Agricultural-pest
Guides
Calpinae
Fruit-piercing Moths, Vampire Moths
Calpinae is a subfamily of nocturnal moths in the family Erebidae, distinguished by a highly modified proboscis adapted for piercing. Most species feed on fruit juices by piercing fruit skins, while males of several Calyptra species can pierce mammalian skin to feed on blood. The subfamily was historically classified within Noctuidae but was reclassified to Erebidae based on phylogenetic studies. It contains three monophyletic tribes: Calpini, Ophiderini, and Phyllodini. Some species reach wingspans exceeding 5 cm.
Calycomyza hyptidis
Calycomyza hyptidis is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, first described by Spencer in 1966. The species name references its original association with Hyptis species. It has been documented as a pest of cultivated aromatic herbs, specifically reported on basil (Ocimum basilicum) in Mexico and spearmint (Mentha spicata).
Calyptra
Vampire Moths, Fruit-piercing Moths
Calyptra is a genus of moths comprising approximately 18 species, commonly known as vampire moths or fruit-piercing moths. Both sexes possess a modified proboscis with heavily sclerotized, barbed hooks that enables piercing of fruit skins to feed on juices. Males of at least 10 species have been documented piercing mammalian skin to feed on blood, a facultative behavior not observed in females. The genus occurs primarily in the Old World, with one species (C. canadensis) in North America. The blood-feeding behavior is hypothesized to have evolved from ancestral fruit-piercing, with males possibly obtaining salts or carbohydrates to transfer to females during mating.
Camnula
clearwinged grasshopper
Camnula is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Stål in 1873. The genus contains a single species, Camnula pellucida (Scudder, 1862), commonly known as the clearwinged grasshopper. This species is a significant agricultural and rangeland pest across much of North America. The genus is classified within the subfamily Oedipodinae and tribe Hippiscini.
Camnula pellucida
Clear-winged Grasshopper, Clearwinged Grasshopper, Warrior Grasshopper
Camnula pellucida, the clear-winged grasshopper, is a medium-sized band-winged grasshopper native to North America. It is a significant agricultural pest, particularly destructive to small grains and rangeland grasses. The species exhibits dramatic population fluctuations, remaining scarce for years before irrupting to densities exceeding 20 adults per square yard across thousands of square miles. Adults possess distinctive transparent hindwings and mottled forewings. The species is notable for its migratory behavior, with nymphs marching in cohesive bands and adults forming flying swarms.
Caradrina
rustics, mottled willows
Caradrina is a genus of noctuid moths erected by Ferdinand Ochsenheimer in 1816, currently comprising approximately 189 described species divided into eight subgenera. The genus includes species commonly known as rustics or mottled willows, with some subgenera (notably Paradrina and Platyperigea) treated as separate genera by certain authorities. Species within this genus exhibit bivoltine life cycles in temperate regions and show varying degrees of migratory behavior.
Caradrina clavipalpis
Pale Mottled Willow
Caradrina clavipalpis, the pale mottled willow, is a small noctuid moth native to the Palearctic region and introduced to North America since 1993. Adults are attracted to light and sugar, and feed at flowers. The species has two generations per year in temperate regions, with adults flying from April to October depending on location. Larvae feed on cereal grains and plantains, and pupate underground in robust cocoons.
Caradrina montana
Civil Rustic Moth
Caradrina montana is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 26–31 mm. It has a broad distribution spanning western North America, western Asia, and Europe. The species is known to feed on alfalfa leaves, making it a documented herbivore of agricultural crops.
Carpophilus
sap beetles
Carpophilus is a genus of sap beetles (Nitidulidae) containing numerous species worldwide. Adults are small (approximately 3 mm), oblong beetles with short elytra that expose the last two abdominal tergites. Several species are significant agricultural pests of fruits, nuts, and stored products. The genus exhibits diverse ecological roles, with some species acting as pollinators while others serve as vectors of plant pathogens.
Carpophilus dimidiatus
cornsap beetle, corn sap beetle
Carpophilus dimidiatus, commonly known as the cornsap beetle or corn sap beetle, is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is a stored product pest with documented associations with walnuts and wheat bran. The species has been recorded in Oceania, Europe, North America, and parts of South America including Northwestern Argentina. Laboratory studies have characterized its temperature- and humidity-dependent development and oviposition patterns.
Carposina
Carposina is a genus of small moths in the family Carposinidae, containing approximately 100 described species distributed across multiple continents. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, notably Carposina sasakii (peach fruit moth), whose larvae bore into fruits of Rosaceae and Rhamnaceae. Species exhibit internal fruit-feeding habits as larvae and complete metamorphosis with documented digestive tract reconstruction during pupation to accommodate dietary shifts from solid to liquid food.
Carposina fernaldana ottawana
Carposina fernaldana ottawana is a subspecies of moth in the family Carposinidae. The species Carposina fernaldana is known to occur in Asia and has been intercepted at North American ports of entry on imported goods. This subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the species. The species is associated with Rosaceae hosts, particularly apple.
Caryedon
pea and bean weevils, groundnut bruchids
Caryedon is a genus of seed beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae, containing approximately 11 described species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, notably C. serratus (groundnut bruchid) and C. gonagra (also called groundnut bruchid), which infest stored legume seeds. Species in this genus are primarily associated with Fabaceae hosts and have been documented across the Old World tropics and subtropics.
Cathartus
Cathartus is a monotypic genus of flat bark beetles in the family Silvanidae, containing the single species Cathartus quadricollis. The genus is known from both stored product environments and agricultural systems, with documented populations in Hawaii functioning as predators of scolytine pests. Laboratory studies have characterized its developmental biology on various grain substrates.
Caulophilus oryzae
Broad-nosed Grain Weevil
Caulophilus oryzae is a stored product pest in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the broad-nosed grain weevil. It serves as an alternative host for the ectoparasitic wasp Cephalonomia hyalinipennis. The species is found in stored grain environments and has been documented in the Galápagos Islands, North America, and the Canary Islands.
Cavariella
Willow-Umbellifer Aphids
Cavariella is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini. It is distinguished from other Macrosiphini genera by a supra-caudal process on abdominal tergite VIII bearing two distal setae. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with approximately half its species occurring in Asia. Species in this genus exhibit a characteristic life cycle involving primary hosts in Salicaceae (willows) and secondary hosts in Apiaceae (umbellifers), making them economically significant as pests of carrot and other crops.
Cecidomyiidae
gall midges, gall gnats
Cecidomyiidae is a family of minute flies comprising over 6,650 described species, with estimates suggesting global diversity may exceed one million species. The family is characterized by larvae that typically feed within plant tissues, inducing abnormal growths called galls. Adults are delicate, 0.5–8 mm in length, with notably long antennae and hairy wings—unusual among Diptera. Some species exhibit paedogenesis, where larvae reproduce without maturing. The family includes major agricultural pests such as the Hessian fly and soybean gall midge, as well as species used in biological control.
Cedusa
Cedusa is a large genus of derbid planthoppers comprising over 170 described species. The genus exhibits broad geographic distribution with approximately 114 species in the Americas and additional species in Africa (though some African species may belong to the genus Malenia). Species occupy diverse habitats ranging from palm leaf axils to agricultural systems, with documented associations including Sabal palmetto palms and grapevines.
Cedusa vulgaris
blue Derbid planthopper
Cedusa vulgaris is a planthopper in the family Derbidae, commonly known as the blue Derbid planthopper. First described by Fitch in 1851, this species is native to North America but has been recently documented as an emerging pest in Indian grape vineyards since May 2024. Adults feed on phloem sap of grape plants through piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species belongs to a group of planthoppers often characterized by distinctive coloration and association with woody host plants.
Cerapteryx
antler moth
Cerapteryx is a genus of noctuid moths established by Curtis in 1833, containing two recognized species: Cerapteryx graminis (the antler moth) and Cerapteryx megala. The genus is best known from the antler moth, which has been introduced to Newfoundland where it established populations in the 1960s and became a minor agricultural pest. The genus is native to Europe and has been recorded from Scandinavia and Denmark.
Ceratagallia calcaris
Ceratagallia calcaris is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, known primarily as a vector of the yellow vein disease agent affecting sugarbeets. It acquires the pathogen through phloem feeding on infected plants, undergoes a latent period of 9–18 days, then transmits the agent for life. The species breeds on sugarbeets and overwinters on kochia (Kochia scoparia). It is distinguished from other leafhopper vectors by its specific association with this disease agent.
Ceratitis
Mediterranean fruit flies
Ceratitis is a genus of tephritid fruit flies comprising approximately 80 species, with Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit fly) being the most economically significant and widely studied. The genus is organized into six subgenera: Acropteromma, Ceratalaspis, Ceratitis, Hoplolophomyia, Pardalaspis, and Pterandrus. Multiple Ceratitis species are major agricultural pests, particularly in Africa, the Mediterranean region, and areas where they have been introduced. The genus has been extensively studied for sterile insect technique applications, with C. capitata serving as a model organism for biological control research.
Ceratitis capitata
Mediterranean fruit fly, medfly
Ceratitis capitata, the Mediterranean fruit fly or medfly, is a highly destructive agricultural pest native to sub-Saharan Africa. It has established populations across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with frequent incursions into temperate areas including California, Florida, and Texas. The species is considered one of the most economically important fruit flies due to its exceptionally broad host range—over 200 fruit and vegetable species—and its ability to tolerate cooler climates better than most tropical fruit fly species. Adults are small yellow-brown flies with distinctive black thoracic markings.
Cercopoidea
froghoppers, spittlebugs
The superfamily Cercopoidea comprises hemipteran insects commonly known as froghoppers or spittlebugs. Adults possess powerful hind legs enabling jumps up to 70 cm vertically and 100 times their body length. Nymphs are renowned for producing foam shelters ("cuckoo spit") from excreted xylem sap, within which they develop concealed from predators and environmental extremes. The group exhibits xylem-feeding, an unusual trait among sap-feeding insects requiring symbiotic bacteria to supplement nutrient-poor diet.
Ceroplastes cirripediformis
barnacle scale, barnacle wax scale
Ceroplastes cirripediformis, commonly known as the barnacle scale or barnacle wax scale, is a soft scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccidae) recognized for its distinctive waxy covering that resembles a small barnacle. It is a destructive invasive pest with a broad host range spanning numerous plant families. The species has expanded its range globally through human-mediated transport and climate change, with established populations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Females reproduce parthenogenetically, producing up to a thousand eggs annually without observed males in wild populations.
Ceroplastes rubens
red wax scale, pink wax scale, ruby wax scale
Ceroplastes rubens is a soft scale insect in the family Coccidae, commonly known as the red wax scale or pink wax scale. Native to Africa, it has become widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions including Australia, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The species is highly polyphagous, feeding on sap from over 193 plant genera in 84 families, with significant economic impact on citrus, mango, avocado, and ornamental plants. Adult females are covered in a distinctive hard, pink to pale red wax covering approximately 3-4 mm in diameter. Reproduction is primarily parthenogenetic, with 1-2 generations per year depending on climate.
Ceroplastes rusci
Fig Wax Scale
Ceroplastes rusci, commonly known as the fig wax scale, is a soft scale insect (family Coccidae) native to the Mediterranean region. First discovered in Florida in 1994-1995, it has since spread to numerous countries across six continents and is recognized as a significant agricultural and forestry pest. The species feeds on more than 94 genera from 52 plant families, with notable impacts on figs, citrus, grapes, and ornamental plants. Climate change modeling predicts expanding suitable habitat ranges through 2100, increasing its invasive potential in temperate regions.
Cerotoma
bean leaf beetles
Cerotoma is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) containing approximately seven described species distributed across North America and the Neotropics. The genus is best known for Cerotoma trifurcata, commonly called the bean leaf beetle, a significant agricultural pest of soybean and common bean. Adults feed on foliage and pods, while larvae feed on roots and root nodules. The genus exhibits strong host associations with leguminous plants.
Cerotoma atrofasciata
Bean Leaf Beetle
Cerotoma atrofasciata is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The genus Cerotoma includes species associated with leguminous plants, particularly soybeans.
Cerotoma ruficornis
bean leaf beetle
Cerotoma ruficornis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the bean leaf beetle. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: C. r. ruficornis and C. r. sexpunctata. The species is associated with soybean agriculture and has been studied alongside the related C. trifurcata as a pest of legume crops.
Cerotoma trifurcata
Bean Leaf Beetle
Cerotoma trifurcata, commonly known as the bean leaf beetle, is a chrysomelid beetle native to North America and a significant agricultural pest of soybean and other leguminous crops. Adults overwinter in sheltered woodland edges and fence rows, migrating to soybean fields in spring to feed and reproduce. The species has been documented as a vector of Bean Pod Mottle Virus (Comoviridae), transmitting the pathogen between plants during feeding. Its life cycle includes soil-dwelling larval stages that feed on root nodules, potentially affecting nitrogen fixation in host plants.
Ceutorhynchus obstrictus
Cabbage seedpod weevil
Ceutorhynchus obstrictus is a small weevil native to Europe and Asia that has become an invasive agricultural pest in North America. Adults feed on Brassicaceae leaves, while larvae develop inside seed pods and destroy developing seeds. The species causes significant economic damage to canola (Brassica napus) and other crucifer crops, with yield losses estimated at 5–30% in heavily infested fields. It completes one generation per year, with adults overwintering in soil or ground litter.
Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus
Cabbage Stem Weevil
Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus, commonly known as the cabbage stem weevil, is a stem-mining weevil native to Europe and a significant pest of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in northern and central Europe. The species has been introduced to North America, with established populations in Nova Scotia, Canada. Larvae mine within plant stems, causing damage that requires regular control measures in agricultural systems. The species exhibits complex ecological interactions, including competitive relationships with congeneric species and parasitism by larval endoparasitoids.
Ceutorhynchus typhae
Ceutorhynchus typhae is a stem weevil in the family Curculionidae. It has been documented as a pest of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in Latvia, where it emerges earlier than the more damaging congener C. pallidactylus. The species was first described by Herbst in 1795 and is currently accepted under this name. Distribution records indicate presence in Belgium and Canada (New Brunswick), though specific habitat associations beyond agricultural systems remain poorly documented.
Chaetocnema
flea beetles
Chaetocnema is a large genus of flea beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, comprising approximately 470 described species worldwide. Members are small, jumping leaf beetles that feed on plant foliage. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including the corn flea beetle (C. pulicaria), which vectors Stewart's wilt disease in corn, and C. confinis, which attacks sweet potatoes. The genus exhibits broad geographic distribution across multiple continents with diverse host plant associations.
Chaetocnema concinna
brassy flea beetle, hop flea beetle, beet flea beetle, brassy-toothed flea beetle
Chaetocnema concinna is a small flea beetle native to Europe and northern Asia that has been introduced to North America, first documented in Canada in the late 1980s. In Europe, it is the most important pest of sugar beet, though its economic impact in North America remains unquantified. The species exhibits broad host plant associations and can function as either a pest or beneficial organism depending on context.
Chaetocnema confinis
sweetpotato flea beetle
Chaetocnema confinis is a small flea beetle (Chrysomelidae: Alticinae) with a cosmopolitan distribution spanning Africa, the Caribbean, Central and North America, South America, Oceania, and Southern Asia. It is a significant agricultural pest of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas), with adults feeding on foliage and larvae developing in soil to feed on tuberous roots. Larval feeding causes distinctive linear epidermal damage to storage roots, creating economic losses in commercial production. The species has been studied intensively in Japan, where seasonal damage patterns have been documented.
Chaetocnema hortensis
Chaetocnema hortensis is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Alticinae. The species measures 1.5 to 2.3 mm in length and exhibits metallic coloration ranging from bronze or coppery to sometimes green. It is widespread across the Palearctic region, including Europe and eastward to the Amur region. The species has been recorded as a pest of crops.
Chaetopsis
picture-winged flies, corn silk flies
Chaetopsis is a genus of ulidiid flies (Diptera: Ulidiidae) established by Loew in 1868. The genus includes at least 13 described species distributed in tropical and semi-tropical regions of the Americas. Chaetopsis massyla is the most economically significant species, a major pest of fresh market sweet corn in Florida and tropical regions where larvae feed on developing corn kernels and silk. The genus is characterized by picture-winged morphology typical of Ulidiidae, with patterned wings and robust body form.
Chaetopsis massyla
corn silk fly, picture-winged fly
Chaetopsis massyla is a picture-winged fly (Diptera: Ulidiidae) and major agricultural pest of fresh market sweet corn in tropical and semitropical regions. Larvae develop within corn ears, feeding on developing kernels beneath protective husks, causing direct damage and secondary fungal contamination that renders cobs unmarketable. Mature larvae exit cobs and pupate in soil at depths influenced by substrate type and moisture. The species is native to the Americas, with established populations in Florida and documented occurrence in Mexico and Argentina.
Chaetosiphon
strawberry aphid
Chaetosiphon is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, comprising species specialized on Rosaceae hosts, particularly strawberries (Fragaria) and roses (Rosa). The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, most notably Chaetosiphon fragaefolii, which vectors multiple strawberry viruses. Species in this genus exhibit complex life cycles with both holocyclic (sexual) and anholocyclic (parthenogenetic) populations, and show morphological variation in karyotype and chaetotaxy that has complicated taxonomic classification.
Chalcodermus aeneus
Cowpea Curculio
Chalcodermus aeneus, commonly known as the cowpea curculio, is a true weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) that is a significant agricultural pest of legume crops in the southeastern United States. The species is particularly damaging to cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and southern peas. Adults and larvae cause economic damage to developing seeds and pods. Management of this pest remains challenging due to its life history characteristics and the limited effectiveness of available control methods.
Chartocerus
Chartocerus is a genus of minute parasitic wasps in the family Signiphoridae, comprising 27 described species. Members are known primarily as hyperparasitoids—parasitoids of other parasitoids—though some species have been recorded as primary parasitoids of aphids, psyllids, mealybugs, scale insects, and flies. The genus has been documented as an obligate hyperparasitoid of other chalcid wasps, including Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis and possibly Tamarixia radiata.
Chilo
borers
Chilo is a genus of crambid moths (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) commonly known as borers. Species in this genus are primarily recognized as agricultural pests of graminaceous crops, particularly sugarcane. The genus includes economically significant species such as C. tumidicostalis (Plassey borer), C. sacchariphagus indicus (internode borer), C. auricilius (stalk borer), and C. suppressalis (striped rice stem borer). These moths are characterized by larval stages that bore into plant stems, causing substantial yield losses in tropical and subtropical agricultural regions.
Chilo plejadellus
Rice Stalk Borer Moth
Chilo plejadellus, commonly known as the rice stalk borer moth, is a crambid moth described by Zincken in 1821. It is a significant agricultural pest whose larvae tunnel into rice stalks. The species has been studied for its sex pheromone chemistry, with (Z)-13-octadecenal identified as the primary female-produced attractant. Field applications of synthetic pheromone have proven effective for population monitoring.
Chinavia
Green Stink Bugs
Chinavia is a diverse genus of green stink bugs comprising over 80 species distributed across the Afrotropical, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. Species within this genus are polyphagous and include significant agricultural pests, notably Chinavia hilaris (the green stink bug), which damages cotton, soybean, and other crops in North America. The genus is characterized by green coloration retained after death, medium body size (9–19 mm), and membership in the tribe Nezarini. Several species have become subjects of integrated pest management research due to their economic impact on row crops and orchard systems.
Chinavia pensylvanica
Pennsylvania stink bug
Chinavia pensylvanica is a stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae, native to North America. It is one of several Chinavia species that feed on cultivated crops and wild plants. The species has been documented in soybean and corn fields in the Midwestern United States, where it contributes to emerging stink bug pest problems in regional agriculture.
Chiromyzinae
Chiromyzinae is a subfamily of soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) comprising approximately 14 genera and at least 50 described species. The subfamily exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in some genera, with winged males and apterous (wingless) females. At least one species, Metridius robertsoni, has been documented as a pest of sugarcane in Australia.
Chloridea
Chloridea is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Heliothinae. The genus was reinstated as valid in 2013 based on molecular and morphological research, having previously been considered a synonym of Heliothis. It contains at least three described species, including the agriculturally significant Chloridea virescens (tobacco budworm moth). The taxonomic status of Chloridea remains contested, with some sources continuing to treat it as a synonym of Heliothis.
Chloridea virescens
Tobacco Budworm Moth, Tobacco Budworm
Chloridea virescens, the tobacco budworm moth, is a noctuid moth native to the Americas and a major agricultural pest. The species was transferred from genus Heliothis to Chloridea in 2013 based on genetic and morphological evidence. Adults are brownish with green tinge and distinctive wing banding. Larvae feed on buds, blossoms, and fruit of diverse host plants, causing significant crop damage. The species has developed rapid resistance to multiple insecticide classes, making management challenging.
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