-Grass Aphids
Rhopalosiphum is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae comprising approximately 16-17 species worldwide. Species within this genus are significant agricultural pests, feeding on phloem of host plants and causing direct damage to crops. Several species, notably Rhopalosiphum padi (bird cherry-oat aphid) and Rhopalosiphum maidis (corn leaf aphid), are important vectors of plant viruses including barley yellow dwarf virus and maize dwarf mosaic virus. The genus exhibits typical aphid characteristics including polymorphism with both winged and wingless forms, and parthenogenetic reproduction in favorable conditions.
Rhopalosiphum maidis
Corn Leaf Aphid, Corn Aphid
Rhopalosiphum maidis is a globally distributed aphid species and the most economically damaging aphid pest of maize (Zea mays), particularly in tropical and warmer temperate regions. It feeds on phloem sap and causes direct damage through photoassimilate removal. Dense populations can deposit large amounts of honeydew on maize tassels, preventing pollen shed and reducing yield by up to 90%. The species transmits several destructive plant viruses including Maize yellow dwarf virus, Barley yellow dwarf virus, Sugarcane mosaic virus, and Cucumber mosaic virus. Most populations reproduce parthenogenetically (anholocyclic), though sexual reproduction has been reported in Pakistan and Korea with Prunus species as primary hosts.
Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale
rice root aphid, red rice root aphid
Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale is a globally distributed root-feeding aphid pest with a remarkably broad host range spanning 22 plant families. Native to East Asia, it has established populations across every continent except Antarctica. The species exhibits a heteroecious holocyclic life cycle in its native range, alternating between Prunus species (primary hosts) and herbaceous plant roots (secondary hosts), though asexual reproduction dominates in temperate regions and protected cultivation. Its subterranean habit makes detection difficult and management challenging. The aphid vectors several economically important plant viruses including barley yellow dwarf virus and sugarcane yellow leaf virus, and has emerged as a significant pest of indoor-grown cannabis in North America.
Rhynchites
Rhynchites is a genus of leaf and bud weevils in the family Attelabidae. Species within this genus are associated with diverse host plants including pears, strawberries, and olives across temperate regions. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests. The genus exhibits characteristic attelabid oviposition behaviors, including stem-cutting to facilitate offspring development.
Rhynchophorini
Rhynchophorini is the largest tribe within the weevil subfamily Dryophthorinae. Members are characterized by a pygidium (the seventh abdominal tergite) that remains exposed and is not covered by the elytra. The tribe includes some of the largest weevils in the subfamily, notably significant agricultural pests such as grain weevils (Sitophilus) and palm weevils (Rhynchophorus). Historically, this group was treated as a distinct subfamily, Rhynchophorinae, within the family Dryophthoridae.
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
Red Palm Weevil, Asian Palm Weevil, Sago Palm Weevil
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a large snout beetle and one of the most destructive pests of palm trees worldwide. Native to tropical Asia, it has become invasive across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, causing severe economic damage to coconut, date, and oil palm plantations. Larvae tunnel deep into palm trunks, excavating galleries up to 1 meter long that destroy vascular tissue and typically kill the host plant. The species is frequently confused with R. vulneratus, a closely related species with which it shares common names and overlapping ranges.
Rhynchophorus palmarum
South American palm weevil, American palm weevil, black palm weevil
Rhynchophorus palmarum is a large black palm weevil native to the Neotropics that has become a destructive invasive pest in southern California. Adults are attracted to volatile compounds released by injured palms, where females lay eggs in the crown. Larvae burrow into the palm heart, causing direct damage and creating wounds that facilitate secondary infections. The weevil is the primary vector of the red ring nematode (Bursaphelenchus cocophilus), which causes lethal red ring disease in palms. In its native range, larvae have been consumed as food for centuries.
Rhyssomatus
Rhyssomatus is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) containing at least 180 described species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybean and other leguminous crops. Several species have been intensively studied due to their economic impact, including R. nigerrimus (Mexican soybean weevil), R. subtilis (black soybean weevil in Argentina), and R. lineaticollis (milkweed stem weevil in North America). Species exhibit diverse life histories ranging from monophagous specialists to oligophagous generalists on legumes.
Rhyssomatus suspected-new
A suspected new species in the weevil genus Rhyssomatus, family Curculionidae. The genus Rhyssomatus contains several economically significant agricultural pests, most notably R. subtilis (the "black weevil" or "picudo negro") which is a major pest of soybean in Tucumán Province, Argentina, and R. nigerrimus, the soybean weevil of Mexico. Members of this genus are characterized by their association with leguminous crops, particularly soybean and dry beans, with larvae typically developing within pods or stems and adults feeding on foliage. The suspected-new designation indicates this taxon has been observed but not yet formally described or fully characterized.
Rhyzopertha
Grain-borers
Rhyzopertha is a monotypic genus of beetles in the family Bostrichidae (false powderpost beetles). The sole species, Rhyzopertha dominica, is commonly known as the lesser grain borer and is a major worldwide pest of stored cereal grains and peanuts. The genus is characterized by its cylindrical body form and association with dry stored products.
Rhyzopertha dominica
Lesser Grain Borer, American Wheat Weevil, Australian Wheat Weevil, Stored Grain Borer
Rhyzopertha dominica, the lesser grain borer, is a monotypic species in the family Bostrichidae and one of the most destructive pests of stored cereal grains worldwide. It is particularly damaging to wheat, but also infests corn, rice, sorghum, peanuts, and other stored products. The beetle is known for its ability to bore directly into intact kernels, causing both quantitative weight loss and qualitative degradation through contamination. Its global distribution in grain storage facilities makes it a major target of integrated pest management programs, with populations showing increasing resistance to phosphine fumigants and other chemical controls.
Ribautiana
Ribautiana is a genus of small leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Species occur across North America, Europe, and Australia. Some species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of cane fruits and elm. The genus was established by Zakhvatkin in 1947.
Ribautiana tenerrima
Bramble Leafhopper
Ribautiana tenerrima, commonly known as the Bramble Leafhopper, is a European leafhopper species that has become an established agricultural pest in western North America. Both nymphs and adults feed on phloem sap from cane fruit leaves, causing distinctive white stippling damage. Severe infestations during dry seasons result in leaf curling, reduced cane vigor, and diminished fruit size. The species was first documented in North America in 1947 near Victoria, British Columbia, and has since spread to southern Vancouver Island and the lower Fraser Valley.
Rivellia quadrifasciata
soybean nodule fly
Rivellia quadrifasciata, commonly known as the soybean nodule fly, is a signal fly in the family Platystomatidae. The species is native to eastern North America, where it originally fed on tick trefoil (Desmodium spp.) before adapting to cultivated legumes. Larvae feed on nitrogen-fixing root nodules of host plants, including soybean, cowpea, and common bean. Despite this feeding habit, the species causes only minor economic damage due to the compensatory growth abilities of soybean. Adults are characterized by their distinctive wing-waving behavior, which gives the family its common name.
Romalea
Horse Lubbers, Lubber Grasshoppers
Romalea is a genus of large, flightless lubber grasshoppers in the family Romaleidae. Traditionally containing a single species, R. microptera (eastern lubber grasshopper), recent taxonomic revisions have synonymized Taeniopoda with Romalea, expanding the genus to approximately 12 species distributed from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Panama. These grasshoppers are among the largest in North America, characterized by aposematic coloration, chemical defenses, and reduced wings that render them incapable of flight.
Rusicada
Rusicada is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae. The genus was established by Walker in 1858 and has been subject to taxonomic revision, with species previously placed in the genus Anomis now recognized as belonging to Rusicada. Members of this genus are known as fruit-piercing moths, with adults capable of piercing fruit skins to feed on juices. The genus contains multiple species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions.