Agricultural-pests
Guides
Phyllotreta
flea beetles
Phyllotreta is a cosmopolitan genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Alticini) comprising at least 300 described species worldwide. Species are almost exclusively associated with host plants in Brassicaceae and related families in the order Brassicales, with 18% of species feeding on multiple families within this order. Many species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of crucifer crops including canola, cabbage, and turnip. The genus has independently colonised Brassicaceae and exhibits adaptations to the characteristic chemical defences (glucosinolates) of these host plants.
Phytoptidae
Phytoptidae is a family of eriophyoid mites in the order Trombidiformes, comprising approximately 75 described species across 17 genera. These microscopic, four-legged mites are obligate phytophages that exhibit diverse life strategies including vagrant surface feeding, gall induction, and endoparasitism beneath plant epidermis. The family is primarily associated with angiosperms, though some lineages inhabit conifers. Notable genera include Phytoptus, Retracrus, Austracus, Novophytoptus, and Oziella. Many species are economically significant as agricultural pests of palms, hazelnuts, and other crops.
Pieridae
Whites, Yellows, Sulphurs, Orangetips
Pieridae is a large family of butterflies containing approximately 76 genera and 1,100 species, characterized by white, yellow, or orange coloration with black markings. The family was established by William Swainson in 1820. The name "butterfly" is believed to derive from the brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni), a member of this family historically called the "butter-coloured fly." The family is divided into four subfamilies: Dismorphiinae, Pierinae, Coliadinae, and Pseudopontiinae. Many species are economically significant as agricultural pests, particularly those feeding on brassicas.
Platyptilia
plume moths
Platyptilia is a genus of plume moths (family Pterophoridae) established by Jacob Hübner in 1825. Members of this genus are characterized by their distinctive wing structure, with wings divided into several feathery plumes. The genus contains numerous species distributed across multiple continents, with several species documented as agricultural pests. Well-studied species include the artichoke plume moth (P. carduidactyla) and the geranium plume moth (P. pica), both of which have been subjects of detailed behavioral and chemical ecology research.
Plusia
Plusia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae. Species in this genus are commonly known as loopers or plusias. The genus includes several agricultural pest species whose larvae feed on various crop plants. Adults are typically nocturnal and exhibit specific mating behaviors including female pheromone release and wing fanning. Some species display migratory flight behavior in young adults.
Prostigmata
Prostigs
Prostigmata is a suborder of mites in the order Trombidiformes, comprising the majority of 'sucking' mites within the Acariformes. The group exhibits extraordinary ecological diversity, including plant-feeding pests, vertebrate and invertebrate parasites, predators, and free-living forms in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Notable members include spider mites (Tetranychidae), gall mites (Eriophyidae), harvest mites (Trombiculidae), and Demodex mites. The suborder is taxonomically complex, currently divided into four infraorders: Anystina, Eleutherengona, Eupodina, and Labidostommatina.
Proxys
black stink bugs
Proxys is a genus of stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae, established by Spinola in 1840. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed across the Americas, with Proxys punctulatus (black stink bug) being the most widely documented. Species in this genus are characterized by predominantly black coloration and are associated with leguminous crops, particularly soybeans. The genus has been documented in both North and South America, with some species showing broad geographic ranges extending from the United States through Central America to Brazil and Argentina.
Psyllinae
Psyllinae is a subfamily of plant-parasitic hemipterans within the family Psyllidae, comprising approximately 12 genera and at least 40 described species. Members are commonly known as psyllids or jumping plant lice. The subfamily includes economically significant pest species such as the apple psylla (Cacopsylla mali) and pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyri). Species exhibit biogeographic patterns correlating with altitude and regional flora, with Oriental elements dominating at lower elevations and Himalayan and Australian elements prevalent above 2500 m in montane systems.
Pulvinaria
cottony cushion scales, soft scales
Pulvinaria is a genus of soft scale insects (family Coccidae) characterized by females that produce conspicuous cottony or flocculent wax ovisacs to protect their eggs. The genus includes economically significant agricultural and ornamental pests with broad host ranges spanning numerous woody plant families. Several species have invasive potential and have established beyond their native ranges, including P. aurantii, P. psidii, and P. urbicola. The genus exhibits considerable morphological variability, complicating species identification.
Putoidae
giant mealybugs, putoids
Putoidae is a family of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) commonly known as giant mealybugs or putoids. The family contains a single genus, Puto Signoret, 1875, with approximately 60 species distributed mainly in the Nearctic and Palaearctic regions. Putoidae was elevated from Pseudococcidae due to significant morphological differences from other mealybugs. Members of this family are economically important as pests of agricultural crops, including coffee and various cultivated plants.
Pyralidae
pyralid moths, snout moths, grass moths
Pyralidae is a diverse family of Lepidoptera in the superfamily Pyraloidea, comprising over 6,000 described species worldwide. The family is commonly known as snout moths due to the prominent elongated labial palps that project forward from the head. Historically, the Crambidae (grass moths) were included within Pyralidae as a subfamily, but modern classifications treat them as a separate family. Pyralidae includes numerous economically important pest species affecting stored products, agriculture, and forestry.
Pyrrhocoridae
Red Bugs, Cotton Stainers
Pyrrhocoridae is a family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) comprising over 300 species worldwide. Members are commonly known as 'red bugs' due to their frequent bright red coloration, with some species called 'cotton stainers' for their economic impact on cotton crops. The family includes the well-known firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) in Europe. Pyrrhocorids are distinguished from similar families by the absence of ocelli on the head. They occupy diverse ecological roles: many feed on seeds and fruits, particularly of Malvales, some are predatory, and a few are significant agricultural pests.
Scymninae
Scymnine lady beetles, Minute lady beetles
Scymninae is a subfamily of minute lady beetles within Coccinellidae, comprising at least 170 described species globally. Members are recognized as efficient biological control agents, particularly in agricultural systems. The subfamily is taxonomically diverse, represented by 5 tribes, 15 genera, and 138 species in the Indian subcontinent alone. Species within Scymninae exhibit morphological characteristics distinct from other coccinellid subfamilies, including specific arrangements of coxal lines and genitalia structures.
Scymnini
Dusky Lady Beetles, dusky ladybugs
Scymnini is a tribe of minute lady beetles (Coccinellidae) commonly known as dusky ladybugs. Adults are typically 1–2 mm long with hemispherically domed, densely hairy bodies. The tribe has been synonymized with Coccidulini under modern classifications. Members are predatory as both adults and larvae, feeding on spider mites, scale insects, whiteflies, and aphids. Many species are economically important as biological control agents of agricultural pests.
Sphenoptera
A large genus of jewel beetles (Buprestidae) comprising over 1,000 described species. Species occupy diverse ecological niches including stem borers, gall formers, and root borers across multiple continents. Several species are economically significant as pests of agricultural crops, forestry trees, and medicinal plants, while others have been investigated for biological control of invasive weeds.
Spilomelinae
Pearl Moths
Spilomelinae is a species-rich subfamily of Crambidae (crambid snout moths) containing approximately 4,180 described species in 351 genera worldwide, making it the most diverse group among pyraloid moths. Formerly treated as tribe Spilomelini within Pyraustinae, it was elevated to subfamily status based on phylogenetic studies. The subfamily includes numerous agricultural pests as well as the invasive box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis).
Spilomelini
Spilomelini is a tribe of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, erected by Achille Guenée in 1854. The tribe currently comprises 17 genera containing approximately 135 described species. Members are distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The tribe includes several economically significant agricultural pests, particularly in the genus Cnaphalocrocis.
Sternorrhyncha
plant-parasitic hemipterans
Sternorrhyncha is a suborder of Hemiptera containing aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, and psyllids—groups formerly classified in the obsolete order 'Homoptera'. The name refers to the rearward position of the mouthparts relative to the head. All members are obligate plant-feeders with piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for extracting phloem or xylem sap. Many species exhibit highly modified life cycles including parthenogenesis, sexual dimorphism, flightless morphs, and eusociality. The group includes numerous economically important agricultural and horticultural pests.
Tarsonemidae
thread-footed mites, white mites
Tarsonemidae is a family of mites in the order Trombidiformes, commonly known as thread-footed mites or white mites. The family exhibits diverse feeding habits: most species feed on fungal mycelia or algal bodies, while a limited number of genera (Steneotarsonemus, Polyphagotarsonemus, Phytonemus, Floridotarsonemus, and Tarsonemus) feed on higher plants. Some tarsonemids are associated with insects, including parasites of bees (Acarapis woodi), associates of leaf-footed bug glands, and attachments to grasshopper wings. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably the broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) and cyclamen mite (Steneotarsonemus pallidus).
Tenuipalpidae
Flat mites, False spider mites
Tenuipalpidae, commonly known as flat mites or false spider mites, are a family of phytophagous mites in the order Trombidiformes. They are closely related to spider mites (Tetranychidae) but are distinguished by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies and reduced mobility. Members are typically reddish in color and slow-moving. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including Raoiella indica, Brevipalpus phoenicis, B. californicus, B. obovatus, and B. lewisi.
Tetranychidae
Spider Mites
Tetranychidae is a family of mites commonly known as spider mites, comprising approximately 1,200 described species. Members are minute plant-feeding arachnids, typically measuring less than 1 mm in length. They are distributed worldwide and are significant agricultural pests, causing damage to hundreds of plant species by piercing leaf cells and extracting contents. Many species produce silk webbing for protection and dispersal. The family is divided into two subfamilies: Bryobiinae and Tetranychinae.
Tetranychinae
Tetranychinae is a subfamily of spider mites (Tetranychidae) containing economically significant agricultural and ornamental crop pests. The subfamily includes the genera Tetranychus, Eutetranychus, Oligonychus, Panonychus, Amphitetranychus, Schizotetranychus, Aponychus, Paraponychus, and Stylophoronychus. Species within this subfamily are phytophagous and pose serious threats to crop yield and quality. Identification relies primarily on morphological examination of adult male genitalia, though molecular and biochemical methods are increasingly employed for accurate species discrimination.
spider-mitesagricultural-pestsphytophagous-mitescrop-pestsinvasive-speciesacarologyintegrated-pest-managementmolecular-identificationDNA-barcodingTurkeyRussiaPaleotropicalNeotropicalNorth-AmericaMalusPrunusQuercusPiceaAbiesrosaceous-plantsconiferous-plantsmonocotyledonsdicotyledonsacaricide-resistancequarantine-pestsdiapausemale-genitaliaaedeagusPCR-RFLPreal-time-PCRLAMPMALDI-TOF-MSallozyme-analysisspecies-discriminationreproductive-isolationTetranychusEutetranychusOligonychusPanonychusAmphitetranychusSchizotetranychusAponychusParaponychusStylophoronychusEotetranychusBryobiaProstigmataAcariArachnidaArthropodaAnimaliaTetranychoidea
Spider Mites, Flat Mites, and Allies
Tetranychoidea is a superfamily of mites in the order Trombidiformes comprising approximately 2,200 described species across five families: Tetranychidae (spider mites), Tenuipalpidae (flat mites), Tuckerellidae (peacock mites), Linotetranidae (cryptic false spider mites), and Allochaetophoridae. Members are distinguished by a fused cheliceral base forming a stylophore, elongated stylet-like movable digits, and well-developed peritremes on the prodorsum. The superfamily is exclusively herbivorous, with many species being significant agricultural and ornamental plant pests.
Tingini
lace bugs
Tingini is the largest tribe of lace bugs (family Tingidae), comprising at least 250 genera and approximately 2,400 described species. Members are characterized by their distinctive reticulated, lace-like forewings and flattened body form. The tribe represents the most diverse lineage within Tingidae, with species distributed across multiple continents.
Trombidiformes
Trombidiform Mites
Trombidiformes is a large, diverse order of mites within the subclass Acariformes, comprising approximately 25,821 described species across 151 families. The order is divided into two suborders: Sphaerolichida (two families) and Prostigmata (the majority, with four infraorders and 40 superfamilies). Members include medically significant species such as Demodex mites, chiggers (Trombiculidae), and scrub-itch mites, as well as agriculturally important groups like spider mites (Tetranychidae). The phylogenetic placement of the superfamily Eriophyoidea (gall mites) remains uncertain; recent molecular analyses suggest it may fall outside Trombidiformes, possibly related to Nematalycidae.
Trypetinae
Trypetinae is a subfamily of tephritid fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) comprising seven tribes and approximately 1,000 described species. The subfamily includes economically significant pest genera such as Anastrepha, Rhagoletis, and Toxotrypana, as well as numerous non-pest species. Members are characterized by their association with fruit and plant tissues, with larvae typically developing in fruits, seeds, or stems. The group has a cosmopolitan distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions.
Typhlodromus
Typhlodromus is a genus of predatory mites in the family Phytoseiidae. The genus contains over 200 described species distributed across diverse geographic regions. Multiple species have been developed as commercial biological control agents for agricultural pest management.
Ulidiidae
Picture-winged Flies
Ulidiidae, formerly known as Otitidae, is a large and diverse cosmopolitan family of true flies (Diptera) commonly called picture-winged flies. Most species are herbivorous or detritivorous, with larvae developing in decaying plant matter, dung, or living plant tissues. The family is characterized by distinctive wing patterns of spots, bands, or lines that serve in species recognition and courtship displays. Approximately 40 genera and 133 species occur in North America north of Mexico, with global diversity exceeding 700 species. A few species, notably Tetanops myopaeformis and Euxesta stigmatias, are recognized agricultural pests.
Vaxi
Vaxi is a genus of snout moths in the family Crambidae, established by Bleszynski in 1962. The genus contains five described species distributed in North America. Species in this genus are small moths associated with grassland and agricultural habitats.
Yponomeutidae
Ermine Moths
Yponomeutidae, commonly known as ermine moths, is a family of small moths comprising several hundred species with greatest diversity in tropical regions. The family is considered relatively primitive within Lepidoptera and is significant for studies of plant-insect coevolution. Larvae are typically gregarious and construct communal silken webs on host plants. Some species are minor agricultural, forestry, and horticultural pests. Adults of certain species display striking color patterns of white, orange, and black.
Zeuzera
Leopard moths, Wood-boring moths
Zeuzera is an Old World genus of carpenter moths (family Cossidae) comprising approximately eight currently recognized species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, notably Zeuzera pyrina (leopard moth), whose larvae bore into the wood of fruit and ornamental trees causing substantial economic damage. Members of this genus are characterized by their wood-boring larval habit and broad distribution across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Several former species have been reclassified to other genera, including Zeuzera boisduvalii which was moved to the new genus Davidlivingstonia in 2020.