Agricultural-pests
Guides
Cyclocephala
Masked Chafers
Cyclocephala is a large genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Dynastinae, commonly known as masked chafers. Adults are small brown beetles (10–15 mm) with a distinctive black facial mask across the eyes. The genus is endemic to the Americas, ranging from southeastern Canada to Argentina, India, and the West Indies. Adults are nocturnal or crepuscular and attracted to lights. Larvae develop in soil, feeding on organic matter and plant roots, and are significant pests of turfgrass.
Cyclocephalini
Masked Chafers and Rice Beetles
Cyclocephalini is a tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Dynastinae, comprising 14 genera and over 500 species. The tribe includes the most speciose genus of dynastines, Cyclocephala, with more than 350 species. Members are primarily Neotropical in distribution and are commonly known as masked chafers and rice beetles. These beetles are strongly associated with flowers, serving as pollinators and florivores, with many species exhibiting specialized relationships with palm inflorescences and other flowering plants.
Cydninae
burrower bugs, burrowing bugs
Cydninae is the largest and most diverse subfamily of burrower bugs (family Cydnidae), comprising approximately 11 genera and at least 40 described species worldwide. Members are characterized by their subterranean lifestyle and burrowing adaptations. The subfamily includes two recognized tribes, Cydnini and Geotomini. Several species are considered agricultural pests due to their feeding habits on crop plants and seeds.
Dacinae
Cucurbit Fruit Flies
The Dacinae are a subfamily of true fruit flies (family Tephritidae) comprising 39-41 genera distributed among three tribes: Dacini, Ceratitidini, and Gastrozonini. The subfamily includes some of the world's most economically damaging agricultural pests, notably species in the genera Bactrocera, Zeugodacus, Ceratitis, and Dacus. Many dacine species are attracted to specific male lures such as methyl eugenol, cue-lure, and zingerone, which are widely used in monitoring and management programs. The subfamily has a predominantly tropical and subtropical distribution, with significant impacts on fruit and vegetable production across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australia.
Diabroticina
Diabroticina is a subtribe of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Luperini) comprising approximately six genera and numerous species, many of which are economically significant agricultural pests. The subtribe exhibits striking species diversity, particularly in the Neotropics, with feeding habits ranging from highly polyphagous to oligophagous on single host families. Adults primarily feed on pollen, while larvae are root-feeders. Ecological and behavioral data remain incomplete for most non-pest species.
Diaspididae
Armored Scale Insects, Armored Scales, Hard Scales
Diaspididae is the largest family of scale insects, comprising over 2,650 described species in approximately 400 genera. Members are commonly known as armored scale insects due to their distinctive protective covering, which incorporates exuviae from the first two nymphal instars, sometimes with fecal matter and host plant fragments. The female remains permanently beneath this armor, feeding on host plant tissues through piercing-sucking mouthparts. The family includes numerous economically significant pests such as the California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii), San Jose scale (Diaspidiotus perniciosus), and gloomy scale (Melanaspis tenebricosa), which damage crops, ornamentals, and forest trees worldwide.
Elateridae
Click Beetles, elaters, snapping beetles, spring beetles, skipjacks
Elateridae, commonly known as click beetles, is a cosmopolitan family of beetles characterized by a unique clicking mechanism used for defense and righting. The family contains approximately 10,000 species worldwide. Members possess a prosternal spine and mesosternal notch that, when snapped together, produce an audible click capable of launching the beetle into the air. Some species exhibit bioluminescence, with about 200 luminescent species known primarily from Latin America and Oceania, and one recently discovered in Asia. Larvae, known as wireworms, are often soil-dwelling and can be significant agricultural pests.
Entiminae
Broad-nosed Weevils, Broad-nosed Weevil, Short-nosed Weevils
Entiminae is a large subfamily of weevils (Curculionidae) containing over 12,000 described species in more than 1,370 genera. Members are commonly known as broad-nosed or short-nosed weevils due to their characteristically broad, short rostrum. The subfamily exhibits exceptional diversity in size, form, and coloration, with many species displaying metallic or iridescent scales. While most species are polyphagous and feed on a broad range of plants, relatively few are major economic pests. The current tribal classification includes 55 recognized tribes, though this system is considered artificial rather than reflecting natural evolutionary relationships.
Epuraea
sap beetles
Epuraea is a genus of small sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, first described by Erichson in 1843. The genus contains at least 40 described species distributed across northern temperate regions. Epuraea species are primarily associated with fermenting plant materials, fungal sporulation structures, and decaying organic matter. Several species have documented relationships with specific fungal pathogens of trees, including western gall rust and oak wilt fungus. The genus exhibits considerable ecological diversity, with some species occurring in bumblebee nests and others developing on agricultural crops.
Erebinae
erebine moths
Erebinae is a large subfamily of moths in the family Erebidae, comprising approximately 10,000 species distributed across all continents except Antarctica, with highest diversity in tropical regions. The subfamily includes well-known groups such as underwing moths (Catocala) and witch moths (Thermesiini). Members range from medium-sized to exceptionally large, with the white witch moth (Thysania agrippina) holding the record for widest wingspan among all Lepidoptera. The subfamily was reinstated and redefined based on molecular phylogenetic studies, with several morphological synapomorphies now recognized.
Eriophyes
blister mites
Eriophyes is a genus of eriophyid mites known for inducing gall formation on host plants. Unlike most mites, adults possess only two pairs of legs rather than four. The genus includes economically significant pests such as Eriophyes dimocarpi, which causes longan witches' broom disease in Vietnam, and Eriophyes pyri, the pear leaf blister mite. Species feed by piercing plant cells to access sap, with saliva that triggers distinctive plant growth abnormalities including blisters, curls, and witches' broom formations.
Eriophyidae
Gall and Rust Mites, Gall Mites, Four-legged Mites
Eriophyidae is a family of microscopic plant-parasitic mites comprising over 200 genera and approximately 3,600 described species, though estimates suggest the actual diversity may exceed 100,000 species. Members are commonly known as gall mites or rust mites due to their propensity to induce gall formation or cause rust-like discoloration on host plants. These mites possess worm-like bodies with only two pairs of legs, distinguishing them from most other mites. They are obligate parasites of vascular plants with high host specificity, typically specializing on single plant species or genera. The family includes significant agricultural pests such as the coconut mite (Aceria guerreronis), garlic mite (Aceria tulipae), and bermudagrass mite (Aceria cynodoniensis), as well as species used for biological control of weeds.
Eriophyoidea
gall mites, four-legged mites, blister mites, bud mites, rust mites
Eriophyoidea is a superfamily of minute, worm-like mites comprising three families: Eriophyidae, Phytoptidae, and Diptilomiopidae. These mites are exclusively plant-feeding and represent one of the largest adaptive radiations of plant-parasitic arthropods, with conservative estimates of 100,000 living species. They are distinguished by possessing only two pairs of legs in all post-embryonic stages—a unique feature among mites—and by their elongated, annulate bodies. Many species are significant agricultural pests causing galls, leaf deformities, and transmitting plant diseases, while others cause no apparent damage to their hosts.
Euchromiusini
Euchromiusini is a tribe of grass moths within the family Crambidae. The tribe comprises small to medium-sized moths associated primarily with grassland and savanna habitats. Members are predominantly distributed across the Old World, with highest diversity in the Afrotropical and Palearctic regions. The genus Euchromius, which gives the tribe its name, contains the majority of described species.
Eupodidae
Eupodidae is a family of mites in the order Trombidiformes, comprising at least 11 genera and 110 described species. The family includes economically significant agricultural pests, notably Halotydeus destructor (redlegged earth mite) and Penthaleus major (blue oat mite), as well as species adapted to extreme environments including Antarctica. Members occupy diverse habitats ranging from agricultural lands to polar regions.
Eupodoidea
Eupodoidea is a superfamily of soft-bodied mites in the order Trombidiformes, comprising approximately nine families and over 160 described species. These mites are primarily terrestrial and occur across diverse environments from temperate grasslands to polar regions. The superfamily exhibits varied feeding strategies, including fungivory, phytophagy, and predation. Some species are economically significant as agricultural pests.
Euproctis
tussock moths
Euproctis is a genus of tussock moths in the family Erebidae, described by Jacob Hübner in 1819. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution across the Palearctic, African, Oriental, and Australian regions. Molecular phylogenetic studies indicate the genus is paraphyletic, comprising numerous unrelated lineages that require taxonomic revision. Some species are significant agricultural and forest pests, including Euproctis pseudoconspersa (tea tussock moth) and Euproctis chrysorrhoea (brown-tail moth).
Feltia
Feltia is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Francis Walker in 1856. The genus comprises approximately 18 described species distributed primarily across North America, with some species extending into northern Eurasia. Several Feltia species are notable agricultural pests, with larvae commonly known as cutworms or armyworms that feed on a variety of crops. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many species transferred from related genera such as Agrotis and Trichosilia based on morphological and molecular evidence.
Fulgoromorpha
planthoppers
Fulgoromorpha is an infraorder of Hemiptera containing over 12,500 described species worldwide, commonly known as planthoppers. These insects are characterized by plant-feeding habits using piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract phloem sap. The group exhibits remarkable morphological diversity, including elaborate head ornamentation in some families such as Fulgoridae. Planthoppers are distributed globally across terrestrial ecosystems, with particularly high diversity in tropical regions. While most species are not economically significant, some have emerged as serious agricultural pests, notably the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in North America.
Gelechia
Gelechia is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Hübner in 1825. The type species is Gelechia rhombella. Species in this genus are associated with various host plants including cotton (Gossypium), juniper (Juniperus), and Palo Verde trees (Parkinsonia). Some species have been moved to other genera based on morphological revisions, such as Gelechia acanthopis which was transferred to the new genus Sitotrogoides. The genus has been recorded from Europe, Asia, and North America.
Gelechiinae
twirler moths
Gelechiinae is a large subfamily of moths within the family Gelechiidae, first described by Henry Tibbats Stainton in 1854. The subfamily contains numerous species of small moths commonly known as twirler moths. Members of this subfamily are found globally and include many economically important agricultural pests. The group has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision, with molecular studies continuing to clarify relationships among its constituent tribes and genera.
Glischrochilus
picnic beetles, beer bugs
Glischrochilus is a genus of small beetles in the family Nitidulidae, commonly known as picnic beetles or beer bugs. The genus contains two subgenera with divergent feeding strategies: Librodor species feed on sap and fermenting plant matter, while Glischrochilus species are predators of soft invertebrates. Most species are characterized by black bodies with contrasting yellow, red, or orange elytral markings. The genus is distributed across North America and Eurasia and includes several agricultural pests.
Grapholitini
Grapholitine moths, Leafroller moth tribe
Grapholitini is a tribe of tortricid moths comprising approximately 1200 described species. The tribe contains numerous economically significant agricultural pests that damage fruits and seeds. Molecular phylogenetic analyses have resolved the tribe into two major lineages—a Dichrorampha clade and a Cydia clade—with the genus Grapholita found to be polyphyletic. The tribe likely originated in the Nearctic, Afrotropical and Neotropical regions during the middle Eocene (ca. 44.3 Ma).
Gymnocarena
fruit flies
Gymnocarena is a genus of true fruit flies (family Tephritidae) comprising 19 described species. Most species are native to North America, with one species (G. monzoni) recorded from Guatemala. Larvae develop within the heads of plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), feeding on developing seeds and acting as seed predators. Several species are associated with cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and can be agricultural pests. Adults are characterized by patterned wings typical of tephritid fruit flies.
Hadenini
cutworm moths, dart moths
Hadenini is a tribe of moths within the family Noctuidae, commonly known as cutworms or dart moths. The tribe comprises over 140 genera and approximately 1,000 described species distributed worldwide. Hadenini was historically classified within the subfamily Hadeninae, but following taxonomic revision, both were transferred to Noctuinae. The tribe includes economically significant species whose larvae are climbing cutworms that feed on woody shrubs and herbaceous plants.
Hylemya
root-maggot flies
Hylemya is a genus of root-maggot flies in the family Anthomyiidae, containing at least 30 described species. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests that attack crop roots and shoots. Species such as Hylemya antiqua (onion maggot), Hylemya brassicae (cabbage root maggot), and Hylemya arambourgi cause damage to cultivated plants including onions, cruciferous vegetables, and cereals. Larvae typically feed below ground on roots or bore into plant shoots, while adults may feed on nectar or other plant exudates.
Hypena
Hypena is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, first described by Franz von Paula Schrank in 1802. The genus comprises over 680 species worldwide, predominantly distributed in tropical regions. Species in this genus are non-migratory and overwinter as pupae. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly the green cloverworm (Hypena scabra), which is a major defoliator of soybeans in the eastern United States. The genus also includes biological control agents such as Hypena opulenta, introduced to North America to control invasive swallow-worts.
Lepidoptera
Butterflies and Moths, Lepidopterans
Lepidoptera is an order of winged insects comprising approximately 180,000 described species across 126 families and 46 superfamilies, making it the second largest insect order after Coleoptera. The group includes butterflies and moths, distinguished by scaled wings and bodies, complete metamorphosis with caterpillar larvae, and a coiled proboscis in most adults for liquid feeding. The order originated in the Triassic-Jurassic boundary around 200 million years ago and has coevolved extensively with flowering plants.
Leucaniini
Wainscot Moths
Leucaniini is a tribe of noctuid moths within the subfamily Noctuinae, commonly known as wainscot moths. The tribe contains at least 40 described species distributed across multiple genera including Leucania, Mythimna, and Tiracola. Members are nocturnal and frequently collected using light traps. Some species, particularly within Tiracola, are agricultural pests with documented economic impact.
Lithocolletinae
leaf-miner moths
Lithocolletinae is a subfamily of small leaf-mining moths within Gracillariidae, containing over 540 species across eleven genera. The subfamily is distributed worldwide with highest diversity in temperate regions, particularly the Palearctic and Nearctic realms. Larvae are predominantly leaf miners, with most species feeding on plants in Fabaceae, Fagaceae, Betulaceae, Rosaceae, and Salicaceae. Many species are monophagous, known from only a single host plant. The genus Phyllonorycter dominates with approximately 400 species.
Liviidae
plant lice, psyllids, jumping plant-lice
Liviidae is a family of plant-parasitic hemipterans commonly known as plant lice or jumping plant-lice. The family comprises more than 20 genera and approximately 370 described species worldwide. Members are characterized by their ability to jump and their association with vascular plants as phloem-feeders. The family includes significant agricultural pests, most notably Diaphorina citri (Asian citrus psyllid), the primary vector of citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing). Liviidae was formerly treated as Triozidae, and recent taxonomic revisions recognize three monophyletic subfamilies: Euphyllurinae, Liviinae, and the monotypic Neophyllurinae.
Luperini
Luperini is a tribe of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) within the large subfamily Galerucinae, containing approximately 5800 species. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Diabrotica, Acalymma, and Aulacophora, many of which are associated with cucurbit host plants. Members exhibit specialized chemical ecology involving detection of cucurbitacins, bitter triterpenoid compounds that serve as kairomones for host location.
Lygaeidae
seed bugs, milkweed bugs, ground bugs
Lygaeidae is a family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) commonly known as seed bugs, milkweed bugs, or ground bugs. The family currently comprises approximately 60 genera in six subfamilies, though it was formerly much larger before numerous subfamilies were elevated to independent family status. Members are distributed worldwide and exhibit diverse feeding habits, with many species feeding on seeds, some on sap or seed pods, others being omnivores, and a few being insectivores. Several genera, including Lygaeus and Oncopeltus, are well-known for their association with milkweeds and their bright aposematic coloration.
Margarodidae
ground pearls, cottony cushion scales, giant coccids, giant scale insects
Margarodidae, commonly known as ground pearls or cottony cushion scales, is a family of scale insects within the superfamily Coccoidea. The family has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many former subfamilies (including Monophlebidae, Matsucoccidae, Xylococcidae, and others) now elevated to family status. The current Margarodidae sensu stricto is monophyletic and includes genera such as Margarodes, Porphyrophora, and Eurhizococcus. Members exhibit diverse life histories, with some species being subterranean root feeders and others above-ground foliar feeders. Several species are economically important as agricultural pests or historically as sources of natural dyes.
Melanagromyza
Melanagromyza is a genus of leaf-miner flies in the family Agromyzidae, established by Hendel in 1920. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution and contains numerous species, many of which are significant agricultural pests. Several species, particularly Melanagromyza sojae (soybean stem fly) and Melanagromyza obtusa (pigeon pea fly), cause substantial economic damage to legume crops through larval mining of stems, roots, and petioles. The genus has been the focus of biological control research, with multiple parasitoid wasp species identified as potential natural enemies.
Melolonthinae
June Beetles, June bugs, cockchafers, May beetles
Melolonthinae is a large and diverse subfamily of scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae) containing over 11,000 species in more than 750 genera, distributed worldwide. Adults range from 3 to 58 mm in length and are typically brown or black, often with setae or scales. The subfamily includes economically important pests such as the Melolontha cockchafers and Phyllophaga May beetles, whose larvae feed on plant roots while adults feed on foliage or may be non-feeding. Many species exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism in antennae, with males bearing large lamellate antennae to detect female sex pheromones.
Meromyza
grass flies, frit flies
Meromyza is a genus of grass flies (Diptera: Chloropidae) distributed across the Palaearctic, Nearctic, and parts of Asia including China and Mongolia. Species within this genus are primarily associated with grasses (Poaceae), with many developing on wild grass species and several recognized as pests of cereal crops including wheat, barley, and oats. The genus exhibits varying degrees of host plant specialization, from oligophagous species with broad grass host ranges to monophagous specialists. Larvae are stem-borers that feed internally on host plant tissues, with some species causing economically significant damage to small grains.
Mesostigmata
Mesostigs
Mesostigmata is the largest order of mites in the Parasitiformes, comprising over 8,000 species in 130 families. The group exhibits remarkable ecological diversity, including free-living predators in soil and litter, parasites of vertebrates and arthropods, fungus feeders, and pollen consumers. Many species serve as important biological control agents in agricultural systems, while others such as Varroa destructor are significant economic pests of honey bees. The order is distinguished morphologically by a single pair of lateral spiracles and associated peritrematal grooves.
Micromus
brown lacewings
Micromus is a genus of small brown lacewings in the family Hemerobiidae, containing over 80 and possibly as many as 170 species. These 4–10 mm insects are distributed worldwide and are important predators of agricultural and horticultural pests. Both larvae and adults are predatory, feeding on soft-bodied insects and mites. Several species, particularly Micromus tasmaniae, have been mass-reared and deployed as biological control agents.
Microterys
Microterys is a large genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Chalcidoidea), with its center of distribution in the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Species are important natural enemies of various scale insects (Coccoidea), including soft scales (Coccidae), wax scales (Ceroplastes), and mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). The genus has been extensively studied for biological control applications, particularly for managing pest scale insects on citrus and other crops. Several species have been introduced to new regions as biocontrol agents, including Microterys flavus in California.
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Sack-bearer Moths, Mimallonids
Mimallonidae is a family of approximately 300-320 species in 43-44 genera, constituting the sole family of the superfamily Mimallonoidea. These moths are endemic to the New World, with the vast majority occurring in the Neotropics and only five species known from the United States. Adults are externally similar to moths in the superfamilies Bombycoidea and Drepanoidea, a resemblance that historically caused taxonomic confusion. The family has been reorganized based on molecular phylogenetics, now recognizing seven subfamilies.
Mirini
Mirini is a large tribe of plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae: Mirinae) containing over 180 genera distributed worldwide. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Lygus, whose members are major agricultural pests of North American crops. Mirini species exhibit diverse ecological associations, including myrmecomorphic (ant-mimicking) forms and specialized relationships with particular host plants.
Monophlebidae
giant scales, monophlebids
Monophlebidae is a family of scale insects commonly known as giant scales or monophlebids. The family was first recognized as separate from Margarodidae by Maskell in 1880 based on morphological differences. Members are characterized by large body size among scale insects, with some species reaching 35 mm in length. The family is morphologically diverse but appears to be monophyletic. Many species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of woody plants including citrus.
Mordellistena
tumbling flower beetles
A large genus of tumbling flower beetles comprising over 450 described species distributed worldwide. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae develop within stems of herbaceous plants or in decaying wood, with some species exhibiting specialized host associations including agricultural pests of sunflower. The genus has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision due to morphological similarity among species and the importance of male genitalia for identification.
Nitidulidae
sap beetles, sap-feeding beetles, picnic beetles
Nitidulidae is a family of small beetles commonly known as sap beetles or picnic beetles, with approximately 4,500 described species worldwide and 173 species in North America. Members exhibit highly variable feeding habits, ranging from sap-feeding to scavenging on carrion, fermenting fruits, fungi, and stored products. Several species are economically significant as agricultural pests, particularly in tree nut crops and honey bee colonies. The family has gained recent attention as vectors of the oak wilt pathogen (Bretziella fagacearum), with beetles transmitting fungal spores from infected to healthy oak trees. Some species have been successfully deployed in bioconversion systems to recycle agricultural waste.
Noctuoidea
Owlet Moths and Allies
Noctuoidea is the largest superfamily of Lepidoptera, comprising more than 70,000 described species. Members are commonly known as owlet or noctuid moths. The superfamily is characterized by the presence of a metathoracic tympanal organ (hearing structure). Classification remains unstable due to extensive molecular phylogenetic revisions, with major families including Noctuidae, Erebidae, Nolidae, Euteliidae, Notodontidae, Oenosandridae, and Scranciidae. The group is divided into two major lineages based on forewing venation: trifid (Oenosandridae, Notodontidae) and quadrifid (all other families).
Opomyzidae
Grass Flies
Opomyzidae is a family of acalyptrate Diptera commonly known as grass flies. Adults are small, slender flies ranging from yellow to brown, reddish, or black. Larvae are stem-borers in grasses (Poaceae), including cereal crops, with some species causing significant agricultural damage. The family is distributed primarily in temperate regions of the boreal hemisphere, with an autumn-spring life cycle adapted to grass phenology.
Ortheziidae
ensign scales, ortheziids
Ortheziidae is a family of scale insects (Hemiptera) commonly known as ensign scales, comprising 20 genera and 198 species. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution with species richness concentrated in the Neotropical and Nearctic regions; representation is sparse in Australasia and the Far East. Members are distinguished by their mobile adult females, six legs, and prominent waxy secretions. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests.
Panchaetothripinae
Panchaetothripinae is a subfamily of thrips within Thripidae, first described by Bagnall in 1912. It comprises approximately 144 species across 43 genera globally, though earlier estimates cited 11 genera and more than 50 species. Members are predominantly associated with plant leaves and include several economically significant pest species. The subfamily has been consistently recovered as monophyletic in phylogenetic analyses. Notable genera include Heliothrips, Caliothrips, Selenothrips, and Hercinothrips, with species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Phyllophaga
May beetles, June bugs, June beetles, July beetles
Phyllophaga is a large genus of New World scarab beetles comprising over 900 species. Adults are nocturnal, attracted to artificial lights, and feed on foliage of trees and shrubs. Larvae are soil-dwelling white grubs that feed on plant roots. The genus is economically significant as both adults and larvae can cause damage to agricultural crops and turf. Some species exhibit flightlessness and diurnal activity, representing derived traits within the genus.