Agricultural-pest
Guides
Antigastra
sesame webworm, sesame leaf webber, sesame capsule borer
Antigastra is a genus of crambid moths (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) established by Lederer in 1863. The genus contains at least three described species, with Antigastra catalaunalis being the most economically significant. This species is a major agricultural pest of sesame (Sesamum indicum) across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, where larvae feed on leaves, flowers, and seed capsules. The genus is placed in the subfamily Spilomelinae, a diverse group of grass moths and relatives.
Aonidiella aurantii
California red scale, red scale
Aonidiella aurantii, commonly known as California red scale or red scale, is an armored scale insect and major agricultural pest of citrus and other crops. Native to South China, it has spread globally through human-mediated transport of infected plant material, first appearing in California between 1868 and 1875. The species is now established across six continents and infests over 77 plant families, with citrus remaining its primary economic host. Heavy infestations cause fruit pitting, shoot distortion, leaf drop, and tree death.
Apamea
Cutworm moths, Rustic shoulder-knot moths
Apamea is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as cutworm moths or rustic shoulder-knot moths. The genus contains numerous species that are typically medium-sized with cryptic, mottled forewings in shades of brown, gray, and ochre. Several species are significant agricultural pests, with larvae feeding on cereal crops and grasses. Species-level identification is notoriously difficult due to extensive individual variation and overlapping morphological features.
Apamea amputatrix
Yellow-headed Cutworm, Yellow-headed Cutworm Moth
Apamea amputatrix, commonly known as the yellow-headed cutworm, is a noctuid moth native to North America with a range extending to the Arctic. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 40 mm and are active from April to October depending on location. The species is recognized as a cutworm pest, with larvae feeding on a broad range of host plants including vegetable crops. Identification to species level is challenging due to individual variation and overlap with other Apamea species.
Apamea devastator
glassy cutworm moth, glassy cutworm
Apamea devastator, commonly known as the glassy cutworm moth, is a noctuid moth of northeastern North America. The adult has a wingspan of 35–40 mm and flies from May to September. The larva is a subterranean cutworm that feeds on grasses, attacking roots and basal stems. The species is economically significant as a pest of turfgrass and agricultural grasses.
Apantesis arge
Arge Moth, Arge Tiger Moth
Apantesis arge is a medium-sized tiger moth in the family Erebidae, formerly placed in the genus Grammia. The species occurs across much of North America, with adults active from spring through late summer depending on latitude. Larvae are generalist herbivores feeding on a diverse range of plant species including agricultural crops and weeds. The species exhibits geographic variation in voltinism, with two generations annually in southern populations and one or two in northern areas.
Apantesis figurata
Figured Tiger Moth
Apantesis figurata, commonly known as the figured tiger moth, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Dru Drury in 1773, this species was formerly classified under the genus Grammia before being moved to Apantesis along with related tiger moth genera. It exhibits geographic variation in generation number, with two generations annually in northern Ohio and a single generation further north.
Aphididae
Aphids
Aphididae is a very large family of sap-sucking insects in the order Hemiptera, containing several thousand described species. Members are soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects commonly known as aphids. The family includes the majority of plant virus vectors among insects, with approximately 200 known vector species. Many species are significant agricultural pests, causing direct damage through feeding and indirect damage through virus transmission.
Aphidoidea
aphids, plant lice, greenflies, blackflies, whiteflies
Aphidoidea is a superfamily of small sap-sucking insects within Hemiptera, commonly known as aphids. Members possess piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant phloem. The superfamily includes approximately 5,000 described species across multiple families, with Aphididae being the largest and most economically significant. Many species exhibit complex life cycles involving both sexual and parthenogenetic reproduction, often with seasonal alternation between host plants.
Aphis
Aphis is a large genus of aphids in the family Aphididae containing at least 400–600 species. The genus includes numerous significant agricultural pests, notably the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines), cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii), and apple aphid (Aphis pomi). Many species form mutualistic associations with ants (myrmecophily), exchanging honeydew for protection. Species identification within the genus often requires examination of morphological characters such as siphunculi and cauda structure.
Aphis craccivora
cowpea aphid, groundnut aphid, black legume aphid
Aphis craccivora is a small, dark-colored aphid of probable Palearctic origin that has become a cosmopolitan agricultural pest. It is polyphagous but shows strong preference for leguminous plants, particularly cowpea, groundnut, and alfalfa. The species reproduces primarily through parthenogenesis, with winged forms developing for dispersal. It is a significant pest due to direct feeding damage, honeydew production that promotes sooty mold growth, and its role as a vector for multiple plant viruses.
Aphis fabae
black bean aphid, blackfly, bean aphid, beet leaf aphid
Aphis fabae is a small, soft-bodied aphid in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the black bean aphid or blackfly. It is a significant agricultural pest with a broad host range, attacking beans, sugar beet, and numerous other crops. The species exhibits a heteroecious life cycle with host alternation between a woody primary host (Euonymus europaeus, spindle tree) and herbaceous secondary hosts. It reproduces parthenogenetically during the growing season and sexually in autumn, producing overwintering eggs. The aphid is capable of rapid population increase through viviparous reproduction, and winged forms develop seasonally to facilitate migration between host plants.
Aphis glycines
Soybean Aphid
Aphis glycines, the soybean aphid, is a small (1–2 mm) invasive pest native to Asia that was first detected in North America in Wisconsin in 2000. It has since become established throughout the north-central United States, where it causes significant economic damage to soybean crops. The species reproduces rapidly and can develop extremely high densities on soybean foliage, with yield losses of up to 40% documented in heavily infested fields. Research has shown that aphid infestation can also increase plant susceptibility to other pests such as soybean cyst nematode.
Aphis gossypii
cotton aphid, melon aphid, melon and cotton aphid, greenfly
Aphis gossypii is a small sap-sucking aphid and significant agricultural pest with a global distribution. It infests crops in at least three plant families, particularly Cucurbitaceae, Rutaceae, and Malvaceae, causing direct damage through feeding and indirect damage as a vector of plant viruses. The species exhibits complex life cycle strategies including both holocyclic (sexual) and anholocyclic (asexual) reproduction depending on geographic location and climate. It has developed resistance to multiple insecticide classes, complicating management efforts.
Aphis nasturtii
Buckthorn Aphid, Buckthorn-Potato Aphid
Aphis nasturtii is a cosmopolitan aphid species known primarily as a pest of agricultural crops, particularly potatoes, sunflowers, lettuce, and beets. It is a phloem-feeding insect that extracts plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species is of significant economic concern due to its direct feeding damage and its role as a vector for at least 15 plant viruses. Common names reflect its association with buckthorn (likely a primary or overwintering host) and potato (a major agricultural host).
Aphis pomi
apple aphid, green apple aphid
Aphis pomi, the green apple aphid, is a small sap-sucking insect specialized on pomoideous host plants in the Rosaceae family, particularly apple (Malus domestica). It is autoecious, completing its entire life cycle on a single host species. The species reproduces primarily through parthenogenesis during the growing season, with sexual forms appearing only in autumn to produce overwintering eggs. It is morphologically similar to Aphis spiraecola but can be reliably distinguished by the length of the ultimate rostral segment.
Aphis rubifolii
Blackberry aphid, Raspberry aphid
Aphis rubifolii is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is known to feed on Rubus species, particularly blackberries and raspberries. The species was described by Thomas in 1879. Like other aphids in the genus Aphis, it likely reproduces parthenogenetically during the growing season, though specific life history details for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Aphis spiraecola
Spirea aphid, green citrus aphid, apple aphid
Aphis spiraecola is a polyphagous aphid species described by Edith Marion Patch in 1914. It is a significant agricultural pest of citrus, apples, and numerous ornamental plants across temperate and tropical regions worldwide. The species exhibits remarkable host flexibility, colonizing over 65 plant genera across more than 20 families. It reproduces primarily through parthenogenesis across most of its range, with holocyclic populations producing sexual morphs on primary hosts Spiraea and Citrus. The species has displaced native Aphis pomi in some regions and is considered invasive in many areas where it has been introduced.
Apioninae
Pear-shaped Weevils, Seed Weevils, Clover Weevils
Apioninae is a subfamily of small weevils within the family Brentidae, commonly known as pear-shaped weevils, seed weevils, or clover weevils. The subfamily contains at least 20 genera and approximately 80 described species, though diversity is likely higher. Members are characterized by their compact, pear-shaped body form and elongated rostrum. All species are phytophagous, with many exhibiting specialized associations with particular host plant families, particularly Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, and Polygonaceae. Some species are significant agricultural pests of legumes and jute, while others have been employed as biological control agents for invasive plants.
Apis mellifera scutellata
African Honey Bee, East African Lowland Honey Bee, Africanized Honey Bee
Apis mellifera scutellata is a subspecies of the western honey bee native to central, southern, and eastern Africa. It is smaller and slightly darker than European honey bees, with a fuzzy thorax and black-striped abdomen. This subspecies is the primary ancestor of Africanized honey bees, which originated from escaped experimental colonies in Brazil in 1957 and subsequently spread throughout the Americas. A. m. scutellata exhibits heightened defensive behavior, rapid colony growth, and strong swarming tendencies compared to European subspecies.
Apomyelois
knot-horn moths
Apomyelois is a genus of small pyralid moths in the subfamily Phycitinae, established by Carl Heinrich in 1956. The genus contains approximately six described species with notably divergent ecologies: some are agricultural pests of stored products and fruit crops, while others are specialized fungus-feeders in woodland habitats. Taxonomic boundaries remain contested, particularly regarding the placement of the carob moth, which some authorities classify as Ectomyelois ceratoniae.
Aproaerema
Aproaerema is a genus of gelechiid moths in the subfamily Anacampsinae. The genus contains at least 11 described species distributed across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably Aproaerema modicella (groundnut leaf miner), which causes severe yield losses in groundnut and soybean crops across South and Southeast Asia and has recently invaded Africa. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with molecular and behavioral evidence suggesting relationships among A. modicella, A. simplexella, and related taxa require re-examination.
Archips fuscocupreanus
exotic leafroller moth, apple tortrix
Archips fuscocupreanus is a leafroller moth in the family Tortricidae, native to East Asia (China, South Korea, Japan, and eastern Russia). It is an introduced species in the northeastern United States, where it has established populations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington. The species is a generalist herbivore with larvae feeding on numerous woody and herbaceous plants across multiple families. Adults are active in summer, with flight periods recorded from June to July in China.
Archips rosana
Rose Tortrix, Rose Tortrix Moth, Rose Leaf Roller
Archips rosana, the rose tortrix moth, is a leafroller moth in the family Tortricidae distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic realms. The species is a significant agricultural pest of apple orchards and other fruit crops, with larvae feeding within rolled leaves. Adults are active from May to August, with specific timing varying by location. The species is subject to substantial biological control by parasitoid wasps, with parasitisation rates reaching 24-40% in some populations.
Armadillidiidae
pill bugs, roly polies, pill woodlice, slaters, potato bugs, curly bugs, doodle bugs, Butchy-Boys
Armadillidiidae is a family of terrestrial isopod crustaceans distinguished by their ability to roll into a complete ball (conglobation) when disturbed. This defensive behavior, shared with unrelated pill millipedes and some other arthropods, has made them commonly known as pill bugs or roly polies. The family contains approximately 18 recognized genera and shows highest diversity in Mediterranean karstic regions, with some species having achieved widespread global distribution through human activity.
Artipus
broad-nosed weevils
Artipus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (Curculionidae) established by Sahlberg in 1823. The genus comprises approximately ten described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with the best-documented species being Artipus floridanus, commonly known as the little leaf notcher. Members of this genus are associated with herbaceous feeding habits, with A. floridanus documented as a pest of citrus and various weed hosts in Florida. The genus belongs to the tribe Geonemini within the subfamily Entiminae.
Ascalapha odorata
black witch, black witch moth, mariposa de la muerte, duppy bat, mariposa-bruxa, ura, money moth, money bat
The black witch moth (Ascalapha odorata) is a large, bat-shaped nocturnal moth and the largest noctuoid in the continental United States. Females reach wingspans up to 24 cm, while males are smaller at approximately 12 cm. The species ranges from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Brazil and Argentina, with migratory populations reaching as far north as Canada. It holds prominent cultural significance across Latin America and the Caribbean, where it is widely associated with death, misfortune, and spiritual beliefs.
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Great Southern White, pirpinto
Ascia monuste, commonly known as the Great Southern White, is a pierid butterfly and the sole member of its genus. It is a Brassicaceae specialist and a major herbivore of this plant family in the Neotropical region. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females occurring in both light and dark color morphs. It ranges from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States through tropical America to Argentina, with migratory behavior along the southeastern U.S. coast.
Asciodini
Asciodini is a tribe of moths within the subfamily Spilomelinae of the family Crambidae. The tribe was erected in 2019 based on molecular phylogenetic analysis, replacing previous informal groupings. It contains 79 species distributed across 13 genera, including economically significant genera such as Asciodes and Psara. The tribe is characterized by specific morphological and genetic features that distinguish it from other spilomeline tribes.
Asphondylia
gall midges, holly berry midge
Asphondylia is a large genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, with over 300 described species distributed worldwide. All species in this genus induce galls on plants, particularly on flowers and flower buds. The genus is notable for the morphological similarity of its adult members, making species identification challenging without host plant or gall characteristics. Some species exhibit complex ecological relationships with fungi and parasitoids within their galls.
Aspidiotus
Aspidiotus is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) comprising over 100 described species. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably Aspidiotus destructor (coconut scale) and Aspidiotus nerii (oleander scale), which infest palms, fruit crops, and ornamental plants across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The genus is characterized by the hard, protective scale covering secreted by females. Species within Aspidiotus serve as hosts for specialized bacterial endosymbionts, particularly Candidatus Uzinura diaspidicola, which play roles in host nutrition and potentially influence invasive success.
Aspidiotus destructor
coconut scale, transparent scale, Bourbon scale
Aspidiotus destructor is an armored scale insect (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) known as the coconut scale. It is a globally distributed pest of tropical and subtropical agriculture, causing significant damage to coconut, banana, and numerous other fruit and ornamental plants. The species is notable for its rapid reproduction and the protective waxy test that covers most life stages. It has been the target of extensive biological control efforts, most famously the successful introduction of the lady beetle Cryptognatha nodiceps to Guam in the early 1900s. The species harbors a primary bacterial endosymbiont, Candidatus Uzinura diaspidicola, which may play a role in its biology and potential management.
Athalia
Tigress Sawflies
Athalia is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as Tigress Sawflies. Species occur across Eurasia, Africa, and North America. Several species are economically significant pests of cruciferous crops, with specialized host associations and distinct life history strategies including diapause adaptations.
Atherigona
Shoot Flies
Atherigona is a genus of muscid flies containing approximately 299 recognized species. Many species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly in cereal cultivation. Larvae of numerous species are known as shoot flies, attacking the seedlings and stems of rice, maize, sorghum, wheat, and various millets. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australasia, with species diversity concentrated in tropical and subtropical grassland habitats.
Atherigona reversura
Bermudagrass Stem Maggot, shoot-fly
Atherigona reversura is a muscid shoot fly commonly known as the bermudagrass stem maggot. Native to Central and Southeast Asia, it has become an invasive agricultural pest in the Americas, causing significant damage to bermudagrass and stargrass forage systems. The species was first detected in Hawaii, then spread to the continental United States beginning in 2009, and has since been reported in South America including Argentina and Uruguay. Larval feeding in grass stems causes death of upper leaves, stunted growth, and reduced forage yields.
Atrichonotus
Atrichonotus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (family Curculionidae) comprising nine described species. The genus was established by Buchanan in 1939 and is classified within the tribe Naupactini. At least one species, Atrichonotus taeniatulus, has been introduced and established in New Zealand from its native South American range. The genus is part of the diverse Entiminae subfamily, commonly known as broad-nosed or root weevils.
Atta mexicana
Chicatana Leafcutter Ant, Chicatana, Hormiga Podadora de Hoja, Mochomo, Nucú, Nacasmá, Cocosh
Atta mexicana is a leaf-cutting ant and advanced attine fungus-grower native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. The species cultivates the basidiomycete fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus as its primary food source, cutting and collecting leaf fragments to serve as fungal substrate. Colonies are large and complex, with sophisticated caste specialization including queens (~30 mm), workers, and soldiers (~18 mm). The species is culturally significant in Mexico as a traditional food source (chicatana) harvested during nuptial flights, and is also recognized as an agricultural pest in some contexts.
Atta texana
Texas Leafcutter Ant, Town Ant, Parasol Ant, Fungus Ant, Cut Ant, Night Ant
Atta texana is a fungus-farming leafcutter ant and the northernmost species in the genus Atta, distributed across Texas, Louisiana, and northeastern Mexico. Colonies are large and polygynous, containing several queens and up to several million workers. Foragers harvest leaf material from over 200 plant species to cultivate symbiotic fungus gardens, making this species a significant agricultural and ornamental pest capable of defoliating a citrus tree within 24 hours.
Aulacaspis
Aulacaspis is a genus of armored scale insects in the family Diaspididae. These small, sap-sucking insects are characterized by their protective waxy coverings, called tests, which shield their soft bodies. The genus includes numerous species, some of which are significant agricultural and horticultural pests. The type species is Aulacaspis rosae. Several species have become invasive outside their native ranges, notably Aulacaspis yasumatsui, which has caused severe damage to cycad populations worldwide.
Aulacobaris lepidii
Imported Crucifer Weevil
Aulacobaris lepidii, commonly known as the Imported Crucifer Weevil, is a small weevil species in the family Curculionidae. It has been introduced to North America from Europe and is associated with plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The species is part of a genus whose members are often recognized as seed-feeding weevils of economic concern.
Aulacorthum solani
Foxglove aphid, Glasshouse-potato aphid
Aulacorthum solani is a globally distributed agricultural pest aphid with one of the broadest host ranges of any aphid species, feeding on both dicots and monocots. It is a phloem-feeding hemipteran that causes direct feeding damage including stunted growth, leaf discoloration, and deformation, and serves as a vector for plant viruses. The species exhibits temperature-dependent development and reproduction, with optimal performance between 12.5–20°C and survival possible from 5–27.5°C. Both winged and wingless morphs occur, with parthenogenesis used for colony maintenance in laboratory settings.
Autographa californica
Alfalfa Looper
Autographa californica, the alfalfa looper, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae. It is a widespread agricultural pest in western North America, recognized by its looping larval locomotion and broad polyphagy. The species was first described by Adolph Speyer in 1875. Adults are medium-sized nocturnal moths with wingspans of 36–42 mm, flying from July to October. Larvae are notable for having prolegs on abdominal segments 5 and 6 but lacking them on segments 3 and 4, producing the characteristic looping gait.
Autographa precationis
Common Looper Moth
Autographa precationis, the Common Looper Moth, is a Noctuid moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 30–38 mm and are active from April through October, producing three or more generations annually. The species has expanded its host range to include cultivated soybeans, though with lower feeding efficiency than the closely related soybean looper. Larvae are bright green with distinctive black false eyespots on the head and possess 21–23 crochets per proleg.
Automeris
Eyed Silkmoths, Io Moths
Automeris is a large genus of silkmoths (Saturniidae: Hemileucinae) comprising approximately 145 described species distributed from eastern North America to Peru. Adults exhibit crypsis through leaf-mimicking forewings, while concealed hindwings bear conspicuous eyespots used in startle displays against predators. Larvae possess venom-bearing urticating spines that cause painful stings to humans and other animals. The genus is paraphyletic, with the genera Leucanella and Pseudautomeris nested within it.
Autoplusia egena
Bean Looper, Bean Leafskeletonizer
Autoplusia egena, commonly known as the Bean Looper or Bean Leafskeletonizer, is a noctuid moth species described by Guenée in 1852. It is widely distributed across the Americas, ranging from California and the southeastern United States through the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The subspecies Autoplusia egena galapagensis is endemic to the Galápagos Islands. The larvae are polyphagous and feed on numerous plant families, with documented records from at least nine families including Fabaceae (soybean and common bean).
Autoplusia egenoides
Lesser Bean Looper
Autoplusia egenoides is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Lesser Bean Looper. It belongs to the subfamily Plusiinae, a group characterized by looping locomotion in their caterpillars. The species is found throughout North America and is associated with leguminous plants. It was described by Franclemont and Todd in 1917.
Bactericera
psyllid bugs, jumping plant lice
Bactericera is a genus of psyllid bugs (family Triozidae) established by Auguste Puton in 1876. The genus is predominantly distributed in the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, with 24 recognized species in North America north of Mexico. Members are small phloem-feeding insects commonly known as "jumping plant lice." The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, most notably Bactericera cockerelli (potato/tomato psyllid), which transmits the bacterial pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' causing zebra chip disease in potatoes.
Bactericera cockerelli
potato psyllid, tomato psyllid, tomato/potato psyllid
Bactericera cockerelli, commonly known as the potato psyllid or tomato psyllid, is a phloem-feeding insect native to southern North America. It is a major agricultural pest of solanaceous crops, particularly potatoes and tomatoes, causing direct feeding damage and transmitting the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, which causes zebra chip disease in potatoes and psyllid yellows in other hosts. The species has expanded its range northward and has been introduced to New Zealand, where it causes significant economic damage to protected and outdoor crops.
Bactra
nutsedge borers
Bactra is a genus of small tortricid moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) comprising species primarily associated with sedges and nutsedges (Cyperus species). Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for weedy nutsedges, particularly purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus). Some species have expanded their host range to agricultural crops, with Bactra bactrana documented as a pest of sweet pepper in Greece. The genus occurs across temperate and tropical regions including Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.
Bactra verutana
javelin moth
Bactra verutana, commonly known as the javelin moth, is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 11–17 mm. It has a broad distribution spanning North America, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and parts of Africa. The species is notable as an indigenous biological control agent for weedy nutsedges (Cyperus species), particularly purple nutsedge (C. rotundus) and yellow nutsedge (C. esculentus). Larval feeding damages leaves, fascicles, basal bulbs, tubers, and inflorescences of host plants, reducing both vegetative and sexual reproduction.