Agricultural-pest
Guides
Chlorochroa
shield bugs, stink bugs
Chlorochroa is a genus of shield bugs (stink bugs) in the family Pentatomidae, containing approximately 19-20 described species distributed across Europe and North America. Adults range from 8-19 mm in length and are broadly oval in shape. The genus is notable for its variable coloration, with adults typically green to brownish or almost black, often with a pale red, yellow, or whitish marginal band around the body. Several species are significant agricultural pests, feeding on a wide range of crops including apple, cotton, grape, alfalfa, and various fruits. Species within the genus are morphologically similar and are distinguished primarily by male genitalia structure and geographic distribution.
Chlorochroa saucia
Conchuela stink bug
Chlorochroa saucia is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, commonly known as the conchuela stink bug. Adults reach approximately 9 mm in length. The species is distributed across North America and has been documented as a pest of developing grain in sorghum heads, where it feeds on kernels using piercing-sucking mouthparts. It is also known to occur on alfalfa, corn, cotton, peppers, tomatoes, and various fruits, with mesquite serving as a common weed host. The species has been observed as prey of the predatory wasp Astata unicolor.
Chloropidae
frit flies, grass flies, eye gnats
Chloropidae are a large family of small flies comprising approximately 2000 described species in over 160 genera, distributed worldwide. Adults are minute to small (1.0–4.0 mm, rarely to 12 mm), typically yellow, black, gray, or greenish, with a shiny appearance due to sparse pubescence. The mesonotum often bears three to five dark longitudinal stripes. Larvae exhibit diverse life histories: most are phytophagous, feeding on grasses and cereal crops, with some species causing significant agricultural damage; others are saprophagous, predatory, parasitic, or kleptoparasitic. A few species in genera Hippelates and Siphunculina are attracted to lachrymal secretions and other body fluids of mammals, earning the name 'eye gnats' and serving as mechanical vectors of bacterial and viral pathogens.
Chlorops
grass flies, frit flies
Chlorops is a genus of small flies in the family Chloropidae, commonly known as grass flies or frit flies. Several species are significant agricultural pests of cereal crops. Chlorops oryzae (rice stem maggot) is a major pest of rice in Asia, causing 20-50% yield losses by larval feeding on developing leaves and young panicles. Chlorops taeniopus (gout fly) and related species damage barley and wheat in Europe. The genus exhibits geographic variation in voltinism, with some populations producing 2-5 generations annually depending on latitude and diapause patterns.
Chlosyne lacinia
Bordered Patch, Sunflower Patch
Chlosyne lacinia, commonly known as the bordered patch or sunflower patch, is a highly variable nymphalid butterfly native to North and South America. Adults display extensive color polymorphism in both wing pattern and ground color, with individuals ranging from predominantly black to those with prominent orange, red, or yellow markings. The species exhibits gregarious larval behavior, with females depositing eggs in large clusters and young larvae feeding communally before becoming solitary in later instars. It is a polyphagous herbivore with strong associations to Asteraceae, particularly sunflowers (Helianthus), and has been documented as an agricultural pest in some regions.
Chrysodeixis
Chrysodeixis is a genus of owlet moths (family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae) described by Jacob Hübner in 1821. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly Chrysodeixis includens (soybean looper) and C. chalcites (tomato looper), which cause defoliation damage to legume and solanaceous crops. Larvae are characterized by having three pairs of prolegs and a distinctive looping locomotion.
Chrysomelinae
broad-bodied leaf beetles, broad-shouldered leaf beetles
Chrysomelinae is a subfamily of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) comprising approximately 3,000 species worldwide, commonly known as broad-bodied or broad-shouldered leaf beetles. The subfamily includes the economically significant Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), a major agricultural pest. Chrysomelinae exhibits remarkable diversity in form and coloration, with adults typically displaying convex, rounded bodies often with bright coloration and variable patterns. The subfamily is distinguished by several unique morphological features including antennae inserted on or adjacent to the anterior head edge, mandibles with large membranous prosthecae, and a single anal cell in each wing. Larvae possess six pairs of stemmata, palmate mandibles, and annular spiracles. Both life stages possess defensive glands that secrete protective chemicals.
Chrysomphalus
Chrysomphalus is a genus of armored scale insects in the family Diaspididae, containing approximately 17 described species. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, notably Chrysomphalus aonidum (Florida red scale or Egyptian black scale) and Chrysomphalus dictyospermi (Spanish red scale), which infest citrus and other fruit crops worldwide. These sedentary insects possess protective waxy coverings and are targeted in integrated pest management programs using biological control agents including lady beetles and parasitoid wasps.
Cicadellidae
leafhoppers, typical leafhoppers, sharpshooters
Cicadellidae, commonly known as leafhoppers, is one of the largest families of Hemiptera with over 20,000 described species worldwide. These minute insects are plant-feeding specialists that suck xylem or phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The family is distinguished by hind legs modified for jumping, featuring double rows of spines on the tibiae. Many species are significant agricultural pests and vectors of plant pathogens, including the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa which causes diseases in citrus, grapes, and other crops. The subfamily Cicadellinae (sharpshooters) contains particularly important pest species due to their polyphagy and disease transmission capabilities.
Cicadellinae
sharpshooters, leafhoppers
Cicadellinae is a subfamily of leafhoppers (family Cicadellidae) within the order Hemiptera. Members of the tribe Proconiini within this subfamily are commonly known as 'sharpshooters.' The subfamily currently contains five tribes: Cicadellini, Makilingiini, Phereurhinini, Proconiini, and Tungurahualini. Cicadellinae leafhoppers are globally distributed and are significant agricultural pests due to their role as vectors of plant pathogens, particularly the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which causes diseases including Pierce's disease of grape, phony peach disease, and citrus variegated chlorosis.
Cleora
Cleora is a genus of geometrid moths erected by John Curtis in 1825. The genus contains approximately 50 described species distributed across multiple continents. Some species, such as Cleora cornaria (the neem looper), are economically significant as defoliators of cultivated trees. The genus includes species with varied common names reflecting their appearance or host associations, including the ringed carpet (C. cinctaria), projected gray (C. projecta), double-lined gray (C. sublunaria), and kawakawa looper (C. scriptaria).
Clepsis peritana
garden tortrix, strawberry garden tortrix
Clepsis peritana is a small tortricid moth commonly known as the garden tortrix or strawberry garden tortrix. It occurs across North America from southern Canada through the United States, with additional populations in Spain and Cuba. The species is multivoltine, with adults active from March through September. Its larvae are leafrollers that feed on a diverse range of host plants including strawberries, citrus, and various ornamental and weedy species.
Clepsis spectrana
cyclamen tortrix, cabbage leafroller, straw-colored tortrix
Clepsis spectrana is a small tortricid moth native to Europe. The species exhibits highly variable coloration but typically shows brownish forewings with distinctive dark markings at the costal edge. Adults are active in two generations from late spring through early autumn. Larvae feed on a broad range of woody plants and cultivated crops including cabbage, earning the species recognition as an agricultural pest in some contexts.
Cleroidea
Bark-gnawing, Checkered, and Soft-winged Flower Beetles
Cleroidea is a superfamily of beetles comprising over 10,000 species across approximately 24 families. Members are generally slender with soft, flexible elytra and typically bear hairy or scaly integuments. The superfamily exhibits diverse feeding strategies: predation (Cleridae, Trogossitinae), pollen/nectar consumption (melyrid lineage), and fungivory (many Trogossitidae and smaller families). Aposematic coloration occurs in some groups, particularly Cleridae and Malachiinae, mimicking unpalatable arthropods such as blister beetles, net-winged beetles, and stinging Hymenoptera.
Closterotomus
Closterotomus is a genus of plant bugs (Miridae) in the subfamily Mirinae, established by Fieber in 1858. The genus contains at least 34 species distributed across the Palearctic and North America. Several species are agricultural pests, notably C. trivialis on olive and citrus in Mediterranean regions and C. norvegicus (potato capsid) on lucerne, clover, and potato. Members are phytophagous, feeding primarily on flowers, buds, and unripe fruit.
Cnemogonini
minute seed weevils
Cnemogonini is a tribe of minute seed weevils within the weevil family Curculionidae. The tribe comprises 15 genera, including economically notable genera such as Auleutes and Cnemogonus. Members are small beetles associated with seeds of various plants. The tribe is primarily distributed in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions.
Coccoidea
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking hemipterans comprising the superfamily Coccoidea, with approximately 8,000 described species across about 49 families. They exhibit extraordinary morphological diversity, ranging from minute forms beneath waxy covers to conspicuous species with elaborate wax secretions. Many are economically significant agricultural and horticultural pests, while others serve as sources of valuable products such as carmine dye and shellac. The group has been extensively studied for biological control, with numerous parasitoid wasp species developed as management agents.
Coccus hesperidum
brown soft scale
Coccus hesperidum, commonly known as the brown soft scale, is a polyphagous soft scale insect with a cosmopolitan distribution. It is a significant agricultural pest of citrus and greenhouse crops, feeding on plant phloem sap and excreting honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth. The species reproduces primarily through parthenogenesis, with females producing live young. It serves as host to numerous parasitoid wasps, which are important biological control agents.
Coccus viridis
green scale, green coffee scale, coffee green scale
Coccus viridis is a soft scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccidae) and major agricultural pest with a wide tropical and subtropical distribution. It reproduces parthenogenetically via thelytoky, with females producing 50-600 eggs that hatch within minutes to hours beneath the mother's body. The species completes its life cycle in 47-51 days at 25°C, with three nymphal instars before adulthood; first-instar nymphs actively disperse as 'crawlers' while older instars and adults become sessile. It is polyphagous, feeding on phloem sap of over 200 plant genera in 72 families, with primary economic damage to coffee, guava, and cacao crops.
Cochylichroa arthuri
Arthur's sunflower moth
Cochylichroa arthuri is a small tortricid moth commonly known as Arthur's sunflower moth. It was transferred from the genus Cochylis to the redefined genus Cochylichroa in 2019 based on phylogenetic analysis. The species is a specialist feeder on sunflower seeds and has a restricted North American distribution centered on the Great Plains and adjacent regions.
Colaspis brunnea
grape colaspis
Colaspis brunnea, commonly known as the grape colaspis, is a small leaf beetle native to eastern North America. Adults are brown in color and approximately 5 mm in length, with elytra bearing parallel rows of puncture marks. The species is univoltine, overwintering as larvae in the soil. While it has been observed feeding on crops including corn and soybeans, documented economic damage remains limited.
Colaspis crinicornis
Colaspis crinicornis is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, native to the Great Plains of the United States. It was described by Schaeffer in 1933. Historically not considered a pest, its populations have increased substantially in corn and soybean fields in southeastern Nebraska over the past decade. The species has a univoltine life cycle, overwintering as larvae in soil and emerging as adults in summer. Adults feed on above-ground foliage while larvae feed on below-ground plant portions.
Colaspis crinicornis
grape colaspis
Colaspis sp-near-crinicornis, commonly known as grape colaspis, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is recognized as an early-season pest of soybean in the southern United States. The species has been documented in economic entomology studies evaluating neonicotinoid seed treatments for pest management.
Colaspis favosa
grape colaspis
Colaspis favosa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Eumolpinae. It is native to North America and occurs primarily along the Atlantic and Gulf coastal regions of the United States. The species has been documented as an early-season pest of soybean in the southern United States, where it is commonly known as the grape colaspis. It is one of several Colaspis species associated with agricultural crops.
Colaspis favosa-complex
grape colaspis
The Colaspis favosa-complex, commonly known as the grape colaspis, comprises a group of cryptic leaf beetle species that are difficult to distinguish morphologically. Members of this complex are significant agricultural pests in the southern United States, particularly in soybean production systems. They are among the early-season pests that have become more problematic as planting dates have shifted earlier in the year. The complex is frequently referenced in economic entomology literature regarding management decisions for neonicotinoid seed treatments.
Colaspis louisianae
Colaspis louisianae is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, distributed in Texas and Louisiana. According to Chapin (1979), it is the most common species of the genus Colaspis in field crops in Louisiana. It is morphologically similar to Colaspis brunnea, requiring careful examination for identification.
Colaspis melaina
Grape colaspis
Colaspis melaina is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the grape colaspis. It is recognized as an early-season pest of soybeans in the southern United States, particularly in the lower Mississippi Valley region including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The species is one of several Colaspis beetles associated with agricultural crops, and its larvae feed on plant roots while adults feed on foliage.
Coleophora
Casebearers, Case-bearing moths
Coleophora is a large genus of case-bearing moths in the family Coleophoridae, comprising approximately 1,350 described species. The genus occurs on all continents but is most diverse in the Nearctic and Palaearctic regions. Larvae construct distinctive portable silken cases from host plant material, which serve as key identification characters and provide protection. Many species exhibit narrow host plant specificity, with larvae feeding on seeds, flowers, or leaves.
Coleophora deauratella
Red clover casebearer moth
Coleophora deauratella is a small case-bearing moth (wingspan 11–13 mm) in the family Coleophoridae. Native to Europe, Asia Minor, and Tasmania, it has become an invasive pest in North America and New Zealand where it causes severe damage to red clover seed production. Larvae feed on developing seeds within red clover florets, with reported yield losses up to 90% in affected regions. Adults are active in summer, with peak flights typically occurring in June–July in the native range and December in New Zealand.
Colias
Clouded Yellows, Sulphurs
Colias is a genus of approximately 90 butterfly species in the family Pieridae, distributed throughout the Holarctic including Arctic regions, as well as South America, Africa, China, and India. The genus is characterized by yellow, orange, or white wing coloration with black marginal borders. Species are known as "clouded yellows" in the Palearctic and "sulphurs" in North America. The genus exhibits complex taxonomic challenges due to rampant hybridization, clinal variation, and limited diagnostic morphological differences between species.
Colias eurytheme
Orange Sulphur, Alfalfa Butterfly, Alfalfa Caterpillar
Colias eurytheme, the orange sulphur or alfalfa butterfly, is a widespread North American pierid butterfly found from southern Canada to Mexico. The species is highly variable in coloration, with both orange and white morphs present, and exhibits complex thermal biology and sexual selection dynamics. Larvae are significant agricultural pests of alfalfa and other legumes, while adults are known for mass emigration events when host crops are harvested. The species has been extensively studied for its metabolic responses to temperature, costs of mating in females, and disruptive sexual selection patterns.
Colias philodice
common sulphur, clouded sulphur
Colias philodice is a North American pierid butterfly commonly known as the clouded sulphur or common sulphur. It is a multivoltine species that produces multiple generations per year. Adults are typically pale yellow above with no orange traces, distinguishing them from the closely related orange sulphur (C. eurytheme). Females exhibit a white form (alba) that can be common in some populations. The species is a legume-feeder whose larvae primarily develop on alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and various clovers, making it economically significant in agricultural settings. It ranges across most of North America except for the far northern regions of Labrador, Nunavut, and northern Quebec.
Colladonus
Colladonus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, established by Ball in 1936. Species in this genus are native to North America and are economically significant as vectors of X-disease phytoplasma (Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni), which affects stone fruit crops including cherries, peaches, and nectarines. The genus includes notable species such as Colladonus clitellarius (saddled leafhopper) and C. montanus, both documented as important disease vectors.
Colladonus mendicus
Colladonus mendicus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. It has been documented in central California agricultural systems and across western North America. The species is known to be preyed upon by the crabronid wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata.
Colladonus montanus
Mountain Leafhopper
Colladonus montanus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as the Mountain Leafhopper. It is a documented vector of X-disease phytoplasma, capable of transmitting this plant pathogen to experimental hosts including Arabidopsis thaliana. Research has examined its dispersal behavior in agricultural settings, particularly cherry orchards. The species has been studied for its role in phytoplasma disease ecology and the effects of plant defense compounds on its transmission efficiency.
Colladonus montanus montanus
Colladonus montanus montanus is a subspecies of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. A study of its dispersal behavior in cherry orchards found that individuals move primarily through passive dispersal, dropping from foliage and being carried by wind rather than active flight. Most marked individuals remained within 10 meters of release points, with maximum dispersal distances of 40 meters. The subspecies exhibits seasonal movement patterns, migrating from herbaceous ground cover to cherry trees in spring and returning to ground cover in late summer.
Collaria
grass bugs
Collaria is a genus of grass-feeding plant bugs (Miridae: Mirinae: Stenodemini) established by Provancher in 1872. The genus comprises 14 recognized species distributed across the Neotropical and Afrotropical regions, with several species documented as agricultural pests of forage grasses and wheat. Species such as C. scenica and C. columbiensis have been studied extensively in Colombia, where they impact dairy production in the Bogotá plateau region. The genus is characterized by its association with Poaceae (grasses) and its potential for significant population increases under favorable climatic conditions, particularly during El Niño events.
Miridaegrass-bugpasture-pestagricultural-pestNeotropicalAfrotropicalColombiaclimate-sensitivityEl-NiñoEPGelectrical-penetration-graphspatial-distributionaggregated-distributionPoaceaewheat-pestdairy-productionintegrated-pest-managementStenodeminiProvancher-1872taxonomygenitalic-morphologyheat-unitsthermal-amplitudeprecipitation-dependentBogotá-plateauAltiplano-CundiboyacenseC.-scenicaC.-columbiensisC.-schwartziC.-oleosaC.-bolivianaC.-villiersiC.-improvisaC.-obscuricornisCollops vittatus
Striped Collops, melyrid beetle
Collops vittatus is a small predatory soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, measuring approximately 5 mm in length. The species exhibits considerable geographic variation in coloration and morphology across its North American range. It has been documented as a predator of agricultural pests, particularly the spotted alfalfa aphid. The species is found from Canada through the United States to Central America, with notable morphological differences between northeastern and southwestern populations.
Condica
Condica is a genus of noctuid moths erected by Francis Walker in 1856. The genus contains approximately 60 described species distributed across multiple continents, with documented records from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. Several species are recognized as agricultural pests, particularly of safflower, sunflower, and cotton crops. The genus is classified within the subfamily Condicinae of the family Noctuidae.
Conotrachelus nenuphar
Plum Curculio
The plum curculio is a native North American weevil and economically significant pest of stone and pome fruits. It has been documented as a fruit pest since the 18th century and remains a primary challenge for orchard production east of the Rocky Mountains. The species exhibits geographic variation in voltinism, with univoltine populations in northern regions and multivoltine populations in the south.
Contarinia
Gall midges
Contarinia is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) containing over 300 described species. Adults are small, delicate flies with hairy wings, long antennae, and distinctive wing venation including an interrupted costal vein. The genus includes numerous agricultural pests whose larvae induce galls or feed on meristematic tissues of plants, particularly in the Brassicaceae, Poaceae, and other families. Several species cause significant economic damage to crops including sorghum, canola, citrus, and stone fruits.
Coptodisca lucifluella
walnut shield bearer
Coptodisca lucifluella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Heliozelidae, native to eastern North America and invasive in Europe since 2010. Larvae create distinctive blotch-shaped mines on walnut and hickory foliage, then construct oval silk-attached cases for pupation. The species has undergone a documented host shift in Europe, expanding from its native specialization on Carya (pecan) to primarily exploiting Juglans regia (common walnut) and occasionally other Juglandaceae. It completes 3–4 generations annually in Italy, with autumn generations producing substantially more mines than spring generations.
Copturus
Copturus is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) comprising more than 190 described species. The genus was established by Schoenherr in 1825. At least one species, Copturus aguacatae, is a documented agricultural pest of avocado (Persea americana) in Mexico, where it is known as the avocado stem weevil or barrenador de ramas del aguacate. This species has been studied for its spatial distribution patterns in commercial plantations and is associated with multiple parasitoid species.
Coreidae
Leaf-footed Bugs, Squash Bugs, Twig-wilters, Tip-wilters
Coreidae is a large family of predominantly phytophagous sap-sucking insects within the suborder Heteroptera, comprising over 1,900 species in more than 270 genera. Members are commonly known as leaf-footed bugs due to the characteristic leaf-like expansions on the hind tibiae of many species. The family is cosmopolitan but most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including Anasa tristis (squash bug) and Leptoglossus species that damage corn, citrus, and other crops. The family exhibits notable morphological diversity, with body lengths ranging from 7 to 45 mm and variable body shapes from broadly oval to elongated and slender.
Coreoidea
Leaf-footed Bugs and Allies
Coreoidea is a superfamily of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) within the infraorder Pentatomomorpha, encompassing more than 3,300 described species across five extant families. The group includes leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae), broad-headed bugs (Alydidae), scentless plant bugs (Rhopalidae), and the smaller families Hyocephalidae and Stenocephalidae. Members are predominantly phytophagous, with many species exhibiting enlarged hind leg structures. The superfamily's phylogenetic relationships with Lygaeoidea and Pyrrhocoroidea remain unresolved, with evidence suggesting potential paraphyly requiring taxonomic revision.
Cosmobaris
Cosmobaris is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by Casey in 1920. The genus includes species associated with agricultural crops, with at least one species, C. americana, recognized as a pest of sugarbeets. Another species, C. discolor, has been documented in association with Amaranthus plants. The genus belongs to the diverse weevil superfamily Curculionoidea.
Cosmobaris scolopacea
beet petiole borer
Cosmobaris scolopacea is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae. It is commonly known as the beet petiole borer due to its association with beet plants. The species was first described by E.F. Germar in 1819, originally placed in the genus Baris. It has been recorded from Belgium and British Columbia, Canada.
Cosmopepla lintneriana
Twice-stabbed Stink Bug, Wee Harlequin Bug
Cosmopepla lintneriana, commonly known as the twice-stabbed stink bug or wee harlequin bug (particularly in Alberta), is a small pentatomid bug with distinctive coloration. The species was first described in 1798 and has undergone several taxonomic revisions. It is broadly distributed across North America and has been recorded on numerous plant hosts.
Cosmopolites
Cosmopolites is a genus of true weevils in the subfamily Dryophthorinae, tribe Sphenophorini. The genus contains at least five described species, with Cosmopolites sordidus (banana weevil) as the type species and most economically important member. Species in this genus are associated with monocot hosts, particularly banana and plantain plants.
Cosmopolites sordidus
banana root borer, banana borer, banana weevil
Cosmopolites sordidus is a serious pest of banana cultivation with cosmopolitan distribution throughout banana-growing regions worldwide. Adults are approximately 11 mm long with glossy greyish-black to dark brown coloration. The species is considered the most damaging insect pest of bananas, with larvae burrowing into stems and corms causing plant weakening, lodging, and yield reduction. The complete life cycle takes 30–40 days.