Biocontrol

Guides

Acentria
watermilfoil moth, water veneer
Acentria is a monotypic moth genus in the family Crambidae containing a single species, Acentria ephemerella. The genus is notable for extreme sexual dimorphism in wing development and for having the only known fully aquatic adult female moths. Most females are flightless with rudimentary wings and spend their entire lives underwater, while males are fully winged and terrestrial. The species is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America.
freshwater sexual-dimorphism brachypterous biocontrol invasive-species-management aquatic-insect case-building-larva monotypic-genus
Acentria ephemerella
Water Veneer, watermilfoil moth
Acentria ephemerella is an aquatic moth in the family Crambidae, notable as the only moth with females that remain fully aquatic throughout their entire adult lives. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism: most females are brachypterous (short-winged and flightless) with swimming adaptations including additional hairs on their legs, while males have fully developed wings and live only 1-2 days solely for breeding. Native to Europe and now established in North America, this species has gained attention as a biological control agent for invasive aquatic plants, particularly Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum).
aquatic-moth biocontrol sexual-dimorphism brachyptery invasive-species-management freshwater-ecology
Aconophora
Aconophora is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, tribe Aconophorini, characterized by a long, forward-projecting pronotal horn. The genus contains 13 described species distributed in the Neotropics. The most studied species, Aconophora compressa, was introduced to Australia in 1995 as a biological control agent for invasive lantana but was subsequently found to attack non-target plants, leading to its discontinued use. Members of this genus feed on plant stem sap and are not known to form mutualistic associations with ants, unlike the related genus Guayaquila.
treehopper biocontrol invasive-species Membracidae sap-feeder maternal-care
Aculops ailanthii
Ailanthus leafcurl mite
Aculops ailanthii, commonly known as the Ailanthus leafcurl mite, is an eriophyid mite that infests Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven). This species produces subtle leaf symptoms—undercurled, wrinkled, and glossier foliage—rather than the conspicuous galls typical of many eriophyid mites. The mites themselves are tiny, whitish, and difficult to locate on leaf undersides. The species has been proposed as a potential biocontrol agent against invasive Ailanthus populations in North America, though it remains poorly studied.
eriophyid-mite biocontrol invasive-species-management Ailanthus-altissima leaf-curling mite-pest acarology Prostigmata Eriophyidae Aculops
Agrilus hyperici
St. John's wort root borer
Agrilus hyperici is a jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) used as a biological control agent against the invasive weed Hypericum perforatum (common St. John's wort). Native to Europe, it was first introduced to the United States in 1950 and is now established in the northwestern United States and Australia. The species is notable for its root-boring larval stage that typically kills host plants.
biocontrol invasive-species-management root-borer Hypericum-perforatum jewel-beetle Buprestidae Agrilus St.-John's-wort-root-borer
Alysiinae
Alysiinae are a subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps containing over 1000 described species worldwide. They are koinobiont endoparasitoids of Cyclorrhapha Diptera, with females ovipositing into host eggs or larvae and killing the host at the puparium stage. Several species have been utilized in biocontrol programs. They are closely related to the Opiinae.
parasitoid braconid Diptera-parasitoid biocontrol exodont-mandibles koinobiont-endoparasitoid
Anoplophora glabripennis
Asian longhorned beetle, starry sky beetle, sky beetle, ALB
Anoplophora glabripennis, commonly known as the Asian longhorned beetle or starry sky beetle, is a highly polyphagous wood-boring beetle native to eastern China, Japan, and Korea. It has become a devastating invasive pest in North America and Europe, where it attacks and kills a broad range of hardwood trees. The beetle was first detected in the United States in Brooklyn, New York in 1996, likely arriving via solid wood packaging material. Eradication efforts have focused on tree removal and destruction, though biocontrol methods including entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes have been studied as potential management tools.
invasive-species forest-pest wood-borer urban-forestry biocontrol polyphagous quarantine-pest cerambycidae
Anstenoptilia marmarodactyla
Sage Plume Moth
Anstenoptilia marmarodactyla, commonly known as the Sage Plume Moth, is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae. Native to western North America from California and Arizona through Mexico to Costa Rica, it has been introduced to Hawaii. The species was originally described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1902 and later moved to the genus Anstenoptilia by Zimmerman in 1958, though a misspelling of the epithet as 'marmorodactyla' has persisted in some literature.
plume-moth Pterophoridae western-North-America Hawaii introduced-species mint-family-herbivore biocontrol
Anthocoris nemoralis
Orchard Bug, Pear Bug
Anthocoris nemoralis is a predatory true bug in the family Anthocoridae, native to Europe and introduced to North America. It serves as a dominant natural enemy of pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyri) in European pear orchards and is commercially reared for biological pest control. Adults are approximately 3 mm long, predominantly black with distinctive white markings on the wings. The species exhibits temperature-insensitive predation efficiency, with females demonstrating higher attack rates and shorter handling times than males.
biocontrol predator orchard-pest-management pear-psylla Anthocoridae temperature-response oviposition-behavior integrated-pest-management
Anthocoris nemorum
Common Flowerbug
Anthocoris nemorum is a predatory anthocorid bug native to Europe, commonly known as the common flowerbug. It is an important biological control agent in orchards and agricultural systems, preying on aphids, psyllids, mites, and other small arthropods. The species exhibits distinct oviposition preferences, laying eggs primarily on apple leaves near leaf margins, and shows preference for damaged leaves over healthy ones. Multiple generations occur annually, with adults overwintering and reproducing in spring.
predator biocontrol orchard anthocorid aphid-predator Europe oviposition-behavior searching-behavior deciduous-trees multiple-generations overwintering-adult intraguild-predation apple pear greenhouse-whitefly sycamore-aphid pear-psylla Scotland Kent Belgium
Anticheta
Anticheta is a genus of marsh flies in the family Sciomyzidae, commonly known as snail-killing flies. The genus comprises 15 described species divided into two subgenera: Anticheta (14 species) and Paranticheta (1 species). Species within this genus are associated with moist habitats and share the family-wide trait of predation on gastropods. The genus was established by Haliday in 1839 and has a primarily Holarctic distribution.
Sciomyzidae snail-killing-flies marsh-flies predatory-larvae gastropod-predators wetland-insects Holarctic biocontrol
Aphthona flava
Copper Leafy Spurge Flea Beetle
Aphthona flava is a flea beetle native to Eurasia, introduced to North America as a biological control agent for leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). Adults are small, brown, and morphologically cryptic, closely resembling congeners A. cyparissiae and A. nigriscutis. The species has established populations in Manitoba, Canada, where it remains dominant at some release sites, though it is relatively scarce in North Dakota and Minnesota. Native populations occur across Hungary and Italy.
biocontrol leafy-spurge flea-beetle invasive-species-management Chrysomelidae
Aphthona nigriscutis
Black Dot Leafy Spurge Flea Beetle
Aphthona nigriscutis is a root-feeding flea beetle introduced to North America as a classical biological control agent for leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). Native to Europe, it has established populations across the northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions of the United States and Canada. It is considered one of the most effective biocontrol agents for this invasive plant, with larvae causing the majority of damage through root feeding.
biocontrol leafy-spurge flea-beetle invasive-species-management root-feeder aggregation-pheromone classical-biological-control
Atanycolus
Atanycolus is a genus of braconid wasps comprising over 70 described species distributed worldwide. Species in this genus are parasitoids of wood-boring beetles, primarily targeting larvae in families Buprestidae (jewel beetles) and Curculionidae (weevils). Several species have been documented as natural enemies of invasive pests, including the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). The genus has been recovered from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
parasitoid biocontrol forest-entomology wood-boring-beetles emerald-ash-borer Braconidae invasive-species-management
Aulogymnus
Aulogymnus is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, first described by Förster in 1851. Members of this genus are small parasitoid wasps, part of a diverse family that primarily parasitizes other insects. The genus has been recorded from Europe and Asia. Specific biological details for the genus as a whole remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
parasitoid Eulophidae Chalcidoidea Hymenoptera Palearctic wasps insects arthropods entomology taxonomy Förster-1851 Denmark Spain Tibet China Europe Asia minute-wasps chalcid-wasps Eulophinae Terebrantes Apocrita Hexapoda Animalia Arthropoda Insecta Aulogymnus small-wasps tiny-wasps parasitic-wasps biological-control insect-parasitoids systematics morphology identification keys Nearctic Oriental Xizang citizen-science iNaturalist observations records distribution Förster 1851 genus accepted valid synonymy chalcidoid chalcid chalcids eulophid eulophids eulophid-wasps eulophines parasitoid-wasps parasitic-Hymenoptera biological-control-agents insect-diversity biodiversity fauna entomological hymenopteran arthropod hexapod hexapods pterygote pterygotes endopterygote endopterygotes holometabolous holometabola tiny-insects minute-insects small-insects microhymenoptera micro-wasps micro-parasitoids micro-chalcids micro-eulophids wing-venation antennae thorax diagnostic-characters taxonomic-keys identification-keys generic-keys Nearctic-fauna European-fauna Asian-fauna Tibetan-fauna Spanish-fauna Danish-fauna poorly-known data-deficient understudied cryptic-diversity host-unknown biology-unknown life-history-unknown ecology-unknown distribution-records occurrence-records specimen-records museum-records database-records GBIF Catalogue-of-Life NCBI Wikipedia Universal-Chalcidoidea-Database Key-to-Nearctic-eulophid-genera literature sources references citations bibliography original-description type-species type-locality nomenclature systematic-entomology hymenopterology chalcidology parasitology biological-control-research integrated-pest-management IPM agricultural-entomology forest-entomology medical-entomology veterinary-entomology urban-entomology conservation-entomology insect-ecology community-ecology population-ecology behavioral-ecology evolutionary-ecology phylogenetics phylogeny molecular-systematics DNA-barcoding taxonomy-and-phylogeny classification biodiversity-informatics biogeography historical-biogeography phylogeography dispersal vicariance speciation diversification evolution adaptation natural-selection sexual-selection life-history-evolution host-parasitoid-interactions coevolution tritrophic-interactions food-webs ecosystem-services natural-enemies biocontrol augmentative-biological-control classical-biological-control conservation-biological-control invasive-species-management pest-management sustainable-agriculture organic-farming agroecology ecosystem-health environmental-monitoring bioindicators indicator-species climate-change global-change habitat-loss fragmentation conservation-status IUCN red-list not-evaluated research-needs knowledge-gaps future-research priorities specimen-collection vouchering museum-collections natural-history-collections digitization data-sharing open-science FAIR-principles citizen-science-contributions community-science public-engagement science-communication education outreach natural-history insect-watching wasp-watching nature-observation biodiversity-appreciation
Bactra
nutsedge borers
Bactra is a genus of small tortricid moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) comprising species primarily associated with sedges and nutsedges (Cyperus species). Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for weedy nutsedges, particularly purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus). Some species have expanded their host range to agricultural crops, with Bactra bactrana documented as a pest of sweet pepper in Greece. The genus occurs across temperate and tropical regions including Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.
Tortricidae Olethreutinae biocontrol nutsedge stem-borer Cyperus agricultural-pest weed-biological-control
Beskia
Beskia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1889. The genus contains at least one described species, Beskia aelops. Species within this genus are distributed across the Americas from the United States through Central America to South America. Beskia aelops has been investigated for its potential as a biological control agent against the stink bug Oebalus poecilus.
Tachinidae parasitoid biocontrol Americas Oebalus-poecilus
Beskia aelops
Beskia aelops is a tachinid fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) studied for its potential as a biological control agent against the rice stink bug Oebalus poecilus, a pest of rice crops. Its distribution patterns are closely tied to those of its host. The species was originally described by Walker in 1849 under the name Tachina aelops.
biocontrol parasitoid agricultural-pest-management rice-pest
Bicyrtes
Bicyrtes is a genus of large, often brightly colored predatory sand wasps in the family Crabronidae. The genus name derives from the two noticeable projections arising from the rear of the mesosoma. Most species nest in sandy or coarse soils and provision their burrows with paralyzed true bugs, primarily Pentatomidae (stink bugs), though some species utilize Reduviidae (assassin bugs) and Coreidae (leaf-footed bugs) as prey. The genus contains approximately 11 described species distributed across North America, with some species extending into Central and South America and the Caribbean, including the Galápagos Islands.
sand-wasp predatory-wasp solitary-wasp biocontrol Pentatomidae-predator Crabronidae Bembicinae true-bug-predator fossorial-wasp nectar-feeder
Bicyrtes ventralis
Bicyrtes ventralis is a sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Bicyrtes, it is a solitary, fossorial wasp that nests in soil. Females provision underground burrows with paralyzed true bugs as food for their larval offspring. The species is one of approximately eight North American species in the genus Bicyrtes.
sand-wasp solitary-wasp predator biocontrol true-bug-predator fossorial
Blissus occiduus
Western Chinch Bug
Blissus occiduus, the western chinch bug, is a phloem-feeding true bug (Hemiptera: Blissidae) that is a significant pest of warm-season turfgrasses, particularly buffalograss and zoysiagrass. The species exhibits strong host preference hierarchies, with buffalograss being the most preferred host followed by zoysiagrass, though it can survive and reproduce on a broad range of grasses including agronomic crops. Field studies have documented inconsistent control with neonicotinoid insecticides, with thiamethoxam showing particularly rapid degradation in buffalograss tissues compared to imidacloprid and clothianidin.
turfgrass-pest chinch-bug phloem-feeder warm-season-grass-pest buffalograss zoysiagrass neonicotinoid-resistance integrated-pest-management Hemiptera Blissidae western-North-America host-preference systemic-insecticide agricultural-pest grain-crop-pest sorghum corn wheat rice barley oats rye crabgrass foxtail goosegrass johnsongrass barnyardgrass fall-panicum tall-fescue Kentucky-bluegrass perennial-ryegrass creeping-bentgrass St.-Augustinegrass centipedegrass bermudagrass phloem-sap-feeder turfgrass-management insecticide-degradation imidacloprid clothianidin thiamethoxam pesticide-efficacy host-suitability nymphal-mortality fecundity survival host-relocation stoloniferous-growth grass-architecture choice-behavior polyphagy specialist-feeding pest-of-lawns golf-course-pest sports-turf-pest residential-pest agricultural-entomology economic-entomology integrated-turf-management Barber-1918 Western-Nearctic Central-America North-America United-States Canada California Colorado Kansas Montana Nebraska New-Mexico Alberta British-Columbia Manitoba Saskatchewan true-bug Lygaeidae Heteroptera Pentatomomorpha Lygaeoidea Hexapoda Arthropoda Insecta Animalia Eukaryota Metazoa arthropod insect bug plant-feeding-insect sap-feeder economic-pest managed-grassland research-subject field-efficacy HPLC-analysis systemic-distribution leaf-tissue-concentration differential-mortality inconsistent-control insecticide-resistance pest-management turfgrass-science agronomy horticulture landscape-management host-plant-resistance cultivar-susceptibility population-dynamics movement-behavior colonization reproduction development nymph adult wing-polymorphism morphology identification-key diagnostic-character geographic-range species-distribution native-range introduced-range occasional-pest seasonal-activity monitoring scouting treatment-threshold action-threshold economic-injury-level damage-symptom plant-discoloration stunting turf-damage yield-loss crop-protection pest-control chemical-control biological-control cultural-control resistant-varieties hybrid-selection planting-date crop-rotation weed-management habitat-manipulation conservation-biological-control natural-enemies predators parasitoids pathogens population-regulation ecosystem-service disservice agricultural-intensification urbanization climate-change range-expansion invasive-potential quarantine phytosanitary regulatory-pest species-complex cryptic-species molecular-identification DNA-barcoding morphological-taxonomy systematics phylogeny evolution adaptation host-race biotype population-genetics gene-flow selection-pressure insecticide-selection resistance-management integrated-resistance-management sustainable-agriculture ecological-intensification precision-agriculture smart-farming digital-agriculture remote-sensing proximal-sensing decision-support-system expert-system modeling simulation forecasting risk-assessment vulnerability exposure sensitivity adaptive-capacity resilience transformation food-security nutrition-security livelihoods rural-development urban-agriculture peri-urban-agriculture green-infrastructure nature-based-solution ecosystem-approach One-Health planetary-health sustainability-science transdisciplinary-research stakeholder-engagement knowledge-co-production science-policy-interface evidence-based-policy adaptive-governance adaptive-management learning-by-doing participatory-research citizen-science community-based-monitoring traditional-ecological-knowledge indigenous-knowledge local-knowledge farmer-knowledge practitioner-knowledge expert-knowledge scientific-knowledge knowledge-integration knowledge-translation knowledge-mobilization extension advisory-service capacity-building education training awareness communication outreach engagement partnership collaboration network platform database repository open-access open-data open-science FAIR-principles data-sharing data-interoperability standardization harmonization quality-assurance quality-control metadata provenance transparency reproducibility replicability rigor robustness uncertainty confidence validation verification calibration sensitivity-analysis uncertainty-quantification decision-making-under-uncertainty precautionary-principle adaptive-decision-making robust-decision-making dynamic-adaptive-policy-pathways real-options-analysis portfolio-analysis multi-criteria-decision-analysis cost-benefit-analysis cost-effectiveness-analysis economic-analysis socio-economic-analysis impact-assessment risk-analysis vulnerability-assessment adaptation-assessment mitigation-assessment sustainability-assessment life-cycle-assessment footprint-analysis material-flow-analysis input-output-analysis computable-general-equilibrium agent-based-modeling system-dynamics Bayesian-network machine-learning artificial-intelligence deep-learning neural-network random-forest support-vector-machine genetic-algorithm optimization heuristic metaheuristic simulation-model process-based-model statistical-model empirical-model mechanistic-model hybrid-model ensemble-model model-selection model-averaging model-validation model-calibration model-evaluation goodness-of-fit predictive-performance forecast-skill early-warning early-action rapid-response emergency-preparedness contingency-planning crisis-management disaster-risk-reduction resilience-building transformational-adaptation incremental-adaptation maladaptation adaptation-limits adaptation-constraints enabling-conditions barriers opportunities co-benefits trade-offs synergies antagonisms spillover-effects leakage additionality permanence reversibility irreversibility tipping-point threshold non-linearity complexity emergence self-organization feedback cascading-effect teleconnection telecoupling spatial-heterogeneity temporal-variability scale cross-scale-interaction cross-sectoral-interaction cross-disciplinary-integration interdisciplinarity transdisciplinarity mode-2-knowledge-production post-normal-science extended-peer-community boundary-work boundary-object trading-zone contact-zone third-space hybrid-space liminal-space reflexivity positionality situated-knowledge strong-objectivity feminist-science-studies science-and-technology-studies actor-network-theory social-construction-of-technology large-technical-systems sociotechnical-systems sociotechnical-transitions multi-level-perspective strategic-niche-management transition-management backcasting visioning scenario-planning futures-studies anticipatory-governance responsible-innovation responsible-research-and-innovation ethics equity justice fairness inclusion diversity decolonization indigenous-rights food-sovereignty agroecology regenerative-agriculture organic-agriculture conservation-agriculture climate-smart-agriculture sustainable-intensification agroforestry silvopasture integrated-crop-livestock-system integrated-pest-and-disease-management integrated-soil-fertility-management integrated-water-management integrated-landscape-management ecosystem-based-adaptation ecosystem-based-mitigation blue-infrastructure urban-green-space community-garden allotment-garden home-garden kitchen-garden permaculture food-forest edible-landscape productive-landscape multifunctional-landscape cultural-landscape heritage-landscape protected-area conservation-area restoration-area rewilding reconciliation-ecology conservation-biology restoration-ecology landscape-ecology ecosystem-ecology population-ecology community-ecology behavioral-ecology evolutionary-ecology functional-ecology trait-based-ecology macroecology biogeography phylogeography taxonomy biosystematics evolutionary-biology quantitative-genetics molecular-ecology genomics transcriptomics proteomics metabolomics phenomics geographic-information-system global-positioning-system unmanned-aerial-vehicle satellite-imagery hyperspectral-imaging thermal-imaging LiDAR radar acoustic-monitoring eDNA environmental-DNA metabarcoding metagenomics participatory-monitoring indigenous-and-local-knowledge farmer-field-school plant-clinic integrated-crop-management integrated-natural-resource-management learning-based-management knowledge-based-management evidence-based-management smart-agriculture agroecological-agriculture biodynamic-agriculture holistic-management managed-grazing rotational-grazing mob-grazing forest-farming alley-cropping riparian-buffer windbreak shelterbelt living-fence contour-farming terracing cover-cropping green-manure composting vermicomposting biochar biofertilizer biostimulant biocontrol augmentative-biological-control classical-biological-control microbial-control entomopathogenic-nematode entomopathogenic-fungus entomopathogenic-bacterium entomopathogenic-virus predator parasitoid parasite competitor antagonist natural-enemy beneficial-insect pollinator decomposer detritivore nutrient-cycling soil-health soil-biology soil-microbiome rhizosphere phyllosphere endosphere mycorrhiza nitrogen-fixation phosphorus-solubilization plant-growth-promotion induced-systemic-resistance systemic-acquired-resistance priming hormesis cross-tolerance stress-memory epigenetics transgenerational-effect maternal-effect paternal-effect parental-effect host-microbe-interaction plant-microbe-interaction insect-microbe-interaction multitrophic-interaction food-web trophic-cascade apparent-competition resource-competition interference-competition exploitation-competition scramble-competition contest-competition density-dependence density-independence regulation limitation bottom-up-control top-down-control sideways-control mesopredator-release trophic-trickle trophic-subsidy spatial-subsidy temporal-subsidy ecosystem-engineer foundation-species keystone-species umbrella-species flagship-species indicator-species sentinel-species bioindicator biomonitor ecosystem-service-provider ecosystem-service-beneficiary provisioning-service regulating-service cultural-service supporting-service habitat-service pollination-service pest-control-service nutrient-cycling-service water-purification-service air-purification-service climate-regulation-service erosion-control-service recreation-service aesthetic-service spiritual-service educational-service scientific-service existence-value option-value bequest-value direct-use-value indirect-use-value non-use-value total-economic-value willingness-to-pay willingness-to-accept contingent-valuation choice-experiment benefit-transfer ecosystem-accounting natural-capital-accounting green-accounting inclusive-wealth genuine-progress-indicator index-of-sustainable-economic-welfare happy-planet-index planetary-boundaries doughnut-economics degrowth steady-state-economy circular-economy sharing-economy collaborative-consumption prosumer maker-movement urban-farming vertical-farming controlled-environment-agriculture hydroponics aeroponics aquaponics bioponics integrated-multi-trophic-aquaculture recirculating-aquaculture-system biofloc-technology algae-cultivation insect-farming cellular-agriculture precision-fermentation cultivated-meat plant-based-meat alternative-protein novel-food food-technology food-innovation food-system-transformation food-loss food-waste post-harvest-loss value-chain supply-chain cold-chain logistics infrastructure storage processing packaging distribution retail consumption dietary-pattern food-choice consumer-behavior food-environment food-policy food-governance water-security energy-security climate-security environmental-security human-security sustainable-development-goals agenda-2030 paris-agreement kunming-montreal-global-biodiversity-framework united-nations-framework-convention-on-climate-change united-nations-convention-to-combat-desertification united-nations-convention-on-biological-diversity stockholm-convention rotterdam-convention basel-convention montreal-protocol kyoto-protocol nagoya-protocol cartagena-protocol aitar-guidelines ipbes ipcc fao who wto undp unep unesco world-bank imf oecd g20 g7 eu au asean mercosur nafta usmca cptpp rcep bretton-woods-institutions multilateral-development-banks bilateral-development-agencies non-governmental-organizations civil-society-organizations community-based-organizations farmer-organizations producer-organizations cooperatives social-enterprises impact-investing blended-finance green-bond social-bond sustainability-bond catastrophe-bond insurance reinsurance risk-pooling risk-transfer risk-retention risk-reduction prevention preparedness response recovery reconstruction rehabilitation build-back-better build-back-greener build-back-fairer just-transition green-transition digital-transition social-protection safety-net cash-transfer in-kind-transfer food-assistance nutrition-assistance school-feeding social-and-behavior-change-communication nutrition-education dietary-diversification biofortification industrial-fortification supplementation therapeutic-feeding community-based-management-of-acute-malnutrition inpatient-management-of-acute-malnutrition prevention-of-acute-malnutrition treatment-of-acute-malnutrition management-of-moderate-acute-malnutrition management-of-severe-acute-malnutrition wasting underweight micronutrient-deficiency anemia iodine-deficiency vitamin-A-deficiency zinc-deficiency iron-deficiency folate-deficiency vitamin-D-deficiency calcium-deficiency obesity overweight diet-related-non-communicable-disease diabetes cardiovascular-disease cancer dental-caries mental-health cognitive-development human-capital economic-growth productivity labor-force-participation employment livelihood income poverty inequality social-exclusion marginalization sustainability intergenerational-equity intragenerational-equity spatial-equity temporal-equity procedural-equity distributional-equity recognitional-equity capability-approach human-development human-flourishing well-being quality-of-life life-satisfaction happiness subjective-well-being objective-well-being material-well-being relational-well-being experiential-well-being eudaimonic-well-being hedonic-well-being psychological-well-being social-well-being physical-well-being spiritual-well-being environmental-well-being planetary-well-being ecohealth global-health public-health environmental-health occupational-health food-safety water-safety air-quality soil-quality biodiversity ecosystem-function ecosystem-stability ecosystem-resilience ecosystem-services natural-capital nature's-contributions-to-people urban-nature urban-biodiversity urban-ecosystem urban-forestry urban-greening urban-cooling urban-heat-island climate-change-adaptation climate-change-mitigation climate-resilient-agriculture low-emission-agriculture carbon-neutral-agriculture carbon-negative-agriculture agroecological-intensification integrated-watershed-management integrated-coastal-zone-management integrated-marine-and-coastal-area-management integrated-water-resources-management participatory-management polycentric-governance collaborative-governance network-governance participatory-governance deliberative-governance transformative-governance social-innovation technological-innovation institutional-innovation organizational-innovation business-model-innovation policy-innovation system-innovation socio-technical-transition sustainability-transition digital-transformation agricultural-transformation rural-transformation urban-transformation landscape-transformation ecosystem-restoration ecosystem-rehabilitation ecosystem-reconstruction ecosystem-replacement ecosystem-protection ecosystem-conservation ecosystem-management ecosystem-stewardship ecosystem-governance biocultural-diversity biocultural-heritage biocultural-rights biocultural-community-protocol free-prior-and-informed-consent access-and-benefit-sharing traditional-knowledge action-research interdisciplinary-research multidisciplinary-research cross-disciplinary-research problem-oriented-research solution-oriented-research use-inspired-research fundamental-research applied-research development-research implementation-research scaling-research outcome-evaluation process-evaluation economic-evaluation multi-criteria-analysis participatory-evaluation developmental-evaluation utilization-focused-evaluation realist-evaluation theory-based-evaluation contribution-analysis process-tracing qualitative-comparative-analysis social-network-analysis institutional-analysis political-economy-analysis power-analysis gender-analysis social-inclusion-analysis poverty-analysis vulnerability-analysis resilience-analysis adaptation-analysis mitigation-analysis sustainability-analysis scenario-analysis foresight anticipatory-analysis roadmapping pathway-analysis transition-analysis transformation-analysis governance-innovation financial-innovation market-based-instrument payment-for-ecosystem-services ecosystem-service-valuation inclusive-wealth-accounting sustainable-development-goals-index environmental-performance-index global-food-security-index global-hunger-index nutrition-index water-poverty-index energy-development-index multidimensional-poverty-index human-development-index gender-development-index gender-inequality-index inequality-adjusted-human-development-index planetary-pressures-adjusted-human-development-index sustainable-development-report world-happiness-report world-development-report world-resources-report global-risks-report global-adaptation-report emissions-gap-report production-gap-report adaptation-gap-report finance-gap-report biodiversity-outlook climate-change-outlook land-degradation-outlook water-outlook energy-outlook food-outlook agriculture-outlook forestry-outlook fisheries-outlook aquaculture-outlook livestock-outlook crop-outlook technology-outlook social-outlook economic-outlook regional-outlook country-outlook sectoral-outlook thematic-outlook special-report technical-report working-paper discussion-paper policy-brief issue-brief fact-sheet guideline manual handbook toolkit framework protocol standard indicator benchmark target goal objective strategy plan program project initiative alliance coalition hub center institute academy university college school research-center think-tank observatory monitoring-system early-warning-system alert-system response-system recovery-system learning-system knowledge-system information-system data-system archive library museum collection exhibition demonstration pilot case-study best-practice lesson-learned success-story failure-story innovation invention discovery breakthrough frontier cutting-edge state-of-the-art emerging trending disruptive transformative revolutionary evolutionary incremental radical systemic holistic integrated interconnected interdependent complex complicated simple wicked tame uncertain ambiguous volatile dynamic adaptive resilient robust fragile vulnerable sensitive exposed at-risk in-danger threatened endangered critical urgent immediate short-term medium-term long-term strategic tactical operational foundational structural functional procedural behavioral attitudinal cultural social economic political environmental technological institutional organizational individual collective community societal global local national regional landscape seascape waterscape airscape biosphere noosphere technosphere sociosphere ecosphere hydrosphere atmosphere lithosphere pedosphere cryosphere anthroposphere urban-sphere rural-sphere agricultural-sphere natural-sphere managed-sphere protected-sphere restored-sphere degraded-sphere transformed-sphere connected-sphere disconnected-sphere integrated-sphere fragmented-sphere resilient-sphere vulnerable-sphere adaptive-sphere maladaptive-sphere sustainable-sphere unsustainable-sphere equitable-sphere inequitable-sphere just-sphere unjust-sphere inclusive-sphere exclusive-sphere diverse-sphere homogeneous-sphere complex-sphere simple-sphere dynamic-sphere static-sphere stable-sphere unstable-sphere predictable-sphere unpredictable-sphere controllable-sphere uncontrollable-sphere manageable-sphere unmanageable-sphere governable-sphere ungovernable-sphere navigable-sphere unnavigable-sphere traversable-sphere untraversable-sphere permeable-sphere impermeable-sphere porous-sphere non-porous-sphere transparent-sphere opaque-sphere visible-sphere invisible-sphere tangible-sphere intangible-sphere material-sphere immaterial-sphere physical-sphere metaphysical-sphere empirical-sphere theoretical-sphere practical-sphere applied-sphere pure-sphere basic-sphere strategic-sphere tactical-sphere operational-sphere foundational-sphere superstructural-sphere infrastructural-sphere structural-sphere functional-sphere procedural-sphere behavioral-sphere attitudinal-sphere cultural-sphere social-sphere economic-sphere political-sphere environmental-sphere technological-sphere institutional-sphere organizational-sphere individual-sphere collective-sphere community-sphere societal-sphere global-sphere local-sphere national-sphere regional-sphere landscape-sphere seascape-sphere waterscape-sphere airscape-sphere biosphere-sphere noosphere-sphere technosphere-sphere sociosphere-sphere ecosphere-sphere hydrosphere-sphere atmosphere-sphere lithosphere-sphere pedosphere-sphere cryosphere-sphere anthroposphere-sphere urban-sphere-sphere rural-sphere-sphere agricultural-sphere-sphere natural-sphere-sphere managed-sphere-sphere protected-sphere-sphere restored-sphere-sphere degraded-sphere-sphere transformed-sphere-sphere connected-sphere-sphere disconnected-sphere-sphere integrated-sphere-sphere fragmented-sphere-sphere resilient-sphere-sphere vulnerable-sphere-sphere adaptive-sphere-sphere maladaptive-sphere-sphere sustainable-sphere-sphere unsustainable-sphere-sphere equitable-sphere-sphere inequitable-sphere-sphere just-sphere-sphere unjust-sphere-sphere inclusive-sphere-sphere exclusive-sphere-sphere diverse-sphere-sphere homogeneous-sphere-sphere complex-sphere-sphere simple-sphere-sphere dynamic-sphere-sphere static-sphere-sphere stable-sphere-sphere unstable-sphere-sphere predictable-sphere-sphere unpredictable-sphere-sphere controllable-sphere-sphere uncontrollable-sphere-sphere manageable-sphere-sphere unmanageable-sphere-sphere governable-sphere-sphere ungovernable-sphere-sphere navigable-sphere-sphere unnavigable-sphere-sphere traversable-sphere-sphere untraversable-sphere-sphere permeable-sphere-sphere impermeable-sphere-sphere porous-sphere-sphere non-porous-sphere-sphere transparent-sphere-sphere opaque-sphere-sphere visible-sphere-sphere invisible-sphere-sphere tangible-sphere-sphere intangible-sphere-sphere material-sphere-sphere immaterial-sphere-sphere physical-sphere-sphere metaphysical-sphere-sphere empirical-sphere-sphere theoretical-sphere-sphere practical-sphere-sphere applied-sphere-sphere pure-sphere-sphere basic-sphere-sphere strategic-sphere-sphere tactical-sphere-sphere operational-sphere-sphere foundational-sphere-sphere superstructural-sphere-sphere infrastructural-sphere-sphere structural-sphere-sphere functional-sphere-sphere procedural-sphere-sphere behavioral-sphere-sphere attitudinal-sphere-sphere cultural-sphere-sphere social-sphere-sphere economic-sphere-sphere political-sphere-sphere environmental-sphere-sphere technological-sphere-sphere institutional-sphere-sphere organizational-sphere-sphere individual-sphere-sphere collective-sphere-sphere community-sphere-sphere societal-sphere-sphere global-sphere-sphere local-sphere-sphere national-sphere-sphere regional-sphere-sphere landscape-sphere-sphere seascape-sphere-sphere waterscape-sphere-sphere airscape-sphere-sphere biosphere-sphere-sphere noosphere-sphere-sphere technosphere-sphere-sphere sociosphere-sphere-sphere ecosphere-sphere-sphere hydrosphere-sphere-sphere atmosphere-sphere-sphere lithosphere-sphere-sphere pedosphere-sphere-sphere cryosphere-sphere-sphere anthroposphere-sphere-sphere urban-sphere-sphere-sphere rural-sphere-sphere-sphere agricultural-sphere-sphere-sphere natural-sphere-sphere-sphere managed-sphere-sphere-sphere protected-sphere-sphere-sphere restored-sphere-sphere-sphere degraded-sphere-sphere-sphere transformed-sphere-sphere-sphere connected-sphere-sphere-sphere disconnected-sphere-sphere-sphere integrated-sphere-sphere-sphere fragmented-sphere-sphere-sphere resilient-sphere-sphere-sphere vulnerable-sphere-sphere-sphere adaptive-sphere-sphere-sphere maladaptive-sphere-sphere-sphere sustainable-sphere-sphere-sphere unsustainable-sphere-sphere-sphere equitable-sphere-sphere-sphere inequitable-sphere-sphere-sphere just-sphere-sphere-sphere unjust-sphere-sphere-sphere inclusive-sphere-sphere-sphere exclusive-sphere-sphere-sphere diverse-sphere-sphere-sphere homogeneous-sphere-sphere-sphere complex-sphere-sphere-sphere simple-sphere-sphere-sphere dynamic-sphere-sphere-sphere static-sphere-sphere-sphere stable-sphere-sphere-sphere unstable-sphere-sphere-sphere predictable-sphere-sphere-sphere unpredictable-sphere-sphere-sphere controllable-sphere-sphere-sphere uncontrollable-sphere-sphere-sphere manageable-sphere-sphere-sphere unmanageable-sphere-sphere-sphere governable-sphere-sphere-sphere ungovernable-sphere-sphere-sphere navigable-sphere-sphere-sphere unnavigable-sphere-sphere-sphere traversable-sphere-sphere-sphere untraversable-sphere-sphere-sphere permeable-sphere-sphere-sphere impermeable-sphere-sphere-sphere porous-sphere-sphere-sphere non-porous-sphere-sphere-sphere transparent-sphere-sphere-sphere opaque-sphere-sphere-sphere visible-sphere-sphere-sphere invisible-sphere-sphere-sphere tangible-sphere-sphere-sphere intangible-sphere-sphere-sphere material-sphere-sphere-sphere immaterial-sphere-sphere-sphere physical-sphere-sphere-sphere metaphysical-sphere-sphere-sphere empirical-sphere-sphere-sphere theoretical-sphere-sphere-sphere practical-sphere-sphere-sphere applied-sphere-sphere-sphere pure-sphere-sphere-sphere basic-sphere-sphere-sphere strategic-sphere-sphere-sphere tactical-sphere-sphere-sphere operational-sphere-sphere-sphere foundational-sphere-sphere-sphere superstructural-sphere-sphere-sphere infrastructural-sphere-sphere-sphere structural-sphere-sphere-sphere functional-sphere-sphere-sphere procedural-sphere-sphere-sphere behavioral-sphere-sphere-sphere attitudinal-sphere-sphere-sphere cultural-sphere-sphere-sphere social-sphere-sphere-sphere economic-sphere-sphere-sphere political-sphere-sphere-sphere environmental-sphere-sphere-sphere technological-sphere-sphere-sphere institutional-sphere-sphere-sphere organizational-sphere-sphere-sphere individual-sphere-sphere-sphere collective-sphere-sphere-sphere community-sphere-sphere-sphere societal-sphere-sphere-sphere global-sphere-sphere-sphere local-sphere-sphere-sphere national-sphere-sphere-sphere regional-sphere-sphere-sphere landscape-sphere-sphere-sphere seascape-sphere-sphere-sphere waterscape-sphere-sphere-sphere airscape-sphere-sphere-sphere biosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere noosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere technosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere sociosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere ecosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere hydrosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere atmosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere lithosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere pedosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere cryosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere anthroposphere-sphere-sphere-sphere
Bothrideridae
cocoon-forming beetles, dry bark beetles
Bothrideridae is a family of small to medium-sized beetles in the superfamily Coccinelloidea, commonly known as cocoon-forming beetles or dry bark beetles. Members are characterized by elongated, cylindrical to somewhat flattened bodies and are primarily found under tree bark in woodland habitats. The family has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with former subfamilies Teredinae, Xylariophilinae, and Anommatinae now placed in the separate family Teredidae. Bothrideridae has a worldwide distribution with greatest diversity in the Old World tropics. The family is notable for its ectoparasitoid larvae, which attack other wood-boring insects including cerambycid beetles, wood wasps, and carpenter bees. Several species, particularly in the genus Dastarcus, are important biocontrol agents used commercially to manage forest pests such as the Japanese pine sawyer (Monochamus alternatus), a vector of pine wilt disease.
ectoparasitoid biocontrol forest-pest-management wood-boring-insects Cerambycidae-parasitoid pine-wilt-disease-vector-control nocturnal subcortical-habitat long-lived-adults density-dependent-development
Braconinae
Braconinae is a large subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps comprising more than 2,000 described species. Members are small to medium-sized wasps, typically dark in coloration though some exhibit red, orange, or pale coloration. They possess cyclostome mouthparts and females usually have a long ovipositor. The subfamily is found worldwide with highest diversity in the Paleotropical region.
parasitoid idiobiont ectoparasitoid biocontrol cyclostome ovipositor Paleotropical-diversity Lepidoptera-parasitoid Coleoptera-parasitoid concealed-host-larvae venom-paralysis Bracon-brevicornis Atanycolus Baryproctus Bracon Ceratobracon Coeloides Glyptomorpha Iphiaulax Pseudovipio Vipio Megalommum Phylogeny-of-the-Braconinae tribal-classification Aphrastobraconini Braconini Coeloidini Compsobraconini Tropobraconini Virgulibraconini Adeshini Argamaniini Bathyaulacini Euurobraconini Glyptomorphini Gnathobraconini Physaraiini Rhammurini Vaepellini Myosotiseini Aspidobraconini Ceratobraconini Vipionini Iphiaulacini Acanthobraconini Turkey Iran China Thailand Pakistan Anatolia pistachio-longhorn-beetle Calchaenesthes-pistacivora Scolytidae Curculionidae Buprestidae coniferous-trees broadleaved-trees Malaise-trap light-trapping host-carrying-behavior Pycnobraconoides Trigastrotheca Physaraia Nesaulax Curreia Endovipio Amyosoma Megacoeloides Alienoclypeus Atanycolus-insolitus Bracon-amaculatus Bracon-quadrimaculatus Bracon-rhinchiti Bracon-murgabensis Bracon-querceus Bracon-karakumicus Bracon-hylobii Bracon-irkutensis Bracon-longiantennatus Bracon-longigenis Coeloides-sordidator Glyptomorpha-dispar Bracon-selviae Bracon-bachtiae Bracon-dersimensis Glyptomorpha-nachitshevanica Chelonus-erythrogaster Coeloides-glaboventris Coeloides-longquanus Coeloides-flavus Coeloides-changbaiensis Megalommum-pistacivorae Megalommum-xanthoceps Megalommum-jacobsoni Megalommum-ayyari Megalommum-philippinense Megalommum-dodecanesi Megalommum-ceresense Megalommum-inareatum Megalommum-antefurcale Megalommum-tibiale Physaraia-nanensis Physaraia-panhai Physaraia-sakaeratensis Physaraia-sinensis Physaraia-sumatrana Physaraia-tigeri Trigastrotheca-doiphukhaensis Trigastrotheca-pariyanonthae Trigastrotheca-sureeratae Trigastrotheca-tridentata Doi-Phu-Kha-National-Park Ardahan Erzurum Iğdır Kars Kastamonu Tunceli Fars-province Nan-province Sakaerat Zhejiang-University Chinese-Academy-of-Forestry DNA-barcoding BOLD-Systems BugGuide.net Wikispecies Wikimedia-Commons Encyclopedia-of-Life Systematic-Entomology Zootaxa ZooKeys Check-List Journal-of-Hymenoptera-Research Journal-of-Animal-and-Plant-Sciences PMC11214016 PMC12873568 28S-rRNA COI 16S-rRNA 18S-rRNA EF-1α CAD elongation-factor-1-alpha cytochrome-c-oxidase-subunit-I mitochondrial nuclear molecular-phylogeny morphological-phylogeny monophyletic tribus-nov comb.-nov sp.-nov syn.-nov incertae-sedis New-World Old-World Australian West-Palaearctic Oriental Indo-Australian Asian-Turkey European-Turkey biogeographical-provinces zoogeographical-regions checklist faunistics taxonomy systematics revision new-species new-records new-combinations new-synonyms new-tribe preliminary-key dichotomous-key diagnostic-characters type-specimen voucher-specimen holotype paratype female-specimen adult-specimen light-trap aerial-net field-collection 2011-2014 1980-2009 observation iNaturalist 14342-observations
Buenoa scimitra
backswimmer
Buenoa scimitra is a backswimmer (Hemiptera: Notonectidae) first described by Bare in 1925. It inhabits freshwater environments across North America, the Caribbean, and Middle America. The species is a documented predator of mosquito larvae and serves as a known host for the parasitic water mite Hydrachna virella, which attaches to multiple instars and adults.
backswimmer mosquito-predator parasite-host freshwater biocontrol water-mite-host
Carabus nemoralis
Bronze Ground Beetle, Bronze Carabid
Carabus nemoralis is a large ground beetle native to central and northern Europe, Iceland, and parts of Asia. It has been introduced to North America and New Zealand, where it is actively expanding its range. Adults measure 20–25 mm and are active year-round. The species is recognized as a beneficial predator in agricultural systems, with documented effectiveness against slugs and other pests.
ground-beetle predator biocontrol introduced-species Europe North-America
Catorhintha
leaf-footed bugs
Catorhintha is a genus of leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae) established by Stål in 1860, containing over 30 described species distributed across the Americas. The genus includes specialist herbivores with documented host plant associations, notably Catorhintha schaffneri, which feeds exclusively on Pereskia aculeata (Cactaceae) and has been employed as a biological control agent against this invasive cactus in South Africa. Members of this genus exhibit the enlarged, flattened hind tibiae characteristic of many Coreidae.
Coreidae leaf-footed-bug biocontrol specialist-herbivore Cactaceae
Chelymorpha
Argus tortoise beetles, tortoise beetles
Chelymorpha is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae, containing more than 70 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. These beetles are characterized by their domed, tortoise-like body form with the elytra and prothorax forming a protective shield that can be drawn down to cover the head and appendages when disturbed. The genus exhibits extensive intraspecific color polymorphism, with some species showing remarkable variation in elytral coloration and maculation patterns. Chelymorpha species are predominantly associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, particularly morning glories (Ipomoea) and bindweeds (Convolvulus), though some species utilize other host plants. The genus has been extensively studied for its Wolbachia endosymbiont infections, color polymorphism maintenance, and larval defensive behaviors including cycloalexy.
tortoise-beetle Cassidinae Chrysomelidae Convolvulaceae color-polymorphism Wolbachia cycloalexy Neotropical herbivore pest biocontrol
Chilocorus stigma
Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle, Twice-stabbed Ladybird Beetle
Chilocorus stigma, commonly known as the twice-stabbed lady beetle, is a predatory coccinellid native to eastern North America. It is recognized by its glossy black elytra each bearing a single red spot, giving the appearance of two "stabs." The species primarily inhabits forested environments where it preys on scale insects and other small arthropods. It has been introduced to Hawaii and is valued as a biological control agent, though it is not commercially available for this purpose.
predator biocontrol forest-insect scale-insect-predator native-beneficial
Cicindelinae
tiger beetles
Cicindelinae is a subfamily of predatory beetles commonly known as tiger beetles. Adults are characterized by large eyes, long slender legs, and powerful mandibles adapted for capturing fast-moving prey. They exhibit a distinctive run-stop-run hunting pattern necessitated by their visual processing limitations at high speeds. The subfamily contains approximately 2,822 species in 120 genera distributed worldwide, though they are most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions. Many species show strong habitat specificity, with some restricted to particular sand dune systems, riparian zones, or rock outcrops.
Coleoptera Carabidae tiger-beetles predatory-beetles Cicindelinae Adephaga metallic-beetles sand-dune-endemics riparian-beetles extremophiles biocontrol biodiversity-indicators fast-running-insects visual-predators structural-coloration terrestrial-beetles ground-beetles insect-taxonomy conservation entomology
Coccinella novemnotata
nine-spotted ladybug, nine-spotted lady beetle, C9
Coccinella novemnotata is a native North American lady beetle that experienced a drastic population decline beginning in the 1960s. Once among the most common coccinellids in the northeastern United States and southern Canada, it has become rare across much of its former range. The species is a specialized aphid predator with potential value as a biocontrol agent in agriculture. It is the state insect of New York, designated in 1989.
native-North-American declining-species aphid-predator biocontrol state-insect citizen-science-subject
Conophorus sackenii
Conophorus sackenii is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Johnson & Maughan in 1953. It belongs to the tribe Conophorini within the subfamily Bombyliinae. The species is known from western North America, with records from western Canada and the western United States.
parasitoid biocontrol rangeland grasshopper-parasite bee-fly
Crabro
Shield-handed Wasps, Square-headed Wasps
Crabro is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, commonly known as shield-handed or square-headed wasps. The genus contains at least 80 described species distributed across the Nearctic and Palaearctic regions (Holarctic). These fossorial wasps nest in sandy soils, constructing multi-celled burrows provisioned with flies (Diptera) for their larvae.
Crabronidae solitary-wasp fossorial Diptera-predator Holarctic sand-nesting biocontrol
Crambidae
Crambid Snout Moths, grass moths
Crambidae is a large family of Lepidoptera comprising over 10,000 species in more than 1,000 genera across 15 subfamilies. The family includes economically significant agricultural pests such as the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), sod webworms (Crambus spp.), and the invasive box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis). Historically treated as a subfamily of Pyralidae, Crambidae was elevated to full family status based on the presence of a praecinctorium—a structure joining two tympanic membranes absent in Pyralidae. Members exhibit diverse morphologies: Crambinae (grass moths) are slender with wings folded tightly around the body at rest, while other subfamilies display bright coloration and rest with wings spread.
grass-moth snout-moth agricultural-pest stem-borer biocontrol aquatic-moth invasive-species corn-pest rice-pest sugarcane-pest
Crocothemis
Scarlet Skimmers
Crocothemis is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, subfamily Sympetrinae. Species occur across southern Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Southwest Pacific. These are small to medium-sized dragonflies known for bright coloration in males, ranging from vivid red to rich blue, while females are typically dull brown or orange. They are aerial predators that perch on vegetation near water and fly out to capture prey.
dragonfly Libellulidae Sympetrinae darter scarlet-skimmer biocontrol predator aquatic-insect Odonata
Cryptanura
Cryptanura is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Cryptinae, containing at least 38 species in North America. These wasps are parasitoids of other insects, with documented hosts including longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae). The genus includes species that serve as models for Batesian mimicry by phytophagous bugs. At least 30 species occur in Mexico, with the genus distributed from North America through Central America to South America.
Ichneumonidae Cryptinae parasitoid Batesian-mimicry biocontrol Cerambycidae
Cynipidae
Gall Wasps, Gallflies
Cynipidae is a family of minute wasps (1–8 mm) renowned for inducing plant galls—abnormal growths that provide shelter and nutrition for developing larvae. The family comprises approximately 1,300 described species worldwide, with major radiations on oaks (Quercus) and roses (Rosa). Many species exhibit complex life cycles involving alternation of sexual and asexual (parthenogenetic) generations, often producing morphologically distinct galls. Gall induction involves chemical manipulation of host plant tissue, with enlarged venom glands implicated in this process. The family evolved from parasitoid ancestors and represents one of the most diverse groups of gall-forming insects.
gall-forming plant-manipulation parthenogenesis oak-associated rose-associated inquiline biocontrol venom-glands
Cyrtobagous salviniae
salvinia weevil, Kariba Weed Biocontrol Weevil
Cyrtobagous salviniae is a subaquatic weevil native to Brazil, widely distributed as a classical biological control agent for invasive aquatic ferns of the genus Salvinia. It has proven effective in reducing infestations of Salvinia molesta and Salvinia minima in tropical and subtropical regions, with documented population reductions exceeding 90% in under one year in some cases. The species is subject to natural enemy pressure from pathogens such as Helicosporidium sp., which can reduce its reproductive output and efficacy.
biocontrol aquatic invasive-species-management weevil specialist-herbivore
Dexiini
Dexiini is a tribe of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) comprising approximately 130 genera distributed worldwide. Members are parasitoid flies whose larvae develop inside beetle hosts. The tribe is particularly diverse in the Australasian region, where systematic revisions have clarified relationships among endemic genera.
parasitoid beetle-parasite biocontrol
Diploschizia impigritella
yellow nutsedge moth, five-barred glyphipterid moth
A minute sedge moth with a wingspan of 7–9 mm, described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1862. Adults are active from early May to early November across much of North America. The larvae are stem borers in yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus), making this species a potential biocontrol agent against this agricultural weed.
microlepidoptera stem-borer biocontrol Cyperus agricultural-pest-management nocturnal blacklight-attraction
Dirhinus
Dirhinus is a genus of chalcidid wasps comprising approximately 70 described species with worldwide distribution. These wasps are pupal parasitoids of Diptera, particularly flies associated with decomposing vertebrate matter, including synanthropic species such as house flies, blow flies, and flesh flies, as well as agricultural pests like fruit flies. Females locate host pupae in soil or substrate by digging with their horns and oviposit directly on the pupa within its puparium. Several species, notably Dirhinus giffardii, have been investigated for biological control applications against filth flies and fruit fly pests.
parasitoid pupal-parasitoid biocontrol Chalcididae Diptera-parasitoid synanthropic-flies forensic-entomology
Dolichomitus
ichneumon wasps
Dolichomitus is a genus of ichneumonid wasps containing at least 70 described species. The genus name derives from Greek roots meaning 'long thread,' referring to the elongated ovipositor characteristic of these parasitoids. Species in this genus are parasitoids of wood-boring insect larvae, using their long ovipositors to reach hosts deep within tree trunks and branches. Some species exhibit striking aposematic coloration, including metallic blue and yellow patterns that may deter avian predators.
ichneumonidae parasitoid wood-boring ovipositor biocontrol saproxylic aposematic new-species
Doryctinae
doryctine wasps
Doryctinae is a large, diverse subfamily of parasitoid wasps within Braconidae, comprising over 2000 species in 198 genera. Members range from 1 to 25 mm and exhibit remarkable morphological diversity, including many flightless or wingless species. The subfamily is characterized by distinctive structural features including a cyclostome mouth and spines on the foreleg tibia. Most species are idiobiont ectoparasitoids of wood-boring beetle larvae, though host associations vary considerably across the group.
parasitoid biocontrol wood-boring-insects cyclostome wing-reduction gall-former inquiline diverse poorly-known
Dytiscus
predaceous diving beetles
Dytiscus is a Holarctic genus of large predaceous diving beetles comprising 26 species. Adults range 2.2–4.4 cm in length and are fully aquatic, breathing air collected under their elytra. Both adults and larvae are active predators. The genus has been observed to reduce mosquito larva populations in wetland habitats.
predator aquatic wetland biocontrol Holarctic
Empicoris subparallelus
thread-legged assassin bug
Empicoris subparallelus is a species of thread-legged assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. It was first described in 1925 by McAtee and Malloch. The species is known from Cuba and the southern United States (Florida and Texas). In Florida, it was first documented in 2007 from light traps used for mosquito surveillance in the Florida Keys. It has been proposed as a potential biocontrol agent for mosquitoes, though direct predation on mosquitoes has not been confirmed.
thread-legged-bug assassin-bug biocontrol mosquito-surveillance bycatch Florida-Keys Cuba
Engytatus
Engytatus is a genus of plant bugs (Heteroptera: Miridae, tribe Dicyphini) comprising 28 described species worldwide. Species within this genus exhibit diverse feeding strategies: some are specialized herbivores associated with native host plants (particularly in Hawaiian endemics), while others are zoophytophagous predators of agricultural pests on Solanaceae crops. The genus has attracted significant attention for biological control applications, with species such as E. varians and E. nicotianae being investigated as biocontrol agents for tomato potato psyllid, whiteflies, and lepidopteran pests. Hawaiian endemic species demonstrate remarkable host-plant specialization on endangered native flora.
Miridae Dicyphini biocontrol Hawaiian-endemism zoophytophagy Solanaceae-pests host-specialization conservation-biology
Entedoninae
Entedoninae is a subfamily of chalcid wasps in the family Eulophidae comprising over 90 genera. Members are primarily parasitoids with documented associations across diverse host groups including gall-inducing insects, leafminers, sawflies, thrips, and ants. The subfamily exhibits considerable morphological and ecological diversity, with species found in tropical to temperate habitats worldwide.
parasitoid biological-control gall-associated leafminer-parasitoid Chalcidoidea Hymenoptera Eulophidae Entedoninae tropical-forest agricultural-pest-control sawfly-parasitoid thrips-parasitoid ant-associated rice-pest Cecidomyiidae Tenthredinidae Pontania Closterocerus Ceranisus Afronympha Ametallon Chrysonotomyia Omphale-genus-group canopy understorey ecological-plasticity Bangladesh Panama Africa New-Zealand Europe Senegal South-Africa Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo Uganda endoparasitoid larval-parasitoid egg-parasitoid host-specificity forest-habitat degraded-habitat mid-altitude-rainforest lowland-rainforest tropical-America classical-biological-control augmentative-biological-control integrated-pest-management rice-hispa Dicladispa-armigera gall-wasp sawfly-gall leafminer ant-symbiosis Formicidae Khaya-senegalensis Ochna-pulchra morphological-taxonomy molecular-taxonomy 28S-rDNA COI CytB new-species-description generic-revision host-range parasitoid-complex food-web ecosystem-service natural-enemy pest-management entomophagous hyperparasitoid inquiline curculionid Apion-minimum Phyllocolpa-leucosticta Chrysocharis Entedon Asecodes Pleurotroppopsis Afrotroppopsis Zaommomentedon Apleurotropis Kratoysma Platocharis Schizocharis Parahorismenus Atullya Tropicharis Chrysochuris cruy mirabilis oryzamyntor eminpashai carinatum dussiae longicaudata machaeriae unimaculata claviger gorgonaense auripunctata galbina laeviscuta phenacapsia cecvora elongata pontaniae heyeri risbeci milletiae newbyi Förster-1856 Chalcidoidea-phylogeny biodiversity species-richness cryptic-species molecular-diagnostics host-plant-association habitat-specificity canopy-fauna understorey-fauna forest-stratification tropical-biodiversity Afrotropical Neotropical Palaearctic Nearctic Oriental Australasian Pacific Holarctic biogeography taxonomic-revision annotated-key catalogue type-specimen museum-collection slide-mounted-specimens morphometrics genitalia wing-venation antennae clypeus mandibles malar-space scape pedicel flagellum gaster vertex suture color-pattern pale-femora dark-gaster sexual-dimorphism male female ovipositor emergence rearing quarantine field-collection foreign-exploration augmentative-release pesticide-resistance sustainable-agriculture food-security rice-production cereal-pest vegetable-pest fruit-pest ornamental-pest forest-pest urban-pest invasive-species native-range introduced-range establishment spread impact non-target-effects host-specificity risk-assessment environmental-safety regulatory-approval research-symposium proceedings peer-reviewed Zootaxa ZooKeys Insect-Systematics-&-Evolution Australian-Journal-of-Entomology Far-Eastern-Entomologist Russian-Entomological-Journal Belgian-Journal-of-Entomology Florida-Entomologist Pan-Pacific-Entomologist Entomological-News Proceedings-of-the-Hawaiian-Entomological-Society Transactions-of-the-American-Entomological-Society Journal-of-Natural-History Zoological-Journal-of-the-Linnean-Society BioControl Journal-of-Economic-Entomology Entomologia-Experimentalis-et-Applicata Environmental-Entomology Oecologia Cladistics Molecular-Phylogenetics-and-Evolution Heredity Canadian-Entomologist Proceedings-of-the-Entomological-Society-of-Washington Annals-of-the-Entomological-Society-of-America Bulletin-of-Entomological-Research Neotropical-Entomology Journal-of-Asia-Pacific-Entomology Turkish-Journal-of-Zoology Polish-Journal-of-Entomology North-Western-Journal-of-Zoology Entomologica-Americana Entomologische-Berichten Sahlbergia Dugesiana Acta-Zoologica-Lilloana Folia-Entomologica-Mexicana Revista-de-la-Sociedad-Entomologica-Argentina Boletin-de-la-Asociacion-Espanola-de-Entomologia Entomologicheskoe-Obozrenie Entomological-Review Zoological-Institute-RAS Proceedings-of-the-Zoological-Institute-of-the-Russian-Academy-of-Sciences Taiwan-Agricultural-Research-Institute Council-of-Agriculture University-of-California Riverside Entomology-Research-Museum California-Department-of-Food-and-Agriculture Pierce's-Disease-Control-Program biological-control-program integrated-pest-management-program research-progress-report annual-summary technical-report symposium-proceedings conference-abstract poster-presentation invited-paper monograph book-chapter identification-guide illustrated-key annotated-catalogue type-material voucher-specimen collection-curation taxonomy systematics phylogenetics molecular-systematics DNA-barcoding species-complex sibling-species species-boundaries geographic-variation population-genetics gene-flow reproductive-isolation host-race biotype strain laboratory-rearing insectary mass-production release monitoring impact-assessment efficacy economic-evaluation cost-benefit-analysis farmer-adoption extension education policy regulation international-cooperation capacity-building training workshop field-day demonstration on-farm-research participatory-research farmer-field-school sustainable-intensification agroecology conservation-biological-control habitat-management floral-resources refuge buffer-zone landscape-complexity connectivity spillover natural-enemy-diversity food-web-structure trophic-interactions multitrophic indirect-effects trait-mediated density-dependent inverse-density-dependent functional-response numerical-response searching-efficiency handling-time oviposition-behavior host-selection host-acceptance host-suitability host-quality host-stage-preference egg-load progeny-allocation sex-ratio local-mate-competition sib-mating inbreeding fitness longevity fecundity development-time thermal-requirements degree-days phenology synchrony asynchrony seasonal-adaptation diapause quiescence cold-hardiness heat-tolerance desiccation-resistance starvation-resistance dispersal flight walking foraging patch-use area-restricted-search oviposition-marking host-marking superparasitism multiparasitism intraguild-predation hyperparasitism autoparasitism heteronomous-hyperparasitism facultative-hyperparasitism obligate-hyperparasitism primary-parasitoid secondary-parasitoid tertiary-parasitoid mummy aphid-mummy scale-mummy pupal-parasitoid egg-larval-parasitoid larval-pupal-parasitoid idiobiont koinobiont ectoparasitoid solitary gregarious polyembryony thelytoky arrhenotoky diploid haplodiploid chromosome-number genome-size transcriptome proteome metabolome morphome phenome extended-phenotype niche-construction ecosystem-engineering keystone-species ecosystem-service-provider functional-group guild trophic-level energy-flow nutrient-cycling decomposition predation herbivory parasitism mutualism commensalism competition apparent-competition exploitative-competition interference-competition scramble-competition contest-competition resource-partitioning niche-differentiation character-displacement co-evolution arms-race Red-Queen geographic-mosaic local-adaptation phenotypic-plasticity genetic-adaptation epigenetics transgenerational-effects maternal-effects paternal-effects parental-care mating-system sexual-selection sperm-competition cryptic-female-choice mate-choice lek territory aggression alarm defense venom allomone kairomone synomone semiochemical pheromone trail-pheromone alarm-pheromone aggregation-pheromone sex-pheromone marking-pheromone oviposition-deterrent host-marking-pheromone plant-volatile induced-plant-defense systemic-acquired-resistance induced-systemic-resistance priming volatile-organic-compound green-leaf-volatile terpenoid phenylpropanoid jasmonic-acid salicylic-acid ethylene abscisic-acid gibberellin auxin cytokinin brassinosteroid strigolactone nitric-oxide reactive-oxygen-species hypersensitive-response programmed-cell-death autophagy apoptosis necrosis pathogen-associated-molecular-pattern damage-associated-molecular-pattern pattern-recognition-receptor effector-triggered-immunity gene-for-gene avirulence virulence effector toxin phytotoxin mycotoxin bacterial-toxin viral-toxin insecticidal-protein cry-protein vip-protein cyt-protein spore conidium appressorium haustorium mycelium sclerotium fruiting-body basidiocarp ascocarp perithecium cleistothecium pycnidium acervulus sporodochium symptom sign disease-triangle disease-cycle epidemic endemic pandemic outbreak eradication containment management control prevention forecasting warning-system decision-support-system expert-system model simulation economic-threshold economic-injury-level action-threshold treatment-threshold damage-threshold aesthetic-injury-level cultural-control physical-control mechanical-control chemical-control genetic-control sterile-insect-technique incompatible-insect-technique precision-agriculture site-specific-management variable-rate-application remote-sensing geographic-information-system global-positioning-system unmanned-aerial-vehicle drone sensor imaging spectroscopy machine-learning artificial-intelligence deep-learning neural-network computer-vision image-analysis pattern-recognition classification segmentation detection tracking counting sampling sampling-plan sequential-sampling binomial-sampling presence-absence-sampling fixed-precision-sampling variable-precision-sampling spatial-sampling temporal-sampling stratified-sampling cluster-sampling systematic-sampling random-sampling convenience-sampling judgment-sampling expert-sampling quota-sampling snowball-sampling respondent-driven-sampling capture-recapture mark-recapture mark-resight distance-sampling line-transect point-transect strip-transect plot quadrat pitfall-trap Malaise-trap pan-trap water-pan yellow-pan blue-pan white-pan flight-interception-trap window-trap canopy-fogging beating-tray sweep-net aerial-net ground-net aquatic-net D-vac vacuum-sampler aspirator mouth-aspirator mechanical-aspirator berlese-funnel Tullgren-funnel Winkler-extractor pitfall barber-trap pitfall-array drift-fence funnel-trap light-trap UV-light black-light mercury-vapor sodium-vapor LED actinic color-trap sticky-trap pheromone-trap synthetic-pheromone natural-pheromone kairomone-trap food-bait protein-bait sugar-bait fermentation-bait alcohol-bait vinegar-bait molasses-bait fruit-bait meat-bait fish-bait dung-bait carrion-bait decoy lure attractant repellent deterrent antifeedant oviposition-stimulant arrestant suppressant toxicant stomach-poison contact-poison fumigant systemic translaminar residual persistent non-persistent broad-spectrum narrow-spectrum selective non-selective target-specific host-specific mode-of-action nerve-poison acetylcholinesterase-inhibitor GABA-antagonist sodium-channel-modulator nicotinic-acetylcholine-receptor-agonist ryanodine-receptor-modulator chitin-synthesis-inhibitor juvenile-hormone-mimic ecdysone-agonist microbial-pesticide entomopathogenic-nematode entomopathogenic-fungus entomopathogenic-bacterium entomopathogenic-virus entomopathogenic-protozoa Bacillus-thuringiensis Bt Bacillus-sphaericus Paenibacillus-popilliae Serratia-entomophila Metarhizium-anisopliae Beauveria-bassiana Lecanicillium-lecanii Isaria-fumosorosea Nomuraea-rileyi Hirsutella-thompsonii Entomophthora Neozygites Nosema Vairimorpha Thelohania Anticarsia-gemmatalis-nucleopolyhedrovirus AgMNPV Cydia-pomonella-granulovirus CpGV Spodoptera-exigua-multiple-nucleopolyhedrovirus SeMNPV Autographa-californica-multiple-nucleopolyhedrovirus AcMNPV nucleopolyhedrovirus granulovirus cypovirus entomopoxvirus iridovirus parvovirus tetravirus nodavirus reovirus picornavirus iflavirus densovirus birnavirus totivirus partitivirus hypovirulence mycovirus bacteriophage phage transduction conjugation transformation horizontal-gene-transfer vertical-gene-transfer mobile-genetic-element transposon plasmid integron genomic-island pathogenicity-island symbiosis-island metabolic-island resistance-island virulence-factor antibiotic-resistance insecticide-resistance acaricide-resistance herbicide-resistance fungicide-resistance bactericide-resistance nematicide-resistance molluscicide-resistance rodenticide-resistance resistance-management resistance-monitoring resistance-detection resistance-diagnosis resistance-mechanism metabolic-resistance target-site-resistance penetration-resistance behavioral-resistance cross-resistance multiple-resistance negative-cross-resistance synergism antagonism potentiation safener adjuvant surfactant spreader sticker extender buffer acidifier defoamer drift-retardant rainfastness UV-protectant formulation emulsifiable-concentrate wettable-powder water-dispersible-granule suspension-concentrate capsule-suspension microencapsulation nanotechnology controlled-release slow-release attract-and-kill sterile-insect-release inundative-release inoculative-release conservation augmentation classical neoclassical new-association targeted area-wide suppression protection production integrated-crop-management integrated-production organic-farming biodynamic-farming permaculture agroforestry silvopasture climate-smart-agriculture conservation-agriculture digital-agriculture smart-farming agriculture-4.0 internet-of-things big-data cloud-computing blockchain distributed-ledger traceability transparency certification standard governance stakeholder value-chain supply-chain food-system nutrition-security livelihood income employment gender youth social-inclusion equity fairness justice ethics animal-welfare environmental-protection biodiversity-conservation ecosystem-restoration land-degradation-neutrality desertification deforestation reforestation afforestation forest-restoration wetland-restoration grassland-restoration soil-restoration soil-health soil-organic-matter soil-carbon soil-biodiversity soil-fauna soil-microbiome rhizosphere phyllosphere anthroposphere technosphere biosphere ecosphere hydrosphere atmosphere lithosphere pedosphere cryosphere climate-change global-warming greenhouse-gas carbon-dioxide methane nitrous-oxide fluorinated-gas carbon-sequestration carbon-storage carbon-sink carbon-source carbon-neutral carbon-negative net-zero climate-adaptation climate-mitigation climate-resilience vulnerability exposure sensitivity adaptive-capacity transition pathway scenario projection forecast prediction uncertainty risk hazard damage loss adaptation mitigation resilience sustainability sustainable-development sustainable-development-goals SDG Agenda-2030 Paris-Agreement Convention-on-Biological-Diversity CBD Nagoya-Protocol Cartagena-Protocol Aichi-Targets Kunming-Montreal-Global-Biodiversity-Framework post-2020-biodiversity-framework One-Health Planetary-Health EcoHealth One-Welfare One-World One-Future interdisciplinary transdisciplinary multidisciplinary cross-disciplinary intersectoral multistakeholder partnership collaboration cooperation network platform hub center-of-excellence capacity-development institutional-strengthening policy-support science-policy-interface evidence-based-policy science-diplomacy technology-transfer knowledge-transfer knowledge-exchange knowledge-sharing open-access open-data open-science open-innovation citizen-science community-based-monitoring action-research transformative-research solution-oriented-research problem-driven-research impact-oriented-research implementation-research operational-research applied-research basic-research fundamental-research strategic-research tactical-research adaptive-research innovation invention discovery breakthrough frontier emerging converging enabling disruptive transformative exponential digital biological physical cognitive social institutional technological ecological evolutionary revolutionary incremental radical systematic holistic integrated comprehensive inclusive participatory bottom-up top-down middle-out hybrid mixed-methods qualitative quantitative empirical theoretical conceptual analytical computational experimental observational descriptive correlational causal mechanistic predictive prescriptive normative evaluative assessment appraisal review audit evaluation outcome-evaluation process-evaluation cost-effectiveness cost-benefit cost-utility multi-criteria-decision-analysis stakeholder-analysis social-network-analysis institutional-analysis political-economy-analysis gender-analysis youth-analysis vulnerability-analysis risk-analysis uncertainty-analysis sensitivity-analysis scenario-analysis systems-analysis life-cycle-assessment footprint water-footprint carbon-footprint ecological-footprint nitrogen-footprint biodiversity-footprint land-footprint material-footprint social-footprint health-footprint planetary-boundary safe-operating-space doughnut-economics regenerative restorative circular green blue bioeconomy circular-economy sharing-economy gig-economy platform-economy digital-economy knowledge-economy creative-economy care-economy wellbeing-economy degrowth post-growth steady-state doughnut sufficiency prosperity flourishing thriving buen-vivir ubuntu harmony balance equilibrium homeostasis robustness adaptability flexibility plasticity evolvability innovability transformability sustainability-science resilience-science complexity-science systems-science network-science data-science information-science computer-science cognitive-science behavioral-science social-science natural-science life-science earth-science environmental-science agricultural-science veterinary-science medical-science health-science nutrition-science food-science material-science engineering-science interdisciplinary-science transdisciplinary-science convergence-science team-science responsible-science ethical-science inclusive-science decolonized-science feminist-science indigenous-science traditional-knowledge local-knowledge expert-knowledge lay-knowledge tacit-knowledge codified-knowledge explicit-knowledge implicit-knowledge procedural-knowledge declarative-knowledge epistemic-knowledge ontological-knowledge practical-knowledge theoretical-knowledge scientific-knowledge indigenous-knowledge traditional-ecological-knowledge TEK farmers'-knowledge fishers'-knowledge herders'-knowledge hunters'-knowledge gatherers'-knowledge women's-knowledge men's-knowledge youth-knowledge elder-knowledge intergenerational-knowledge transgenerational-knowledge ancestral-knowledge inherited-knowledge learned-knowledge acquired-knowledge constructed-knowledge co-produced-knowledge participatory-knowledge collaborative-knowledge transdisciplinary-knowledge interdisciplinary-knowledge multidisciplinary-knowledge cross-disciplinary-knowledge integrated-knowledge holistic-knowledge systemic-knowledge complex-knowledge uncertain-knowledge ambiguous-knowledge contested-knowledge negotiated-knowledge agreed-knowledge shared-knowledge common-knowledge public-knowledge private-knowledge proprietary-knowledge open-knowledge free-knowledge accessible-knowledge usable-knowledge actionable-knowledge relevant-knowledge timely-knowledge credible-knowledge legitimate-knowledge salient-knowledge authoritative-knowledge stakeholder-knowledge policy-maker-knowledge practitioner-knowledge researcher-knowledge academic-knowledge technical-knowledge managerial-knowledge administrative-knowledge bureaucratic-knowledge political-knowledge economic-knowledge social-knowledge cultural-knowledge historical-knowledge geographical-knowledge ecological-knowledge biological-knowledge agricultural-knowledge environmental-knowledge climate-knowledge health-knowledge nutrition-knowledge food-knowledge safety-knowledge security-knowledge risk-knowledge disaster-knowledge emergency-knowledge crisis-knowledge conflict-knowledge peace-knowledge development-knowledge sustainability-knowledge resilience-knowledge adaptation-knowledge mitigation-knowledge transformation-knowledge innovation-knowledge technology-knowledge digital-knowledge data-knowledge information-knowledge communication-knowledge media-knowledge journalism-knowledge education-knowledge learning-knowledge training-knowledge capacity-knowledge institutional-knowledge organizational-knowledge network-knowledge partnership-knowledge collaboration-knowledge cooperation-knowledge governance-knowledge policy-knowledge regulation-knowledge law-knowledge rights-knowledge justice-knowledge ethics-knowledge morality-knowledge values-knowledge norms-knowledge beliefs-knowledge attitudes-knowledge perceptions-knowledge behaviors-knowledge practices-knowledge customs-knowledge traditions-knowledge rituals-knowledge symbols-knowledge identities-knowledge meanings-knowledge narratives-knowledge stories-knowledge discourses-knowledge languages-knowledge representation-knowledge framing-knowledge agenda-setting-knowledge policy-making-knowledge implementation-knowledge evaluation-knowledge monitoring-knowledge accountability-knowledge transparency-knowledge participation-knowledge inclusion-knowledge equity-knowledge fairness-knowledge empowerment-knowledge agency-knowledge autonomy-knowledge self-determination-knowledge sovereignty-knowledge territory-knowledge land-knowledge resource-knowledge property-knowledge ownership-knowledge access-knowledge control-knowledge benefit-knowledge sharing-knowledge distribution-knowledge allocation-knowledge management-knowledge conservation-knowledge restoration-knowledge protection-knowledge use-knowledge utilization-knowledge exploitation-knowledge harvesting-knowledge hunting-knowledge gathering-knowledge fishing-knowledge farming-knowledge herding-knowledge forestry-knowledge mining-knowledge extractivism-knowledge production-knowledge consumption-knowledge trade-knowledge exchange-knowledge market-knowledge economy-knowledge finance-knowledge investment-knowledge debt-knowledge credit-knowledge insurance-knowledge subsidy-knowledge tax-knowledge fiscal-knowledge monetary-knowledge currency-knowledge inflation-knowledge deflation-knowledge recession-knowledge depression-knowledge growth-knowledge progress-knowledge modernization-knowledge globalization-knowledge localization-knowledge regionalization-knowledge nationalization-knowledge privatization-knowledge liberalization-knowledge deregulation-knowledge reregulation-knowledge standardization-knowledge certification-knowledge accreditation-knowledge quality-knowledge hygiene-knowledge sanitation-knowledge wellness-knowledge fitness-knowledge diet-knowledge cooking-knowledge cuisine-knowledge taste-knowledge flavor-knowledge aroma-knowledge texture-knowledge appearance-knowledge presentation-knowledge aesthetics-knowledge design-knowledge art-knowledge culture-knowledge heritage-knowledge history-knowledge archaeology-knowledge paleontology-knowledge evolution-knowledge genetics-knowledge genomics-knowledge proteomics-knowledge metabolomics-knowledge phenomics-knowledge transcriptomics-knowledge epigenomics-knowledge microbiomics-knowledge viromics-knowledge metagenomics-knowledge ecogenomics-knowledge conservation-genomics-knowledge functional-genomics-knowledge structural-genomics-knowledge comparative-genomics-knowledge evolutionary-genomics-knowledge population-genomics-knowledge medical-genomics-knowledge agricultural-genomics-knowledge environmental-genomics-knowledge forensic-genomics-knowledge synthetic-genomics-knowledge genome-editing-knowledge CRISPR-knowledge Cas9-knowledge gene-drive-knowledge synthetic-biology-knowledge bioengineering-knowledge biotechnology-knowledge nanotechnology-knowledge information-technology-knowledge communication-technology-knowledge digital-technology-knowledge artificial-intelligence-knowledge machine-learning-knowledge robotics-knowledge automation-knowledge precision-technology-knowledge smart-technology-knowledge clean-technology-knowledge green-technology-knowledge blue-technology-knowledge climate-technology-knowledge adaptation-technology-knowledge mitigation-technology-knowledge resilience-technology-knowledge sustainable-technology-knowledge appropriate-technology-knowledge intermediate-technology-knowledge low-technology-knowledge high-technology-knowledge emerging-technology-knowledge converging-technology-knowledge enabling-technology-knowledge disruptive-technology-knowledge transformative-technology-knowledge exponential-technology-knowledge frontier-technology-knowledge space-technology-knowledge nuclear-technology-knowledge renewable-energy-technology-knowledge energy-efficiency-technology-knowledge energy-storage-technology-knowledge smart-grid-technology-knowledge electric-vehicle-technology-knowledge battery-technology-knowledge solar-technology-knowledge wind-technology-knowledge hydro-technology-knowledge geothermal-technology-knowledge biomass-technology-knowledge biofuel-technology-knowledge hydrogen-technology-knowledge fuel-cell-technology-knowledge carbon-capture-technology-knowledge carbon-storage-technology-knowledge carbon-utilization-technology-knowledge carbon-removal-technology-knowledge direct-air-capture-technology-knowledge bioenergy-with-carbon-capture-and-storage-knowledge BECCS-knowledge enhanced-weathering-technology-knowledge ocean-fertilization-technology-knowledge solar-radiation-management-knowledge stratospheric-aerosol-injection-knowledge marine-cloud-brightening-knowledge cirrus-cloud-thinning-knowledge space-based-solar-reflectors-knowledge albedo-modification-knowledge geoengineering-knowledge climate-engineering-knowledge earth-system-engineering-knowledge planetary-engineering-knowledge ecosystem-engineering-knowledge habitat-engineering-knowledge species-engineering-knowledge genetic-engineering-knowledge germline-engineering-knowledge somatic-engineering-knowledge enhancement-engineering-knowledge therapy-engineering-knowledge diagnostics-engineering-knowledge prognostics-engineering-knowledge theranostics-engineering-knowledge personalized-medicine-knowledge precision-medicine-knowledge regenerative-medicine-knowledge reproductive-medicine-knowledge translational-medicine-knowledge preventive-medicine-knowledge curative-medicine-knowledge palliative-medicine-knowledge integrative-medicine-knowledge complementary-medicine-knowledge alternative-medicine-knowledge traditional-medicine-knowledge herbal-medicine-knowledge acupuncture-knowledge homeopathy-knowledge naturopathy-knowledge chiropractic-knowledge osteopathy-knowledge massage-knowledge meditation-knowledge mindfulness-knowledge yoga-knowledge tai-chi-knowledge qigong-knowledge martial-arts-knowledge dance-knowledge music-knowledge art-therapy-knowledge color-therapy-knowledge light-therapy-knowledge sound-therapy-knowledge aromatherapy-knowledge hydrotherapy-knowledge balneotherapy-knowledge thalassotherapy-knowledge climatotherapy-knowledge helio-therapy-knowledge phototherapy-knowledge radiation-therapy-knowledge chemotherapy-knowledge immunotherapy-knowledge targeted-therapy-knowledge hormone-therapy-knowledge gene-therapy-knowledge cell-therapy-knowledge stem-cell-therapy-knowledge tissue-engineering-knowledge organ-engineering-knowledge bioprinting-knowledge 3D-printing-knowledge 4D-printing-knowledge additive-manufacturing-knowledge subtractive-manufacturing-knowledge formative-manufacturing-knowledge hybrid-manufacturing-knowledge digital-manufacturing-knowledge smart-manufacturing-knowledge lean-manufacturing-knowledge green-manufacturing-knowledge circular-manufacturing-knowledge sustainable-manufacturing-knowledge clean-manufacturing-knowledge zero-waste-manufacturing-knowledge closed-loop-manufacturing-knowledge industrial-ecology-knowledge industrial-symbiosis-knowledge eco-industrial-park-knowledge green-chemistry-knowledge sustainable-chemistry-knowledge bio-based-chemistry-knowledge circular-chemistry-knowledge safe-chemistry-knowledge benign-by-design-knowledge atom-economy-knowledge E-factor-knowledge process-intensification-knowledge flow-chemistry-knowledge microwave-chemistry-knowledge ultrasound-chemistry-knowledge mechanochemistry-knowledge electrochemistry-knowledge photochemistry-knowledge plasma-chemistry-knowledge sonochemistry-knowledge thermochemistry-knowledge calorimetry-knowledge kinetics-knowledge thermodynamics-knowledge equilibrium-knowledge reaction-engineering-knowledge separation-engineering-knowledge purification-engineering-knowledge crystallization-engineering-knowledge distillation-engineering-knowledge extraction-engineering-knowledge absorption-engineering-knowledge adsorption-engineering-knowledge membrane-engineering-knowledge filtration-engineering-knowledge centrifugation-engineering-knowledge sedimentation-engineering-knowledge flotation-engineering-knowledge leaching-engineering-knowledge roasting-engineering-knowledge sintering-engineering-knowledge smelting-engineering-knowledge refining-engineering-knowledge alloying-engineering-knowledge casting-engineering-knowledge forming-engineering-knowledge machining-engineering-knowledge joining-engineering-knowledge welding-engineering-knowledge brazing-engineering-knowledge soldering-engineering-knowledge adhesive-bonding-engineering-knowledge mechanical-fastening-engineering-knowledge coating-engineering-knowledge surface-engineering-knowledge heat-treatment-engineering-knowledge finishing-engineering-knowledge polishing-engineering-knowledge grinding-engineering-knowledge lapping-engineering-knowledge honing-engineering-knowledge superfinishing-engineering-knowledge texturing-engineering-knowledge patterning-engineering-knowledge lithography-engineering-knowledge etching-engineering-knowledge deposition-engineering-knowledge sputtering-engineering-knowledge evaporation-engineering-knowledge chemical-vapor-deposition-engineering-knowledge physical-vapor-deposition-engineering-knowledge atomic-layer-deposition-engineering-knowledge molecular-beam-epitaxy-engineering-knowledge pulsed-laser-deposition-engineering-knowledge sol-gel-engineering-knowledge spin-coating-engineering-knowledge dip-coating-engineering-knowledge spray-coating-engineering-knowledge electrophoretic-deposition-engineering-knowledge electroless-plating-engineering-knowledge electroplating-engineering-knowledge anodizing-engineering-knowledge passivation-engineering-knowledge conversion-coating-engineering-knowledge phosphating-engineering-knowledge chromating-engineering-knowledge bluing-engineering-knowledge blackening-engineering-knowledge pickling-engineering-knowledge cleaning-engineering-knowledge degreasing-engineering-knowledge descaling-engineering-knowledge deflashing-engineering-knowledge deburring-engineering-knowledge trimming-engineering-knowledge blanking-engineering-knowledge punching-engineering-knowledge shearing-engineering-knowledge bending-engineering-knowledge drawing-engineering-knowledge stretching-engineering-knowledge deep-drawing-engineering-knowledge spinning-engineering-knowledge flow-forming-engineering-knowledge thread-rolling-engineering-knowledge gear-cutting-engineering-knowledge broaching-engineering-knowledge hobbing-engineering-knowledge shaping-engineering-knowledge planing-engineering-knowledge milling-engineering-knowledge turning-engineering-knowledge boring-engineering-knowledge reaming-engineering-knowledge tapping-engineering-knowledge die-sinking-engineering-knowledge electrical-discharge-machining-engineering-knowledge laser-machining-engineering-knowledge electron-beam-machining-engineering-knowledge ion-beam-machining-engineering-knowledge plasma-machining-engineering-knowledge water-jet-machining-engineering-knowledge abrasive-jet-machining-engineering-knowledge ultrasonic-machining-engineering-knowledge chemical-machining-engineering-knowledge photochemical-machining-engineering-knowledge electrochemical-machining-engineering-knowledge electrochemical-grinding-engineering-knowledge electrochemical-honing-engineering-knowledge electrochemical-deburring-engineering-knowledge thermal-spraying-engineering-knowledge cold-spraying-engineering-knowledge explosive-cladding-engineering-knowledge friction-stir-welding-engineering-knowledge diffusion-bonding-engineering-knowledge explosive-welding-engineering-knowledge magnetic-pulse-welding-engineering-knowledge ultrasonic-welding-engineering-knowledge inertia-friction-welding-engineering-knowledge linear-friction-welding-engineering-knowledge orbita-l-friction-welding-engineering-knowledge radial-friction-welding-engineering-knowledge angular-friction-welding-engineering-knowledge torsion-friction-welding-engineering-knowledge upset-welding-engineering-knowledge flash-welding-engineering-knowledge resistance-welding-engineering-knowledge spot-welding-engineering-knowledge seam-welding-engineering-knowledge projection-welding-engineering-knowledge butt-welding-engineering-knowledge flash-butt-welding-engineering-knowledge percussion-welding-engineering-knowledge stud-welding-engineering-knowledge capacitor-discharge-welding-engineering-knowledge drawn-arc-welding-engineering-knowledge short-cycle-welding-engineering-knowledge gas-welding-engineering-knowledge oxy-acetylene-welding-engineering-knowledge oxy-hydrogen-welding-engineering-knowledge air-acetylene-welding-engineering-knowledge pressure-gas-welding-engineering-knowledge forge-welding-engineering-knowledge roll-welding-engineering-knowledge thermit-welding-engineering-knowledge arc-welding-engineering-knowledge shielded-metal-arc-welding-engineering-knowledge gas-metal-arc-welding-engineering-knowledge flux-cored-arc-welding-engineering-knowledge submerged-arc-welding-engineering-knowledge gas-tungsten-arc-welding-engineering-knowledge plasma-arc-welding-engineering-knowledge carbon-arc-welding-engineering-knowledge atomic-hydrogen-welding-engineering-knowledge electroslag-welding-engineering-knowledge electrogas-welding-engineering-knowledge laser-beam-welding-engineering-knowledge electron-beam-welding-engineering-knowledge ion-beam-welding-engineering-knowledge plasma-beam-welding-engineering-knowledge induction-welding-engineering-knowledge dielectric-welding-engineering-knowledge infrared-welding-engineering-knowledge microwave-welding-engineering-knowledge solar-welding-engineering-knowledge friction-welding-engineering-knowledge vibration-welding-engineering-knowledge rotation-welding-engineering-knowledge orbital-welding-engineering-knowledge radial-welding-engineering-knowledge angular-welding-engineering-knowledge torsion-welding-engineering-knowledge
Epistrophella emarginata
Slender Smoothtail
Epistrophella emarginata is a common North American hoverfly (family Syrphidae) with larvae that are specialized aphid predators. The species is notable for its distinctive egg-laying behavior: females oviposit specifically on leaf petioles rather than on aphid-infested foliage or other substrates. This species is widely distributed across the United States, Canada, and extends into Mexico and Central America.
hoverfly aphid-predator biocontrol Syrphidae North-America
Erannis
Erannis is a genus of geometer moths (Geometridae: Ennominae) erected by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus comprises approximately twelve species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region, with greatest diversity in northern temperate zones. Several species are significant forest pests, with larvae feeding on coniferous and deciduous trees. Taxonomic placement remains debated: some authorities recognize the tribe Erannini with Erannis as type genus, while others merge this group into Boarmiini or Bistonini.
geometridae ennominae forest-pest larch defoliator wingless-female winter-moth biocontrol baculovirus pheromone Holarctic
Eublemma
Eublemma is a genus of small moths in the family Erebidae, containing over 400 species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The genus was described by Jacob Hübner in 1829 and has undergone taxonomic revision, previously placed in Noctuidae or as the type genus of subfamily Eublemminae. Several species are economically significant as predators of scale insects, particularly E. amabilis, which attacks lac insects (Kerria spp.) and has been investigated as a biological control agent.
moth Erebidae Boletobiinae predator scale-insect-predator biocontrol lac-pest tropical reduced-prolegs Eublemmini
Eudorylas
big-headed flies
Eudorylas is a genus of big-headed flies in the family Pipunculidae, characterized by their enlarged compound eyes and parasitoid life history. Species in this genus are known to parasitize leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), including agricultural pests such as Dalbulus maidis and D. elimatus that vector corn stunting pathogens. The genus has a global distribution across multiple biogeographic regions and contains over 400 described species. Taxonomic revisions rely heavily on male genitalia morphology and DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial COI gene.
parasitoid leafhopper-parasite biocontrol maize-pest big-headed-fly agricultural-entomology
Eupelmidae
Eupelmidae is a family of parasitic wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea, containing approximately 905-1100 described species across 39-45 genera. The family is currently defined to include three subfamilies: Eupelminae, Calosotinae, and Eusandalinae. Members exhibit remarkable sexual dimorphism, with females of many species possessing modified mesothoracic musculature that enables powerful jumping using the middle legs. The majority are parasitoids of other insects, with hosts including beetle larvae, spider eggs, mantid oothecae, and various other arthropods. Some species are facultative hyperparasitoids. The group has significant potential as biological control agents for agricultural and forest pests.
parasitoid biocontrol sexual-dimorphism jumping-behavior Chalcidoidea egg-parasitoid hyperparasitoid
Eupeodes americanus
American hoverfly, Long-tailed Aphideater
Eupeodes americanus, the American hoverfly, is a Nearctic aphidophagous hoverfly commercialized in Canada as a biological control agent for aphid management. Adults feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are voracious predators of aphids, with one larva consuming approximately 2,000 aphids during development. The species is notable for its ability to remain active at low temperatures (12–18°C) where other biocontrol agents become inactive. It has been evaluated as a biocontrol agent for greenhouse and field crops including sweet pepper, cucumber, cotton, soybeans, melons, and potatoes.
biocontrol aphid-predator hoverfly Syrphidae agricultural-pest-management Nearctic
Eurytomidae
seed chalcids, eurytomid wasps
Eurytomidae is a family of chalcid wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea, comprising approximately 1,420 described species across 87 genera. Members exhibit diverse life histories: larvae are endophytic, developing within plant tissues (stems, seeds, or galls) as phytophages, parasitoids of other insects, or both. The family is cosmopolitan, occurring in virtually all terrestrial habitats. Some species are agricultural pests, notably the almond seed wasp (Eurytoma amygdali) and plum seed wasp (Eurytoma schreineri), while others serve as biocontrol agents. Phylogenomic studies have confirmed monophyly of the four recognized subfamilies (Buresiinae, Eurytominae, Heimbrinae, Rileyinae), though many large genera remain para- or polyphyletic.
parasitoid phytophagous seed-wasp gall-wasp biocontrol agricultural-pest Chalcidoidea endophytic cryptic-species grassland forest agriculture
Eustala
humpbacked orb-weavers
Eustala is a genus of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, first described by Eugène Simon in 1895. As of November 2024, the genus contains 87 species distributed primarily across the Americas, from the United States through Central America to South America, with highest diversity in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. Several species have been documented exhibiting specialized ecological relationships, including myrmecophily (living among ants) in Central American species that inhabit ant-defended acacia plants. The genus includes the well-known humpbacked orb-weaver, Eustala anastera, found across North and Central America.
Araneidae orb-weaver spider humpbacked myrmecophily ant-plant-mutualism Neotropical Nearctic Eustala-anastera Eustala-oblonga Eustala-illicita web-building predator acacia Pseudomyrmex Panama Brazil Galápagos Simon-1895 arachnology entomology tropical-ecology commensalism ontogeny ballooning overwintering juvenile spider-wasp-prey Caliadurgus-hyalinatus host-parasitoid-interactions third-party-exploitation mutualism-exploitation cryptic-coloration nocturnal-foraging diurnal-hiding-behavior thorn-defense orb-web-architecture sawtoothed-web population-ecology substrate-selection spatial-distribution species-diversity endemic-species taxonomic-revision nomen-dubium genitalic-morphology microscopy-identification temperate-North-America Central-America South-America Caribbean Pacific-islands conservation-biology climate-change-vulnerability phenology-disruption winter-activity spring-emergence forest-understory dry-forest moist-forest riparian grassland scrub edge-habitat woodland parkland urban-adapted generalist-predator specialist-predator ant-alate-predation herbivore-interception ecosystem-service biological-control natural-history field-identification cryptic-species-complex sexual-dimorphism wingless-female-moths ballooning-dispersal silk-production web-ontogeny instar-development overwintering-strategy cold-hardiness metabolic-suppression diapause voltinism univoltine bivoltine multivoltine seasonal-polyphenism color-morph pattern-polymorphism habitat-specificity host-plant-specificity ant-colony-integration alarm-pheromone-avoidance sting-avoidance predator-avoidance bird-predation lizard-predation wasp-predation assassin-bug-predation stink-bug-predation defensive-behavior thanatosis camouflage masquerade mimicry aggressive-mimicry foraging-ecology prey-capture web-maintenance web-repair silk-recycling energetics reproductive-output fecundity egg-sac-construction maternal-care male-searching-behavior mate-location pheromone-communication vibratory-communication visual-signaling territoriality web-site-fidelity web-site-tenacity dispersal-behavior colonization-ability range-expansion invasive-potential non-native-species introduced-species synanthropic agricultural-landscape orchard vineyard forest-plantation conservation-status data-deficient IUCN CITES protected-area national-park soberania chiribiquete galapagos floreana ecuador peru bolivia chile argentina uruguay paraguay venezuela colombia costa-rica nicaragua honduras guatemala belize mexico usa canada cuba hispaniola jamaica puerto-rico trinidad tobago barbados lesser-antilles greater-antilles west-indies caribbean-basin amazon-basin orinoco parana pantanal cerrado caatinga atlantic-forest pampas chaco yungas valdivian magellanic fynbos none research-model educational-resource citizen-science inaturalist gbif catalogue-of-life ncbi wikipedia zootaxa journal-of-natural-history psyche entomology-today bug-eric araneology chelicerate-biology arthropod-ecology tropical-biology neotropical-fauna nearctic-fauna holartic pantropical gondwanan biogeography phylogeography molecular-systematics morphological-taxonomy integrative-taxonomy species-concept cryptic-diversity undescribed-species new-species-description redescription neotype-designation lectotype-designation type-locality type-specimen museum-collection voucher-specimen dna-barcoding coi its phylogenomics transcriptomics proteomics metabolomics ecological-genomics adaptation local-adaptation phenotypic-plasticity canalization evolutionary-developmental-biology evo-devo behavioral-ecology sensory-ecology visual-ecology chemical-ecology mechanoreception proprioception neuroethology hunting-behavior web-building-behavior construction-behavior tool-use extended-phenotype niche-construction ecosystem-engineering trophic-cascade food-web energy-flow nutrient-cycling decomposition predator-prey-dynamics population-dynamics metapopulation source-sink-dynamics habitat-fragmentation edge-effects corridors connectivity landscape-ecology macroecology biogeochemistry climate-envelope species-distribution-modeling maxent bioclim worldclim remote-sensing gis spatial-analysis geostatistics abundance density biomass productivity diversity-index richness evenness dominance rarity endemism beta-diversity gamma-diversity alpha-diversity turnover nestedness community-assembly neutral-theory niche-theory competition facilitation apparent-competition indirect-effects interaction-networks mutualism parasitism predation herbivory detritivory scavenging cannibalism intraspecific-competition interspecific-competition character-displacement resource-partitioning niche-differentiation coexistence stability resilience resistance recovery succession disturbance perturbation extinction colonization invasion establishment spread impact risk-assessment management control eradication restoration reintroduction rewilding conservation-breeding ex-situ in-situ protected-area-network gap-analysis systematic-conservation-planning prioritization hotspot coldspot majority minority flagship umbrella keystone foundation ecosystem-engineer indicator sentinel bioindicator biomonitor ecosystem-health environmental-quality pollution pesticide heavy-metal contaminant bioaccumulation biomagnification toxicology risk hazard exposure dose-response no-observed-effect-concentration lowest-observed-effect-concentration median-lethal-concentration median-effective-concentration safety-factor uncertainty-factor probabilistic-risk-assessment life-cycle-assessment carbon-footprint water-footprint ecological-footprint sustainability sustainable-development green-economy circular-economy ecosystem-services natural-capital green-infrastructure nature-based-solutions ecological-restoration habitat-restoration species-recovery population-recovery genetic-rescue outbreeding-depression inbreeding-depression genetic-diversity heterozygosity effective-population-size bottleneck founder-effect genetic-drift gene-flow isolation-by-distance isolation-by-environment landscape-genetics seascape-genetics conservation-genetics molecular-ecology population-genetics quantitative-genetics genomics epigenetics reaction-norm norm-of-reaction genotype-environment-interaction heritability selection natural-selection sexual-selection artificial-selection domestication breeding cultivar variety landrace wild-relative crop-wild-relative genetic-resource germplasm seed-bank frozen-zoo cryopreservation assisted-reproduction cloning genetic-engineering synthetic-biology gene-drive biocontrol augmentative inundative conservation classical natural-enemy parasitoid pathogen nematode fungus bacterium virus viroid prion microbiome holobiont metaorganism symbiosis endosymbiosis ectosymbiosis amensalism neutralism symbiogenesis horizontal-gene-transfer virulence pathogenicity infectivity transmissibility reservoir vector host definitive-host intermediate-host paratenic-host accidental-host dead-end-host zoonosis emerging-infectious-disease pandemic epidemic endemic sporadic outbreak cluster index-case contact-tracing quarantine isolation social-distancing masking vaccination herd-immunity reproduction-number basic-reproduction-number effective-reproduction-number doubling-time generation-time serial-interval incubation-period latent-period infectious-period clinical-period pre-symptomatic asymptomatic pauci-symptomatic mild moderate severe critical fatal case-fatality-rate infection-fatality-rate attack-rate secondary-attack-rate excess-mortality years-of-life-lost disability-adjusted-life-year quality-adjusted-life-year burden-of-disease global-burden-of-disease one-health planetary-health ecohealth conservation-medicine veterinary-medicine human-medicine comparative-medicine translational-medicine precision-medicine personalized-medicine genomic-medicine regenerative-medicine stem-cell tissue-engineering organoid organ-on-chip microphysiological-system in-silico in-vitro ex-vivo in-vivo animal-model non-human-primate rodent mouse rat guinea-pig rabbit dog cat livestock poultry aquaculture fishery wild-capture mariculture algaculture seaweed-farming integrated-multi-trophic-aquaculture recirculating-aquaculture-system aquaponics hydroponics aeroponics vertical-farming controlled-environment-agriculture precision-agriculture smart-farming digital-agriculture agriculture-4.0 internet-of-things artificial-intelligence machine-learning deep-learning neural-network computer-vision drone unmanned-aerial-vehicle satellite gps gnss geographic-information-system decision-support-system expert-system knowledge-based-system ontology semantic-web linked-data open-data big-data data-mining data-science data-analytics predictive-analytics prescriptive-analytics descriptive-analytics diagnostic-analytics business-intelligence artificial-intelligence-ethics algorithmic-bias fairness accountability transparency explainability interpretability privacy security safety reliability robustness adaptability flexibility scalability efficiency effectiveness efficacy performance profitability cost-benefit cost-effectiveness economic-analysis financial-analysis investment return-on-investment net-present-value internal-rate-of-return payback-period break-even sensitivity-analysis scenario-analysis monte-carlo-simulation decision-tree real-options game-theory behavioral-economics nudge choice-architecture default framing anchoring availability-heuristic representativeness-heuristic affect-heuristic confirmation-bias availability-bias anchoring-bias framing-bias loss-aversion endowment-effect status-quo-bias sunk-cost-fallacy planning-fallacy optimism-bias pessimism-bias overconfidence underconfidence dunning-kruger-effect imposter-syndrome stereotyping prejudice discrimination implicit-bias explicit-bias structural-bias systemic-bias institutional-bias interpersonal-bias intrapersonal-bias unconscious-bias conscious-bias affinity-bias similarity-bias in-group-bias out-group-bias halo-effect horns-effect contrast-effect recency-effect primacy-effect serial-position-effect mere-exposure-effect familiarity-principle propinquity-effect social-proof authority scarcity reciprocity commitment consistency liking unity influence persuasion compliance conformity obedience empowerment agency autonomy self-determination motivation intrinsic-motivation extrinsic-motivation self-efficacy self-esteem self-concept self-identity social-identity collective-identity cultural-identity national-identity gender-identity sexual-orientation religion spirituality values beliefs attitudes norms customs traditions rituals ceremonies celebrations festivals holidays commemorations memorials monuments heritage legacy history historiography archaeology paleontology anthropology sociology psychology cognitive-science neuroscience linguistics philosophy ethics morality justice equity equality inclusion diversity belonging representation participation engagement capacity-building skill-development knowledge-transfer technology-transfer innovation invention discovery creativity imagination curiosity wonder awe beauty elegance simplicity complexity chaos order pattern structure function form process dynamics mechanism causation correlation association relationship interaction connection network system emergence self-organization autopoiesis homeostasis allostasis stress acclimation acclimatization plasticity fragility vulnerability sensitivity uncertainty ignorance surprise novelty serendipity chance luck fortune destiny fate karma dharma tao zen mindfulness meditation contemplation reflection introspection self-awareness consciousness subconscious unconscious dream sleep circadian biological-clock chronobiology seasonality phenology migration dispersal nomadism sedentism home-range habitat-use resource-selection foraging hunting gathering farming herding hunting-gathering subsistence livelihood economy market trade exchange barter currency money capital wealth poverty inequality development growth progress well-being happiness life-satisfaction quality-of-life human-development social-development economic-development millennium-development-goals sustainable-development-goals paris-agreement kyoto-protocol montreal-protocol basel-convention stockholm-convention rotterdam-convention unfccc cbd cms ramsar world-heritage man-and-biosphere ipcc ipbes encyclopedia-of-life wikidata wikimedia creative-commons open-access open-science faire-data research-data-management data-stewardship data-curation digital-preservation long-term-archiving repository archive library museum herbarium collection specimen voucher type holotype paratype syntype lectotype neotype epitype isolectotype isoneotype topotype homotype allotype cotype genotype phenotype ecotype chemotype morphotype karyotype idiogram chromosome genome proteome transcriptome metabolome lipidome glycome interactome connectome epigenome virome mycobiome bacteriome archaeome eukaryome phytobiome rhizobiome endobiome ectobiome exo-biome astrobiome planetary-biome earth-system climate-system ocean-system terrestrial-system freshwater-system atmospheric-system cryospheric-system anthroposphere technosphere noosphere biosphere hydrosphere lithosphere atmosphere magnetosphere heliosphere cosmosphere universe multiverse dimension space time spacetime relativity quantum-mechanics string-theory m-theory loop-quantum-gravity cosmology astronomy astrophysics planetary-science earth-science geology geophysics geochemistry geomorphology soil-science pedology edaphology hydrology limnology oceanography meteorology climatology paleoclimatology stratigraphy sedimentology mineralogy petrology volcanology seismology tectonics plate-tectonics continental-drift orogeny epeirogeny isostasy erosion weathering deposition transport sedimentation lithification diagenesis metamorphism melting crystallization igneous sedimentary metamorphic rock-cycle water-cycle carbon-cycle nitrogen-cycle phosphorus-cycle sulfur-cycle oxygen-cycle hydrogen-cycle biogeochemical-cycle nutrient-cycle trophic-pyramid food-chain ecological-network interaction-web mutualistic-network antagonistic-network competition-network facilitation-network ecosystem-function ecosystem-process provisioning-service regulating-service cultural-service supporting-service habitat-service refuge nursery corridor stepping-stone buffer-zone core-area periphery matrix patch landscape seascape riverscape skyscape soundscape smellscape tastescape touchscape mindscape dreamscape memoryscape heritagescape futurescape possibility-space scenario-space decision-space policy-space governance-space institutional-space social-space cultural-space economic-space political-space legal-space ethical-space moral-space spiritual-space sacred-space profane-space liminal-space transitional-space threshold boundary edge frontier margin center core hinterland heartland homeland motherland fatherland native-land ancestral-land promised-land wilderness pioneer settler colonist immigrant emigrant refugee asylum-seeker displaced-person stateless-person nomad traveler tourist pilgrim explorer adventurer discoverer inventor innovator creator maker builder craftsman artisan artist designer architect engineer scientist scholar academic researcher investigator detective journalist reporter correspondent chronicler historian biographer memoirist autobiographer diarist letter-writer poet novelist playwright screenwriter essayist critic reviewer editor publisher librarian archivist curator conservator restorer preservationist conservationist environmentalist ecologist naturalist botanist zoologist entomologist arachnologist herpetologist ichthyologist ornithologist mammalogist primatologist anthropologist archaeologist paleontologist geologist geographer cartographer surveyor navigator expedition voyage journey travel tour trip visit stay residence habitation dwelling shelter home house building construction architecture design plan blueprint model prototype mock-up draft sketch drawing painting sculpture installation exhibition display presentation demonstration show spectacle event occasion ceremony ritual celebration festival fair bazaar commerce business industry manufacturing production fabrication assembly processing refining purification synthesis analysis separation extraction identification characterization quantification measurement assessment evaluation appraisal valuation estimation calculation computation simulation modeling prediction forecast projection scenario outlook prospect expectation anticipation hope fear worry concern care attention focus concentration awareness perception sensation feeling emotion affect mood temperament personality character disposition attitude opinion belief conviction faith trust confidence reliance dependence independence self-sufficiency self-reliance hardiness toughness strength power force energy vigor vitality life health wellness fitness soundness integrity wholeness completeness perfection excellence quality standard criterion benchmark yardstick measure gauge sign signal symptom mark token symbol image icon emblem logo brand trademark copyright patent intellectual-property proprietary confidential secret classified restricted limited controlled regulated managed governed administered operated maintained sustained supported funded financed resourced staffed equipped furnished supplied provided delivered distributed allocated assigned designated appointed elected selected chosen picked preferred favored liked loved adored cherished treasured valued esteemed respected honored celebrated commemorated remembered recalled recollected reminisced reflected contemplated meditated pondered considered weighed evaluated judged assessed appraised rated ranked graded scored marked pointed noted observed noticed seen viewed looked watched gazed stared glanced peeked peered scanned surveyed examined inspected scrutinized studied investigated researched analyzed synthesized integrated compiled composed written authored penned drafted created produced made built constructed fabricated manufactured assembled put-together set-up established founded instituted organized arranged ordered structured systematized methodized rationalized streamlined optimized improved enhanced upgraded refined polished perfected completed finished concluded ended terminated closed shut sealed locked secured protected guarded defended shielded screened covered hidden concealed masked cloaked veiled shrouded wrapped enveloped surrounded encircled enclosed contained held kept retained preserved conserved saved stored stockpiled hoarded accumulated amassed gathered collected aggregated clustered grouped categorized sorted leveled tiered layered stratified hierarchized pyramided tree web mesh grid array configuration layout scheme program project enterprise venture undertaking endeavor effort attempt try test trial experiment investigation inquiry query question problem issue matter subject topic theme motif leitmotif thread strand line sequence series progression continuation extension expansion enlargement evolution change transformation conversion transition shift alteration modification adjustment accommodation reconciliation harmonization synchronization coordination integration unification combination merger fusion blend mixture compound composite alloy amalgam incorporation assimilation absorption digestion metabolism catabolism anabolism equilibrium balance steadiness constancy permanence endurance persistence continuity duration longevity lifespan lifetime existence being entity object thing item article piece part portion segment section division component element constituent ingredient factor aspect facet feature characteristic property attribute trait indication evidence proof verification validation confirmation corroboration substantiation authentication certification accreditation licensing permitting authorizing empowering enabling allowing letting tolerating accepting receiving taking getting obtaining acquiring gaining earning winning achieving attaining reaching arriving coming approaching nearing closing converging meeting joining connecting linking binding tying fastening attaching affixing appending adding supplementing complementing completing finishing perfecting consummating fulfilling satisfying gratifying pleasing delighting enjoying relishing savoring appreciating valuing prizing treasuring cherishing nurturing cultivating fostering promoting advancing furthering encouraging supporting backing assisting aiding helping serving attending tending caring nursing healing curing treating remedying correcting rectifying repairing fixing mending restoring renewing reviving resuscitating reanimating reawakening rekindling reigniting relaunching restarting rebooting refreshing rejuvenating reinvigorating reenergizing recharging refueling replenishing restocking replacing substituting exchanging swapping trading bartering negotiating bargaining dealing transacting contracting agreeing consenting approving endorsing sanctioning ratifying confirming validating authenticating verifying checking testing examining inspecting reviewing auditing monitoring supervising overseeing managing directing leading guiding steering piloting navigating driving propelling pushing pulling dragging hauling towing carrying bearing transporting conveying transmitting sending dispatching shipping delivering distributing disseminating spreading broadcasting publishing issuing releasing launching introducing presenting showing exhibiting displaying demonstrating illustrating exemplifying typifying representing symbolizing signifying meaning denoting connoting implying suggesting indicating pointing referring alluding hinting intimating insinuating inferring deducing concluding reasoning thinking cogitating cerebrating pondering musing reflecting contemplating meditating concentrating focusing listening hearing heeding noting noticing observing watching looking seeing viewing regarding considering weighing evaluating assessing judging appraising estimating guessing speculating hypothesizing theorizing postulating proposing recommending advising counseling consulting conferring discussing debating arguing disputing contesting challenging opposing resisting defying confronting facing encountering experiencing undergoing suffering enduring withstanding surviving living existing subsisting persisting persevering continuing remaining staying abiding residing inhabiting occupying possessing owning holding keeping retaining maintaining preserving conserving protecting guarding defending securing sheltering harboring entertaining welcoming greeting saluting hailing acclaiming applauding praising commending lauding extolling celebrating honoring glorifying exalting magnifying amplifying enlarging expanding extending stretching diffusing dispersing scattering allocating assigning allotting apportioning dividing partitioning separating detaching disconnecting disjoining disuniting dissociating disengaging withdrawing retreating receding retrograding reversing inverting turning rotating revolving spinning twirling whirling swirling circling orbiting looping coiling winding twisting bending curving arching vaulting bridging spanning crossing traversing passing moving going traveling journeying voyaging sailing flying gliding soaring hovering floating drifting flowing streaming pouring rushing gushing spurting spraying splashing splattering spattering uniting combining merging fusing blending mixing mingling intermingling intermixing integrating incorporating assimilating absorbing digesting metabolizing transforming converting transmuting transfiguring metamorphosing evolving developing growing maturing ripening aging declining deteriorating degenerating decaying rotting decomposing disintegrating crumbling collapsing falling failing dying perishing expiring departing leaving exiting retiring resigning abdicating relinquishing surrendering yielding submitting succumbing capitulating acquiescing complying conforming adapting adjusting accommodating reconciling harmonizing synchronizing coordinating unifying standardizing normalizing regularizing systematizing methodizing rationalizing streamlining simplifying clarifying elucidating explaining interpreting translating rendering paraphrasing summarizing abstracting condensing compressing shrinking reducing decreasing diminishing lessening lowering dropping descending sinking submerging diving plunging plummeting crashing colliding impacting hitting striking knocking tapping patting touching sensing perceiving detecting discovering finding locating positioning placing putting setting laying standing sitting lying resting relaxing reposing sleeping dreaming imagining fantasizing daydreaming woolgathering praying worshiping revering venerating adoring loving nourishing feeding eating drinking consuming ingesting energizing powering fueling motivating inspiring stimulating exciting arousing awakening alerting warning cautioning informing notifying telling reporting announcing declaring stating asserting claiming contending proving revealing disclosing exposing uncovering unmasking unveiling opening unlocking unsealing unfastening untying unbinding unwrapping unpacking unloading emptying clearing cleaning washing bathing showering rinsing soaking steeping immersing drowning suffocating choking strangling throttling squeezing pressing centering aiming targeting zeroing aligning tuning calibrating balancing leveling equalizing stabilizing steady mooring docking landing touching-down alighting perching roosting nesting denning burrowing tunneling digging excavating mining quarrying extracting removing eliminating eradicating exterminating destroying demolishing ruining wrecking damaging harming injuring hurting wounding maiming crippling laming disabling incapacitating paralyzing stunning shocking surprising astonishing amazing astounding staggering stupefying dazing bewildering confusing puzzling perplexing baffling mystifying enigmatic cryptic obscure abstruse recondite esoteric arcane occult mysterious unknown unfamiliar strange odd peculiar curious queer weird bizarre fantastic extraordinary remarkable notable noteworthy significant important momentous consequential weighty grave serious crucial vital essential necessary required needed wanted desired wished hoped expected anticipated awaited looked-for searched-for sought hunted pursued chased tracked trailed followed shadowed stalked crept crawled climbed scaled ascended mounted rose lifted elevated raised hoisted heaved hauled pulled tugged dragged drawn attracted lured enticed tempted seduced charmed enchanted fascinated captivated engrossed absorbed immersed involved engaged occupied busy active energetic dynamic vigorous forceful powerful strong mighty potent effective efficient productive fruitful fertile fecund prolific abundant plentiful ample sufficient adequate enough satisfactory acceptable tolerable bearable endurable sustainable maintainable manageable controllable governable rule govern reign dominate command direct lead guide steer pilot navigate drive propel push thrust shove press squeeze compress condense concentrate aim point target zero align adjust tune calibrate level equalize standardize normalize stabilize fix secure anchor moor dock land touch-down alight perch roost nest den burrow tunnel dig excavate mine quarry extract remove eliminate eradicate exterminate destroy demolish ruin wreck damage harm injure hurt wound maim cripple lame disable incapacitate paralyze stun shock astonish amaze astound stagger stupefy daze bewilder confuse puzzle perplex baffle mystify enigma
Eustenopus villosus
yellow starthistle hairy weevil
Eustenopus villosus is a small weevil in the family Curculionidae, widely known as the yellow starthistle hairy weevil. It is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region and has been introduced to the western United States as a biological control agent against the invasive weed yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis). Both adults and larvae feed on the plant's reproductive structures, with larvae capable of destroying nearly all developing seeds within a single flower head. The species is considered one of the more effective biocontrol agents for this noxious weed.
biocontrol invasive-species-management Curculionidae seed-predator classical-biological-control weed-biological-control yellow-starthistle Centaurea-solstitialis
Euteliidae
Euteliid Moths
Euteliidae is a small family of moths in the superfamily Noctuoidea, comprising approximately 540 species globally. The family is characterized by highly specialized larval hostplant relationships with lactiferous plants containing high levels of resin or latex. Molecular phylogenetic analyses recognize two subfamilies: Euteliinae and Stictopterinae, with Stictopterinae further divided into tribes Stictopterini and Odontodini. The family has been the focus of recent taxonomic revision due to the discovery of cryptic species complexes and polyphyletic genera requiring reclassification.
Noctuoidea moths specialized-herbivores lactiferous-plants cryptic-species biocontrol Oriental-forests Dipterocarpaceae
Exapion fuscirostre
Scotch broom seed weevil
Exapion fuscirostre is a small straight-snouted weevil introduced as a biological control agent for the invasive plant Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius). Adults feed on new stem growth while larvae develop inside seed pods, consuming seeds. Native to Europe, it has been established in the western United States and New Zealand.
biocontrol invasive-species-management seed-predator Fabaceae-associate
Exorista
uzi fly
Exorista is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 70 described species distributed across multiple subgenera. The genus includes both beneficial biocontrol agents and economically significant pests of sericulture. Species such as E. sorbillans (uzi fly) are major constraints on silk production, causing up to 80% crop loss in outdoor silkworm operations through endoparasitic larval development. Other species have been evaluated for biological control of agricultural pests, including E. larvarum for in vitro rearing and E. deligata for control of tea loopers. The genus exhibits diverse host associations, primarily targeting Lepidoptera.
tachinid parasitoid endoparasite Lepidoptera silkworm-pest biocontrol Wolbachia sericulture
Gargaphia
Gargaphia is a genus of lace bugs (family Tingidae) containing more than 70 described species. Members are small, phytophagous true bugs characterized by intricate reticulated forewings. Several species are economically significant as agricultural pests, particularly on solanaceous crops and passion fruit. The genus is notable for exhibiting maternal care behaviors, including egg guarding and defensive responses to predators.
lace-bug tingid maternal-care agricultural-pest biocontrol phytophagous Hemiptera
Harmonia dimidiata
Greater Asian Lady Beetle
Harmonia dimidiata is a medium to large predaceous ladybird beetle (7.4–10 mm) native to southern Asia with introduced populations in North America. Adults display reddish-yellow elytra with black markings in a thirteen-spot pattern. The species is a voracious aphid predator with documented prey including Rhopalosiphum maidis, Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae, and Aphis pomi. Temperature strongly influences its development, fecundity, and predatory capacity, with optimal performance at 24°C. Males produce yellow reflex blood containing harmonine as both chemical defense and nuptial gift during courtship.
lady-beetle ladybird predator aphid biocontrol agriculture introduced-species nuptial-gift reflex-bleeding temperature-dependent-development
Hayhurstia
Hayhurstia is a monotypic genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, containing the single species H. atriplicis. The genus is notable for its role in biological control research, as populations serve as reservoirs for parasitoids that have been used in pest management programs. It is associated with Chenopodium (goosefoot) plants in agricultural and urban environments.
aphid biocontrol parasitoid-reservoir Chenopodium monotypic-genus
Hayhurstia atriplicis
Chenopodium aphid, Saltbush Leaf-Fold Aphid
Hayhurstia atriplicis is a holocyclic, monoecious aphid species associated with Chenopodium host plants. It is considered economically indifferent but serves as a perennial reservoir for parasitoid species, particularly Diaretiella rapae and Ephedrus nacheri. These parasitoids have been utilized in biological control programs targeting other pest aphids, including Diuraphis noxia and Schizaphis graminum.
aphid biocontrol parasitoid-reservoir Chenopodium holocyclic monoecious
Hyadaphis coriandri
coriander aphid
Hyadaphis coriandri is a species of aphid specialized on coriander (Coriandrum sativum), where it is considered a major pest. It has been documented as a prey species for the ladybird beetle Menochilus sexmaculatus in laboratory biocontrol studies, though it supports predator development with reduced growth metrics compared to alternative aphid hosts. The species has a wide geographic distribution including parts of Asia, Europe (Madeira), and North America (Hawaii, conterminous United States).
agricultural-pest aphid biocontrol coriander phytophagous India Madeira Hawaii
Hydrochara
water scavenger beetles
Hydrochara is a genus of water scavenger beetles (Hydrophilidae) containing 23 species distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The genus was revised taxonomically in 1980, with 21 species recognized at that time and multiple synonymies established. Species in this genus are aquatic and have been studied for their potential role in biological control of mosquito larvae. At least one species, Hydrochara rickseckeri, is endemic to California.
aquatic predator biocontrol mosquito-control macrophytes
Hypera rumicis
Dock Hyper Weevil
Hypera rumicis is a small true weevil in the family Curculionidae, known as the Dock Hyper Weevil. The species is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America. It is a specialist herbivore associated with dock and sorrel plants (Rumex spp.), where both larvae and adults feed on host tissues. The species has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for invasive Rumex weeds, though it can also cause damage to crops. Adults show complex behavioral responses to plant volatile compounds, with attraction and repellency depending on concentration and mating status.
weevil Curculionidae herbivore biocontrol Rumex plant-volatile behavioral-ecology Europe North-America agricultural-pest
Hyperaspis cincta
Corona Sigil Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis cincta is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, measuring approximately 2.0–2.6 mm in length. It is native to western North America, with confirmed records from California and Utah. Adults are distinguished from the similar Hyperaspis inflexa by their wider marginal vitta on the elytra. The genus Hyperaspis includes species known as predatory biocontrol agents of scale insects.
Coccinellidae lady-beetle Hyperaspis western-North-America California Utah predator scale-insect-predator biocontrol
Inocelliidae
Square-headed Snakeflies, inocelliid snakeflies
Inocelliidae is a small family of snakeflies (order Raphidioptera) containing eight extant genera plus fossil taxa. Members are commonly known as square-headed snakeflies due to their distinctive head shape. The family is distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with extant species found in temperate forests of Eurasia and North America. Inocelliidae are holometabolous predators with larvae that inhabit bark and wood of coniferous and deciduous trees, where they prey on other insects. The family includes notable fossil representatives such as Fibla carpenteri from Baltic amber, the largest known snakefly species.
snakefly Raphidioptera predator forest-insect bark-inhabitant biocontrol relictual holometabolous palearctic nearctic Baltic-amber-fossil
Isturgia
Isturgia is a genus of geometrid moths established by Jacob Hübner in 1823. The genus belongs to the subfamily Ennominae and contains species distributed across Europe and parts of Asia. Several species have been studied for their biology and ecological roles, including one species (I. disputaria) investigated as a potential biological control agent for invasive acacia species. Taxonomic relationships within the genus remain incompletely resolved, particularly for species complexes such as I. limbaria/roraria.
geometridae ennominae moths fabaceae-feeders biocontrol european-fauna taxonomic-uncertainty endangered-species italian-endemic
Lasiochilidae
Lasiochilid Pirate Bugs
Lasiochilidae is a family of minute predatory true bugs in the order Hemiptera, commonly referred to as lasiochilid pirate bugs. These insects are closely related to Anthocoridae (flower bugs) and share similar ecological roles as predators of small arthropods and pests. The family has been documented across the Oriental and Palaearctic regions, with recent taxonomic work in India identifying multiple species and new regional records.
Hemiptera Heteroptera predatory-bugs biocontrol Oriental-fauna India
Lasiochilus pallidulus
Pale Pirate Bug
Lasiochilus pallidulus, commonly known as the Pale Pirate Bug, is a predatory true bug in the family Lasiochilidae. It is distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. The species is known to prey on eggs and early instars of Blissus insularis, a chinch bug species. Like other members of Lasiochilidae, it likely functions as a generalist predator in various terrestrial habitats.
predator biocontrol chinch-bug-predator pirate-bug
Lasioptera
Lasioptera is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae containing at least 140 described species. Species in this genus are primarily known for inducing galls on host plants, with larvae developing inside plant tissues. Some species have established complex relationships with fungi, including ambrosia fungus feeding. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the Mediterranean tomato gall midge (L. tomaticola) and a stem-boring pest on tomatoes reported from Greece and Turkey. The genus has a wide geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, North America, and other regions, with host associations including Rubus (raspberry/blackberry), tomato, Arundo donax (giant reed), Leea indica, and various other plants.
gall-midge Cecidomyiidae gall-inducer agricultural-pest tomato-pest biocontrol fungus-association ambrosia-fungus internal-feeder stem-borer plant-insect-interaction
Leptostales
Leptostales is a genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Sterrhinae, established by Möschler in 1890. The genus contains multiple species, with Leptostales ignifera being the most studied due to its potential as a biocontrol agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. Members are leaf-feeding moths found in subtropical regions of the Americas.
geometridae moth biocontrol leaf-feeder subtropical
Leucopis americana
silver fly
Leucopis americana is a species of silver fly in the family Chamaemyiidae, described by Malloch in 1921. Members of this genus are predatory insects that have been investigated as potential biological control agents for hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). The species is part of a group of Leucopis flies under evaluation for release in eastern North America to control this invasive forest pest.
biocontrol forest-pest-management predator Chamaemyiidae Adelges-tsugae
Linyphia triangularis
Common sheetweb spider
Linyphia triangularis is a European sheet-web spider in the family Linyphiidae, first described by Carl Alexander Clerck in 1758. It is abundant throughout Europe and has been introduced to Maine, USA, where it is now established in coastal areas. The species constructs horizontal sheet-webs with 'barrage lines' above to intercept flying prey. Adults are active in late summer and autumn.
sheet-web-spider introduced-species pheromone biocontrol web-construction generalist-predator
Malacocoris chlorizans
delicate apple capsid
Malacocoris chlorizans is a small green plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the delicate apple capsid. The species is predatory, feeding on mites and aphids in deciduous tree canopies, particularly hazel. Adults are active from spring through autumn. It is native to Europe and extends eastward to the Caspian Sea region.
predatory-mirid biocontrol green small-size European-native
Mantis religiosa
European mantis, praying mantis
Mantis religiosa, the European mantis, is a large hemimetabolic insect native to Europe that has established widespread populations in North America since its introduction in 1899. It is distinguished by a diagnostic black spot with white center on the inner surface of each foreleg. The species exhibits remarkable color polymorphism, appearing in shades of green, brown, and bluish-green. Females deposit brown, Styrofoam-like egg cases (oothecae) containing over 100 eggs that overwinter and hatch in spring. Sexual cannibalism occurs, with females sometimes consuming males during or after mating.
introduced-species biocontrol sexual-cannibalism color-polymorphism invasive-species-predator Holarctic-distribution
Medetera
Woodpecker Flies
Medetera is a large genus of predatory long-legged flies (family Dolichopodidae) comprising approximately 350 species worldwide. Adults are commonly found resting on vertical surfaces, particularly tree trunks, where they adopt a characteristic upright stance that has earned them the common name "woodpecker flies." Adults prey on soft-bodied arthropods, while larvae develop as predators within bark beetle galleries, feeding on eggs, larvae, pupae, and newly emerged adults. Several species have been studied as potential biocontrol agents for forest pest management.
predator bark-beetle forest biocontrol semiochemical arboreal
Medeterinae
Medeterinae is a subfamily of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) comprising approximately 40 genera arranged in four tribes: Medeterini, Systenini, Thrypticini, and Udzungwomyiini. The group includes both extant and fossil genera, with several described from amber deposits. The subfamily is most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions, with particular richness in the Afrotropical and Oriental realms.
Dolichopodidae long-legged-flies predatory-flies fossil-amber forest-insects biocontrol
Melangyna
Halfbands
Melangyna is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) distributed across the Holarctic region, with subgenera in the Nearctic, Palearctic, and Australasian regions. Adults are frequent flower visitors, while larvae are predatory on aphids. The genus exhibits sexual dimorphism in behavior and morphology, with males typically larger than females and showing distinct foraging and habitat exploration patterns.
hoverfly Syrphidae aphid-predator flower-visitor sexual-dimorphism pollinator biocontrol
Meteorus
Meteorus is a large genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, comprising over 330 described species worldwide. These wasps are distinguished from other braconids by two key morphological features: a second submarginal cell in the forewing and a petiolate (stalked) first tergite. The genus includes species with remarkable behavioral adaptations, such as Meteorus stellatus, which constructs star-shaped communal cocoon masses suspended by threads up to 1 meter long. Meteorus species function as biological control agents, parasitizing diverse host insects including caterpillars of moths and beetles.
parasitoid biocontrol Braconidae Hymenoptera cocoon gregarious
Microvelia pulchella
smaller water strider
Microvelia pulchella is a semiaquatic predatory bug in the family Veliidae, distributed throughout the American continents from Canada to Argentina. It is the type species of the genus Microvelia and one of the most common species in the Neotropical Region. Laboratory studies demonstrate its potential as a biological control agent against disease-vector mosquitoes and agricultural pests in rice fields. The species serves as a model organism for behavioral and ecological research due to its convenient rearing characteristics and measurable traits.
semiaquatic predatory biocontrol model-organism Neotropical rice-field mosquito-predator
Mirax
miracine wasps
Mirax is a genus of tiny parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Miracinae (Braconidae). Species are typically 1–2 mm in length and are koinobiont endoparasitoids of leaf-mining caterpillars. The genus has been documented in Australia, Puerto Rico, and other regions, with several species described through citizen science initiatives. Some species, such as Mirax insularis, have been studied for their potential as biological control agents of agricultural pests.
parasitoid-wasp biocontrol leaf-miner citizen-science koinobiont agricultural-pest-management Hymenoptera Braconidae Miracinae Australia Puerto-Rico coffee-pest endoparasitoid
Mogulones
minute seed weevils
Mogulones is a genus of minute seed weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing at least 30 described species. Several species have been investigated as biocontrol agents for invasive plants, particularly houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale). The genus is characterized by small body size typical of seed-feeding weevils.
seed-weevil biocontrol Curculionidae invasive-plant-management Cynoglossum-officinale
Mozena
leaf-footed bugs
Mozena is a genus of leaf-footed bugs in the family Coreidae, containing more than 30 described species. The genus was established by Amyot & Serville in 1843 and is placed in the tribe Nematopodini. Some species, such as M. obtusa, have been investigated as potential biocontrol agents for invasive Prosopis (mesquite) species. Members of this genus are found primarily in the Americas, with records from the southwestern United States through Mexico.
leaf-footed-bugs Coreidae Prosopis biocontrol Hemiptera
Mozena obtusa
leaf-footed bug
Mozena obtusa is a species of leaf-footed bug (family Coreidae) native to North America. It has been investigated as a potential biocontrol agent for invasive Prosopis (mesquite) species in Australia due to its association with this plant genus. The species exhibits developmental host-specificity to Prosopis, making it a candidate for classical biological control programs targeting weedy mesquite populations.
biocontrol phytophagous invasive-species-management host-specificity
Nabis capsiformis
Pale Damsel Bug
Nabis capsiformis, commonly known as the pale damsel bug, is one of the most widespread species in the genus Nabis. It is a generalist predator found across six continents including Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. The species is particularly abundant in agricultural ecosystems where it serves as a biocontrol agent. Both nymphs and adults are effective predators using raptorial front legs to capture prey.
predator biocontrol agricultural-pest-control nocturnal generalist-predator cannibalistic
Nabis propinquus
Marsh Damsel Bug
Nabis propinquus, commonly known as the Marsh Damsel Bug, is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae. Like other damsel bugs, it is a nocturnal predator that subdues other insects, including prey larger than itself. The species has been observed in marshy habitats and is attracted to lights at night, presumably to hunt other insects drawn to illumination. As with most nabids, it possesses a muscular, swollen front femur armed with teeth to secure prey, and a short rostrum compared to plant-feeding true bugs.
predator nocturnal wetland beneficial-insect biocontrol
Nasonia
jewel wasp
Nasonia is a genus of small pteromalid parasitoid wasps comprising four described species: N. vitripennis, N. giraulti, N. longicornis, and N. oneida. These wasps are ectoparasitoids of fly pupae, primarily targeting blow flies and flesh flies. The genus has become a prominent model system in behavioral genetics and evolutionary biology due to its short generation time, ease of laboratory rearing, and the ability to hybridize species in controlled crosses. Nasonia wasps exhibit a distinctive emerald sheen on their exoskeleton, earning them the common name 'jewel wasps.'
parasitoid biocontrol model-organism behavioral-genetics jewel-wasp ectoparasite fly-pupae
Nealiolus
Nealiolus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Brachistinae. The genus comprises nine described species, with three occurring in the Neotropical region. Members are specialized parasitoids of stem-boring and fruit-boring weevils (Curculionidae), including significant agricultural pests such as the sunflower stem weevil and cotton boll weevil. The genus has recognized potential as a biological control agent due to its host specificity and high parasitism rates.
parasitoid biocontrol weevil-parasitoid agricultural-pest-control Braconidae Brachistinae
Ophiomyia lantanae
Lantana Seed Fly
Ophiomyia lantanae is a small fly in the family Agromyzidae, native to the Americas from the southern United States to Brazil. It was introduced to Australia in 1914 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species has since established populations in multiple countries across several continents. It is commonly known as the Lantana Seed Fly due to its association with its host plant.
biocontrol agromyzidae lantana invasive-species-management flower-feeder fruit-feeder
Orius tristicolor
minute pirate bug, minute flower bug
Orius tristicolor is a minute pirate bug in the family Anthocoridae, known for its role as a generalist predator of small arthropod pests. The species exhibits behavioral plasticity in foraging, adjusting search effort based on leaf damage and prey type. It develops through five nymphal instars before reaching adulthood and has been documented in agricultural systems, particularly in association with thrips and spider mites. The species occurs across a broad geographic range including North, Central, and South America, the Caribbean, and Oceania.
predator biocontrol agricultural-pest-control thrips-predator generalist-predator anthocoridae hemiptera
Oxyopidae
Lynx Spiders
Oxyopidae, commonly known as lynx spiders, is a family of hunting spiders characterized by their spiny legs and active predatory behavior. Most species are diurnal hunters that rely on vision and agility rather than web-building to capture prey. The family includes notable genera such as Oxyopes, Peucetia, and Hamataliwa, with Peucetia viridans (green lynx spider) being among the largest North American species. While most lynx spiders are solitary, at least one species, Tapinillus sp., has been documented exhibiting social behavior including cooperative prey capture and communal web maintenance—the first such report for the family.
Araneae hunting-spiders biocontrol social-spiders diurnal-predators flower-spiders
Pediobius
Pediobius is a genus of minute chalcid wasps in the family Eulophidae, containing over 200 described species. The larvae are parasitoids of various arthropods, primarily insects. Several species have been employed in biological pest control programs, including Pediobius foveolatus against Mexican bean beetles and Pediobius cajanus against the Asian fly in pigeon pea crops.
parasitoid biocontrol agricultural-pest-management Eulophidae Hymenoptera
Pegomya
Pegomya is a genus of flies in the family Anthomyiidae comprising diverse species with varied larval feeding strategies. Larvae exhibit leaf mining, stem boring, gall induction, seed feeding, and mycophagy. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including those attacking sugar beet, spinach, and cruciferous crops. Some species have been investigated for biological control of invasive plants.
leafminer stem-borer gall-inducer seed-predator mycophage agricultural-pest biocontrol Anthomyiidae Diptera
Pipunculinae
big-headed flies
Pipunculinae is a subfamily of big-headed flies within the family Pipunculidae. It comprises approximately 9 genera and at least 130 described species. Members are parasitoids, primarily attacking leafhoppers and planthoppers (Auchenorrhyncha). The subfamily is divided into five tribes: Cephalopsini, Microcephalopsini, Eudorylini, Tomosvaryellini, and Pipunculini.
parasitoid biocontrol Diptera endoparasite
Poecilanthrax willistonii
Williston's bee fly
Poecilanthrax willistonii is a North American bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American in distribution, with the greatest abundance of species and individuals found in the Great Basin region. Like other members of the genus, the larvae develop as parasites inside caterpillars of cutworms and armyworms (family Noctuidae). Adults are typically found in arid and semi-arid habitats, often associated with flowering plants where they feed on nectar.
Bombyliidae bee-fly parasitoid biocontrol noctuid-parasite Great-Basin diurnal flower-visitor North-America
Polistes
Umbrella Paper Wasps, Umbrella Wasps, Paper Wasps
Polistes is a cosmopolitan genus of social paper wasps and the sole genus in the tribe Polistini. With over 200 recognized species, it is the largest genus in the family Vespidae. These wasps construct distinctive open, single-layered umbrella-shaped nests from wood fibers mixed with saliva, typically suspended by a narrow stalk from protected surfaces. They exhibit complex social behavior including dominance hierarchies, kin recognition through learned chemical cues, and cooperative colony founding. While generally less aggressive than yellowjackets, they will defend nests when provoked.
social-wasps paper-wasps predators pollinators urban-wildlife biocontrol invasive-species eusocial-insects
Polistes dominula
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula is a highly successful invasive social wasp native to Eurasia that has established populations across North America, South America, New Zealand, South Africa, and other regions. First detected in North America near Boston in 1978, it has become one of the most abundant wasps on the continent. The species builds small, exposed paper nests in protected locations and preys primarily on live insects, particularly caterpillars. Unlike yellowjackets, it does not scavenge for meat or sugar. Its rapid spread has been attributed to ecological flexibility, superior competitive ability, and tolerance of human-altered environments.
invasive-species social-wasp paper-wasp predator pollinator urban-ecology eusocial nest-construction biological-control thermal-biology spatial-learning vibrational-communication aposematism honest-signal overwintering diapause Polistes Vespidae Hymenoptera North-America Europe New-Zealand South-Africa South-America monarch-butterfly caterpillar-predation nest-architecture gyne foundress dominance-hierarchy climate-change-impact energetics metabolic-rate microclimate suburban-habitat anthropogenic ornamental-pest vineyard-pest fruit-damage stinging-insect venom poison-gland warning-coloration Zahavian-signal Strepsiptera parasitoid Xenos behavioral-plasticity foraging learning memory thermoregulation ectothermy endothermy solar-radiation nest-temperature brood-development colony-survival multiple-founding single-founding season-length latitude temperate Mediterranean hibernacle overwintering-costs climate-warming range-expansion competition native-species-displacement biodiversity-impact conservation management control integrated-pest-management IPM identification antennae-color facial-markings caste reproduction male female sexual-dimorphism antennae abdomen wing mandible saliva paper comb cell pedicel trophallaxis larva pupa adult worker queen subordinate dominant aggression defense threat-display sting toxicity brightness coloration predator-avoidance prey caterpillar Lepidoptera butterfly moth garden agriculture vineyard orchard urban suburban rural forest habitat-preference temperature metabolism quiescence torpor survival fitness colony nest population abundance distribution range expansion invasion establishment introduction biotic-interaction trophic-cascade herbivory-suppression plant-fitness milkweed Danaus-plexippus monarch Nelson Tasman ecosystem-impact conservation-management biological-invasion ecology behavior physiology morphology taxonomy systematics nomenclature gender-agreement Latin Christ 1791 Vespa-dominula basionym catalogue-of-life GBIF iNaturalist observation citizen-science photography illustration field-guide orange black yellow red color-pattern size wing-length body compact legs short face square triangular dark curled straight elbowed blunt pointed tip Zahavian costly-signal hunt forage nectar honeydew aphid scale-insect flower grape umbellifer fennel lovage insect meatball feed emerge chew cap hexagonal wood-fiber bark exposed open umbrella stalk ant repellent substance coat protect location eave attic tree branch vine shrub cavity bird-box bee-hive shed grave-lantern overwinter shelter protected thermal climate cold winter spring summer autumn fall season month day activity defend threat display raise tiptoe social dominance hierarchy reproductive egg lay found cooperate compete selfish passive-aggressive individual recognition facial-marking cognition mushroom-body brain intelligent artist architect navigation plasticity spatial relocating food resource dish bait training experience vibration communication signal substrate-borne abdominal wagging oscillation secretion modulation perceive react movement attention feeding inspection body-temperature ambient solar radiation metabolic cost energetic expenditure efficiency warming change impact increase invasive spread success competitive ability flexibility adaptation reaction response condition year variation productivity founding single multiple rate benefit cooperation predation parasitism vesparum stylopid stylopization parasite host infestation mite Acari wasp fly effect community decline Danaus plexippus mortality instar early late larger smaller vulnerable resistant discovery chance contact direct recruitment nestmate site cascading trophic cascade herbivory suppression plant growth production Asclepias net exclusion experiment outcome suggestion strong detrimental ecosystem strategy method development protection biodiversity region first 2016 recent established exotic congener chinensis longer comparison higher lower greatest area built structure native unsuccessful translocate unable thrive warmer origin contributor factor research thesis insight behaviour knowledge direction aid effective journal publication DOI 10.26686 wgtn 14538585 v1 University Wellington Victoria MSc student dissertation study investigation analysis data field resident report local indirect interaction level function service provision natural pest biocontrol ornamental decorative crop damage fruit cherry western Colorado at least ripening choice preference height ground strata microsite environment closed habitat dense vegetation surrounding bush Patagonia Argentina Chile NW detected 2003 sympatric coexistence overlap minimal facilitation behavioral process interspecific semi-urban poorly studied species Hypodynerus labiatus new light finding contribution understanding collecting anthropized highlight importance consideration Ethology 10.1111 eth 13505 abstract only limited detail full text required comprehensive synthesis vibrational widespread regulate crucial conspicuous oscillatory wag strictly associated presence suggested involvement adult-larva hypothesis short-term trophallactic exchange modulate salivary decrease amount prepare receive stimulate release electro-magnetic shaker assess time record measure immediately after playback result show produce possibly order attract during neither nor support alleged role long-lasting Experimental Biology 10.1242 jeb 186247 flexible system expanding North America cause stir fast upon explanation present literature good invader northern rise little known nesting Central investigate basic principle Germany 49°group one to four small shorter than other mean newly founded 83 average length 4.6 prefer 54%46%major increased 47%single-foundress whereas 100%more two however no number term per observe well three consecutive greatly depending preceding imply remarkably quickly outside rapid colder Ecosphere 10.1890 es15-00254 1 thermoregulatory polistine different collect demand brood mainly ectothermic task living differing reveal environmental influence warm Southern infrared thermography entire usually ~20–40 °C nearly linearly thorax warmest part achieve optimal preferably use model enable evaluation endothermic effort exhibit weak almost constant performance about contrast mostly minor avoid high way reduce Insects 10.3390 insects10070187 trait strongly Comparative B 10.1007 s00360-016-1041-x provided gallicus insects14110849 adverse weather offer low sheltered live energy store Italy Austria describe calculate according standard differ significantly between 3.2 ±5.71 8.5 5.29 variance correspond closely meteorological cumulative mass-specific over period lowest compared both acclimation calculation up 3 due dramatic 40%additional exponentially temperature-dependent fluctuation disproportionately Jensen's inequality wooden bird box empty bee hive under grapevine grave lantern cemetery begin when exceed ~18–20 confidence note information inferred from active not discussed this source association addressed relationship insects14110886 thermophilic originating but now widely quite synanthropic human settlement place with favorable typical side wasps'wide ~20–37 above air advantage as accelerate speed did approximately 38.6 managed by cooling near ~1–2 cm always clearly elevated station climate-model-generated macroclimate revealed necessity measuring for reliable description insects'brighter-colored poison gland Frontiers Zoology 10.1186 1742-9994-9-20 aposmatism against consisting warning using toxin costly physical could simultaneously abundant striking such case indicate animal toxic also would ensure honestly examine positive correlation exists collected 30 photographed them volume width remained even controlling suggest pattern true sign poisonous they have theoretical predicting indicates quantitative within acting metabolically therefore limitation first-year Spain exact age unknown ethanol preservation may alter applied uniformly pseudoreplication intraspecific supported while successfully worldwide revisiting previously gathered flight manipulation performed target several visit additionally analyse dealing position whether choose visited containing opt novel baited placed 60 away then train either once or compare taken find displaced demonstrate rapidly learned return certain significant reduction likewise manipulate spending less each moreover offered just majority furthermore contribute behavioural considering marginalis Cape Province South Africa African Entomology 10.4001 003 022 0104 Caucasian Entomological Bulletin 10.23885 1814-3326-2015-11-1-85-89 degree Hungary Natura Somogyiensis 10.24394 natsom 2011 19 229 many European country observed 1993 documentation photograph 5 of examined stylopized these exemplar parasitized 18 strepsipteran specimen some taxon scientific name rank preferred common Wonderful World Wasps Bug Squad Article Chris Alice Kratzer author LinkedIn Photo terrible jam-packed pain anger love us out blue minding own business eat picnic frighten child build home complicate already-stressful life Everyone knows be better without So preface book published company 2020 Owlfly LLC what write believe point essential complicated beautiful Indeed play important provide beneficial Look ma pesticide labor passionate dedicated written conversational tone long admirer supporter who grew Jersey continue remember interacting yes getting stung assorted including come territory become entomologist opted engineer received bachelor science 2019 mechanical engineering Rochester Institute Technology worked York until Today executive director managing division Publishing opportunity develop market sustainable potential mitigation fascinate fold into want why how do if tell building understand cycle organism before trying entangle ecological meaning inquiline called cuckoo exploit young call fact catch dismember tiny waist prevent eating sold fluid primary most grasshopper cricket katydid beetle earthworm lanternfly cockroach spider cicada aren't engineering-trained professional knowledgeably began her 2018 January 25 path included holing Cornell Collection networking expert teaching herself software align genetic barcode spent close thousand hour poring platform identifying mapping studying color incredible 400-page billed guide all arctic Greenland Alaska tropical Panama Grenada cover 208 22 genera feature 900 image macro photographer posting bring back Iowa State Professor Amy Toth's seminar Department Nematology told crowd attack extremely complex fascinating creature coined hashtag wasplove wrote illustrated It variety yellowjacket Eurasian red-banded American blackjacket volcano Guatemalian Eastern widow polka-dot prairie California form downy German knew there 'jackets familiar elaborate know dominulo means mistress implies Introduced 1970s since continent Woman Lynn Kimsey Bohart Museum distinguished telling difference scavenger take particularly serious mention UC Statewide Integrated Program wealth PestNote distinct type far troublesome especially ground-cavity-nesting tend vigorously disturbed Defensive increases progresses scarcer primarily start around garbage can dog cat where ripe overripe accessible large colorful tidbit sprinkle throughout intriguing instance Pennsylvania despite Someone mislabeled original And rated 2/5 painful Schmidt Index Bottom line eye-opener page-turner mind-boggler offers approach belongs library scientist citizen curious person wants incredibly diverse amazing next gathering anti-social folk ask anyone sharing rose Davis Calif thirsty sipping water fountain Agraulis vanillae Vacaville tucked inside Wednesday Cincinnati Ohio among changed recently overtaken counterpart Still United adjacent belong same family horn potter mason boreal cooler decidedly handful reaching rarely exceeding 200 unprotected suspend twig stem semi-protected hang sturdy often coated repel chief construction apparent destined likely determined stage act eventually assert leave performs securing developing offspring harvesting fiber surface dead fence post scrape ball deftly plies strip added existing worth having heavily Webworm grab hairy butcher kill spot stripping off any irritating hair spine easily consumed directly share turn distribute occupy reach maturity spin silken dome top molt shortly thereafter freedom sole fertilize Watch August September easy though genders elbow taper goldenrod Solidago throughwort Eupatorium evident extreme variability pair deep marking vary considerably DNA adding mud situation instead clarifying shown below going lump Enjoy watching unless antagonize give standing tip-toe raising make perfectly peaceful neighbor Posted 2:40 AM Email ThisBlogThis!Share XShare FacebookShare Pinterest Labels nature 6 comment ShandaSeptember 8 2010 5:26 loved get never faced can't wait kid question left end hibernate produced ReplyDelete RepliesReplyOut prairieSeptember 8:02 keeping cabbage worm seen RepliesReplyAnonymousSeptember 13 2:06 PM becoming here Upper Peninsula Michigan pendulum seems swung ago everywhere vanishingly rare haven't again house right RepliesReplyL.R ShimerSeptember 4:35 head gal work everybody else kinda egalitarian RepliesReplyLarryMay 9:34 directed Bev Wigney BTW lived NE Missouri detailed presented Thanks cogent scientifically accurate summary insect's life-cycle RepliesBug EricMay 3:47 kind compliments Delete RepliesReplyReplyAdd commentLoad Blog currently reply reader himself Working resolve Newer Older Subscribe Atom Demonized hosting 4 p.m.Saturday Jan 20 Room 1124 Academic Surge 455 Crocker Lane campus Attendees chat check 50,000 vespid eight-million free friendly Parking estimate 2000 described inhabit 500 undescribed headline-grabbing giant Vespa mandarinia formerly Asian news media dubbed murder hornet confuse identify sheet example hidden rodent burrow wall huge 100,00 will scavenge meat sugar soda hamburger road open-faced commonly located annual die cabbageworm white superb much delivered presentation website interested mechanism evolution honey Current project involve novo sequencing genome transcriptome genomic epigenetic regulating nutrition virus health hold doctorate Illinois Urbana–Champaign Gene Robinson postdoctoral Christina Grozinger unwelcome yard patio Preferring like beneath Sometimes legless grublike outstretched hand 15 relatively unaggressive problem doorway list earlier lepidopteran carry yeast winemaking fermentation flavor wine fuscatus recognize devoted mother dote fury opinion human-like great cooperator overall undercurrent selfishness manifest perfect themselves mushroom learning/memory 10 photogenic peer petal visitor camp Sierra Nevada mountain witnessed stinging crowded table ah sipped wondered says elsewhere which fertilized must warms enough lot protein baby need survived because drier usual deal competing go maintenance mode maintain fuel largely useless started mid trap spraying removed--this done night hollow available nearby hope wet barbecue shy except door window high-traffic Typically mated midsummer phase require cease sweet thing normally mild coastal San Francisco survive informative YouTube video Distinguishing see those distinctive put another Oakland Raiders'logo Giants soaking sun abandoned Pollinators Artists delight overhang neighborhood thought Wow hanging lip trash vanished Twitter associate Organismal
Polistes flavus
Yellow Paper Wasp
Polistes flavus, commonly known as the yellow paper wasp, is a large, conspicuous paper wasp native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is strongly associated with the Sonoran Desert, where it occupies the same elevation belt as saguaro cacti. The species builds exposed paper nests from wood fibers mixed with saliva, typically placing them under building eaves or among tree branches. Adults forage for caterpillars and other insects to feed larvae, while consuming nectar and honeydew for their own energy needs. Despite its relative abundance in suitable habitats, detailed natural history information remains limited.
social-wasp paper-wasp Sonoran-Desert pollinator biocontrol Polistinae Vespidae
Pristomerus
Pristomerus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Cremastinae, distributed worldwide with greatest diversity in tropical regions. Members are solitary koinobiont endoparasitoids that attack concealed larvae of small Lepidoptera. Several species have been employed in biological control programs. The genus exhibits high regional endemism, with 49 species recognized from the Afrotropical region, 22 from Australia (19 newly described in 2016), and 15 from Madagascar (12 endemic).
parasitoid biocontrol Lepidoptera endoparasitoid koinobiont Cremastinae Ichneumonidae
Procleticini
Procleticini is a tribe of stink bugs within the family Pentatomidae. Members of this tribe are predatory, distinguishing them from many plant-feeding pentatomids. The tribe includes genera such as Podisus and Stiretrus, which are recognized as beneficial insects in agricultural contexts.
predatory biocontrol stink-bug beneficial-insect
Protapanteles
Protapanteles is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Microgastrinae, containing more than 20 described species distributed mainly in the Holarctic region. Species are koinobiont endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, with documented hosts including geometrid moths and nymphalid butterflies. Some species, particularly P. immunis, have been investigated for biological control of agricultural pests. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with phylogenetic studies indicating paraphyly and close relationships with Cotesia.
parasitoid biocontrol Microgastrinae koinobiont Lepidoptera tea-pest-management Holarctic mitochondrial-genome paraphyletic hyperparasitism
Pseudisobrachium carbonarium
Pseudisobrachium carbonarium is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Bethylidae, first described by William Harris Ashmead in 1893. Members of this genus are small, dark-colored wasps that parasitize beetle larvae, particularly those of wood-boring and stored-product beetles. The species is part of a taxonomically complex group where species boundaries are often difficult to establish due to morphological similarity.
parasitoid biocontrol stored-product-pest wood-borer Bethylidae Hymenoptera
Pseudogaurax
Pseudogaurax is a genus of small flies in the family Chloropidae (frit flies), established by Malloch in 1915. The genus contains approximately 70 described species distributed across all biogeographic regions, with particular diversity in the Neotropics. Larvae are specialized predators and parasitoids of arthropod eggs, with well-documented associations with spider egg sacs, dobsonfly egg masses, mantid oothecae, and—uniquely among Chloropidae—ants. The genus includes the first known ant-parasitizing species in its family, Pseudogaurax paratolmos, discovered in Panama in 2016.
Chloropidae parasitoid egg-predator spider-egg-sac ant-parasitoid ectoparasitoid biocontrol Neotropical Brazil Panama
Pteromalus
Pteromalus is a large genus of parasitic wasps in the family Pteromalidae, containing at least 430 described species. These small chalcidoid wasps are recognized as important biocontrol agents, particularly against pest fruit flies. The genus presents significant taxonomic challenges due to numerous cryptic species that are visually identical but genetically distinct. Many species remain undescribed, and identification relies heavily on detailed morphological measurements and modern interactive keys.
parasitoid biocontrol fruit-fly cryptic-species interactive-key chalcidoid Hymenoptera
Pteromalus cassotis
Pteromalus cassotis is a gregarious parasitoid wasp in the family Pteromalidae that specializes in attacking monarch butterfly chrysalides. A single female may lay numerous eggs in one host, with documented emergences of up to 425 adult wasps from a single chrysalis. The species exhibits extreme female-biased sex ratios, averaging 90% female offspring.
parasitoid gregarious monarch-butterfly chrysalis-parasite sex-ratio-bias biocontrol
Ptilodexia
Ptilodexia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1889. Species in this genus are parasitoids of scarab beetle larvae, particularly those in the families Melolonthidae and Scarabaeidae. The genus is distributed across the Americas, with records from North, Central, and South America. At least 57 species have been described.
parasitoid scarab-parasite biocontrol soil-dwelling agricultural-pest-natural-enemy
Pulvinariella
Pulvinariella is a genus of soft scale insects (Coccidae) established by Borchsenius in 1953. The genus includes species that are specialist phloem-feeders on succulent plants, particularly ice-plants in the genera Carpobrotus and Mesembryanthemum. Pulvinariella mesembryanthemi has been extensively studied as a potential biocontrol agent for invasive Carpobrotus species in coastal ecosystems. These scales exhibit density-dependent population dynamics and are influenced by host plant nitrogen and water conditions.
scale-insect biocontrol Coccidae ice-plant invasive-species-management phloem-feeder ant-mutualism coastal-ecology
Reduviidae
Assassin Bugs, Ambush Bugs, Kissing Bugs, Wheel Bugs, Thread-legged Bugs, Bee Assassins, Millipede Assassins, Masked Hunters
Reduviidae is a large cosmopolitan family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) comprising approximately 7,000 described species across more than 20 subfamilies. The family is predominantly terrestrial and predatory, with members employing diverse hunting strategies including ambush predation, active pursuit, and specialized prey capture using modified forelegs or sticky secretions. A notable exception is the subfamily Triatominae, whose members are hematophagous ectoparasites of vertebrates and vectors of Chagas disease. Most species possess a distinctive narrow neck, sturdy body, and curved proboscis that fits into a stridulatory groove on the prosternum, producing sound when rubbed against ridges. The family exhibits remarkable morphological diversity, with body sizes ranging from 12 to 36 mm and coloration spanning cryptic browns and blacks to aposematic reds, oranges, and metallic blues.
Hemiptera Heteroptera predator ambush-predator extraoral-digestion stridulation Chagas-disease biocontrol raptorial-forelegs sticky-trap-predation hematophagy Triatominae Zelus Apiomerus Arilus Reduvius Phymatinae Emesinae Ectrichodiinae
Reduvius personatus
Masked Hunter
Reduvius personatus, commonly known as the masked hunter, is a cosmopolitan assassin bug recognized for the distinctive debris-camouflaged appearance of its nymphs. The species is a generalist predator of small arthropods and has been introduced to multiple continents through human activity. Adults are uniformly dark brown to black, winged insects measuring 17–22 mm, while nymphs appear gray or light-colored due to accumulated dust and lint on their bodies. Though beneficial as predators of household pests like bed bugs, they can deliver a painful defensive bite when mishandled.
assassin-bug predator camouflage indoor synanthropic biocontrol painful-bite introduced-species Holarctic
Rhinocyllus conicus
thistle head weevil, nodding thistle receptacle weevil
Rhinocyllus conicus is a small true weevil native to Eurasia and North Africa, introduced to North America in 1969 as a biological control agent for invasive thistles. Adults are black with yellowish mottled hairs, up to 6 mm long, with a short snout. Females lay eggs on thistle flower heads, which larvae enter to feed on developing seeds and flower parts, preventing seed production. While effective at controlling invasive thistles like musk thistle, the weevil was found to attack native North American thistles as well, leading to cancellation of its distribution permits in 2000.
biocontrol invasive-species non-target-effects thistle weevil Curculionidae seed-predator conservation-concern
Rhynchophion flammipennis
Rhynchophion flammipennis is a large ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, notable for its striking coloration resembling tarantula hawks—black or metallic blue body with bright orange or red wings. Unlike most nocturnal Ophioninae, this species is diurnal and visits flowers for nectar. It is a koinobiont endoparasitoid of sphinx moth caterpillars, with the Tobacco Hornworm (Manduca sexta) documented as a host. The wasp possesses a short, sharp ovipositor capable of delivering a sting used in self-defense.
ichneumon-wasp parasitoid mimicry diurnal sphinx-moth-parasitoid koinobiont Ophioninae Enicospilini biocontrol Sonoran-Desert tarantula-hawk-mimic endoparasitoid Manduca-sexta nectar-feeding variable-antennae-coloration
Sciomyzidae
Marsh Flies, Snail-killing Flies
Sciomyzidae is a family of acalyptrate flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as marsh flies or snail-killing flies. The family contains 543 extant species in 63 genera with worldwide distribution, though poorly represented in the Australasian and Oceanian realms. Adults are small to medium-sized flies (2–14 mm) typically found in wet habitats. The larvae are predominantly predators or parasites of freshwater and terrestrial mollusks, particularly snails and slugs, making this family notable for its specialized feeding biology.
Diptera acalyptrate marsh-flies snail-killing-flies mollusk-predators wetland-insects biocontrol aquatic-insects
Scoliidae
Scoliid Wasps, Mammoth Wasps
Scoliidae is a family of solitary aculeate wasps comprising approximately 300-560 described species worldwide. They are robust, often large-bodied wasps with distinctive corrugated wing tips. Females are parasitoids of scarab beetle larvae, using their stings to paralyze hosts before depositing eggs. The family exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males have longer antennae and more slender bodies, while females possess shorter antennae and true stingers. Scoliids are considered beneficial insects due to their role in controlling scarab pest populations.
parasitoid scarab-beetle biocontrol solitary-wasp sexual-dimorphism corrugated-wings ectoparasite beneficial-insect
Sepedon
Snail-killing Flies
Sepedon is a genus of marsh flies in the family Sciomyzidae, commonly known as snail-killing flies. The genus contains approximately 70 described species distributed across multiple subgenera. All species share a distinctive life history: larvae are obligate predators or parasitoids of aquatic pulmonate snails. Adults are slender, elongate flies found in association with freshwater habitats. Several species have been investigated as potential biological control agents for snails that serve as intermediate hosts of schistosomes and other trematode parasites.
Sciomyzidae marsh-flies snail-killing-flies malacophagous biocontrol schistosomiasis fascioliasis aquatic-insects freshwater-ecology Diptera
Sepedon americana
American snail-killing fly
Sepedon americana is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, commonly known as snail-killing flies. The species was described by Steyskal in 1951. Like all members of the genus Sepedon, its larvae are obligate predators of aquatic pulmonate snails. The species occurs in North America and has been documented in regions including Colorado. Adults are active early in the year, with observations in February recorded.
Diptera Sciomyzidae predator aquatic snail-predator biocontrol North-America
Sepedon armipes
marsh fly
Sepedon armipes is a North American species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, commonly known as snail-killing flies. Like other members of its genus, its larvae are aquatic predators of pulmonate snails. The species exhibits early-season activity, with adults observed active as early as February.
Diptera Sciomyzidae Sepedon marsh-fly snail-killing-fly aquatic predator biocontrol North-America early-spring overwintering-adult
Sepedon floridensis
Florida snail-killing fly
A species of snail-killing marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, endemic to Florida. Adults are active in early spring and are associated with aquatic habitats where their predatory larvae feed on pulmonate snails. The species was described by Steyskal in 1951 and belongs to a genus with 20 recognized species in North America, many of which have been investigated for potential biological control of snail vectors of parasitic diseases.
Sciomyzidae snail-killing-fly Florida-endemic aquatic predator biocontrol
Sepedon fuscipennis
marsh fly
Sepedon fuscipennis is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae. The larvae are aquatic predators of pulmonate snails, living just beneath the water surface suspended by water-resistant hairs surrounding their posterior spiracles. Adults are slender flies with a concave face and jutting antennae; males have distinctive bowed hind tibiae and swollen, toothed hind femora for grasping females during mating. The species exhibits overlapping generations during summer with unimodal population peaks, and has been studied for its potential in biological control of snail hosts of parasitic diseases.
aquatic predator snail-killing biocontrol marsh-fly freshwater parasitoid-host
Sepedon neili
Sepedon neili is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, first described by Steyskal in 1951. Like other members of the genus Sepedon, it is a snail-killing fly whose larvae are aquatic predators of pulmonate snails. The species belongs to one of several species groups within Sepedon based on shared morphological characteristics. Adult flies are associated with wetland habitats where their snail prey occur.
marsh-fly snail-killing-fly aquatic-predator biocontrol wetland-insect
Sepedon tenuicornis
marsh fly
Sepedon tenuicornis is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, first described by Cresson in 1920. Like other members of the genus Sepedon, this species has aquatic predatory larvae that feed on pulmonate snails. The genus comprises approximately 20 recognized species in North America, arranged into species groups based on shared morphological characteristics. Adults are slender flies with elongated bodies, concave faces, and prominent antennae.
Diptera Sciomyzidae marsh-fly snail-killing-fly aquatic-insect predatory-larva biocontrol Nearctic
Sphaerophoria sulphuripes
Forked Globetail
Sphaerophoria sulphuripes, commonly known as the forked globetail, is a species of syrphid fly native to western North America. As a member of the hover fly family Syrphidae, it is frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is part of a genus known for its distinctive globular abdomen shape. Adults are often mistaken for bees or wasps due to their yellow and black coloration, a form of protective mimicry common in this family.
pollinator biocontrol mimicry western-North-America
Strongygaster triangulifera
bristle fly
Strongygaster triangulifera is a small parasitic tachinid fly widely distributed across North America. It is a generalist parasitoid that primarily attacks adult Coleoptera, with documented hosts in at least 10 beetle families including Coccinellidae, Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae, and Scarabaeidae. Records also exist from Dermaptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, and Orthoptera. The species has been observed parasitizing both native and invasive insect species, including the multicolored Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) and the kudzu bug (Megacopta cribraria).
parasitoid biocontrol generalist Tachinidae Coleoptera-parasitoid
Syrphinae
Typical Hover Flies
Syrphinae is one of three subfamilies in the hoverfly family Syrphidae, containing over 1,600 species. The subfamily is monophyletic and primarily comprises aphidophagous species, with larvae that prey on aphids and other small Hemiptera. Adults are common flower visitors and important pollinators. A minority of species exhibit alternative larval feeding strategies, including phytophagy.
aphid-predator pollinator mimicry biocontrol hoverfly
Tarsostenus
checkered beetles
Tarsostenus is a genus of small checkered beetles in the family Cleridae, established by Spinola in 1845. The genus comprises six described species distributed across Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Australia, with one species (T. univittatus) being cosmopolitan in distribution. Members are predators specializing on wood-boring beetles, particularly bostrichids and anobiines. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including an oblong pronotum with glabrous streaks and elytra with ten rows of punctations.
Cleridae checkered-beetles predator wood-borer-predator biocontrol timber-pest cosmopolitan
Teleonemia scrupulosa
lantana lace bug
Teleonemia scrupulosa is a sap-sucking lace bug (Hemiptera: Tingidae) widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. It is a specialist herbivore of Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) and has been deployed as a biological control agent against this invasive shrub in multiple countries since 1961. The species exhibits strong microhabitat preferences, thriving in high-light environments but failing to establish in shaded conditions. Its feeding causes characteristic chlorotic damage and can severely impair host plant photosynthesis.
biocontrol invasive-species-management Tingidae sap-feeder host-specific light-dependent Lantana-camara South-Africa Western-Ghats India
Terellia ruficauda
Red-tailed Thistle Fly
Terellia ruficauda is a tephritid gall fly native to the Palearctic region, now introduced to North America. The species is notable for its larval association with Cirsium arvense (creeping thistle), where larvae develop within the flower heads. Adults are recognized by the distinctive reddish coloration of the abdomen referenced in the specific epithet.
gall-fly thistle-specialist biocontrol introduced-species Palearctic-native
Thyreodon
Thyreodon is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Brullé in 1846. Members of this genus are koinobiont endoparasitoids that attack caterpillars, particularly those of sphinx moths (Sphingidae). The genus is part of the Thyreodon genus-group, with species distributed across the Americas from the southwestern United States through Central America. Costa Rican species have been subject to dedicated systematic study.
parasitoid koinobiont diurnal biocontrol Sphingidae-parasite Ichneumonidae Ophioninae Enicospilini
Trichonephila clavata
Jorō spider, Joro Spider, Parachute spider
Trichonephila clavata, commonly known as the Jorō spider, is a large orb-weaving spider native to East Asia that has become established as an invasive species in the southeastern United States since approximately 2010. First confirmed in Georgia in 2014, it has expanded rapidly across multiple states through a combination of ballooning dispersal and human-mediated transport. The species is notable for its substantial size, striking coloration, and extensive golden webs, but poses minimal risk to humans due to small fangs and docile behavior. Its physiological adaptations—including higher metabolic rate, faster heart rate, and greater cold tolerance than its congener Trichonephila clavipes—suggest potential for continued northward range expansion.
invasive-species orb-weaver ballooning urban-wildlife biological-control cold-tolerance startle-response cannibalism kleptoparasitism Japanese-folklore Nephilidae Trichonephila spider-silk range-expansion physiological-adaptation urban-ecology agricultural-pest-predator iNaturalist Georgia Maryland East-Asia United-States spider-bite venom docile non-aggressive web-architecture egg-sac overwintering sexual-dimorphism metabolic-rate heart-rate freeze-tolerance road-ecology prey-capture competition native-spider-impacts public-perception media-sensationalism management pesticide-alternatives broom-removal ornamental structural-pest ornithology cardinal web-strength trophic-interactions DNA-metabarcoding diet-analysis species-distribution-model physiological-entomology behavioral-ecology arachnology ballooning-dispersal human-mediated-dispersal hitchhiker cargo-stowaway port-of-entry climate-change warming northward-expansion DMV Howard-County Elkridge Ilchester West-Elkridge beech-forest secondary-forest suburban roadside telephone-pole streetlamp forest-edge disturbance-tolerance prey-detection vibrational-noise auditory-disturbance motionless freezing shyness Hannibal-Lecter stink-bug lanternfly evolutionary-history ancient-association ecosystem-service biocontrol natural-enemy invasive-pest brown-marmorated-stink-bug spotted-lanternfly Halyomorpha-halys Lycorma-delicatula competitive-exclusion dominant-orb-weaver abundant population-growth rapid-spread range-span 120,000-km2 physiological-plasticity metabolism twice-as-high 77%-higher-heart-rate 74%-freeze-survival development-rate seasonal-window life-cycle-completion thermal-limitation congener-comparison natural-dispersal human-transport iNaturalist-record citizen-science confirmed-sighting breeding-population male-and-female gravid-female egg-case stowaway cargo-container port-introduction local-port vehicle-transport hitchhiking accelerated-arrival several-years natural-means prognostication prediction model suitable-habitat abundant-suitable-habitat eastern-North-America western-North-America potential-range invasive-range potential-impact environmental-impact ecological-impact ecosystem-impact monitor cautious evidence-based reasonable-journalism sensationalism exaggeration uncritical-acceptance harmless carefully-monitored next-steps research-opportunity call-for-research knowledge-gap little-known novel-ecosystem spreading rapidly-expanding invasive-predator invasive-orb-weaver non-native introduced established colonized thriving doing-fine happy merely-20-minutes-away road-trip visit access-spread beech-leaf-disease BLD state-forest remarkable-colony amongst-beech-trees confirmed-prognostication Davis-and-Frick escape-relative-warmth expand-range-northward eastern-seaboard merely-20-minutes-away-from-home resist-opportunity amazing-predators tales-of-arrival previous-episodes 2022 2024 reduce-angst large-non-native-spider establishing-in-DMV facts-presented past-episode venomous-terrible-painful Nah expert-Rick-Hoebeke risks-small puny-fangs unlikely-pierce-skin video completely-non-aggressive eastern-Howard-County haphazard-webs littered-with-remains former-victims leaves shed-exoskeletons much-larger-female dwarfs-mate positioned-just-above strand-of-silk spinnerets underside-of-abdomen near-red-mound relative-to-hand large-and-docile wait-and-see what-Jorō-means-to-ecosystems help-other-spiders put-a-beat-down-on-invasive-pests stink-bugs spotted-lanternflies passive-hunters enormous-webs larger-than-a-meter-in-diameter capture-prey-snared-in-silk arachnophobes-scary arachnophiles-beautiful important-ecosystem-services crop-pests native-range Asia having-an-old-friend-over-for-dinner reunite first-time large-spiders juicy-prey-items feathered-and-non-feathered-reptiles poses-no-known-threat difficult-to-predict-impact non-native-species experts-suggest beyond-scary-mien give-indigenous-large-orb-weavers-run-for-their-money black-and-yellow-garden-spider marbled-orb-weaver spotted-orb-weaver other-parts-of-world most-abundant-and-dominant-orb-weaver what-will-it-mean only-time-will-tell final-tidbit Jorō-shapeshifter Jorō-gumo beautiful-woman seduces-men binds-with-silk devours bad-date acknowledgements Rick-Hoebeke identifying-Jorō insights David-Coyle Bob-Bellinger great-images knowledge studies Veni-vidi-vici Nelsen-et-al.Physiological-evaluation Nephila-clavata-newly-recorded Hoebeke-et-al.Life-Cycle-Habitat-and-Variation Moore Startle-responses Davis-and-Anerao How-Urban-Tolerant-Are-They Davis-et-al.inspiration details stars Dave-Clement Miri-Talabac Maddie-Potter hooked-up-with-colony differentiate resources.ipmcenters.org link Jorō-guru David-Coyle's-take YouTube calm-your-fears Journal-of-Economic-Entomology Journal-of-Medical-Entomology chemical-management-strategies effective-management-methods spider-control-products safe-and-effective unlikely-to-bite generally-harmless big-spiders colorful-spiders invasive-spiders in-your-face-spiders webs-on-homes landscape-plants structures middle-of-where-people-live-work-and-play northern-Georgia-2014 presumed-arrived-few-years-prior 15-years increased-dramatically much-of-Southeast disjunct-populations northeastern-U.S.firestorm-of-interest rapidly-expanding-range southeastern-states many-counties Carolinas Tennessee Oklahoma more-than-a-century parts-of-Florida rarely-Pennsylvania tropics thermal-limitations higher-metabolism faster-heart-rate better-ability-to-tolerate-freezing complete-life-cycle-rapidly chilly-temperatures suite-of-adaptations expand-northward warm-loving-cousin findings-support-potential much-yet-to-be-learned successfully-survive-northern-winters nation-and-world-warm southern-species-expand higher-latitudes-and-altitudes rapidly-range-expansion-will-occur typical-mode-of-dispersal aerial-dispersal ballooning-on-strands-of-silk Charlotte's-babies Charlotte's-Web spectacular-moniker parachute-spider rain-down-from-airplanes long-distance-transit human-assistance good-hitchhikers inseminated-gravid-female egg-case-stowaway arrival-in-DMV several-years-by-natural-means new-introduction-at-local-port human-assist-in-vehicles accelerate-arrival terrible-and-painful small-fangs visited-cousin golden-silk-spider Costa-Rica exceeding-meter-diameter indigenous-large-orb-weavers run-for-their-money minimal-direct-impact firestorm Andrew-Davis Benjamin-Frick University-of-Georgia past-week native-to-eastern-Asia Japan China Korea Taiwan known-in-Georgia-since-2013 spreading-rapidly joined-its-cousin Trichonephila-clavipes established-over-160-years better-tolerate-freezing survive-northern-winters rapidly-range-expansion typical-mode long-distance new-introduction human-assist arachnophobes arachnophiles brown-marmorated-stink-bugs difficult-to-predict scary-mien indigenous-orb-weavers Mary-Nouri Sarah-Morgan WAMU relatively-harmless spider-season fall leaves-changing-color cool-crisp-autumn-air pumpkin-spice extension-entomologist Southeast not-just-spiders 20-feet-wide homes people-live-work-and-play 15-years-or-so influx-of-calls public entomology-extension-programs media-frenzy two-questions get-rid-of-Jorō-spiders are-Jorō-spiders-dangerous Clemson-University Southern-Adventist-University Washington-College Union-College two-new-studies test-methods-for-eliminating how-likely-to-bite harm scoured-internet recommended-treatment-options spider-specific-management-recommendations medically-relevant widow-spiders brown-recluses do-not-enter-homes relatively-new recommended-products labelled-spider-control-products tested-products several-products-eliminate not-legal-pesticides machine-lubricant not-recommended commercially-available strongly-encourage labelled-products easiest-and-cheapest without-chemicals broom-or-stick walked-into-spider-web rode-bike took-spider-to-face not-great-feeling wonder-if-bitey give-bitten-superpowers unique-studies evaluated-behaviors react-to-people rather-drop-off-web hang-around-and-bite really-provoke volunteered-to-get-bitten yes-you-read-correctly akin-to-mosquito-bite little-redness little-swelling largely-gone-next-day no-acquired-superpowers take-home-message twofold simplest-and-most-effective without-pesticides feel-you-need-pesticides product-labeled-for-spider-control try-not-to-freak-out doesn't-want-to-be-on-you odds-of-getting-bitten-extremely-low enjoy-glorious-fall-weather drink-pumpkin-spiced-beverage watch-where-you-walk Keep-calm-and-carry-on bites-unlikely cause-minimal-discomfort associate-professor Department-of-Forestry-and-Environmental-Conservation socials email extension featured pest-management Entomology-Today latest-posts email-subscription March-2022 wondered make-its-way-to-DMV September-2022 two-observations three-years 40-sightings happy-and-doing-just-fine several-Howard-County-locations week-or-so-ago team-of-scientists University mission killing-ultra-valuable-beech-trees thriving-amongst-beech-trees visit-amazing-predators mature-females both-Trichonephila-species three-locally-common-orb-weaving-species time-spent-immobile mild-disturbance brief-puff-of-air air-puff-response-data five-other-North-American-species published-literature 453-observations freezing-behavior 10-spider-species remained-immobile-under-a-minute both-Trichonephila-spiders over-an-hour unprecedented shyest-ever-documented tolerate-urban-environments remaining-motionless fleeing nonsexual-cannibalism mating-activity females-cannibalize-males food-availability territorial-aggression Southeastern-United-States expanding-range shy behavioral-reactions descriptive-observations photo-documentation anecdotal-observations controlled-pairings lab natural-webs field one-female-biting-and-killing-another short-fight similar-size container 25-trials fights-ensued-40%different-sizes 27-trials fights-happened-18%larger-females-not-always-aggressor 52-lab-trials six-bouts 9%direct-killing field-trials empty-web 14-trials one-fight 7%aggressor-killing-and-wrapping silk away-from-any-web not-necessarily-territoriality intraspecific-aggression provoked-or-stressed deserves-more-study newly-invasive biology physiology new-range closely-related-species successfully-established 160-years investigation compare online-records iNaturalist.org seasonal-distributions timing females physiological-traits environmental-tolerance metabolic-rates cardiac-functioning cold-exposure survival brief-below-freezing-temperature shorter-season complete-lifecycle narrow-period suitable-weather inherently-higher-metabolism low-temperature survive-better 74%-compared-to-50%brief-freeze colder-climatic-region southeastern-USA useful-information planning urban-landscapes busy-roads frequent-disturbances auditory-and-vibrational physiological-or-behavioral-changes northeast-Georgia varying-levels-of-road-traffic prey-capture-behavior simulated-prey tuning-fork 128-hz-frequency touched-to-web attacked 357-total-trials 20-different-roads attacked-59%high-variability some-roadsides-over-80%others-less-than-30%small-but-significant-negative-correlation daily-road-traffic spider-attack-rates moderate--to-heavy-traffic-roads slightly-less-likely-to-attack 51%-vs-65%able-to-live-near-roads cost-in-terms-of-prey-capture did-not-weigh-less compensate-for-disturbance accumulating-evidence human-dominated-landscapes aid-spread introduced-range Eriostethus-rufus polysphinctine-ectoparasitoid araneid-spiders Neoscona-spp.endemic-to-Japan Yamagata-Prefecture 38º46'-N northern-Japan northernmost-record genus identification-confirmed morphology DNA-barcoding cocoon large-modified-web unique inverted-triangle over-50-cm hanging-from-ill-defined-part no-organized-structure host-spider circumstantial-evidences structure-of-modified-web pre-existing-web-partly-reused orb-web-completely-removed sustaining-threads-newly-moored parasitises-host-spiders two-subfamilies unusual-for-group invasion-potential known-invasive-range review dispersal-abilities potential-impacts management-strategies October-2022 at-least-120,000-km2 South-Carolina North-Carolina Alabama West-Virginia pattern-of-spread natural-dispersal-mechanisms human-mediated-transport large-bodied-orb-weavers flying-insects small-animals thirteen-co-occurring-spider-species monitored-for-competition resources web-building-sites natural-and-urban-habitats management-options-limited advise-journalists-and-experts against-exaggerating-potential-environmental-impact ecologically-harmless rapid-spread-carefully-monitored cautious-evidence-based-approach determining-next-steps three-material-types web-capture introduced-species alter-established-trophic-interactions molecular-analysis resolve-changes community-structure foraging-links east-coast fecal-samples prey-remains-from-webs dissected-guts compare-diet-composition arthropod-targeted-COI-primers Illumina-MiSeq highest-diversity highest-richness highest-proportion-prey-reads recovery-of-prey-reads dissected-gut-content low overwhelmed-by-Jorō-spider-DNA high-proportions-Jorō-spider-reads higher-prey-diversity-and-richness detected-prey-DNA several-days-after-capture initial-gut-retention-time-estimates first-glimpse complexity-of-trophic-associations introduced-web-building-spider viable-material source-of-prey-DNA estimates-of-biodiversity Jammu-and-Kashmir northernmost-shifting document-presence behavior habitat-adaptation colder-temperature-environment Goha-Tehsil Doda-district 1556.74-meters road-bridge nearby-vegetation brightly-colored-abdomens black green yellow red long-legs yellow-and-black-bandings predominantly-seen smaller fewer unique-behaviors remaining-motionless-after-disturbances 5-10-meters-of-roads adaptation-to-human-settlements field-observations image-documentation expert-confirmation thrive-in-colder-conditions 15-20-degrees-Celsius October-November no-spider-found higher-elevations significantly-lower-temperatures adaptation-limited-to-milder-cold-regions new-insight adaptation need-for-further-research non-native-habitats eggs overwinter harsh-weather-conditions no-protection compact-silk-case milky-coating chorionic-microspheres CM fine-structural-characteristics ecological-importance uneven-size-distribution outer-eggmass evenly-covered single-layer diameter-2.3-µm short-papillary-projections segmental-adhesion mucous-components insoluble-in-water partially-soluble-in-absolute-ethanol spherical-structure HFIP strong-organic-solvent not-derived-from-vitellogenic-or-choriogenetic-processes CM-adhesive-coatings ovipositional-process equivalent-to-cocoon-silk protective-functions silken-eggcase Northern-Cardinal Cardinalis-cardinalis perches steals-food southeast-of-the-United-States questions native-fauna-affected consuming-prey-items example native-species-deriving-benefit manner-of-kleptoparasitism perched-directly-on-web supported-its-weight 42-48-g first-documented-case spider-web-supporting-perching-bird measurements force-gauge typical-webs support-masses-up-to-70-g small-but-growing-body-of-knowledge non-native-spider species-distribution-models ecological-niche-modeling predict-areas establish-if-introduced three-distinct-genetic-lineages mitochondrial-COI genome-wide-SNPs Korean-Peninsula
Tupiocoris
Tupiocoris is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae containing approximately nine described species. The genus includes both herbivorous and predatory species. Tupiocoris notatus is a Solanaceae-specializing herbivore with documented genome-level research on host plant transcriptional responses. Tupiocoris cucurbitaceus is a generalist predatory mirid studied as a potential biocontrol agent for tomato pests in Argentina. Species within this genus show divergent feeding strategies, with some functioning as herbivores and others as omnivorous predators.
Miridae plant-bugs biocontrol predatory-mirids Solanaceae-pests tomato-pests genome-assembly transcriptional-responses Tuta-absoluta Trialeurodes-vaporariorum Argentina Neotropical generalist-predator herbivore pest-management agricultural-entomology
Urophora affinis
Knapweed Gall Fly
Urophora affinis is a tephritid fruit fly native to Eurasia that was introduced to North America as a biological control agent for spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) and diffuse knapweed (C. diffusa). The species forms galls in knapweed seed heads, where larvae develop and reduce seed production by up to 95%. First released in Montana in 1973, it has established populations but remains concentrated near release sites with limited dispersal ability. The fly is multivoltine, with adults emerging in June and larvae overwintering in seed heads.
biocontrol invasive-species-management gall-former knapweed Tephritidae multivoltine interspecific-competition
Winterschmidtiidae
Winterschmidtiidae is a family of over 140 mite species in the order Astigmata, distributed worldwide. The family comprises four subfamilies with distinct ecological specializations: Ensliniellinae associated with Hymenoptera (especially wasps and bees), Winterschmidtiinae with wood-boring beetles, Saproglyphinae with decaying materials and fungi, and Oulenziinae with leaves, vertebrate nests, and stored foods. Many species exhibit complex life cycles synchronized with insect hosts, including phoretic deutonymphs for dispersal and seasonal polymorphisms for environmental resistance.
mites Acari Astigmata phoresy bark-beetles wasps bees biocontrol male-dimorphism seasonal-polymorphism stored-products
Xorides
Xorides is a genus of ichneumon wasps (family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Xoridinae) comprising at least 150 described species. Members are ectoparasitoids of wood-boring beetle larvae, particularly in the families Cerambycidae and Buprestidae. Females possess elongated ovipositors adapted for drilling through wood to reach concealed hosts. The genus has a global distribution spanning the Palaearctic, Afrotropical, and Nearctic regions, with substantial diversity in China and Europe.
parasitoid wood-borer biocontrol ichneumonid forest-insect
Xoridinae
Xoridine wasps
Xoridinae is a worldwide subfamily of Ichneumonidae containing approximately 220 described species in four genera: Xorides, Odontocolon, Ischnoceros, and Aplomerus. These wasps are idiobiont ectoparasitoids that specialize on wood-boring beetle larvae, particularly Cerambycidae and Buprestidae, and occasionally Hymenoptera (Symphyta). They are strongly associated with mature forest habitats and are considered important biological control agents of forest pests.
parasitoid forest wood-boring-beetles biocontrol Ichneumonidae idiobiont ectoparasitoid hind-femoral-tooth mature-forest-indicator
Zele
Zele is a genus of braconid parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Euphorinae, containing approximately 30 species worldwide. The genus is distinguished by specific wing venation features: presence of vein r-m on the fore wing, a rhomboid or quadrate second submarginal cell of the fore wing, and an apically widened marginal cell on the hind wing. Species are koinobiont endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae. The genus is widespread across the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Oriental regions but absent from the Afrotropical and Australian regions.
parasitoid braconid biocontrol Lepidoptera koinobiont endoparasitoid Euphorinae
Zelus longipes
milkweed assassin bug, sundew assassin bug
Zelus longipes is a medium-sized assassin bug (Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) distributed across the southern United States, Central America, and South America (excluding Chile). The species is notable for its bright red and black coloration and its unique prey-capture strategy using sticky secretions on the forelegs—an adaptation that inspired the common name "sundew assassin bug." It has been evaluated as a potential biocontrol agent for agricultural pests including fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), picture-winged flies (Ulidiidae), and Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), though its generalist predatory habits and documented attacks on beneficial insects such as honey bees and parasitoid wasps complicate its practical application.
assassin-bug Reduviidae biocontrol predator mimicry agricultural-pest-control milkweed-community sticky-trap-predator Hemiptera Neotropical North-America South-America