Agriculture
Guides
Achyra rantalis
garden webworm, Garden Webworm Moth
Achyra rantalis is a crambid moth commonly known as the garden webworm. The species occurs across much of North America and has been recorded at blacklighting displays during moth surveys. Larvae feed on foliage of various low-growing plants and are occasionally reported as pests in agricultural settings. Adults have a wingspan of 17–23 mm.
Acmaeodera parkeri
Acmaeodera parkeri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Cazier in 1940. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of several plant species, including Allionia incarnata (creeping four o'clock), Talinum whitei (White's flameflower), and Evolvulus arizonicus (Arizona blue-eyes).
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Short-horned Grasshoppers, Grasshoppers
Acrididae is the largest family of grasshoppers, comprising approximately 6,700–10,000 species within the suborder Caelifera. Members are characterized by short, stout antennae and auditory tympana located on the first abdominal segment. The family includes all locust species capable of forming destructive swarms, making it economically significant worldwide. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies indicate the family originated in South America during the Paleocene, approximately 59 million years ago, rather than Africa as previously believed.
Agrilus pseudocoryli
hazel stem borer
Agrilus pseudocoryli is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the hazel stem borer. It develops within stems of hazelnut plants (Corylus spp.), where larval tunneling causes dieback. The species has been documented as a pest of hybrid hazelnut cultivars in the Great Lakes region, with damage severity varying by cultivar. Adult activity occurs from early June to mid-July.
Agriotes pubescens
Pubescent Click Beetle
Agriotes pubescens is a Nearctic click beetle (family Elateridae) native to North America. It commonly co-occurs with Agriotes mancus on farmland in central Canada, where it is frequently collected in surveys targeting invasive Palearctic Agriotes species. Despite its abundance in agricultural settings, its life history and potential economic impact remain poorly studied. The species shares an identical sex pheromone—geranyl octanoate—with the invasive Palearctic species A. lineatus, resulting in cross-attraction between the two species in pheromone-baited traps.
Agrotis malefida
Rascal Dart, Palesided Cutworm
Agrotis malefida, commonly known as the rascal dart or palesided cutworm, is a noctuid moth species distributed across the southern United States and throughout the Neotropics from Mexico to Argentina and Chile. The species exhibits notable seasonal variation in adult emergence, appearing in late January in northern portions of its range while flying year-round in southern regions. Larvae are significant agricultural pests, feeding on a broad range of broad-leaved herbaceous plants and causing damage to major crops including corn, cotton, and various vegetables.
Aleurodicus
whiteflies, spiraling whiteflies, rugose spiraling whitefly (for A. rugioperculatus), giant whitefly (for A. dugesii)
Aleurodicus is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) comprising at least 30 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Several species are significant agricultural and ornamental pests, including the invasive rugose spiraling whitefly (A. rugioperculatus) and the spiraling whitefly (A. dispersus). The genus is characterized by distinctive wax-producing capabilities and puparial morphology used extensively in taxonomic identification.
Aleurothrixus
woolly whiteflies
Aleurothrixus is a genus of whiteflies (family Aleyrodidae) containing approximately 20 described species. The most economically significant species is A. floccosus (woolly whitefly), a major pest of citrus and other crops across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Several species in the genus have been documented as agricultural pests, with extensive research focused on their biological control using parasitoid wasps.
Aleurotrachelus
Aleurotrachelus is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) established by Quaintance & Baker in 1914. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests. Aleurotrachelus socialis is a major pest of cassava in South America, causing yield losses up to 79% through direct feeding and sooty mold promotion. Aleurotrachelus trachoides, known as the solanum or pepper whitefly, attacks Solanaceae crops including tomato, eggplant, chili, and sweet potato across tropical and subtropical regions. Aleurotrachelus atratus infests palms, particularly coconut, and has spread to islands in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Species in this genus are characterized by distinct puparial morphology used in taxonomic identification.
Amitus
Amitus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae, containing at least 16 described species. Species in this genus are primarily known as biological control agents of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), with several species introduced internationally for pest management. Notable species include A. hesperidum, an effective parasitoid of citrus blackfly introduced to multiple countries; A. fuscipennis, used against greenhouse whitefly; and A. bennetti, a parasitoid of silverleaf whitefly.
Anastrepha
fruit flies, tephritid fruit flies
Anastrepha is a highly diverse genus of tephritid fruit flies native to the American tropics and subtropics, comprising over 300 described species. The genus includes nine major agricultural pest species that inflict substantial damage on commercial fruit crops including citrus, mango, guava, and papaya. Species exhibit variation in oviposition behavior, with females depositing eggs in developing fruit, mature fruit, or seeds depending on the species. The genus has been reorganized taxonomically to include species formerly placed in Toxotrypana, and contains notable cryptic species complexes such as the Anastrepha fraterculus group.
Anthonomus eugenii
Pepper Weevil
Anthonomus eugenii, the pepper weevil, is a small curculionid beetle and major agricultural pest of cultivated peppers (Capsicum spp.). Native to Mexico, it has spread throughout Central America, the Caribbean, the southern United States, and has been intercepted in more northern regions including Canada and Europe through imported infested fruit. The species completes its entire immature development within pepper fruits, making it particularly difficult to control with conventional insecticides. Females exhibit host-marking behavior, depositing pheromones that deter subsequent oviposition by conspecifics.
Anthophila
bees
Anthophila is the clade comprising all bees, a monophyletic lineage within the superfamily Apoidea. With over 20,000 described species across seven recognized families, bees represent one of the most ecologically significant groups of insect pollinators. The clade encompasses diverse life histories, from solitary to eusocial species, and exhibits remarkable morphological variation associated with pollen collection and transport. Bees originated from predatory wasp ancestors and evolved specialized adaptations for exploiting floral resources, making them critical components of terrestrial ecosystems and agricultural systems worldwide.
Antigastra catalaunalis
Sesame Leafroller, Sesame Pod-borer, Sesame Webworm, Sesame Capsule Borer, Sesame Leaf Webber
Antigastra catalaunalis is a crambid moth whose larvae are major agricultural pests of sesame (Sesamum indicum). Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, it has spread globally through human-mediated transport and its own migratory capacity. The species has been documented attacking multiple plant families including Scrophulariaceae and Pedaliaceae, though sesame remains its economically significant host. Laboratory studies indicate a complete life cycle of approximately 26.5 days under controlled conditions.
Anystidae
whirligig mites
Anystidae is a family of predatory mites comprising over 100 species, commonly known as whirligig mites. They are active generalist predators found in soils and on vegetation worldwide. The family includes notable genera such as Anystis, Tarsotomus, and Chaussieria. Several species have been investigated for biological control potential against agricultural pests including thrips, aphids, and spider mites.
Aonidiella
Aonidiella is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) containing approximately 30 described species. Several species, notably A. aurantii (California red scale) and A. citrina (yellow scale), are significant agricultural pests of citrus and other fruit crops. The genus exhibits a global distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions where host plants occur.
Aphidiinae
Aphid Mummy Wasps
Aphidiinae is a subfamily of tiny parasitoid wasps within Braconidae that exclusively parasitize aphids. Adults are minute, typically under 5 mm, with reduced wing venation characteristic of microgastroid wasps. The common name 'Aphid Mummy Wasps' refers to the distinctive 'mummy' formed when parasitized aphids die, dry out, and become leathery brown or black shells containing the wasp pupa. Several species have been successfully deployed in biological control programs targeting agricultural aphid pests.
Aphis aurantii
Black Citrus Aphid, Camellia Aphid
Aphis aurantii is an economically significant aphid species known as the Black Citrus Aphid or Camellia Aphid. It is a major pest in commercial tea plantations and gardens in China, where it causes substantial damage to Camellia sinensis. The species exhibits a broad host range across multiple plant families, with documented specialization on Ficus in sympatric populations suggesting ongoing host-associated divergence. Population genetic studies reveal high haplotype diversity across Chinese populations with evidence of recent expansion events and isolation-by-distance patterns.
Apidae
Honey Bees, Bumble Bees, and Allies
Apidae is the largest family of bees within the superfamily Apoidea, comprising at least 5,700 described species. The family encompasses remarkable diversity in social organization, ranging from highly eusocial honey bees and bumble bees to solitary digger bees and kleptoparasitic cuckoo bees. Members include economically significant pollinators such as honey bees (Apis), bumble bees (Bombus), and stingless bees (Meliponini), alongside carpenter bees (Xylocopinae), orchid bees (Euglossini), and oil-collecting bees. While the most visible representatives are social, the vast majority of apid species are solitary.
Apis
Honey Bees, Honeybees
Apis is a genus of eusocial bees comprising approximately 7–12 extant species, primarily distinguished by honey production, wax nest construction, and perennial colonial life cycles. The genus is endemic to Africa, Europe, and Asia, with all but one species (Apis mellifera) native to Asia. Species are categorized into three groups: giant honey bees (A. dorsata and relatives), dwarf honey bees (A. florea and A. andreniformis), and cavity-nesting honey bees (A. mellifera, A. cerana, and relatives). Apis species are critical pollinators of wild plants and agricultural crops, though research indicates they are rarely the most effective single-visit pollinators compared to wild bee taxa.
Apolygus lucorum
Apolygus lucorum is a trans-Palearctic mirid bug with a broad distribution across Europe and Asia. It is a polyphagous pest with significant economic impact on cotton and other crops in northern China, where it has become increasingly problematic following changes in agricultural practices. The species exhibits phytozoophagous feeding behavior, consuming both plant sap and small arthropod prey. Adults are small, yellowish-green, and active from summer through autumn.
Atheloca subrufella
Palm Bud Moth, Coconut Moth
Atheloca subrufella is a small snout moth (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) known as a significant pest of coconut and other palms. Adults have a wingspan of 14–18 mm and brownish coloration. The species occurs in the southeastern United States, Mexico, Caribbean islands, and Brazil. Larvae are specialized feeders on developing palm fruits, causing substantial agricultural damage through gallery formation in the mesocarp and premature fruit shedding.
Attina
Fungus-growing Ants
Attina is a subtribe of fungus-growing ants within the subfamily Myrmicinae, comprising all known ant species that participate in obligate ant-fungus mutualism. These ants cultivate fungi as their sole food source, with leafcutter ants (genera Atta and Acromyrmex) being the most well-known members. The subtribe is sister to Dacetina and represents one of only two known groups of organisms (along with humans) that practice agriculture. Attina ants are native to the New World tropics and subtropics, where they play significant roles in nutrient cycling and soil modification.
Attini
fungus-growing ants, higher myrmicine ants
Attini is a tribe of New World ants renowned for cultivating symbiotic fungi in specialized nest chambers called fungus gardens. This mutualism, dating back approximately 30 million years, represents one of the most complex examples of agriculture outside humans. The ants provision their fungal cultivars with organic substrates including plant material, insect carcasses, and feces, while receiving nutrition from specialized fungal structures. The tribe encompasses diverse foraging strategies, from generalized debris collection to the conspicuous leaf-cutting behavior of Atta and Acromyrmex species. Attini ants maintain intricate associations with additional microbes, including actinobacteria that produce antibiotics protecting the fungal gardens from pathogens.
Bembidion quadrimaculatum
Garden Bembidion Beetle
Bembidion quadrimaculatum is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae with a broad distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia, North America, and Southern Asia. The species is recognized as an important component of agricultural ecosystems, where it serves as a beneficial predator. Multiple subspecies have been described, including the nominate B. q. quadrimaculatum and the North American B. q. oppositum. Populations have been observed to respond positively to conservation tillage practices in agricultural settings.
Bembidion quadrimaculatum oppositum
Bembidion quadrimaculatum oppositum is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was described by Thomas Say in 1823, originally as Bembidium oppositum. The subspecies has been documented in agricultural studies as a beneficial ground beetle sensitive to soil management practices. Historical distribution records indicate presence across parts of Europe, Asia, and North America including Alaska, though specific habitat associations remain poorly documented.
Bembidion rapidum
Bembidion rapidum is a small ground beetle in the subfamily Trechinae, found in Canada and the United States. It measures 3.8–4.4 mm in length and has a black body with brassy metallic reflections. The species has been recorded in agricultural studies, where it showed sensitivity to soil management practices, with populations persisting better under strip tillage than conventional tillage or plasticulture.
Billaea
Billaea is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 80 described species. Most larvae are parasitoids of beetle larvae, particularly cerambycids and lucanids, with some species attacking lepidopteran hosts in the family Pyralidae. Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for agricultural and forestry pests, including palm weevils and sugarcane borers.
Tachinidaeparasitoidbiological-controlCerambycidaeDryophthoridaeCrambidaeviviparousplanidiaforest-pestagricultural-pestoil-palmsugarcanepalm-weevilwood-borersoutheast-AsiaSouth-AmericaEuropeBulgariaBrazilTurkeyMexicoPeruintegrated-pest-managementnatural-enemyhost-searchingkairomonessuperparasitismmass-rearingGalleria-mellonellalaboratory-hostfrassgallerytunnelpupal-parasitoidlarval-parasitoidectoparasitoidendoparasitoidColeopteraLepidopteraDipteraBrachyceraDexiinaeDexiiniRobineau-Desvoidy-183080-speciesglobal-distributionforestryagricultureornamental-palmsdate-palmcoconutRhynchophorusDiatraeaPrionusXylotrechusclimate-matchingestablishment-potentialMediterraneanMiddle-EastCaliforniainvasive-speciesred-palm-weevilAmerican-palm-weevilred-ring-diseasevector-controlnatural-mortalitypest-managementsustainable-agriculturehost-specificitytrophic-associationnew-host-recordparasitism-ratefield-parasitismlaboratory-rearingadult-longevityfecunditysex-ratiopupal-viabilitypupal-durationplanidia-lengthfood-resourcespollenhoneysucroseflowering-plantsspontaneous-floracompanion-plantshabitat-managementconservation-biological-controlaugmentative-biological-controlclassical-biological-controlquarantinehost-rangecircumstantial-evidencetaxonomic-confusionB.-rhynchophoraeB.-menezesiB.-adelphaB.-claripalpisB.-rutilansB.-cerambycivoraB.-steiniB.-fortisB.-irrorataB.-pectinataB.-setosaB.-trianguliferaB.-lataB.-intermediaB.-biserialisB.-giganteaB.-rubensB.-maritimaB.-marmorataB.-aurifronsB.-verticalisB.-flavaB.-chinensisB.-brevicaudaB.-kurahashiiB.-micronychiaB.-papeiB.-setigeraB.-yintiaolingB.-rufescensB.-triquetrusB.-rubidaB.-rufiventrisB.-brasiliensisB.-friburgensisB.-giacomeliB.-kosteraeB.-plaumanniB.-shannoniB.-africanaB.-argentaureaB.-atkinsoniB.-capensisB.-communisB.-decisaB.-edwardsiB.-erectaB.-ficorumB.-grandisB.-impigraB.-interruptaB.-kolomyetziB.-luteolaB.-malayanaB.-minorB.-monohammiB.-montanaB.-morosaB.-nipigonensisB.-orbitalisB.-ovataB.-quadrinotaB.-rhingiaeformisB.-robustaB.-satisfactaB.-sibleyiB.-sjostedtiB.-solivagaB.-trivittataB.-trochanterataB.-vanemdeniB.-velutinaB.-versicolorB.-villeneuveiB.-vitripennisB.-ziminiB.-lateralisB.-lativentrisBrachycaudus
Short-tailed Aphids
Brachycaudus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, commonly known as short-tailed aphids. The genus contains approximately 43 species distributed worldwide, including significant agricultural pests such as B. helichrysi (peach leaf curl aphid) and B. rumexicolens. Species in this genus exhibit remarkable evolutionary lability in life cycle strategies, with transitions occurring between monoecy on woody hosts, heteroecy (host alternation), and monoecy on herbaceous plants. This flexibility contradicts the traditional assumption that aphids cannot regain primary woody hosts once lost.
Bruchus rufimanus
Broadbean Weevil, Broad Bean Beetle, Broad Bean Seed Beetle
Bruchus rufimanus is a univoltine leaf beetle and major agricultural pest of faba beans (Vicia faba). Adults feed on pollen and nectar, particularly from Fabaceae, while larvae develop inside seeds where they are protected from control measures. The species exhibits precise phenological synchrony with its host plant, with adult colonization timed to crop flowering. Sexual maturation is triggered by photoperiod and pollen consumption, with females becoming reproductive after ingesting faba bean pollen. Overwintering occurs as dormant adults in protected sites or as larvae/pupae within stored seeds.
Bucculatrix thurberiella
Cotton Leaf Perforator
Bucculatrix thurberiella, commonly known as the cotton leaf perforator, is a minute moth in the family Bucculatricidae. The species was described by August Busck in 1914. Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, it has been introduced to Hawaii. Adults have a wingspan of 7–9 mm. Larvae are leaf miners that feed internally within host plant foliage.
Caelifera
Grasshoppers, Locusts, and Allies, Short-horned Grasshoppers
Caelifera is a suborder of Orthoptera comprising approximately 12,000 described species across 2,400 genera, including grasshoppers, ground-hoppers (Tetrigoidea), and pygmy mole crickets (Tridactyloidea). The group is distinguished from the other orthopteran suborder Ensifera by short antennae, enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping, and a stout, chisel-like ovipositor (the source of its Latin name meaning 'chisel-bearing'). Caelifera represents one of the oldest lineages of chewing herbivorous insects, with fossil records extending to the latest Permian. The suborder is divided into two infraorders: Tridactylidea (pygmy mole crickets and extinct relatives) and Acrididea (grasshoppers and ground-hoppers).
Cephus
stem sawflies
Cephus is a genus of stem sawflies in the family Cephidae, first described by Latreille in 1802. Members are found in Europe and North America. These insects are notable for their cylindrical, wasp-like bodies and their habit of boring into grass stems.
Cephus pygmaeus
European wheat stem sawfly, wheat stem sawfly
Cephus pygmaeus is a stem sawfly in the family Cephidae, widely distributed across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, with introduced populations in North America. Adults are small, wasp-like insects that emerge in early spring and are active during wheat stem elongation. Larvae develop inside wheat stems, causing significant agricultural damage by tunneling and cutting stems. The species is a major pest of wheat and other cereal crops, with infestations reaching over 50% in some regions.
Ceroplastes
wax scales
Ceroplastes is a genus of wax scales in the family Coccidae, comprising more than 130 described species. These insects are characterized by the conspicuous white, waxy coverings they secrete, which protect their soft bodies. Adults are largely sessile and feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Many species are economically significant pests of ornamental plants, fruit trees, and shrubs. The genus exhibits parthenogenesis in many species, with females reproducing without males. Climate change has facilitated the northward expansion of several species from southern regions into previously cooler areas.
Ceutorhynchus
Ceutorhynchus is a large genus of true weevils comprising at least 400 described species. The genus is notable for its association with brassicaceous plants, with many species acting as stem miners or seedpod parasites. Several species are significant agricultural pests of oilseed rape, including C. napi, C. pallidactylus, and C. obstrictus. At least one species, C. succinus, is known from Eocene Baltic amber, indicating an ancient evolutionary history.
Chaetocnema ectypa
Desert Corn Flea Beetle
Chaetocnema ectypa, commonly known as the desert corn flea beetle, is a small flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded from the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The species belongs to a genus containing several economically important agricultural pests, though specific information about this species' biology and ecology remains limited in available sources.
Chilonini
Chilonini is a tribe of grass moths within the family Crambidae. Members are generally small to medium-sized moths with narrow wings and slender bodies. The tribe includes several economically significant stem-boring pest species, particularly in the genus Chilo, which attack cereal crops including maize, rice, and sugarcane. Chilonini species are distributed across tropical and temperate regions worldwide, with highest diversity in the Old World tropics.
Chinavia hilaris
Green Stink Bug, Green Soldier Bug
Chinavia hilaris, commonly known as the green stink bug, is a native North American pentatomid pest primarily affecting cotton, soybean, and pistachio crops. Adults are bright green with distinctive black bands on the antennae and a pointed spine projecting between the hind legs. The species exhibits a unique seasonal phenology, colonizing woody noncrop hosts such as black cherry and elderberry in spring before dispersing to agricultural crops in mid-to-late season. Unlike the polyphagous southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula), C. hilaris rarely completes development in peanut and shows strong fidelity to cotton. It is susceptible to the microsporidian pathogen Nosema maddoxi and is cross-attracted to pheromones of other stink bug species.
Chlaenius tricolor tricolor
Chlaenius tricolor tricolor is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It has been documented as a predator of slugs in agricultural systems, making it a beneficial species in horticultural contexts. The subspecies occurs in North America, with records from Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. Like other members of the genus Chlaenius, it exhibits vivid metallic coloration.
Chlaenius tricolor vigilans
vivid metallic ground beetle
Chlaenius tricolor vigilans is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, recognized by its vivid metallic coloration. This subspecies occurs across North America from Canada to Guatemala. It has been documented as a predator of slugs in agricultural settings and is considered sensitive to soil management practices, making it a useful bioindicator of environmental disturbance.
Choristoneura parallela
parallel-banded leafroller moth
Choristoneura parallela, commonly known as the parallel-banded leafroller moth, is a tortricid moth distributed across eastern and central North America. Adults are active from March through October, with a wingspan of 21–23 mm. The larvae feed on a diverse range of host plants including goldenrod, blueberry, rose, citrus, and various other woody and herbaceous species.
Chymomyza amoena
A Nearctic drosophilid fruit fly native to eastern United States forests. It has established as an invasive species in Europe since its discovery in former Czechoslovakia in 1975, subsequently spreading to Switzerland, Italy, and German border regions. The species exhibits a distinctive ecological strategy: breeding in damaged or parasitized nuts and fruits rather than relying solely on fermenting substrates. This behavioral constancy for interspecies dependency—exploiting substrates pre-conditioned by other insects—has enabled it to occupy a vacant niche in European ecosystems.
Cochylichroa hospes
Banded Sunflower Moth
A small tortricid moth native to North America, the banded sunflower moth is a significant pest of cultivated sunflowers. Adults are active in mid-summer and are attracted to sunflower heads at twilight for egg-laying. The species was transferred from the genus Cochylis to the redefined genus Cochylichroa in 2019 based on phylogenetic analysis.
Colladonus clitellarius
Saddled Leafhopper
Colladonus clitellarius, commonly known as the saddled leafhopper, is a small leafhopper species distinguished by a bright green saddle-shaped marking on its back. It occurs in eastern North America, primarily in forested environments of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The species is a documented vector of Cherry X Disease (eastern X-disease virus) in peaches and cherries, and has been recorded as prey for the wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata.
Conotrachelus schoofi
Pecan Shoot Curculio
Conotrachelus schoofi is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae that feeds on pecans. Adults cause premature nut drop by feeding on pecan nutlets. Larvae develop within the nuts, completing their growth inside the shuck. The species has one generation per year, with adults emerging in spring and overwintering in diapause.
Contarinia sorghicola
sorghum midge
Contarinia sorghicola, the sorghum midge, is a gall midge and one of the most damaging insect pests of grain and forage sorghum. Adults are small, fragile, orange-red flies with yellow heads, brown antennae and legs, and gray membranous wings. Females lay eggs in flowering sorghum spikelets; larvae feed on developing ovaries, preventing kernel formation and causing empty glumes. The species has a global distribution across tropical and subtropical regions where sorghum is cultivated.
Crocidosema aporema
bean shoot moth
Crocidosema aporema is a Neotropical tortricid moth and significant agricultural pest of legumes, particularly soybean, in the southern cone of South America. The species originated in Central America and has spread throughout South America, where it causes economic damage by larval feeding on vegetative plant parts, flowers, and developing seeds. Adults are nocturnal, with females exhibiting characteristic calling behavior during the scotophase to attract mates. The species is monoandrous and has been subject to increasing study due to its pest status and the need for integrated pest management strategies.
Cyladini
Cyladini is a tribe of weevils in the family Brentidae, subfamily Apioninae. The tribe includes economically significant pests of sweet potato, particularly the sweetpotato weevil (Cylas formicarius), which causes substantial damage to storage roots in tropical and subtropical production regions. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with Convolvulaceae host plants and their status as specialized root-feeding pests.
pestagriculturesweet-potatoConvolvulaceaeintegrated-pest-managementCylas-formicariustropical-agriculturesubtropical-agricultureroot-feeding-weevilstorage-root-damageeconomic-pestbiological-controlcrop-protectionsoutheastern-United-Statesglobal-food-securitylow-input-farmingdrought-tolerant-cropnematode-interactionsBeauveria-bassianaentomopathogenic-nematodesresistant-varietiescrop-rotationcover-cropsIPMBrentidaeApioninaeColeopteraInsectaHexapodaArthropodaAnimaliaClaire-SchloemerAuburn-UniversityUniversity-of-Wisconsin-MadisonJournal-of-Integrated-Pest-ManagementScott-GrahamKathy-LawrenceCovingtonBonitaBeauregardOrleansguava-root-knot-nematoderoot-knot-nematodewirewormcucumber-beetleflea-beetlePurpureocillium-lilacinumbiopesticidegreen-bridge-effectmustardglucosinolatepeanutbahiagrasssandy-soildrought-adaptationbiofuelanimal-feednutritional-valuefood-securitysustainable-agricultureenvironmental-impactmicrobial-controlfungal-pathogenentomopathogenic-fungusbiological-nematicidenematode-egg-parasitismpest-managementagricultural-entomologycrop-lossyield-reductionroot-qualitymarketabilityintegrated-managementcultural-controlselective-chemical-useproductivitynatural-processesversatilityglobal-cultivationtropical-regionssubtropical-regionssoutheastern-U.S.domestic-productionrevenueacreageharvestfarminggrowerbreedingresearchcultivar-developmentevolving-threatspest-pressuresoil-healthfield-preparationwinter-habitatinsect-habitatparasitisminfestationdamagelosschallengedefensearsenalbattlewarresilienceadaptationinnovationstrategysustainabilitylivelihoodnourishmentfood-productionagricultural-researchentomologyplant-protectioncrop-sciencehorticultureroot-croptuberstorage-organfeeding-injurygallingcracked-rootsstunted-growthwater-uptakenutrient-uptakepathogen-interactionexacerbated-damagevariety-selectionhardy-varietyrobust-performancehigh-yieldnematode-resistancepest-resistancevulnerabilityspreading-pestpopulation-reductionsoil-improvementspring-plantingtoxic-compoundnatural-propertymicrobial-productformulationapplicationevaluationmaximizationpotentialurgencygrowing-threatcomprehensive-strategybalanceenablementessential-cropsecuritydefiancedifficult-conditionsmenacing-pestsformidable-threatsproduction-continuationface-to-facethreatdiseaseresilient-cropgrowing-conditionsmenacestorysurfacebeneathrelentlessadversaryfavorconditionpowerfulfoetinyparasiteattackformationdiminishabilityresultunattractiveworsematterinteractionsignificantdevastatingruininflictfurthercompromisegrapplethankfullyfarmerbeginselecthardywithstandtraditionalgaintractionvulnerablehighlightneedcontinuebreedeffortdevelopcapableopposeevolveaftersturdyculturalmanagementrotationcovercroppinglinetakeyearoffgrowrotatenon-hostproveeffectivereducepopulationbreathelifeimprovehealthsuppressprepareexamplecontaincompoundcallbreakdownreleasesubstancewaryproviderepresentmethodharnesshelpwinsporefungusinfectkilltypetapdifferentmicroscopicanimalparasitizeplususecombatattentioneggaidfightminimizeimpactdespiteadvancequestionremainrequiremaximizeparticularlyurgentposekeyenhanceapproachintegratepracticecontrolselectivechemicalenablenaturalprocessnutritionalvalueessentialcropglobalfoodregionsupportmillionaddresspressureinnovativesustainableensurelivemanyformidableproductionalthoughcomefaceresilientabledefydifficultreadmorejournalintegratedClaireSchloemerPh.D.studentconductearnmasterdegreeemailsharelinkfriendopennewwindowprintFacebookLinkedInBlueskyMastodonXRedditThreadsrelateddiscoverfromtodaysubscribegetlatestpostsendyourCylasformicariussweetpotatosweetpotatoweevilphotocourtesyshowherecucumberbeetleroot-knotnematodeharmU.S.guidedetailvarietyoptionbeloveddelicioustastebenefitbrightcolorrankseventhmostimportantworldtropicalsubtropicalareaaroundservefeedsourcegoodpicklow-inputstylewelladaptedsandysoildroughtUnitedStates2022over130,000acregeneratenearly600southeasternleaddomesticAuburnUniversityweatherarticlepublishMarchcolleagueScottGrahamKathyLawrencevariousamongplant-parasiticspecificallyrootsystemcausegallplantwaternutrientstuntedgrowthyieldcrackmakeinteractpathogenexacerbateinsectknowstorage7annualsouthernfleaqualityleaveeconomicownresistancebettermeanwhilenewerhighrobustperformancehoweverresistguavaspeciesspreadnextseasonwinterfieldspringtoxicgreenbridgeeffecthabitatfeedersymptominfectionbiologicalpropertymicrobeBeauveriabassianaagentformulateenvironmentallyfriendlyproducteasyapplysimilarlybeneficialentomopathogenicnematicidePurpureocilliumlilacinumsolutionenvironmentalresistantnematode-resistantcultivarcomprehensivecultivationWisconsin-MadisoncschloemerwisceduCyrtacanthacridinae
Bird Grasshoppers, bird locusts, criquets voyageurs, Knarrschrecken
Cyrtacanthacridinae is a subfamily of short-horned grasshoppers (Acrididae) commonly known as bird grasshoppers or bird locusts. The subfamily includes some of the world's most economically important locust species, including the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) and the red locust (Nomadacris septemfasciata), which undergo density-dependent phase polyphenism. Members are characterized by a prominent peg or tubercle between the forelegs. The subfamily has a worldwide distribution concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions.