Agricultural-pests
Guides
Acaridae
Stored Products Mites, Mold Mites, Grain Mites
Acaridae is a family of mites in the order Sarcoptiformes, commonly known as stored products mites or mold mites. The family includes over 400 species across multiple genera, with cosmopolitan distributions. Many species are generalists inhabiting both natural environments (soil, litter, animal nests, decomposing plant material) and artificial environments (human dwellings, granaries, greenhouses). Several genera contain significant agricultural and stored product pests, including *Acarus*, *Tyrophagus*, and *Rhizoglyphus*, which cause economic damage to crops, bulbs, and stored foodstuffs.
Acariformes
Actinotrichida
Acariformes is one of two superorders of mites, representing the more diverse lineage with over 32,000 described species in 351 families and an estimated total of 440,000–929,000 species. Recent phylogenomic analyses indicate Acariformes is the most deeply rooted chelicerate lineage, rendering the traditional grouping of all mites into a single taxon scientifically problematic. The superorder comprises two main clades: Sarcoptiformes (including Oribatida and Astigmatina) and Trombidiformes, with the enigmatic Endeostigmata representing primitive forms of uncertain placement.
Aceria
gall mites, eriophyid mites, four-legged mites
Aceria is a large genus of eriophyid mites (family Eriophyidae) containing over 900 described species. These microscopic, worm-like arachnids are obligate plant parasites that induce distinctive plant growth abnormalities including galls, erinea, and witches' brooms. Some species are economically significant agricultural pests, while others have been deployed as biological control agents against invasive weeds. The genus exhibits extreme host specificity, with most species restricted to a single plant species or genus.
Aclerdidae
Aclerdid Scales, Flat Grass Scales
Aclerdidae is a family of scale insects (superfamily Coccoidea) comprising five genera and approximately 58 species. Members are specialized herbivores primarily associated with grasses (Poaceae), where they inhabit leaf sheaths and feed on plant sap. The family exhibits highly derived morphology including leglessness, reduced antennae, and unique anal apparatus. Several species have become economically significant as pests of agricultural and wetland grasses, including the invasive roseau cane scale (Nipponaclerda biwakoensis) in North America and Aclerda takahashii on sugarcane.
Acromyrmex
leafcutter ants, Acromyrmex Leaf-cutter Ants
Acromyrmex is a genus of New World leafcutter ants in the tribe Attini, one of two genera of advanced attines alongside Atta. These ants are obligate fungus-farmers, cultivating symbiotic Leucoagaricus fungi on masticated leaf substrate. Colonies contain up to several million individuals with four worker castes. The genus is distinguished from Atta by four pairs of thoracic spines and a rough exoskeleton. Acromyrmex species are significant herbivores in Neotropical ecosystems and major agricultural pests.
Aculus
Aculus is a genus of eriophyid mites (Eriophyidae: Phyllocoptinae) comprising numerous species that are predominantly plant-associated. Species in this genus exhibit diverse host relationships, with documented associations spanning at least 15 plant families including Rosaceae, Salicaceae, Fabaceae, and Hypericaceae. Most described species are vagrants on leaf surfaces, though some form galls or cause leaf deformation. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, while others have been investigated for biological control potential against invasive plants.
Aleyrodinae
whiteflies
Aleyrodinae is the largest subfamily of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), containing the majority of described species. Members are small, sap-sucking insects with powdery white wax-coated wings in adults. The subfamily includes economically significant agricultural pests such as Bemisia tabaci and Aleurotrachelus trachoides, which cause damage through direct feeding and virus transmission. A field survey in Belize recorded nearly 200 whitefly species, with all but 40 belonging to Aleyrodinae.
Allothrombium
Sumo Mites
Allothrombium is a genus of velvet mites (family Trombidiidae) comprising approximately 45 described species distributed across the Palaearctic, Ethiopian, Australian, Oriental, and Nearctic realms. Species in this genus exhibit complex life cycles involving parasitic larvae and predatory post-larval stages. Larvae are ectoparasites primarily of aphids, while deutonymphs and adults are free-living predators of small arthropods and their eggs. Several species have been investigated as potential biological control agents for agricultural pest aphids.
Alticini
Flea Beetles
Alticini is a hyperdiverse tribe of leaf beetles commonly known as flea beetles, comprising approximately 9,900 species worldwide. Members are characterized by an exceptional jumping ability powered by a specialized elastic energy storage mechanism in the hind legs. Most species feed on leaf surfaces of host plants and occur across diverse habitats from tropical rainforests to high-altitude meadows and deserts. The tribe has been historically treated as a subfamily but is now classified within Galerucinae.
Alydidae
broad-headed bugs, broad headed bugs
Alydidae, commonly known as broad-headed bugs, is a family of true bugs in the order Hemiptera containing at least 60 genera and approximately 300 species worldwide. Members are characterized by their notably broad heads, often similar in length and width to the pronotum and scutellum, and elongated, curved terminal antennal segments. The family is closely related to Coreidae (leaf-footed bugs) and shares many morphological features, though Alydidae generally lack the flattened hind tibiae typical of many coreids. Most species are tropical or subtropical in distribution, with relatively few species occurring in temperate regions. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly in Asia where they damage rice and legume crops.
Anatrachyntis
pink scavenger moths, pandanus flower moths
Anatrachyntis is a genus of small moths in the family Cosmopterigidae, established by Meyrick in 1915. The genus contains approximately 60 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with particularly high diversity in the Indo-Pacific region, Africa, and Australia. Some taxonomists include this genus within Pyroderces, though this classification remains disputed. Several species have documented ecological associations, including predation on spider eggs and herbivory on plants.
Anomalini
shining leaf chafers
Anomalini is a large and diverse tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as shining leaf chafers. The tribe comprises approximately 1,300 described species worldwide, with significant representation across multiple biogeographical regions including the Palaearctic, Oriental, Ethiopian, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. The tribe includes economically important pest species, particularly in agricultural settings, as well as numerous endemic taxa with restricted distributions. Members of Anomalini exhibit considerable morphological diversity, with diagnostic characters often concentrated in male genitalia structure and body sculpturing patterns.
Anthomyiidae
root-maggot flies, kelp flies, anthomyiid flies
Anthomyiidae is a large family of Muscoidea flies commonly known as root-maggot flies or kelp flies. Most species are small to moderate in size with drab grey to black coloration, though some genera such as Pegomya are yellow and others display black-and-white or black-and-silvery-grey patterns. The family exhibits diverse larval habits: many feed in stems and roots of plants, some are scavengers in birds' nests, others are leaf miners, and a few are kleptoparasites or inquilines. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly in the genus Delia.
Anticarsia
Anticarsia is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus contains approximately 12 described species distributed primarily in the New World. The most economically significant species is Anticarsia gemmatalis, commonly known as the velvetbean moth or velvetbean caterpillar, which is a major pest of soybean and other leguminous crops throughout the Americas. Several species have been subjects of scientific research, including studies on the effects of microgravity on flight behavior in space.
Apatetrinae
Apatetrinae is a subfamily of small moths within the family Gelechiidae, established by Edward Meyrick in 1947. The subfamily includes two recognized tribes—Apatetrini and Pexicopiini—plus numerous genera currently unplaced to tribe. Many species are poorly known, though the group includes some economically significant pests such as the pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella). The subfamily exhibits considerable diversity in morphology and larval habits across its constituent genera.
Aphalaridae
jumping plant lice, psyllids, lerp insects
Aphalaridae is a family of sap-sucking insects in the superfamily Psylloidea, commonly known as jumping plant lice or psyllids. The family contains approximately 749 species with worldwide distribution except Antarctica. Members are small, phloem-feeding insects, often highly host-specific. The family was revised in 2012 and 2021 to include seven subfamilies based on molecular and morphological data. Several species are significant agricultural and forestry pests, including the red gum lerp psyllid (Glycaspis brimblecombei) and the common pistachio psyllid (Agonoscena pistaciae).
Aphidini
Aphidini is a tribe of aphids within the subfamily Aphidinae, containing approximately 30 genera divided into two subtribes: Aphidina and Rhopalosiphina. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Aphis (containing the black bean aphid and cotton aphid) and Rhopalosiphum (containing the bird cherry-oat aphid and green peach aphid). Members are small, soft-bodied sap-feeding insects with complex life cycles often involving host alternation between primary woody hosts and secondary herbaceous hosts.
Aphodius
dung beetles
Aphodius is a genus of dung beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. The genus was established by Hellwig in 1798, with Scarabaeus fimetarius Linnaeus, 1758 designated as the type species by Latreille in 1810. Species in this genus typically dominate dung beetle communities in north temperate ecosystems and are classified as endocoprids (dwellers), with larvae living and feeding within dung pats. Most species are coprophagous, though some have herbivorous or saprophagous larvae. The genus currently includes 44 recognized species, of which 21 are extinct.
Archipini
Archipini is the largest tribe in the Tortricinae subfamily, comprising over 1,600 described species across approximately 150 genera. Members are found in all ecoregions globally, though with notably reduced diversity in the Neotropical realm. The tribe contains numerous economically significant agricultural and forestry pests, including the light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana) and spruce budworms (Choristoneura species). Larvae are frequently polyphagous. Phylogenetic evidence supports an Australasian origin for the tribe.
Argopistes
Olive Flea Beetles
Argopistes is a genus of approximately 50 described species of flea beetles in the tribe Alticini. The genus is notable as the only group of flea beetles specialized for feeding on plants in the family Oleaceae. Species occur worldwide, with documented populations in Asia, Africa, Madagascar, Japan, Taiwan, and North America. Several species are economically significant as pests of olive trees or as biological control agents for invasive privet.
Argyrotaenia
leafroller moths
Argyrotaenia is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Archipini, established by Stephens in 1852. The genus includes species commonly known as leafroller moths due to the larval habit of rolling or folding leaves for shelter. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly in orchards. The genus has a primarily New World distribution, with species ranging from North America through Central and South America, and has been recorded as far south as Argentina and Chile. Some species exhibit sexual dimorphism in wing pattern and size.
Atta
Atta Leaf-cutter Ants
Atta is a genus of New World ants comprising at least 17 known species. These ants are renowned for their sophisticated fungus-growing agriculture, cutting and carrying leaf fragments to underground gardens where they cultivate symbiotic fungi for food. Colonies can attain enormous sizes, with some species hosting millions of workers. The genus represents one of the most ecologically significant and evolutionarily advanced groups of social insects.
Autographa
Looper moths, Plusiine moths
Autographa is a genus of noctuid moths in the subfamily Plusiinae, commonly known as looper moths. The genus includes species with distinctive wing markings, including the Silver Y (A. gamma), a notable long-distance migrant in Europe. Autographa species have semilooper caterpillars that feed on diverse herbaceous plants, with some species considered agricultural pests.
Blissidae
Chinch Bugs and Allies
Blissidae is a family of true bugs (Hemiptera) comprising over 400 species in nearly 50 genera. Members are elongate insects, typically four to seven times as long as broad, with many species exhibiting short-winged forms. All species feed on plant sap, primarily from grasses (Poaceae) and sedges (Cyperaceae), with most living between leaf sheaths. The family was elevated from subfamily status within Lygaeidae by Thomas Henry in 1997. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably Blissus leucopterus (true chinch bug), which damages corn and other cereal crops.
Bombycoidea
Hawk, Sphinx, Silk, Emperor, and Allied Moths
Bombycoidea is a superfamily of large-bodied moths comprising 10 families, including the silk moths (Bombycidae), giant silk moths (Saturniidae), sphinx or hawk moths (Sphingidae), and emperor moths (Saturniidae). Members are among the largest moths in the world, with adults typically possessing robust bodies and broad wings. Larvae frequently exhibit distinctive morphological features such as thoracic horns or tubercles. The superfamily is distinguished from close relatives in Lasiocampoidea by a combination of adult and larval characteristics.
Bostrichidae
auger beetles, false powderpost beetles, horned powderpost beetles
Bostrichidae is a family of beetles containing more than 700 described species. Members are commonly known as auger beetles, false powderpost beetles, or horned powderpost beetles. The family includes significant stored product pests such as the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica) and the larger grain borer (Prostephanus truncatus), as well as wood-boring species. The fossil record extends to the Cretaceous period.
Brentidae
straight-snouted weevils, primitive weevils
Brentidae is a cosmopolitan family of weevils distinguished by their straight (non-elbowed) antennae and elongated, often flattened bodies. The family has undergone significant taxonomic expansion, now encompassing approximately 4,000 species across six subfamilies including groups formerly classified in Curculionidae (Apioninae, Cyladinae, Nanophyinae) and the previously separate family Ithycerinae. Members are primarily xylophagous, with larvae feeding on fungi in dead wood. The family exhibits its greatest diversity in tropical regions but extends into temperate zones worldwide.
Bruchinae
Pea and Bean Weevils, Seed Beetles, Bean Weevils
Bruchinae is a subfamily of small beetles within Chrysomelidae, historically treated as a separate family (Bruchidae). Adults are typically 1.5–10 mm in length. Larvae develop entirely within seeds of legumes and other plants, completing their life cycle without leaving the host seed. The subfamily includes approximately 1,350 species worldwide. Many species are significant agricultural pests of stored legumes, with some introduced outside their native ranges through international trade.
Bryobia
clover mites
Bryobia is a genus of spider mites in the family Tetranychidae, comprising over 130 described species with difficult taxonomy and many likely synonyms. These mites are among the largest spider mites, visible to the naked eye, and are distinguished by the arrangement of setae on their bodies. Most species reproduce asexually through thelytokous parthenogenesis, producing all-female populations. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including B. praetiosa (clover mite), B. rubrioculus (brown mite), and B. kissophila (ivy mite).
Calamotropha
Calamotropha is a genus of grass moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Crambinae. Species in this genus are distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with particular diversity in the Oriental and Afrotropical regions. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with numerous species described from China and other regions. Adults are generally small to medium-sized moths with characteristic crambine morphology. Larval stages are typically associated with grasses and related plants.
Camarotini
Camarotini is a tribe of weevils within the family Curculionidae, subfamily Curculioninae. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with palms (Arecaceae), with larvae typically developing in palm tissues. The tribe contains several genera of economic importance due to their impact on coconut and other palm crops.
Caradrinini
Caradrinini is a tribe of moths within the family Noctuidae, subfamily Hadeninae. The tribe contains approximately 18 recognized genera, including well-known agricultural pests such as *Spodoptera* (armyworms) and *Callopistria*, as well as the type genus *Caradrina*. Members are primarily nocturnal and exhibit considerable morphological diversity.
Carpocorini
Carpocorini is a large tribe of stink bugs within Pentatomidae, containing over 100 genera and more than 500 valid species distributed worldwide. The tribe has been subject to extensive phylogenetic revision, including the reclassification of the historically problematic genus Euschistus Dallas, which was found to be non-monophyletic and subsequently split into multiple genera. Members of this tribe exhibit considerable morphological diversity, with some genera containing notably large species. The tribe includes several economically significant species that are pests of agricultural crops, particularly rice.
Cassidinae
tortoise and leaf-mining beetles, tortoise beetles, hispine beetles
Cassidinae is a large subfamily of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) comprising over 125 genera and approximately 3,000 species worldwide, with greatest diversity in the Neotropics. The subfamily encompasses two historically recognized groups: the 'cassidoids' or tortoise beetles, characterized by expanded pronotal and elytral margins that form a protective shield over the body, and the 'hispoids' or leaf-mining beetles, typically more elongated with parallel-sided bodies. Members exhibit remarkable morphological diversity, with some species displaying metallic coloration and the ability to change color through water movements within the translucent cuticle. The subfamily is notable for complex larval defensive adaptations including fecal shield construction and cycloalexic behavior, as well as the independent evolution of subsociality with paternal care in at least two lineages.
Cecidomyiinae
gall midges, gall gnats
Cecidomyiinae is the largest subfamily in Cecidomyiidae, comprising over 600 genera and more than 5,000 described species. The subfamily exhibits remarkable ecological diversity: approximately 75% of species are herbivorous, many inducing galls on plants, while others are fungivores, predators, or parasitoids. Gall-inducing species attack a wide diversity of host plants worldwide and represent the most ecologically diverse gall-inducing group of organisms. Members can be distinguished from other Cecidomyiidae by characters of the male genitalia, antennal segment number, and larval abdominal bristles.
Cephidae
Stem Sawflies
Cephidae is a family of stem sawflies in the order Hymenoptera, comprising approximately 27 genera and over 160 described species. Most species occur in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Eurasia. Larvae are endophagous stem borers in various plants, especially grasses and cereal grains, with several species being significant agricultural pests including Cephus cinctus on wheat and Janus rufiventris on corn. Adults are exceptionally slender for symphytans and often resemble other insects.
Cephini
Cephini is a tribe of stem sawflies within the family Cephidae, characterized by cylindrical, elongated bodies and larvae that bore into the stems of grasses and sedges. Members of this tribe are distinguished from related groups by their reduced wing venation and the presence of a distinct, elongated ovipositor in females. The tribe includes economically significant pests such as the wheat stem sawfly.
Cercopidae
froghoppers, spittlebugs
Cercopidae is the largest family of Cercopoidea, a group of xylem-feeding insects in the hemipteran suborder Auchenorrhyncha. Commonly called froghoppers or spittlebugs, these insects are known for the frothy protective masses produced by nymphs and the powerful jumping ability of adults. A 2023 phylogenetic study elevated the New World subfamily Ischnorhininae to full family status as Ischnorhinidae, leaving Cercopidae sensu stricto as a monophyletic Old World group comprising two subfamilies: Cercopinae and Cosmoscartinae. Members are significant agricultural pests of forage grasses, sugarcane, and turfgrass throughout tropical and subtropical regions.
Ceutorhynchinae
Minute Seed Weevils
Ceutorhynchinae is a large subfamily of minute seed weevils within Curculionidae, comprising over 150 genera and more than 1,000 described species worldwide. The subfamily is predominantly phytophagous and exhibits strong associations with Brassicaceae, though host plant relationships vary across genera. The genus Ceutorhynchus is particularly diverse and includes significant agricultural pests such as the cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus), as well as species with potential for biological control of weeds. The subfamily shows highest diversity in the Holarctic region, especially the Palaearctic.
Chlorophorus
wasp beetles
Chlorophorus is a genus of round-necked longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, tribe Clytini. Species within this genus exhibit diverse ecological specializations, with some acting as significant agricultural and forestry pests. Notable species include the Asian bamboo longhorn beetle (C. annularis), an invasive species in Europe; C. robustior, a pest of sainfoin in Turkey; C. caragana, a pest of Caragana shrubs in China; C. varius, known as the wasp beetle, which develops in peach wood; and C. strobilicola, a cone and seed pest of chir pine in India. The genus demonstrates considerable variation in host associations, ranging from woody plants to herbaceous legumes and conifer cones.
Chrysomelini
leaf beetles
Chrysomelini is a large and diverse tribe of leaf beetles within the family Chrysomelidae, comprising over 150 described genera. The tribe includes economically significant species such as the Colorado potato beetle (*Leptinotarsa decemlineata*) and numerous other herbivorous beetles associated with specific host plants. Subtribal classifications within Chrysomelini remain subject to ongoing taxonomic revision.
Cicadellini
sharpshooters
Cicadellini is a large tribe of leafhoppers (sharpshooters) within the family Cicadellidae, comprising approximately 1,886 described species across 266 genera—four times more diverse than the related tribe Proconiini. These insects are characterized by their distinctive suctorial-piercing mouthparts adapted for xylem-feeding. The tribe exhibits highest diversity in the Neotropical region, with significant economic importance as vectors of plant pathogens, particularly Xylella fastidiosa, which causes Citrus Variegated Chlorosis and other diseases affecting commercial crops.
Cicadomorpha
Spittlebugs, Cicadas, Leafhoppers and Treehoppers
Cicadomorpha is an infraorder of Hemiptera comprising approximately 35,000 described species worldwide, including cicadas, leafhoppers, treehoppers, and spittlebugs. The group has a fossil record extending to the Late Permian, with extinct families such as Palaeontinidae representing diverse Mesozoic lineages. All members are obligate plant-feeders utilizing specialized mouthparts for sap extraction. Many species produce acoustic signals or substrate vibrations for communication, with sound production mechanisms varying among superfamilies.
Coccidae
soft scales, wax scales, tortoise scales
Coccidae is a family of scale insects in the superfamily Coccoidea, commonly known as soft scales, wax scales, or tortoise scales. The family contains over 1,100 species in 171 genera worldwide. Females are typically flat with elongated oval bodies and smooth integument often covered with wax; they may possess legs in some genera but not in others. Males may be winged or wingless. Coccidae are distinguished from armored scales (Diaspididae) by their soft, waxy covering rather than a hard, separable scale. Many species are economically important agricultural and horticultural pests.
Colaspis
Colaspis is a large genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae, containing over 200 species distributed across North and South America. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, such as the grape colaspis (Colaspis brunnea), which damages crop roots and foliage. Several species have been documented from Eocene fossil deposits in Colorado, USA. Taxonomic history of the genus has been complicated by nomenclatural disputes, particularly regarding the synonymy of Maecolaspis.
Corythaica
eggplant tingids, lace bugs
Corythaica is a genus of lace bugs (family Tingidae) commonly referred to as eggplant tingids. The genus contains more than 20 described species distributed in the Neotropical region. Species in this genus are predominantly specialist feeders on plants in the family Solanaceae, with several species recognized as economically important agricultural pests.
Cotinis
Green June Beetles
Cotinis is a genus of flower chafer scarab beetles in the subfamily Cetoniinae, distributed throughout North and South America. The genus was erected by Hermann Burmeister in 1842 and contains approximately 25 species. At least two species, C. nitida (Green June Beetle) and C. mutabilis (Fig Beetle), are recognized as common agricultural and garden pests. Members are characterized by their distinctive flight mechanism where hardened elytra remain closed while membranous hindwings extend for flight, producing a bee-like appearance and sound.
Crambinae
Grass-veneers and Allies, snout moth grass borers, sod webworms
Crambinae is a large subfamily of Crambidae moths comprising over 1,800 species worldwide. Members are commonly known as snout moths, grass-veneers, or sod webworms. The subfamily is characterized by specialized morphological features including tympanal organs and a phallus attached medially to the juxta. Larvae are primarily root feeders or stem borers on grasses, with several species recognized as significant agricultural pests of maize, sugarcane, rice, and turfgrasses.
Criocerini
shining leaf beetles
Criocerini is a tribe of leaf beetles in the subfamily Criocerinae, family Chrysomelidae. Members are commonly known as shining leaf beetles. The tribe includes at least two genera: Crioceris and Lilioceris. These beetles are herbivorous and associated with monocot plants, particularly members of Liliaceae and related families.
Curculionoidea
weevils, snout beetles, bark beetles
Curculionoidea is a superfamily of beetles containing over 60,000 described species, making it one of the most diverse groups of organisms on Earth. Members are commonly known as weevils, snout beetles, or bark beetles. The superfamily includes several families, with Curculionidae (true weevils) being the largest. Most species are small, herbivorous beetles, though feeding habits vary across families. The group is characterized by distinctive morphological features, particularly modifications to the head and mouthparts.