Biocontrol
Guides
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.