Agricultural-pest
Guides
Crambidae
Crambid Snout Moths, grass moths
Crambidae is a large family of Lepidoptera comprising over 10,000 species in more than 1,000 genera across 15 subfamilies. The family includes economically significant agricultural pests such as the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), sod webworms (Crambus spp.), and the invasive box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis). Historically treated as a subfamily of Pyralidae, Crambidae was elevated to full family status based on the presence of a praecinctorium—a structure joining two tympanic membranes absent in Pyralidae. Members exhibit diverse morphologies: Crambinae (grass moths) are slender with wings folded tightly around the body at rest, while other subfamilies display bright coloration and rest with wings spread.
Crambini
Grass-Veneers
Crambini is a tribe of moths within the subfamily Crambinae, commonly known as Grass-Veneers. The tribe includes over 1,800 species worldwide. Larvae are predominantly root feeders or stem borers, with many species associated with grasses. The tribe is distinguished by tympanal organ structure and the phallus attached medially to the juxta.
Crambus praefectellus
common grass-veneer, silver-striped webworm
A small grass moth in the family Crambidae, widespread across eastern North America. Adults are active from spring through fall, with extended or year-round activity in the southernmost parts of its range. Larvae develop within silken webs on grasses and cereal grains.
Creontiades
green mirids, verde plant bugs
Creontiades is a genus of plant bugs (family Miridae) comprising over 50 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of cotton, where they damage developing reproductive structures. The genus exhibits broad host plant associations, with some species showing high mobility between natural vegetation and crop systems.
Crioceris duodecimpunctata
Spotted Asparagus Beetle
A small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, Crioceris duodecimpunctata is a significant invasive pest of asparagus cultivations. Adults feed on tender shoots and leaves, while larvae develop exclusively on asparagus berries. The species is widespread across the Palearctic region and has been introduced to North America. Molecular studies confirm its status as a sister taxon to C. quatuordecimpunctata, with both species originating nearly simultaneously from a common ancestor.
Crocidosema
Crocidosema is a genus of tortrix moths in the family Tortricidae, tribe Eucosmini, subfamily Olethreutinae. The genus contains approximately 29 described species, distributed primarily in the Southern Hemisphere with particular abundance in the Neotropics. Some species occur in other regions, including the Hawaiian Islands. The genus includes both agricultural pests and species used in biological control.
Cryphalini
pygmy borers
Cryphalini is a tribe of minute bark beetles (Scolytinae) comprising extremely small species, many under 2 mm in length. The tribe has undergone major taxonomic revision, with former members now distributed across three tribes based on molecular and morphological evidence. Members of this group are among the most abundant bark beetles globally and include significant agricultural pests.
Cryphalus mangiferae
mango bark beetle
A tiny tropical bark beetle in the weevil family Curculionidae (subfamily Scolytinae) that attacks mango trees (Mangifera indica). Native to southern Asia, it has spread to tropical regions worldwide and is recognized as a vector of plant-pathogenic fungi causing mango wilt disease. In Pakistan and other regions, it poses a serious threat to mango cultivation.
Cryptarcha
Cryptarcha is a genus of sap beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Shuckard in 1839. The genus contains at least 17 described species distributed across multiple continents. Some species are associated with cactus cultivation, where they can cause significant agricultural damage. Members exhibit both phytophagous and saprophagous feeding behaviors.
Crypticerya
fluted scales, channeled mealybugs
Crypticerya is a genus of giant scale insects in the family Monophlebidae, comprising 28 described species as of 2024. All species are native to the Americas. The genus was established by Cockerell in 1895 as a subgenus of Icerya, elevated to genus rank in 1899, synonymized in 1926, and revived in 2008. Species in this genus are commonly known as "fluted scales" or "channeled mealybugs" due to the longitudinal grooves or channels present on the ovisacs of species that produce them. Many species are significant agricultural and urban pests.
Crypticerya genistae
Genista Giant Scale Insect, fluted scale, channeled mealybug
Crypticerya genistae is a giant scale insect in the tribe Iceryini, native to South America and accidentally introduced to Florida by 2005, the Cayman Islands by 2006, Ecuador, and Peru. Adult females produce a distinctive large white fluted ovisac measuring 17–19 mm. The species has been recorded on at least eleven host plant species, primarily in the family Fabaceae, and appears to prefer herbaceous plants and shrubs over trees. It is considered an invasive pest in urban green areas and poses potential phytosanitary risks to agricultural crops including Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea).
Cryptorhynchinae
hidden-snout weevils
Cryptorhynchinae is a large subfamily of weevils (Curculionidae) comprising approximately 6,000 species. The subfamily is distinguished by a rostrum that folds backward between the fore coxae in repose, fitting within a protective channel on the mesoventrite. Molecular evidence supports its monophyly as an independent subfamily rather than inclusion within Molytinae. The group is most diverse in the Neotropics, Australia, and Oceania, with an evolutionary origin in the Late Cretaceous of South America.
Curculio caryae
pecan weevil
Curculio caryae, the pecan weevil, is a specialized nut-feeding weevil native to North America and a major economic pest of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and hickory (Carya species) production. Adults emerge from soil in August and September, feed on developing nuts, and females use their elongated proboscis to drill through shells and deposit eggs into kernels. Larvae develop inside nuts for approximately 42 days before emerging through clean, round exit holes and burrowing into soil to pupate. The life cycle typically spans two years, though approximately 10% of individuals require three years. The species has been observed to occasionally infest Persian walnut (Juglans regia).
Curculio obtusus
Hazelnut Weevil
Curculio obtusus, commonly known as the hazelnut weevil, is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae. It is native to eastern North America and is one of four globally recognized hazelnut-feeding weevil species in the genus Curculio. The species is considered the most understudied of the hazelnut-feeding Curculio species, as commercial hazelnut production was historically not possible in its geographic range until the development of cold-hardy and disease-resistant hybrid hazelnut plants. It is expected to pose increasing economic concerns as hybrid hazelnut production expands in the United States.
Curculio sayi
small chestnut weevil, lesser chestnut weevil
Curculio sayi is a true weevil (family Curculionidae) known as the small or lesser chestnut weevil. It is a highly host-specific pest of chestnuts in the genus Castanea, feeding and ovipositing exclusively on chestnut and chinquapin species. The species was historically a major pest of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) before the chestnut blight, with infestation rates of 50-75% considered normal. It has resurged as a significant pest with the restoration of blight-resistant chestnut plantings. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism in body size and rostrum length, with females being larger and possessing longer snouts adapted for penetrating chestnut burrs.
Cyclocephala lunulata
masked chafer
Cyclocephala lunulata is a rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, widely distributed across the Americas from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America to South America. Adults are attracted to volatile organic compounds produced by bacteria (VOCsB) isolated from their genital chambers, with both sexes responding to bacterial volatiles from Morganella morganii. The species is a documented agricultural pest of strawberry, guava, and ornamental pastures.
Cydia
Cydia is a large genus of tortrix moths in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae, and tribe Grapholitini. The genus includes numerous economically significant agricultural pests, most notably the codling moth (C. pomonella), a global pest of apple and pear orchards, and the plum fruit moth (C. funebrana). Species in this genus are characterized by their fruit-feeding larval habits, with many mining into or boring through fruits of cultivated trees. The genus name was adopted for the iOS software platform Cydia, referencing the codling moth's association with apples.
Cydnidae
burrowing bugs, burrower bugs
Cydnidae is a family of pentatomoid true bugs commonly known as burrowing or burrower bugs. Many species are fossorial, burrowing into soil using their head and forelegs, emerging primarily to mate and lay eggs. Other members live above ground, often associated with plants. The family includes agricultural pests and exhibits diverse habitat preferences across subfamilies.
Cylas
sweet potato weevils
Cylas is a genus of sweet potato weevils comprising over 20 described species, classified in the monogeneric tribe Cyladini within the subfamily Brentinae. The genus contains major agricultural pests, particularly Cylas formicarius, which is considered the most serious pest of sweet potato worldwide. Several species including C. formicarius, C. brunneus, and C. puncticollis are known to infest sweet potato crops, causing substantial economic losses through damage to storage roots and vines.
Cylindrocopturus adspersus
sunflower stem weevil
Cylindrocopturus adspersus, commonly known as the sunflower stem weevil, is a true weevil in the family Curculionidae. Adults are small, grayish-brown beetles with irregular whitish markings, approximately 5 mm in length. The species has a single generation per year, with larvae developing inside sunflower stems and overwintering in chambers hollowed out at the base of the plant. It is recognized as an occasional but potentially serious pest of cultivated sunflowers in North America, capable of reducing yields by up to 50% in heavily infested fields.
Cylindrocopturus longulus group
The Cylindrocopturus longulus group represents a species complex within the weevil genus Cylindrocopturus, closely related to C. adspersus (Sunflower Stem Weevil). Members of this group are stem-boring weevils associated with sunflowers (Helianthus spp.). The group designation indicates taxonomic uncertainty, with specimens potentially representing an undescribed species. Like other Cylindrocopturus species, these weevils likely complete their life cycle within sunflower stems, with larvae boring downward through pith tissue.
Cyrtomenus
burrowing bugs, burrower bugs
Cyrtomenus is a genus of burrower bugs in the family Cydnidae, subfamily Cydninae, comprising approximately nine described species distributed in the Neotropics. Species in this genus are characterized by morphological adaptations for digging and exhibit polyphagous feeding habits. At least two species, C. bergi and C. mirabilis (now synonymized), are recognized as significant agricultural pests, particularly of cassava roots. The genus is distinguished among Neotropical Cydninae by the strongly flattened posterior tibia, a feature shared with the related genus Prolobodes.
Cyrtophora citricola
Tropical Tent-web Spider, Tropical Tent-web Orbweaver
Cyrtophora citricola is a colonial orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae, notable for building horizontal, non-adhesive tent-shaped webs rather than typical vertical orb webs. The species exhibits remarkable social flexibility, living either solitarily or in colonies where individual webs are interconnected. Native to Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe, it has expanded to the Americas since 2000, including Florida and Puerto Rico. Females reach 10 mm in body length while males are markedly smaller at 3 mm. The species shows pronounced sexual dimorphism and has become significant in agricultural contexts both as a pest and as a potential biological control agent.
Dactylopiidae
Cochineal Insects
Dactylopiidae is a family of scale insects (Hemiptera) comprising the single genus Dactylopius, commonly known as cochineal insects. These insects are economically and historically significant as the primary source of carmine, a vibrant red dye derived from carminic acid that the insects produce as a defensive compound. The family has been used for dye production since at least the 10th century in the Americas and became the second most valuable export from the New World during the Colonial Period. Some species serve as biological control agents for invasive cacti, while others are agricultural pests of cactus crops.
Daktulosphaira vitifoliae
Grape Phylloxera
Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, commonly known as grape phylloxera, is a minute aphid-like insect in the family Phylloxeridae that is the most destructive pest of commercial grapevines worldwide. Native to eastern North America, it was accidentally introduced to Europe in the 1860s, where it devastated Vitis vinifera vineyards and nearly destroyed the wine industry. The insect has a complex life cycle involving both root-feeding and leaf-galling forms, with high transcriptional plasticity enabling rapid adaptation to different host grapevine genotypes. It reproduces parthenogenetically for most generations but can produce sexual forms and overwintering eggs under certain conditions.
Dalbulus
corn leafhoppers
Dalbulus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, tribe Macrostelini. The genus comprises approximately 11 species, with 10 species occurring in Mexico. Several species, particularly D. maidis (corn leafhopper) and D. elimatus (Mexican corn leafhopper), are economically significant agricultural pests. These species are highly efficient vectors of maize stunting pathogens including Spiroplasma kunkelii (corn stunt spiroplasma), maize bushy stunt phytoplasma, and maize rayado fino virus. The genus exhibits a spectrum of host plant specialization, with species ranging from maize specialists (D. maidis, D. elimatus) to gamagrass specialists (D. tripsacoides, D. quinquenotatus, D. guzmani) and generalists that utilize both host types.
Dalbulus elimatus
Mexican corn leafhopper
Dalbulus elimatus (Ball, 1900), the Mexican corn leafhopper, is a specialist herbivore of maize (Zea mays) and closely related grasses in the genus Tripsacum. It is a significant agricultural pest in Mexico and Central America, transmitting three major corn stunting pathogens: corn stunt spiroplasma (Spiroplasma kunkelii), maize bushy stunt phytoplasma, and maize rayado fino virus. The species exhibits r-selected life history traits characteristic of annual plant specialists, with rapid development (approximately 27 days egg to adult on maize) and high fecundity. It serves as host for multiple parasitoid species including the pipunculid fly Eudorylas subopacus and the dryinid wasp Gonatopus bartletti, which parasitize adults, as well as several mymarid and trichogrammatid wasps that attack eggs.
Dalbulus maidis
corn leafhopper, cigarrinha-do-milho, chicharrita del maíz
Dalbulus maidis is a phloem-feeding leafhopper and one of the most significant pests of maize production across the Americas. It serves as the primary vector of the corn stunt disease complex, transmitting at least four pathogens including Spiroplasma kunkelii, maize bushy stunt phytoplasma, and Maize rayado fino virus. The species exhibits strict host specialization with Zea mays, enabling highly efficient pathogen transmission. Population outbreaks can cause yield losses exceeding 80% in affected regions. The species has become increasingly problematic in Argentina and Brazil, particularly under intensive continuous maize cultivation systems.
Dargida
wheat head armyworm moths
Dargida is a genus of noctuid moths containing approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. The genus includes several species whose larvae are known as wheat head armyworms, significant agricultural pests of small grains. Adult moths are medium-sized with wingspans of 1¼ to 1½ inches, typically yellow-brown with longitudinal stripes on the forewings. The genus was established by Francis Walker in 1856 and has historically included species formerly placed in the synonymized genus Faronta.
Dargida aleada
Wheat Head Armyworm
Dargida aleada is a noctuid moth known as one of the wheat head armyworms, a group of late-season pests of wheat in the Texas High Plains. The species belongs to a genus of 13 morphologically similar species whose larvae feed within wheat heads, damaging kernels primarily during the soft dough stage. Adults are medium-sized moths with yellow-brown forewings bearing a lengthwise brown stripe. The species has one generation per year, with larvae emerging in late May and June.
Dargida diffusa
Wheat Head Armyworm
Dargida diffusa, commonly known as the wheat head armyworm, is a noctuid moth native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of 27–36 mm and are active from May to September across their range. The species is economically significant due to larval feeding on seed heads of cereal crops and grasses, with timothy grass (Phleum pratense) being a particularly favored host.
Dargida grammivora
Dargida grammivora is a noctuid moth species in the genus Dargida, which includes wheat head armyworms. The genus Dargida comprises 13 known species whose larvae and moths appear similar in morphology. Dargida grammivora larvae feed on grass hosts, including wheat, and are considered minor agricultural pests in North American wheat-growing regions. The species has been documented in North America with limited observational records.
Dargida rubripennis
Pink Streak, Pink Streak Moth
Dargida rubripennis, commonly known as the pink streak, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote and Coleman Townsend Robinson in 1870. The species is listed as threatened in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Adults have a wingspan of 32–37 mm. The larvae are known as wheat head armyworms and feed on developing wheat kernels, particularly in the soft dough stage.
Dargida tetera
Wheat Head Armyworm
Dargida tetera is a noctuid moth in the genus Dargida, commonly known as a wheat head armyworm. The species is part of a group of 13 similar-looking Dargida species whose larvae feed on wheat heads. It is found in North America and is considered a minor pest of wheat, particularly in the Texas High Plains region. The moth has a wingspan of approximately 1¼ to 1½ inches.
Dasineura
Dasineura is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae. Species in this genus are known for inducing galls on various host plants, including woody shrubs and trees. Some species are significant agricultural pests, such as Dasineura jujubifolia on jujube, which can reduce yields by at least 20%. The genus exhibits diverse gall morphologies, from simple leaf galls to complex flower-like structures formed by developmental reprogramming of host tissues.
Dasineurini
Dasineurini is a tribe of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) containing numerous species that induce galls on plants. Members are small, delicate flies whose larvae develop within plant tissues, causing characteristic growth deformities. The tribe includes economically significant pests such as those affecting wheat and other crops.
Dasiops
flower bud flies, lance flies
Dasiops is a genus of lance flies (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) whose larvae are internal feeders on reproductive structures of Passifloraceae. Multiple species are significant agricultural pests of cultivated passionfruit crops in the Neotropics, causing abscission of flower buds and fruit damage. The genus serves as host for diverse hymenopterous parasitoids including Braconidae, Figitidae, Diapriidae, and Pteromalidae. One species, D. caustonae, has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for invasive Passiflora mollissima in Hawaii due to its restricted host range within subgenus Tacsonia.
Davara caricae
Papaya Webworm Moth
Davara caricae, commonly known as the papaya webworm moth, is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae. It was described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1913. The species is associated with papaya (Carica papaya), as indicated by its specific epithet. It occurs in parts of the Caribbean and southern Florida.
Dectes
Dectes stem borer
Dectes is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae) established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852. The genus contains three recognized species: Dectes nigripilus, Dectes sayi, and Dectes texanus. The most economically significant species is D. texanus, commonly known as the Dectes stem borer or soybean stem borer, which has become an important agricultural pest of soybean and sunflower crops in the central and eastern United States. Larvae tunnel into plant stems and girdle the base before overwintering, causing lodging and yield losses. D. sayi is also associated with soybean and sunflower but prefers common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) as a primary host.
Dectes texanus
Dectes stem borer, Texas prick, soybean stem borer
Dectes texanus is a native North American longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) that has emerged as a significant agricultural pest of soybeans and sunflowers in the Midwestern and Great Plains regions of the United States. Adults are characterized by antennae longer than their bodies and a pale gray coloration. Larvae tunnel inside plant stems from July through October, then girdle the stem base internally before overwintering, causing pre-harvest lodging and yield losses. The species has expanded its range and pest status dramatically since the 1980s, correlating with increased soybean acreage and adoption of no-till farming practices. Originally associated with wild hosts including ragweed and cocklebur, it colonized cultivated soybeans approximately 50 years ago.
Delia
root maggot flies, seedcorn maggot flies
Delia is a genus of flies in the family Anthomyiidae, commonly known as root maggot flies. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of cruciferous crops and seedlings. The genus includes economically important species such as Delia platura (seedcorn maggot) and Delia radicum (cabbage maggot), whose larvae feed on seeds, roots, and developing plant tissues. Adults are small, drab flies that feed on nectar and are often mistaken for house flies.
Delia platura
seedcorn maggot, bean seed fly
Delia platura is a cosmopolitan polyphagous pest in the family Anthomyiidae, commonly known as the seedcorn maggot or bean seed fly. It attacks germinating seeds and seedlings of over 40 host plants including corn, soybeans, beans, peas, and cruciferous vegetables. Larvae typically feed on decaying organic matter but will invade healthy plant tissue when cool, wet spring conditions delay crop germination, causing significant agricultural losses. The species is also a documented vector of bacterial pathogens, including Erwinia amylovora which causes fire blight in apple and pear trees. Two cryptic genetic lines (H-line and N-line) with distinct distributions and mating behaviors have been identified, with H-line females showing strong mate selectivity.
Delia radicum
cabbage root fly, cabbage maggot, spring cabbage fly, smaller cabbage fly
Delia radicum is a significant agricultural pest fly in the family Anthomyiidae, commonly known as the cabbage root fly or cabbage maggot. The larval stage causes damage by tunneling into roots and lower stems of cruciferous crops, while adults are small, grayish flies that emerge in spring. The species has a Holarctic distribution, occurring across Europe, North Africa, Asia, and North America. Research has documented complex interactions with microbial symbionts including Wolbachia and gut microbiota, which influence host fitness and plant-insect chemical ecology.
Delphacidae
Delphacid Planthoppers, Planthoppers
Delphacidae is a large family of planthoppers in the order Hemiptera, comprising approximately 2000 species distributed worldwide. Members are distinguished from other "hoppers" by a prominent spur on the tibia of the hindleg—a diagnostic morphological feature unique to this family. All species are phytophagous, with many species occurring on grasses and several serving as significant agricultural pests and vectors of cereal pathogens. Notable pest species include the rice brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), the white-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera), and the sugarcane planthopper (Perkinsiella saccharicida).
Delphacini
Delphacini is a tribe of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, characterized by a worldwide distribution and ecological significance as agricultural pests. Members are phytophagous, feeding primarily on grasses including cereal crops. Several species are economically important as direct pests through feeding damage or as vectors of plant pathogens. Notable pest species include the rice brown planthopper (*Nilaparvata lugens*), white-backed planthopper (*Sogatella furcifera*), and sugarcane planthopper (*Perkinsiella saccharicida*).
Delphacodes
delphacid planthoppers
Delphacodes is a large genus of delphacid planthoppers comprising over 230 described species with worldwide distribution. Species in this genus are phloem-feeding herbivores primarily associated with grasses and cereal crops. Several species are economically significant as vectors of plant viruses affecting maize, wheat, and other gramineae, including Mal de Río Cuarto virus and maize rough dwarf virus. The genus exhibits wing dimorphism, with both brachypterous (short-winged) and macropterous (long-winged) forms occurring within populations.
Delphacoidea
planthopper superfamily, delphacid planthoppers
Delphacoidea is a superfamily of planthoppers within the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, comprising approximately 2,000 described species across two families: Delphacidae (the largest family of planthoppers) and the smaller Achilixiidae. Members are characterized by a movable spur on the hind tibia, a feature unique among planthoppers. The superfamily has a global distribution and includes numerous economically significant agricultural pests, particularly rice planthoppers in the genus *Nilaparvata*.
Depressaria
Depressaria is a genus of moths in the family Depressariidae (subfamily Depressariinae), previously treated as part of Oecophoridae or as a distinct family. The genus contains approximately 80+ described species, with new species continuing to be discovered. Most species are specialists on Apiaceae (umbellifers), feeding on reproductive structures, though some species utilize Salicaceae (willows). Several species are economically significant agricultural pests or invasive species in North America, including D. depressana (purple carrot-seed moth) and D. radiella (parsnip webworm). The type species, D. heraclei (parsnip moth), has a confused taxonomic history dating to Linnaeus.
Depressaria radiella
parsnip moth, parsnip webworm
Depressaria radiella is a Eurasian moth introduced to North America in 1862 (Ontario) and New Zealand in 2004. It is a 'superspecialist' herbivore effectively restricted to two closely related apiaceous genera (Heracleum and Pastinaca) throughout its native and introduced ranges. The species is univoltine, with adults active from August through May after overwintering. It has undergone slow westward expansion across North America over 160+ years, reaching the West Coast only after more than 50 years. The species exhibits lower genetic diversity than its congener D. depressana, possibly reflecting its narrow host specialization.
Dermaptera
Earwigs
Earwigs comprise the insect order Dermaptera, with approximately 2,000 species in 12 families. They are distinguished by forceps-like cerci at the abdomen tip and hindwings folded beneath short forewings, giving rise to the order name meaning 'skin wings.' Most species are nocturnal, hiding in dark moist places during daylight. While some groups are tiny parasites lacking typical pincers, the majority are free-living and found on all continents except Antarctica.