Biological-control-host
Guides
Ancylostomia stercorea
pigeonpea pod borer
Ancylostomia stercorea is a pod-boring moth whose larvae feed on developing seeds of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). In Trinidad, it is considered the most serious pest of this crop. The species has been documented across the Caribbean, southern Florida, southern Texas, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. It serves as host to multiple parasitoid species that have been studied for biological control potential.
Diaphania hyalinata
melonworm moth, melonworm
Diaphania hyalinata, commonly known as the melonworm moth, is a crambid moth species and a significant agricultural pest of cucurbit crops. Native to the Neotropics, it has established permanent populations in the southern United States and disperses northward annually during warmer months. The species exhibits behavioral plasticity in feeding habits: in Florida and tropical regions, larvae primarily feed on leaves, while in more northern latitudes such as Virginia, they frequently burrow directly into fruits. Laboratory studies indicate a complete life cycle of approximately 20–23 days under warm conditions.
Edwardsiana
Edwardsiana is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Species are found in Europe, Australia, and North America. The genus includes economically significant species such as Edwardsiana crataegi (apple leafhopper), which is a pest of fruit trees and serves as host for egg parasitoids in the genus Anagrus. Some species have been introduced to New Zealand and other regions.
Pulvinaria floccifera
Cottony Camellia Scale, Cottony Yew Scale, Cottony Taxus Scale
Pulvinaria floccifera is a soft scale insect (Coccidae) known for producing conspicuous white, cottony ovisacs that cover eggs. It is a significant pest of woody ornamentals including camellia, holly, yew, and tea plants. The species has a broad global distribution spanning temperate and subtropical regions. Females are sessile and wingless, while males develop wings for mating. Heavy infestations produce honeydew that supports sooty mold growth, reducing plant vigor and aesthetic value.
Schistocerca pallens
bird grasshopper
Schistocerca pallens is a large bird grasshopper distributed throughout tropical America. Unlike its close relative Schistocerca cancellata, it lacks locust phase polymorphism and does not form swarms even under crowded laboratory conditions. It remains capable of reaching densities high enough to cause significant agricultural damage, particularly to sugar cane and other crops. The species serves as a natural host for the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium flavoviride, which has been investigated for biological control potential.
Sitotroga
Sitotroga is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, with five recognized species. The genus is best known for Sitotroga cerealella, commonly called the Angoumois grain moth, a significant stored-product pest of cereal grains. Species in this genus are routinely mass-reared in laboratory and insectary settings as factitious hosts for parasitoid wasps used in biological control programs, particularly Trichogramma chilonis.
Sitotroga cerealella
Angoumois grain moth
Sitotroga cerealella, the Angoumois grain moth, is a gelechiid moth and the type species of its genus. It is a significant pest of stored cereal grains, particularly wheat and corn. The species serves as a factitious host for mass rearing of the parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis in biological control programs. Laboratory studies indicate sensitivity to gamma irradiation and thermal stress, with dose-dependent effects on egg viability and adult longevity.
Solenopsis geminata
tropical fire ant, Geminata-group fire ant
Solenopsis geminata, the tropical fire ant, is a native New World species with a broad distribution spanning the southern United States through Central and South America, and introduced populations across Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Africa. The species exhibits a foraging strategy tradeoff between discovery efficiency and competitive territorial dominance compared to its congener S. xyloni, with S. geminata being less efficient at resource discovery but superior in competitive encounters. Invasive populations demonstrate adaptive strategies to overcome inbreeding costs, including pleometrosis (cooperative colony founding by multiple queens) and execution of diploid male larvae. The species serves as host to Pseudacteon phorid fly parasitoids.
Trialeurodes vaporariorum
Greenhouse Whitefly, Glasshouse Whitefly
Trialeurodes vaporariorum is a globally distributed pest of protected horticulture, frequently found in greenhouses and polytunnels. Adults are 1–2 mm with yellowish bodies and four wax-coated wings held parallel to the leaf surface. The species has a broad host range exceeding 300 plant species across multiple crop families. It causes economic damage through direct phloem feeding, honeydew excretion, and associated sooty mold growth. Population dynamics show seasonal peaks in late autumn, with densities reaching 5–7 adults plus nymphs per leaf in greenhouse broccoli systems.