Agricultural-pest
Guides
Empoasca
Empoasca is a genus of leafhoppers (family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae) containing approximately 20 described species. Several species are significant agricultural pests, most notably Empoasca fabae (potato leafhopper), which causes hopperburn injury to over 200 plant species including potatoes, alfalfa, and beans. Members of this genus are characterized by their small size, typically bright green coloration, and production of brochosomes—unique nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on their bodies. The genus has a wide distribution with some species showing strong migratory behavior.
Empoasca
Empoasca n-species is a leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, a group of small plant-feeding insects known for their piercing-sucking mouthparts and economically significant pest status. Leafhoppers in this genus are recognized for causing "hopperburn" damage to crops through their toxic saliva. The specific epithet "n-species" indicates this is an undescribed or placeholder designation for a species within the diverse Empoasca genus, which contains numerous agricultural pests including the potato leafhopper (E. fabae) and the tea green leafhopper (E. onukii).
Empoasca fabae
potato leafhopper
Empoasca fabae, commonly known as the potato leafhopper, is a small, lime-green leafhopper native to North America and a significant agricultural pest. It migrates northward annually from Gulf States to the Midwest and eastern United States, causing damage to over 200 plant species. The species feeds on plant sap and injects a toxin that causes 'hopperburn'—characteristic drying, curling, and rotting of plant tissues. Climate warming has been linked to earlier arrival dates (approximately 10 days earlier than in the 1950s) and more severe infestations in warmer years. It completes one to two generations per year in northern regions like Québec, with population peaks occurring in June-July.
Empoasca kraemeri
bean leafhopper, potato leafhopper (Latin America)
Empoasca kraemeri is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, native to the Americas and a significant agricultural pest of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Latin America. It is closely related to the North American potato leafhopper E. fabae, with which it shares similar feeding habits and damage symptoms. The species exhibits phloem-feeding behavior that causes characteristic "hopperburn" injury to host plants, and shows differential cultivar preferences in bean crops. Peak nymph populations occur approximately 42-49 days after host plant germination, with highest presence during pod filling to ripening stages.
Empoascina
Empoascina is a subtribe of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) established by Distant in 1908. Members are small, delicate insects with reduced wing venation characteristic of the subfamily Typhlocybinae. The subtribe contains economically significant pest species, including the potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae) and other Empoasca species that damage agricultural crops through feeding and virus transmission. Empoascina leafhoppers are distributed globally with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions.
Engytatus modestus
tomato bug
Engytatus modestus, commonly known as the tomato bug, is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It has a broad distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species is associated with tomato plants and other solanaceous crops, where it feeds on plant sap. As a member of the large and diverse Miridae family, it represents one of many plant bugs that interact with agricultural systems in tropical and subtropical regions.
Entomoscelina
Entomoscelina is a subgenus of leaf beetles within the genus Entomoscelis (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Chrysomelinae). Species in this subgenus are associated with brassicaceous host plants. The group is primarily distributed in the Palaearctic region. Taxonomic boundaries between Entomoscelina and related subgenera have been subject to revision.
Eoreuma
Eoreuma is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, first described by Ely in 1910. The genus contains 11 described species, with Eoreuma loftini (Mexican rice borer) being the most economically significant. This species is a major agricultural pest of sugarcane, rice, sorghum, and corn in the southern United States and Mexico, causing substantial yield losses through larval tunneling in stalks. The genus is native to the Americas, with several species described from the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Eoreuma loftini
Mexican rice borer, Mexican Rice-borer Moth
Eoreuma loftini, the Mexican rice borer, is a small moth in the family Crambidae described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1917. It is a significant agricultural pest of sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum, and lemongrass in the southern United States and Mexico. The species is invasive in the U.S. and is expanding its range northward at approximately 15 miles per year, having spread from Texas into Louisiana and Florida since 1980. Larval feeding inside plant stems causes characteristic damage including 'deadhearting' and 'whiteheading' in rice, and stem rot in lemongrass, resulting in substantial yield losses.
Epicaerus
broad-nosed weevils
Epicaerus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils in the tribe Geonemini, family Curculionidae. The genus contains more than 90 described species distributed across North America and Central America. At least one species, E. panamensis, has been documented as a pest of potato cultivars in Panama. The genus is characterized by the typical broad-nosed weevil morphology associated with the subfamily Entiminae.
Epicauta
Burning Blister Beetles
Epicauta is a large genus of blister beetles (family Meloidae) comprising approximately 360 described species. The genus exhibits a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, with native species on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Adult Epicauta feed on plant foliage and flowers, while larvae are predatory specialists on grasshopper eggs. The genus is notable for producing cantharidin, a toxic terpenoid compound that serves as a chemical defense and can be lethal to vertebrates if ingested in sufficient quantities. Many species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of alfalfa and other forage crops, with documented cases of crop failure and livestock mortality from contaminated hay.
Epicauta fabricii
ashgray blister beetle
Epicauta fabricii, commonly known as the ashgray blister beetle, is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae. Adults feed on foliage of leguminous plants including honeylocust, black locust, alfalfa, sweet clover, wild indigo, soybean, and locoweed. Larvae are predatory, feeding on grasshopper eggs. The species belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis.
Epicauta pensylvanica
black blister beetle, black aster bug
Epicauta pensylvanica is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the black blister beetle or black aster bug. The species is characterized by its predominantly black coloration and is known to contain the defensive compound cantharidin, which can cause skin blistering upon contact. Adults are typically found on flowers of plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae). The species occurs across North America and has been documented as a pest of soybean foliage in agricultural settings.
Epicauta vittata
striped blister beetle, old-fashioned potato beetle
Epicauta vittata is a blister beetle native to eastern North America, known for its distinctive black and yellow striped coloration and its status as a significant agricultural pest. Adults feed voraciously on a wide range of crop plants, particularly solanaceous species, and are capable of forming dense aggregations that move en masse through fields. The species contains cantharidin, a toxic terpenoid that poses serious health risks to livestock, particularly horses, when beetles are accidentally consumed in hay. The complex life cycle includes a mobile triungulin larval stage that parasitizes grasshopper egg cases before becoming a sedentary grub.
Epicautini
Epicautini is a tribe of blister beetles (family Meloidae) established by Parker & Böving in 1924. The tribe includes the large genus Epicauta (approximately 400 species), which is distributed nearly worldwide except Australia and Antarctica, with greatest diversity in temperate and semi-arid regions of the Americas. Members are known agricultural pests, with some species causing significant crop damage. The genus Epicauta is particularly diverse in northern Arizona, USA.
Epilachna
leaf-eating lady beetles, bean beetles
Epilachna is a genus of leaf-eating lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, comprising approximately 300 species primarily distributed in the Western Hemisphere. Unlike the predominantly predatory members of Coccinellidae, Epilachna species are phytophagous, feeding on plant foliage rather than other insects. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the Mexican bean beetle (E. varivestis) and the squash lady beetle. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some species historically placed in Epilachna now assigned to related genera such as Henosepilachna.
Epilachna borealis
Squash Lady Beetle, Squash beetle
Epilachna borealis, commonly known as the squash lady beetle or squash beetle, is a phytophagous lady beetle native to the eastern United States. Unlike most lady beetles that are predatory, this species feeds exclusively on cucurbitaceous plants. Adults and larvae cause significant damage to squash, pumpkins, and related crops by skeletonizing leaves and feeding on fruit rinds. The species is frequently mistaken for beneficial lady beetles or cucumber beetles due to its similar appearance.
Epilachna varivestis
Mexican bean beetle
Epilachna varivestis, commonly known as the Mexican bean beetle, is a phytophagous lady beetle native to the high elevations of western Mexico and Central America. It is one of few North American coccinellids that feeds exclusively on plants rather than other insects. The species became established in the western United States in the late 1800s and spread rapidly across the eastern United States during the 1920s, reaching southern Canada within five years. It remains a significant agricultural pest of leguminous crops, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Epilachninae
leaf-feeding lady beetles, phytophagous lady beetles
Epilachninae is a subfamily of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) distinguished from other coccinellids by their herbivorous diet. Adults superficially resemble predatory lady beetles but feed exclusively on plant material, making several species significant agricultural pests. The subfamily comprises approximately 16% of described Coccinellidae species. Larvae are covered with bands of spiny projections, unlike the smooth larvae of predatory coccinellids. Many species are monophagous or narrowly oligophagous, feeding on specific host plants within Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and other families. Some species, particularly in the genus Henosepilachna, have been introduced to new regions where they have become invasive pests of solanaceous crops.
Epiphyas
Epiphyas is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Archipini, established by Turner in 1927. The genus comprises approximately 39 described species and is primarily distributed across Australia and Tasmania, with additional species on Lord Howe Island. The most widely known member is Epiphyas postvittana (light brown apple moth), a major agricultural pest native to Australia that has been introduced to multiple countries including New Zealand, Hawaii, New Caledonia, the United Kingdom, and California. The genus includes both polyphagous pest species and endemic specialists with restricted host associations.
Epiphyas postvittana
light brown apple moth, LBAM, apple leaf roller
Epiphyas postvittana, the light brown apple moth, is a highly polyphagous tortricid moth native to Australia. It has become an invasive agricultural pest in multiple countries including New Zealand, Hawaii, the United Kingdom, and California, where it was first detected in 2006. The species feeds on over 250 plant species across numerous families, with larvae causing damage as leafrolling caterpillars. Its broad host range and high reproductive potential make it a significant threat to horticultural industries worldwide.
Epitrix
Hairy Flea Beetles
Epitrix is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Alticini) containing 162 described species with worldwide distribution across all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Many species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of Solanaceae crops including potato, tomato, eggplant, and tobacco. Several species have been inadvertently introduced between continents, establishing populations in new regions and becoming subjects of quarantine concern.
Epitrix brevis
Epitrix brevis is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to North America and recently detected as an invasive species in Europe. First recorded in Italy in 2024, it feeds on solanaceous plants including economically important crops. In its native range, it is not considered a major pest, but its establishment in Europe raises concerns for agricultural impacts due to favorable conditions and potential lack of natural enemies.
Epitrix cucumeris
potato flea beetle
Epitrix cucumeris is a small flea beetle native to North America and a major agricultural pest of potatoes. Adults measure 1.5–2 mm and feed on foliage, while larvae may damage tubers. The species has been introduced to Europe, including Portugal, Spain, and the Azores. Identification requires detailed examination due to similarity to congeners.
Epitrix fasciata
banded epitrix, Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle
Epitrix fasciata is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Commonly known as the banded epitrix or Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle, this species has a notably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. The species is associated with economically significant host plants including potato, tobacco, tomato, and eggplant.
Epitrix fuscula
eggplant flea beetle
Epitrix fuscula, commonly known as the eggplant flea beetle, is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It is recognized as a significant agricultural pest of eggplant (Solanum melongena) in North America. The species has been studied specifically in Arkansas production areas where it affects crop yields through feeding damage.
Epitrix tuberis
tuber flea beetle
Epitrix tuberis is a small flea beetle species native to western North America, first described by Gentner in 1944. It is the most damaging of five Epitrix species associated with potato cultivation in North America. The species completes two generations annually and has been expanding its range into Central and South America in association with potato industry development. Adults and larvae both feed on Solanaceous plants, with larvae causing economically significant damage to potato tubers.
Ericaphis
blueberry aphids
Ericaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Börner in 1939. The genus includes species associated with Ericaceae, particularly Vaccinium species. Ericaphis fimbriata, the type species, is a significant pest of cultivated highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) in the Pacific Northwest of North America. Species in this genus exhibit typical aphid life cycles with both aperous and alate morphs, and are known vectors of plant viruses.
Erinnyis
Erinnyis is a genus of sphinx moths (Sphingidae) established by Jacob Hübner in 1819, containing approximately 11 species distributed across the Americas. Several species, notably E. ello and E. alope, are significant agricultural pests whose larvae feed on economically important plants including cassava, rubber, and papaya. The genus is characterized by medium to large hawkmoths with robust bodies and relatively narrow forewings. Eggs of E. ello are known to be parasitized by multiple Trichogramma wasp species.
Eriophyes pyri
pearleaf blister mite, pear leaf blister mite
Eriophyes pyri is a gall-forming eriophyid mite that attacks pear (Pyrus), apple (Malus), and plum (Prunus). Females overwinter beneath upper bud scales, emerging in spring when average daily temperatures exceed 10°C. The mite induces characteristic blister galls on young leaves by feeding on phloem sap, completing three generations per growing season in temperate regions. Population management through targeted pesticide applications can reduce mite numbers by 75–94% and improve fruit yield and quality.
Erynephala
beet leaf beetle
Erynephala is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, comprising six described species. The genus was established by Blake in 1936 and is distributed across North America and the Neotropics. The most well-known species, Erynephala puncticollis, is commonly called the beet leaf beetle and has been documented feeding on saline-tolerant plants in dry alkaline habitats.
Erythroneura comes
Eastern Grape Leafhopper
Erythroneura comes, the Eastern Grape Leafhopper, is a key pest of grapevines in central and northeastern North America. Adults overwinter in leaf litter and debris, becoming active in spring to feed on diverse plants before colonizing grape foliage. Despite feeding on many host plants, oviposition is restricted exclusively to wild and cultivated grape. The species causes stippling, chlorosis, and early leaf drop through feeding damage, with one to four generations per year depending on geographic location and environmental conditions.
Erythroneura elegantula
Western Grape Leafhopper
Erythroneura elegantula, the Western Grape Leafhopper, is a leafhopper species native to western North America and a significant pest of cultivated grapevines. It completes two generations annually between April and September in California vineyards. Population densities vary with proximity to vegetational borders, remaining stable near diverse perennial flowering hedgerows and riparian zones while declining at greater distances from borders. The species serves as host for egg parasitoids in the genus Anagrus (Mymaridae), which provide biological control.
Erythroneura ziczac
Virginia Creeper Leafhopper
Erythroneura ziczac, commonly known as the Virginia Creeper Leafhopper, is a small leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae. It is a documented pest of grapevines in North America, particularly in California vineyards where it has been the subject of integrated pest management research. The species feeds on plant sap and is known to overwinter as adults. It is one of several Erythroneura species associated with vineyard ecosystems, distinguished by its specific host plant relationships and population dynamics studied in agricultural contexts.
Estigmene
Ermine Moths
Estigmene is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1820. Species in this genus are native to North and Central America. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with many African and Asian species formerly included now separated into different genera. The most well-known species is Estigmene acrea, commonly called the saltmarsh caterpillar or woollybear, which is a widespread generalist herbivore and occasional agricultural pest.
Eteobalea
Eteobalea is a genus of small moths in the family Cosmopterigidae, established by Hodges in 1962. Some authors treat it as a synonym of Stagmatophora. Species in this genus are root miners, with larvae feeding internally on plant roots. Eteobalea serratella has been investigated as a biological control agent for yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) in agricultural systems.
Etiella
snout moths, pod borers, limabean pod borers
Etiella is a genus of snout moths (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1839. The genus contains approximately seven described species, with Etiella zinckenella being the most economically significant as a major pest of legume crops worldwide. Species in this genus are characterized by their larval habit of boring into pods of leguminous plants, causing substantial agricultural damage. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution spanning tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions across multiple continents.
Etiella zinckenella
pulse pod borer moth, Gold-banded Etiella Moth, limabean pod borer
Etiella zinckenella is a pyralid moth and significant agricultural pest of leguminous crops. Native to southern and eastern Europe, it has spread throughout tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, with introduced populations in North America and Australia. Larvae feed internally on developing seeds within pods, causing direct damage to economically important crops including soybean, mung bean, cowpea, pigeonpea, and common bean. The species is subject to substantial biological control pressure from multiple hymenopteran parasitoids.
Euchromius ocellea
Belted Grass-veneer, necklace veneer
Euchromius ocellea is a cosmopolitan migratory moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Haworth in 1811. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, with occasional rare migrations to temperate areas such as the UK and Netherlands. The species is notable for its ornate wing patterning and its larval association with grass crops including maize and sorghum.
Eudocima
Fruit-piercing Moths
Eudocima is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Gustaf Johan Billberg in 1820. The genus contains numerous tropical species and is notable for the fruit-piercing behavior of its adults, which use their specialized mouthparts to puncture fruit and feed on juices. This feeding habit has made several species significant agricultural pests. The genus has undergone taxonomic revisions, with species historically placed in various other genera.
Eulithis mellinata
The Spinach
Eulithis mellinata, commonly known as The Spinach, is a moth in the family Geometridae. Its distribution across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions is patchy and locally restricted due to dependence on a specialized larval food plant. The species is fairly common in England and Wales but rare in Scotland and Ireland. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Eumerus
Lesser Bulb Flies
Eumerus is a large genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising approximately 281 species. Adults are small to medium (5–12 mm) with distinctive morphological features including a smooth cylindrical abdomen, powerful hind legs with thickened femora, and a flat hairy face. The genus is notable for containing several agricultural pests whose larvae damage bulbs and roots of ornamental and crop plants.
Euphoria
flower chafers, fruit chafers
Euphoria is a genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as flower or fruit chafers. The genus contains 59 species as of 2012 and is native to the Americas, with its highest diversity in Mexico and Central America. These beetles are characterized by their association with flowers and fruits, where adults feed and aggregate.
Euphyllura
olive psyllids, olive psylla
Euphyllura is a genus of plant-feeding psyllids (Hemiptera: Liviidae) established by Arnold Förster in 1848. Species are primarily associated with olive (Olea europaea) and related host plants in the Oleaceae. The genus is predominantly Palaearctic in distribution, with most species occurring in southern Europe and Asia, though records extend to southern Africa and western North America. Several species are economically significant pests of olive cultivation, including E. olivina, E. phillyreae, and E. straminea, which damage developing inflorescences and fruits. The genus exhibits typical psyllid biology with temperature-dependent reproduction and seasonal diapause strategies.
Euphyllurinae
Euphyllurinae is a subfamily of jumping plant-lice (Psylloidea) within the family Liviidae. The subfamily includes economically significant species such as the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), a major vector of citrus greening disease (huanglongbing). Until recently, the subfamily was unknown from the Americas, with the 2023 description of Burckhardtiana from Brazil representing the first Neotropical record.
Eupithecia
pug moths, pugs
Eupithecia is the largest genus of moths in the family Geometridae, with over 1,400 described species. Members are commonly known as pugs and are found on every continent except Australasia. Adults are small (typically 12–35 mm), with muted colors and a distinctive resting posture where forewings are held flat at right angles to the body. Species-level identification is difficult and often requires examination of dissected genitalia.
Eurygaster
sunn pest, sunn bug, tortoise shieldbug
Eurygaster is a genus of shield bugs in the family Scutelleridae, distributed across Eurasia with some species in North America. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, particularly E. integriceps and E. testudinaria, known as sunn pests that damage cereal crops. Species identification within the genus is challenging due to morphological similarities among closely related taxa. The genus comprises at least 17 extant species plus one fossil species, with six species recorded from Russia.
Eurygastrinae
Eurygastrinae is a subfamily of shield-backed bugs within the family Scutelleridae. Members are characterized by a greatly enlarged scutellum that forms a continuous shield covering the abdomen and wings. The subfamily is predominantly distributed in the Palearctic region, with notable genera including Eurygaster. Many species are associated with grasses and cereal crops, with some considered agricultural pests.
Eurytoma
Eurytoma is a large genus of chalcid wasps in the family Eurytomidae, containing at least 620 described species. Members are primarily parasitoids, attacking a diverse range of hosts including gall-forming insects and seeds of fruit crops. The genus is currently recognized as polyphyletic based on morphological and phylogenomic studies, indicating that extensive taxonomic revision is required. Species occupy varied habitats from agricultural orchards to natural gall systems on wild plants.
Eurytomidae
seed chalcids, eurytomid wasps
Eurytomidae is a family of chalcid wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea, comprising approximately 1,420 described species across 87 genera. Members exhibit diverse life histories: larvae are endophytic, developing within plant tissues (stems, seeds, or galls) as phytophages, parasitoids of other insects, or both. The family is cosmopolitan, occurring in virtually all terrestrial habitats. Some species are agricultural pests, notably the almond seed wasp (Eurytoma amygdali) and plum seed wasp (Eurytoma schreineri), while others serve as biocontrol agents. Phylogenomic studies have confirmed monophyly of the four recognized subfamilies (Buresiinae, Eurytominae, Heimbrinae, Rileyinae), though many large genera remain para- or polyphyletic.