Agricultural

Guides

Hellula phidilealis
Cabbage Budworm Moth
Hellula phidilealis is a small crambid moth, commonly known as the cabbage budworm moth, whose larvae are specialized pests of cruciferous crops. The species occurs throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from the southern United States through the Caribbean and Central America to northern South America. Its association with Brassica crops makes it economically significant in agricultural systems.
pest agricultural crucifer-specialist
Illinoia rubicola
Spot-winged Raspberry Aphid
Illinoia rubicola is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Spot-winged Raspberry Aphid. The species was described by Oestlund in 1886. It is placed in the genus Illinoia, tribe Macrosiphini, and is associated with raspberry (Rubus) host plants. Taxonomic status varies between sources, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym while GBIF and iNaturalist treat it as accepted.
aphid pest raspberry agricultural
Karshomyia
Karshomyia is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) established by Felt in 1908. The genus includes mycetophagous species that feed on fungi. Karshomyia caulicola, the white-mold gall midge, has been documented in association with Sclerotinia-infected soybean in the northern United States and Canada. The genus is distinguished from related taxa by morphological features typical of the subfamily Cecidomyiinae.
mycetophagous agricultural soybean Sclerotinia North-America integrated-pest-management
Listronotus oregonensis
carrot weevil
Listronotus oregonensis, the carrot weevil, is a significant agricultural pest of Apiaceae crops in North America. It was first recognized as a pest in 1902 and primarily attacks cultivated carrot, parsley, celery, and dill. Larval feeding on roots causes direct damage that can reduce yields by up to 50%. The species has low dispersal capacity, moving mainly by walking despite being winged, which makes crop rotation an effective management strategy.
pest agricultural Apiaceae Curculionidae North-America integrated-pest-management genome-sequenced
Lorita scarificata
chrysanthemum flower borer
Lorita scarificata, commonly known as the chrysanthemum flower borer, is a small tortricid moth native to North America and introduced to Hawaii. The species was described by Meyrick in 1917 and is notable for its association with cultivated and wild flowering plants. Adults are diminutive with a wingspan of only 10–12 mm. The species has gained minor notoriety as a pest of ornamental chrysanthemums and agricultural crops.
pest agricultural ornamental introduced-species Hawaii-invasive Tortricidae flower-borer
Megachile lanata
Woolly Wall Bee
Megachile lanata is a solitary leafcutter bee in the family Megachilidae, described by Fabricius in 1775. It is considered an invasive species in Pakistan and has been introduced to regions including Colombia and Florida. The species is an important pollinator of horticultural, ornamental, aromatic, and agricultural crops. Studies have documented its nesting behavior in pre-existing cavities and its foraging activity across diverse landscapes.
solitary-bee leafcutter-bee invasive-species pollinator agricultural Megachilidae Megachile Pseudomegachile
Megachile rotundata
Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee, Alfalfa Leaf-Cutter Bee, Leafcutter Bee
Megachile rotundata is a solitary leafcutting bee native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, now widely established as a managed pollinator across North America and other continents. It is the second most important commercial pollinator globally after the honey bee, specifically renowned for its efficiency in alfalfa pollination. Females construct individual nests in pre-existing cavities, lining cells with precisely cut circular leaf pieces. The species is non-aggressive, does not produce honey, and has been introduced deliberately and accidentally to multiple regions for agricultural pollination services.
pollinator solitary-bee leafcutter-bee agricultural managed-species alfalfa non-aggressive cavity-nester introduced-species commercial-pollinator
Megalographa biloba
Bilobed Looper Moth, Stephens' Gem
A noctuid moth in the subfamily Plusiinae with a wingspan of 38–44 mm. It occurs from the southern United States through Central and South America to Argentina, and migrates seasonally into northern United States and southern Canada where it produces one or two summer generations but rarely survives winter. The species is sometimes considered a pest on cultivated lettuce.
moth noctuid plusiinae looper migrant pest agricultural
Melanoplus differentialis
Differential Grasshopper
Melanoplus differentialis is a large, highly mobile grasshopper native to North America that has expanded from wet meadows into agricultural landscapes. It is a severe crop pest, particularly damaging to corn, alfalfa, soybeans, cotton, and small grains, with dense swarms capable of destroying young cornfields in three to four days. The species exhibits phase polymorphism, with crowded individuals developing darker pigmentation and different body proportions compared to isolated individuals. It has one generation annually and is better adapted to warmer climates than related species, with outbreaks concentrated in the central United States between the Rocky Mountains and Mississippi River.
pest agricultural migratory polyphagous phase-polymorphism univoltine
Microtheca ochroloma
Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle, Yellowmargined Leaf Beetle
Microtheca ochroloma is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to South America and adventive in North America. It is a significant agricultural pest of cruciferous crops, with documented populations in the southeastern United States. Development from egg to adult takes approximately 17–57 days depending on temperature, with optimal survival around 20–25°C. The species exhibits strong host preferences, favoring turnip and mustard while showing least preference for collard and cabbage.
pest agricultural crucifer invasive Chrysomelidae Brassicaceae temperature-dependent-development host-preference
Monelliopsis pecanis
Yellow Pecan Aphid
Monelliopsis pecanis, commonly known as the yellow pecan aphid, is a sap-feeding insect in the family Aphididae that specializes on pecan (Carya illinoinensis). It is one of two primary 'yellow' or 'honeydew' aphid species affecting pecan production, distinguished from the blackmargined aphid (Monellia caryella) by its roof-like wing posture and lack of a black marginal stripe on the wings. Outbreaks typically occur later in the growing season than those of M. caryella and can cause significant defoliation, reduced nut yield, and quality degradation. The species reproduces parthenogenetically during spring and summer, with sexual forms appearing in autumn to produce overwintering eggs.
pest agricultural aphid pecan North-America introduced-species parthenogenesis honeydew-producer
Monocrepidius vespertinus
tobacco wireworm
Monocrepidius vespertinus, commonly known as the tobacco wireworm, is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae. The common name refers to the larval stage, which is a soil-dwelling pest known for damaging agricultural crops. The species has been documented in agricultural systems where its larvae feed on plant roots and underground stems.
pest agricultural soil-dwelling wireworm root-feeder
Myzocallis coryli
Hazel Aphid, Filbert Aphid
Myzocallis coryli, commonly known as the hazel aphid or filbert aphid, is a specialist phloem-feeding aphid that exclusively infests species of the genus Corylus (hazelnuts). Native to Europe, it has established populations in North America and was first recorded in Tasmania in 2019 as a recent introduction. The species is a significant agricultural pest in hazelnut orchards, particularly in Oregon and Turkey, where heavy infestations can stunt nut development and reduce commercial viability. Population dynamics are strongly temperature-dependent, with optimal development around 22°C and decline above 25°C.
aphid pest Corylus-specialist agricultural temperature-sensitive holocyclic
Oreoneta
A genus of dwarf spiders (family Linyphiidae) established in 1894, comprising approximately 30 species distributed across cold-temperate and Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Most species inhabit high-latitude or high-altitude environments. The genus was revised extensively by Saaristo & Marusik in 2004, resulting in numerous new species descriptions.
Arachnida Araneae Linyphiidae dwarf-spider Arctic boreal Holarctic tundra montane predator cold-adapted ground-dwelling high-latitude high-altitude Saaristo Marusik Chyzer Kulczyński 1894 2004-revision genitalic-characters epigynum embolus conductor palaearctic nearctic Eurasia North-America Scandinavia Siberia Alaska Canada Greenland Kazakhstan Mongolia China Kurile-Islands Finland Sweden Norway Germany Switzerland Italy Slovakia Bulgaria Central-Europe type-species:-Oreoneta-frigida thirty-species 30-species small-spider sheet-web-weaver money-spider Linyphiinae Erigoninae microhabitat litter-dwelling cryptic understudied taxonomic-revision morphological-taxonomy light-microscopy species-description biogeography glacial-refugia post-glacial-colonization endemic regional-endemic alpine-endemic Arctic-endemic boreal-forest taiga rocky-habitat meadow wetland stream-margin snowbed fellfield heath moss lichen vegetation soil-surface stone rock boulder scree talus debris humus organic-layer permafrost polar subpolar cold-stenotherm stenotherm stenotopic habitat-specialist conservation rare data-deficient IUCN red-list natural-history systematics phylogeny molecular-systematics DNA-barcoding COI cytochrome-oxidase 28S 18S ITS morphology taxonomy alpha-taxonomy revision monograph faunistics chorology zoogeography dispersal vicariance speciation cryptic-species species-complex species-group species-aggregate subspecies infraspecific variation polymorphism sexual-dimorphism male female juvenile instar ecdysis molting development growth reproduction mating courtship sperm-transfer spermatophore pedipalp palpal-organ copulatory-organ genitalia epigyne vulva spermatheca fertilization-duct copulatory-duct atrium scape maceration dissection microscope stereomicroscope compound-microscope illustration drawing photography SEM scanning-electron-microscopy habitus dorsal ventral lateral prosoma opisthosoma abdomen cephalothorax carapace sternum chelicera fang leg tarsus metatarsus tibia patella femur coxa trochanter spinneret colulus tracheal-spiracle book-lung cuticle seta hair spine macroseta sensillum chaetotaxy eye oculus ocelli anterior-median-eye posterior-median-eye anterior-lateral-eye posterior-lateral-eye eye-tubercle clypeus fovea pedicel waist constriction color pattern pigmentation melanism albinism size measurement total-length carapace-length carapace-width abdomen-length leg-length leg-formula index ratio proportion allometry ontogeny subadult adult maturity sexual-maturity reproductive-maturity longevity life-span generation-time voltinism univoltine semivoltine biennial perennial overwintering diapause quiescence cold-hardiness freeze-tolerance freeze-avoidance supercooling cryoprotectant glycerol sorbitol trehalose thermal-biology thermoregulation behavioral-thermoregulation postural-thermoregulation activity diurnal nocturnal crepuscular matutinal vespertine circadian rhythm seasonal phenology calendar date month activity-period breeding-season oviposition egg egg-sac cocoon silk web sheet-web tangle-web space-web platform-web dome-web bowl-web funnel retreat signal-line dragline attachment-disc ampullate-gland cylindriform-gland aciniform-gland aggregate-gland flagelliform-gland tubuliform-gland piriform-gland major-ampullate minor-ampullate silk-protein spidroin fibroin sericin glue viscid dry capture-silk dragline-silk safety-line anchor-line frame-line radial-line spiral-line sticky-spiral non-sticky-spiral hub perimeter substrate niche guild functional-group trophic-level carnivore zoophage arthropodivore insectivore prey capture attack subdue immobilize kill feed digest extraoral-digestion sucking-stomach gut midgut hindgut Malpighian-tubule excretion osmoregulation metabolism respiration trachea spiracle gas-exchange circulation hemolymph heart aorta sinus nervous-system brain ganglion nerve sensory-organ mechanoreceptor chemoreceptor thermoreceptor hygroreceptor photoreceptor proprioceptor trichobothrium tarsal-organ slit-sensillum lyriform-organ pedipalp-organ Haller's-organ contact-chemoreceptor gustatory olfactory pheromone semiochemical kairomone allomone synomone communication signal vibration seismic airborne visual chemical tactile copulation insemination sperm spermatozoon median-apophysis terminal-apophysis paracymbium cymbium bulbus tegulum subtegulum radix lamella process apophysis flange hook coil spiral duct reservoir sclerite plate field fossa pocket receptaculum spermathecae gland insemination-duct uterus uterus-externus uterus-internus vagina gonopore ovipositor ovary oviduct follicle vitellogenesis oogenesis spermatogenesis testis vas-deferens ejaculatory-duct seminal-vesicle fecundity fertility clutch-size egg-number hatching emergence ballooning aerial-dispersal silk-dragline gossamer migration movement walking running jumping climbing burrowing hiding refuge shelter defense predation predator-avoidance antipredator crypsis camouflage mimicry aposematism deimatic thanatosis autotomy leg-loss regeneration injury wound healing immune-response hemocyte melanization encapsulation nodule parasite parasitoid pathogen fungus bacterium virus nematode mite grooming cleaning hygiene self-maintenance silk-use web-use prey-capture foraging hunting ambush sit-and-wait active-hunting searching probing testing exploration learning memory cognition behavior ethology ecology population community ecosystem biome biosphere habitat environment abiotic biotic factor temperature humidity moisture precipitation rain snow wind light photoperiod day-length radiation UV soil cover complexity heterogeneity productivity energy nutrient carbon nitrogen phosphorus food-web trophic-interaction predator-prey competition intraspecific interspecific resource partitioning coexistence diversity richness evenness abundance density frequency occurrence presence absence detection sampling collection pitfall-trap quadrat transect hand-collecting beating sifting extraction Berlese Tullgren Winkler flotation sorting preservation ethanol formalin mount slide label catalog database repository museum voucher type holotype paratype syntype lectotype paralectotype neotype topotype original data locality georeference coordinate latitude longitude elevation altitude depth collector determination identification expert specialist literature publication journal article paper book thesis dissertation report checklist online digital archive bibliography reference citation author year volume page figure map table appendix supplementary material methods results discussion conclusion abstract keyword index-term subject topic discipline science biology zoology arachnology entomology evolution phylogenetics biological nature protection management policy legislation restoration monitoring assessment indicator flagship umbrella keystone engineer service function dynamics stability resilience resistance recovery succession disturbance climate change warming glacier range shift expansion contraction fragmentation isolation connectivity corridor network reserve park protected area wilderness urban rural agricultural forestry mining impact threat risk vulnerability sensitivity exposure adaptive capacity mitigation adaptation sustainable use harvest trade economy medicine research education outreach citizen engagement awareness appreciation aesthetic cultural spiritual existence value intrinsic instrumental utilitarian anthropocentric biocentric ecocentric ethic philosophy history discovery expedition voyage survey inventory fauna biota biodiversity life earth planet wildlife animal invertebrate arthropod chelicerate arachnid spider araneomorph entelegyne micryphantid Oreoneta 2004 frigida type-species alpine feeding type-specimen climate-change protected-area
Osmia cornifrons
Horn-faced Mason Bee, Horned-face Bee
Osmia cornifrons is a solitary mason bee native to Northern Asia, widely managed as an agricultural pollinator. The species was first introduced to Japan in the 1940s for apple pollination and subsequently to the northeastern United States in 1977. It is recognized by distinctive horn-like projections on the lower face of females. The bee exhibits protandry, with males emerging 2–3 days before females. It has been documented as established in Canada since at least 2017. Populations remain stable and have not shown rapid expansion compared to the accidentally introduced congener O. taurus.
pollinator managed-bee solitary-bee mason-bee orchard-pollinator non-native-species agricultural protandry Asia-native North-America-introduced
Osmiini
mason bees, leafcutter bees, resin bees
Osmiini is a tribe of solitary bees within the family Megachilidae, comprising approximately 19 genera and at least 1,000 described species. Members are commonly known as mason bees, leafcutter bees, and resin bees, reflecting their diverse nest construction behaviors. The tribe exhibits considerable diversity in nesting ecology, with species utilizing preexisting cavities in dead wood, hollow stems, rock crevices, empty snail shells, or excavated soil burrows. Nesting materials vary by lineage and include chewed leaves, mud, resin, and combinations with pebbles or sand grains. Pollen foraging strategies range from strict oligolecty on single plant genera or families to broad generalization across numerous plant families.
solitary-bees cavity-nesting pollen-specialization pollinators agricultural Palaearctic Holarctic
Ostrinia nubilalis
European corn borer, European corn worm, European high-flyer
The European corn borer is a non-native moth pest of corn and other crops in North America, Europe, and North Africa. Larvae bore into corn plants, causing damage to stems, ears, and leaves. Two pheromone strains exist: the Z strain (prevalent in the midwestern U.S.) and the E strain (more abundant in the eastern U.S. and Europe). Widespread adoption of Bt corn since 1996 has dramatically reduced populations in North America, with over 90% suppression reported in some regions.
pest agricultural invasive Bt-corn biological-control parasitoid pheromone-strains resistance-management
Oxycarenus hyalinipennis
cotton seed bug
Oxycarenus hyalinipennis, commonly known as the cotton seed bug, is a small seed-feeding true bug in the family Oxycarenidae. It is a polyphagous pest of Malvaceae, with Gossypium (cotton) as its preferred host. The species is native to the Mediterranean region and Africa but has expanded its range to the Caribbean in recent decades. It completes three to four generations per year under favorable conditions.
pest agricultural invasive Malvaceae-specialist cotton-pest seed-feeder insecticide-resistance polyphagous warm-climate
Pardosa milvina
shore spider
Pardosa milvina, commonly known as the shore spider, is a small wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. This species is notable for its well-studied behavioral ecology, particularly its antipredator responses to chemical cues from larger predators. Females provide extensive parental care, carrying egg sacs attached to their spinnerets for 12–30 days and subsequently carrying spiderlings for 3–24 days. The species has been extensively researched for its predator-prey interactions, silk-mediated communication, and parental investment strategies.
wolf-spider thin-legged-wolf-spider behavioral-ecology predator-prey-interactions chemical-communication parental-care riparian agricultural
Pentodontini
rhinoceros beetles
Pentodontini is the most diverse tribe within the subfamily Dynastinae (rhinoceros beetles), containing over 100 genera distributed across multiple biogeographic regions. Most genera are restricted to a single biogeographic region. The tribe is characterized by substantial morphological diversity, with generic-level identification often relying on mouthpart morphology in females and secondary sexual characters (horns, claw modifications, antennal club length) in males.
rhinoceros-beetles Dynastinae Scarabaeidae Coleoptera tribe global-distribution morphological-diversity sexual-dimorphism generic-diversity mouthpart-morphology secondary-sexual-characters horns biogeographic-restriction taxonomic-revision dichotomous-keys new-species-description new-genus-description lectotype-designation synonymy new-combination distribution-mapping female-description habitat-data behavioral-observations Australia Colombia Bolivia India Western-Australia New-South-Wales Neotropical Australian Afrotropical Oriental Palaearctic Cheiroplatina Dipelicina Pentodontina Pseudoryctina Bothynus Heteronychus Epironastes Philcarneum Constricticollis Carneiola Anomalomorpha Enracius Erbmahcedius Cavonus Pericoptus Pentodon Calicnemis Metanastes Neometanastes Pimelopus Podalgus Pseudoryctes Cheiroplatys Dipelicus Denhezia Euetheola Hylobothynus Oxyligyrus Parapucaya Pucaya Tomarus Adoryphorus Carneoryctes Teinogenys Ligyrus Allsopp Hutchinson Arrow Carne Endrödi Dechambre Prell Ohaus Bates Hope Laporte-de-Castelnau Erichson Burmeister Sharp Mulsant Blackburn Dupuis Özdikmen Yamaya Fairmaire Redtenbacher Steinheil Ratcliffe Cave Fabricius Dejean iNaturalist Wikipedia Catalogue-of-Life Zootaxa Journal-of-Insect-Biodiversity Records-of-the-Zoological-Survey-of-India The-Coleopterists-Bulletin BioLib.cz Wikimedia-Commons DOI 10.11646/zootaxa.4048.4.1 10.11646/zootaxa.4852.4.2 10.11646/zootaxa.5351.3.2 10.26515/rzsi/v125/i2s/2025/172964 10.11646/zootaxa.5716.4.7 10.11646/zootaxa.5072.5.2 10.11646/zootaxa.4852.4.3 10.12976/jib/2024.54.2.2 10.1649/1186.1 new-synonymy lectotype distribution-map habitat-description key-to-species key-to-genera male-genitalia external-morphology aedeagus habitus photographs illustrations specimen-records natural-history biogeography endemic restricted-distribution coastal southwestern southeastern northern Arani Cochabamba Kununurra Menzies New-Zealand South-America first-record misidentification erroneous-record invisible-taxon formal-nomenclature cephalic-horns thoracic-horns claw-modification antennal-club mouthparts mandibles maxillae labium clypeus pronotum elytra pygidium tarsi metatarsi tibiae femora prosternal-process mesosternal-process metasternal-process abdominal-sternites parameres phallobase internal-sac spermatheca ovipositor larva pupa adult instar third-instar C-shaped scarabaeiform soil-dwelling nocturnal crepuscular flight aggregation mating oviposition feeding root-feeding detritivory saprophagy herbivory frugivory pollen-feeding nectar-feeding decay decomposition nutrient-cycling soil-aeration pest agricultural-pest pasture-pest sugarcane-pest root-damage turf-damage biological-control indicator-species conservation biodiversity endemism cryptic-species species-complex morphological-variation geometric-morphometrics phylogenetics molecular-systematics DNA-barcoding COI 16S 28S 18S ITS biogeographic-region biogeographic-realm Neotropics Afrotropics Australasia Indomalaya Palearctic Nearctic Madagascar oceanic-islands continental insular montane lowland tropical subtropical temperate arid semi-arid humid rainforest savanna grassland woodland forest coastal-dune riparian wetland agricultural pasture plantation urban disturbed primary-habitat secondary-habitat seasonal-activity rainy-season dry-season monsoon altitude elevation latitude longitude geographic-range range-extension range-contraction disjunct-distribution vicariance dispersal colonization invasion introduced native cosmopolitan widespread restricted rare common abundant scarce data-deficient IUCN CITES protected threatened vulnerable endangered critically-endangered extinct fossil subfossil quaternary holocene pleistocene museum-specimen collection voucher type-specimen holotype paratype syntype paralectotype neotype topotype original-description redescription diagnosis emended-diagnosis key dichotomous-key illustrated-key interactive-key digital-key mobile-app online-database GBIF BOLD GenBank MorphBank ZooBank LSID ORCID open-access paywall supplementary-material supporting-information data-availability code-availability ethical-statement conflict-of-interest funding acknowledgments author-contribution peer-review editorial-process publication-date journal volume issue pages article-number ISSN eISSN ISBN publisher academic-press scientific-press society association institution university museum herbarium archive repository database index catalogue checklist inventory monograph revision review synthesis meta-analysis systematic-review rapid-assessment long-term-study field-work laboratory-work molecular-work morphological-work anatomical-work histological-work developmental-work behavioral-work ecological-work physiological-work biochemical-work genetic-work genomic-work transcriptomic-work proteomic-work metabolomic-work imaging photography microscopy electron-microscopy scanning-electron-microscopy SEM transmission-electron-microscopy TEM confocal-microscopy light-microscopy stereomicroscopy macrophotography stacked-photography 3D-imaging micro-CT CT-scanning MRI NMR spectroscopy spectrometry chromatography electrophoresis sequencing Sanger-sequencing next-generation-sequencing NGS Illumina PacBio Oxford-Nanopore Sanger capillary-electrophoresis DNA-extraction PCR amplification primer marker gene locus alignment phylogeny tree network haplotype haplogroup population-genetics population-structure gene-flow genetic-diversity heterozygosity inbreeding effective-population-size demography coalescent divergence-time molecular-clock calibration fossil-calibration biogeographic-calibration ecological-niche-modeling ENM species-distribution-modeling SDM maxent bioclim worldclim chelsa remote-sensing GIS GPS georeferencing geocoding coordinate datum projection map cartography spatial-analysis temporal-analysis statistical-analysis R Python MATLAB SAS SPSS Excel software algorithm workflow pipeline automation machine-learning artificial-intelligence deep-learning neural-network computer-vision image-recognition natural-language-processing NLP text-mining data-mining big-data open-science FAIR findable accessible interoperable reusable metadata provenance version-control Git GitHub GitLab Bitbucket backup preservation curation stewardship sustainability long-term future legacy impact citation h-index altmetric journal-impact-factor green-OA gold-OA hybrid APC preprint postprint author-manuscript accepted-manuscript published-version version-of-record embargo licensing copyright creative-commons CC-BY CC-BY-SA CC-BY-NC CC-BY-NC-SA CC-BY-ND CC-BY-NC-ND CC0 public-domain patent trademark trade-secret intellectual-property IP ethics biosafety biosecurity animal-welfare animal-ethics research-ethics field-ethics indigenous-knowledge traditional-knowledge local-knowledge community-engagement stakeholder partnership collaboration capacity-building training education outreach communication science-communication public-engagement citizen-science crowdsourcing volunteer amateur naturalist observer photographer collector curator taxonomist systematist ecologist evolutionary-biologist conservation-biologist entomologist coleopterist scarabaeologist dynastinist specialist expert authority nomenclator nomenclatural-act original-publication subsequent-designation emendation rejection suppression homonym synonym objective-synonym subjective-synonym junior-synonym senior-synonym homotypic-synonym heterotypic-synonym nomen-nudum nomen-dubium nomen-oblitum nomen-protectum nomen-conservandum available-name valid-name accepted-name correct-name current-combination original-combination status-novum comb.-nov.syn.-nov.sp.-nov.gen.-nov.subgen.-nov.subsp.-nov.nom.-nov.nom.-nud.nom.-dub.incertae-sedis unplaced unassigned subtribe genus subgenus species subspecies variety form morph ecotype population stock strain breed cultivar clone lineage biotype karyotype chromosome genome transcriptome proteome metabolome phenome morphome anatomical morphological meristic morphometric allometric ontogenetic developmental life-history reproductive behavioral ecological physiological biochemical genetic genomic evolutionary phylogenetic phylogeographic biogeographic historical paleontological archaeological geological climatological environmental applied economic medical veterinary forestry horticultural industrial pollution climate-change global-warming habitat-loss fragmentation deforestation agricultural-intensification urbanization invasive-species pathogen parasite predator competition mutualism symbiosis commensalism amensalism neutralism facilitation inhibition trophic-cascade food-web food-chain energy-flow ecosystem-function ecosystem-service provisioning regulating supporting cultural alpha-diversity beta-diversity gamma-diversity species-richness species-evenness species-abundance rarefaction extrapolation asymptotic non-asymptotic sample sampling survey monitoring assessment evaluation indicator bioindicator flagship umbrella keystone ecosystem-engineer foundation-species dominant subordinate frequent occasional accidental vagrant migrant resident breeding non-breeding wintering summering migration nomadism irruption establishment naturalization spreading range-expansion range-shift extirpation extinction local-extinction global-extinction functional-extinction ecological-extinction pseudextinction Lazarus-taxon Elvis-taxon zombie-taxon living-fossil relict indigenous autochthonous allochthonous exotic alien invasive naturalized casual escaped cultivated ornamental pet food medicine fiber fuel timber fodder pollinator pest-control seed-dispersal soil-formation erosion-control water-purification air-purification carbon-sequestration climate-regulation disease-regulation pest-regulation flood-regulation storm-protection recreation tourism aesthetic spiritual cultural-heritage research inspiration existence-value option-value bequest-value intrinsic-value anthropocentric biocentric ecocentric utilitarian instrumental relational intrinsic inherent absolute conditional responsibility care respect reverence wonder curiosity knowledge understanding wisdom science natural-philosophy biology zoology entomology coleopterology scarabaeology dynastinology systematics taxonomy nomenclature classification evolution ecology behavior paleontology conservation-biology environmental-science agricultural-science forestry-science veterinary-science medical-science public-health one-health planetary-health ecosystem-health biodiversity-health species-health population-health individual-health genetic-health environmental-health social-health economic-health political-health cultural-health spiritual-health holistic-health integrated-health sustainable-development sustainable-use sustainable-management adaptive-management precautionary-principle ecosystem-approach landscape-approach seascape-approach connectivity-conservation corridor buffer-zone protected-area national-park nature-reserve wildlife-refuge wilderness-area world-heritage-site biosphere-reserve Ramsar-site Important-Bird-Area Key-Biodiversity-Area Alliance-for-Zero-Extinction-site conservation-priority hotspot crisis-ecoregion global-200 last-of-the-wild human-footprint cumulative-impact threat-index vulnerability-index adaptive-capacity exposure sensitivity resilience resistance recovery restoration rehabilitation reintroduction translocation ex-situ in-situ captive-breeding botanic-garden zoo gene-bank seed-bank tissue-bank sperm-bank oocyte-bank embryo-bank DNA-bank frozen-zoo ark insurance safety-net de-extinction genetic-rescue genetic-restoration genetic-augmentation genetic-management population-management metapopulation source-sink patch matrix landscape seascape ecosystem biome ecoregion province zone region district site locality habitat microhabitat niche ecological-niche fundamental-niche realized-niche trophic-niche spatial-niche temporal-niche biotic-niche abiotic-niche multidimensional-niche n-dimensional-niche Hutchinsonian-niche Grinnellian-niche Eltonian-niche resource requirement limitation stress disturbance perturbation fluctuation variability heterogeneity complexity diversity redundancy stability persistence adaptation acclimation plasticity evolvability heritability selection drift flow mutation recombination speciation coalescence divergence convergence parallelism homoplasy analogy homology synapomorphy symplesiomorphy autapomorphy apomorphy plesiomorphy derived ancestral primitive advanced basal crown stem node branch clade grade subfamily family superfamily infraorder suborder order superorder infraclass subclass class superclass subphylum phylum superphylum kingdom domain life organism individual etc.
Peponapis
Squash bees
Peponapis is a genus of ground-nesting bees in the family Apidae, commonly known as squash bees. These solitary bees are specialized pollinators of plants in the family Cucurbitaceae, including squash, pumpkins, gourds, and cucumbers. The genus underwent rapid geographical expansion following the domestication and spread of cucurbit crops by humans. Peponapis pruinosa, the most studied species, has been used as a model organism for understanding the impacts of agricultural practices on ground-nesting bees and for assessing pesticide risk in agricultural soils.
pollinator specialist ground-nesting agricultural native-bee solitary-bee cucurbit-pollinator model-organism
Phylloneta
Phylloneta is a small genus of comb-footed spiders (family Theridiidae) containing three species and two subspecies with a Holarctic distribution. The genus was elevated from subgenus status in 2008, having formerly been considered part of Allotheridion. Species include P. impressa, P. pictipes, and P. sisyphia (with subspecies P. s. foliifera and P. s. torandae). The type species, P. pictipes, was originally described in 1884.
spider Theridiidae Holarctic agricultural pesticide-bioindicator web-building
Phyllotreta striolata
Striped Flea Beetle, Turnip Flea Beetle
Phyllotreta striolata is a small flea beetle (1.5–2.5 mm) in the family Chrysomelidae, native to Eurasia and now distributed worldwide. It is a major pest of Brassicaceae crops, causing substantial yield losses through adult feeding on aboveground plant parts and larval feeding on roots. The species exhibits strong positive phototaxis with peak sensitivity to blue wavelengths (350–430 nm). It has been recorded from diverse habitats including open prairie, boreal forest, and agricultural systems across North America, Europe, and Asia.
pest agricultural coleoptera chrysomelidae brassicaceae flea-beetle invasive biological-control-target insecticide-resistance
Phylloxera caryaegummosa
pecan phylloxera
Phylloxera caryaegummosa is a tiny, soft-bodied insect in the family Phylloxeridae, closely related to aphids. It is a significant pest of pecan (Carya illinoinensis), causing galls to form on shoots and nuts. This species is considered more damaging than pecan leaf phylloxera (Phylloxera notabilis), which affects only leaves. Heavy infestations can reduce yield, impair tree vitality, and curtail subsequent production. The insect has a complex life cycle involving multiple generations and forms, with winter survival as eggs protected within the bodies of dead females.
pest gall-former pecan agricultural phylloxeridae hemiptera
Phylloxera caryaeren
pecan phylloxera, pecan stem phylloxera
Phylloxera caryaeren is a small, soft-bodied, gall-forming insect closely related to aphids that attacks pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis). It is considered the most damaging phylloxera species on pecans because it attacks shoots and developing nuts, unlike the pecan leaf phylloxera which only affects foliage. Heavy infestations can reduce current-year yield, impair tree vitality, and reduce production in subsequent years. The insect is sedentary and cannot fly long distances, so infestations spread slowly from tree to tree.
pest gall-former pecan agricultural Hemiptera Sternorrhyncha monophagous single-generation Texas
Phylloxera devastatrix
pecan phylloxera
Phylloxera devastatrix, commonly known as the pecan phylloxera, is a gall-forming insect closely related to aphids that infests pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis). It is considered the most damaging phylloxera species attacking pecans because it attacks shoots and nuts, whereas the related pecan leaf phylloxera (Phylloxera notabilis) forms galls only on leaves. Heavy infestations reduce yield, impair tree vitality, and curtail subsequent production. The insect's galls also serve as an alternate host for hickory shuckworm (Cydia caryana) larvae.
pest gall-former agricultural pecan cecidogenic
Phylloxera perniciosa
pecan phylloxera
Phylloxera perniciosa, commonly known as the pecan phylloxera, is a gall-forming insect that attacks shoots and nuts of pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis). It is considered the most damaging phylloxera species affecting pecans, causing galls that reduce yield, impair tree vitality, and curtail subsequent production. The insect is closely related to aphids and survives winter as eggs in bark crevices. Unlike the pecan leaf phylloxera, which only forms galls on leaves, this species attacks reproductive and vegetative shoots, making it economically significant in commercial pecan production.
gall-forming pest pecan agricultural Hemiptera Phylloxeridae
Phylloxera rimosalis
pecan leaf phylloxera
Phylloxera rimosalis is a tiny, soft-bodied insect closely related to aphids that forms galls exclusively on pecan leaves. It is one of two economically important phylloxera species attacking pecans, the other being the more damaging pecan phylloxera (Phylloxera devastatrix) which attacks shoots and nuts. Extensive infestations of P. rimosalis may cause some defoliation, but the species is generally less destructive than its congener. The insect has been observed in Texas and is managed as a pest of commercial pecan orchards.
gall-forming pest pecan Hemiptera agricultural
Poecilus laetulus
Poecilus laetulus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. Like other members of its genus, it is a soil-dwelling predator associated with agricultural and open habitats. The species is rarely recorded, with only three observations documented on iNaturalist.
ground-beetle Carabidae agricultural North-America predator
Protaphis middletonii
Corn Root Aphid
Protaphis middletonii is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, described by Thomas in 1879. It is commonly known as the Corn Root Aphid. The species is recognized as a pest of millets and other cereal crops. It has been documented in Brazil and is represented by limited but confirmed observations.
aphid pest agricultural root-feeding Hemiptera
Psila rosae
carrot fly, carrot rust fly
Psila rosae, commonly known as the carrot fly or carrot rust fly, is a dipteran pest of cultivated umbelliferous crops. Adults orient to host plants using volatile chemical cues from carrot foliage, with strong electroantennogram responses to propenylbenzenes such as trans-asarone and trans-methylisoeugenol. Larvae feed on carrot roots, causing characteristic mining damage that reduces crop quality and yield. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, North America, and New Zealand. Overwintering occurs as both larvae and pupae, with temperature-dependent diapause in pupae contributing to population synchronization and the potential for multiple generations per year.
pest agricultural root-feeder diptera chemical-ecology umbelliferae apiaceae
Pyrausta phoenicealis
perilla leaf moth, Phoenician pyrausta moth
Pyrausta phoenicealis is a crambid moth with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution across the Americas, Africa, Australia, and Asia. It is a documented agricultural pest, particularly in South Korea where it damages Perilla (shiso) crops. Larvae feed on plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and related Asteraceae, binding leaves with silk to form protective shelters. The species is frequently confused with Pyrausta panopealis due to morphological similarity, but genetic analysis reveals approximately 4.62% COI divergence between them.
pest agricultural polyphagous crambid moth Lamiaceae Asteraceae Perilla mitochondrial-genome-available
Rhagoletis completa
Walnut Husk Fly
Rhagoletis completa, the walnut husk fly, is a tephritid fruit fly native to central North America and now established in Europe. It is the most economically significant pest of walnut (Juglans regia) production, causing yield losses up to 80% through larval feeding on husk tissue. Adults emerge over a prolonged period from mid-May to October and are distinguished by a dark triangular wing pattern and yellowish-white scutellum. The species has one generation per year, with larvae pupating in soil and a small proportion entering prolonged dormancy.
pest agricultural fruit-fly walnut Tephritidae invasive North-America Europe
Rhagoletis juglandis
walnut husk fly, black walnut fly
Rhagoletis juglandis is a univoltine tephritid fruit fly that infests walnut husks, primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults emerge in mid to late summer and feed on dew and plant sap. Females deposit eggs in batches beneath the husk surface of developing walnuts; larvae tunnel into the inner husk and feed for 3–5 weeks before pupating in soil. The species exhibits distinctive courtship behavior including male low-frequency wing vibration with infrasound, and engages in superparasitism—reusing infested hosts even when uninfested fruits are available. It is a pest of cultivated walnuts and has been introduced to Europe.
pest agricultural univoltine superparasitism acoustic-communication host-marking walnut-pest
Rhagoletis mendax
blueberry maggot, blueberry maggot fly
Rhagoletis mendax, commonly known as the blueberry maggot, is a tephritid fruit fly native to eastern North America and a major pest of cultivated and wild blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) and related Ericaceae. The species completes a univoltine life cycle in most regions, with adults emerging in spring or summer to oviposit in ripening berries; larvae feed internally, destroying fruit marketability. It is closely related to the apple maggot (R. pomonella), with which it is reproductively isolated primarily through host-specific chemical cues despite morphological similarity and laboratory interfertility. Management relies on degree-day predictive models, monitoring with baited sticky traps, and targeted insecticide applications.
pest agricultural native holometabolous univoltine Ericaceae competition invasive-displacement
Rhagoletis ribicola
Rhagoletis ribicola is a tephritid fruit fly described by Doane in 1898. The species is known to infest gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) and redcurrant (R. rubrum). It has been documented in western North America, with records from Canada and the United States.
pest agricultural fruit-fly
Rhopalomyia grossulariae
Gooseberry Gall Midge
Rhopalomyia grossulariae, commonly known as the gooseberry gall midge, is a gall-inducing fly in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species was described by Felt in 1911 and is associated with gooseberry plants (Ribes spp.). Like other members of its genus, it induces gall formation on host plants. The species has been recorded in parts of Europe, with confirmed presence in Great Britain.
gall-midge pest agricultural Ribes
Rhopobota naevana
holly tortrix moth, holly leaf tier, blackheaded fireworm
Rhopobota naevana is a small tortricid moth with a broad Palearctic distribution extending to North America. Adults fly in mid-summer and are characterized by grey forewings with complex dark markings and a metallic-edged ocellus. The species is economically significant as a pest of Vaccinium crops, particularly cranberries and blueberries, where larvae feed on foliage and fruit.
pest agricultural Vaccinium leaf-tier tortricid Palearctic Nearctic
Rupela
Rupela is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Schoenobiinae. The genus contains species associated with grass hosts, including the well-studied white rice borer Rupela albinella, a significant pest of rice crops in South America. Research on this species has focused on diapause termination triggered by precipitation and oviposition behavior on rice plants.
pest agricultural rice diapause South-America
Saccharosydne saccharivora
West Indian Canefly, West Indian Sugarcane Fulgorid
Saccharosydne saccharivora is a delphacid planthopper and major pest of sugarcane with a 6½–7 week life cycle. It has been documented as a vector of sugarcane yellow leaf phytoplasma, the first confirmed phytoplasma transmission by this species. Population dynamics in Jamaica showed epidemic versus endemic patterns, with generation segregation and synchronization occurring in epidemic areas due to parasitoid pressure. Outbreaks require plant cane under favorable climatic and agricultural conditions.
pest vector phytoplasma sugarcane agricultural
Scrobipalpa atriplicella
goosefoot groundling moth
Scrobipalpa atriplicella is a small gelechiid moth native to Eurasia, now established as an introduced species in North America. Adults have a wingspan of 10–14 mm and exhibit two generations per year. The species has emerged as a significant agricultural pest on quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) in both Europe and North America, where larval feeding on seeds and foliage can cause complete crop loss. Originally associated with wild Chenopodiaceae including Chenopodium album and Atriplex species, its host range has expanded to include cultivated crops.
pest agricultural invasive leaf-miner bivoltine Chenopodiaceae quinoa-pest gelechiid
Scyphophorus acupunctatus
agave weevil, sisal weevil, picudo del agave
Scyphophorus acupunctatus is a specialized weevil native to Central and North America that has become a globally significant pest of agaves and related plants. Adults bore into agave stalks and rosettes, creating entry points for pathogenic bacteria and fungi that ultimately kill the host plant. The species has established invasive populations across Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America, facilitated by the international trade of ornamental agaves. Its economic impact is particularly severe on Agave tequilana, threatening the tequila industry, and on wild agave populations important for mezcal production and ecosystem stability.
pest invasive agricultural curculionidae agave tequila mezcales biological-control pheromone climate-change
Sitochroa palealis
carrot seed moth
Sitochroa palealis, known as the carrot seed moth, is a crambid moth native to Europe that was first reported in the United States in 2002. The species has a wingspan of 26–34 mm and is active during summer months. Its larvae specialize on umbelliferous plants, including cultivated carrot and fennel.
pest agricultural invasive umbellifer-specialist
Sitona cylindricollis
sweetclover weevil
Sitona cylindricollis, the sweetclover weevil, is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae. It is a documented agricultural pest of sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) and alfalfa/lucerne (Medicago sativa). Adults feed on above-ground foliage, causing defoliation damage that is most severe during late summer critical periods. Larvae feed on root nodules and root tissue underground. The species exhibits temperature- and light-dependent dispersal flight behavior, with peak flight activity occurring in morning hours when ambient temperatures reach threshold levels.
pest agricultural weevil Curculionidae sweet-clover alfalfa dispersal-flight root-feeder
Sphenophorus
billbugs
Sphenophorus is a large genus of weevils commonly known as billbugs, containing approximately 278 species. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of turfgrass, corn, and orchardgrass. The genus is taxonomically challenging due to morphological similarity among species, especially at larval stages. Research has focused on developing molecular identification tools to distinguish species and understand their variable seasonal biology across regions.
pest agricultural turfgrass weevil grass-feeder internal-feeder
Sphenophorus venatus confluens
Sphenophorus venatus confluens is a subspecies of billbug weevil in the family Curculionidae. It has been identified as a pest of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), with its biology and life history documented as a newly recognized agricultural pest species. Like other billbugs in the genus Sphenophorus, it is part of a complex of weevil species that feed within grasses and can cause significant damage to turf and forage crops.
pest agricultural grass-feeding weevil orchardgrass forage-crop
Stenolophus carbo
Burned Harp Ground Beetle
Stenolophus carbo is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Bousquet in 1993. It belongs to the genus Stenolophus, commonly known as seedcorn beetles or harp ground beetles, which are typically associated with agricultural and disturbed habitats. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the Carabidae, it is likely predatory or omnivorous, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
ground-beetle Carabidae Stenolophus North-America agricultural soil-fauna
Sternochetus mangiferae
mango seed weevil, mango stone weevil, mango weevil
A compact weevil in the subfamily Cryptorhynchinae, Sternochetus mangiferae is a significant pest of mango (Mangifera indica). Adults measure 7.5–9.5 mm in length and 4 mm in width. The species completes its entire immature development inside mango seeds, with larvae and pupae developing within the fruit. Adults are weak fliers and typically remain near fallen fruit; new infestations spread primarily through human transport of infested fruit.
pest agricultural phytosanitary quarantine mango Cryptorhynchinae stored-product irradiation biological-control
Symmetrischema tangolias
South American potato tuber moth, Andean potato tuber moth, tomato stemborer
Symmetrischema tangolias is a gelechiid moth native to the Andean region of South America that has become a globally significant agricultural pest. The species infests solanaceous crops, particularly potatoes and tomatoes, with larvae burrowing into stems, leaves, petioles, and tubers. It has established invasive populations in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Chile. The species is adapted to cooler temperatures than the related potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella, with optimal development occurring between 14–17°C.
pest agricultural invasive stored-product solanaceae nocturnal stem-borer tuber-borer Andean cold-adapted
Thripinae
Thripinae is a subfamily of thrips (order Thysanoptera, family Thripidae) comprising approximately 1,400 species across 150 genera. The subfamily contains the majority of economically significant pest thrips, including species that damage crops through direct feeding and virus transmission. A 2012 molecular phylogeny found Thripinae to be paraphyletic, indicating that taxonomic revisions are needed to clarify relationships within the group. Members are distributed worldwide, with particularly high diversity in tropical and subtropical regions.
pest agricultural virus-vector paraphyletic