Biological-control-target
Guides
Acizzia uncatoides
Acacia Psyllid
Acizzia uncatoides is a psyllid species native to Australia, primarily associated with Acacia species, especially Acacia melanoxylon, and some Albizia species. It has been introduced to multiple regions worldwide, including La Réunion, where it poses a significant threat to endemic Acacia heterophylla forests. Though capable of reaching high population densities, it is not generally regarded as a major pest species in most of its range. The species serves as prey for generalist psyllid predators and has been targeted for classical biological control programs.
Acrolepiopsis assectella
Leek Moth, Onion Leaf Miner
Acrolepiopsis assectella, commonly known as the leek moth or onion leaf miner, is a specialist herbivore native to Europe and Siberia that has become an invasive pest in North America. It is a significant agricultural pest of Allium crops including garlic, leek, onion, and chives, capable of causing up to 40% crop damage. The species has expanded its range from initial detections in the Ottawa area in 1993 to much of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Its life cycle is temperature-dependent, with 1–3 generations per year possible depending on climate.
Acromyrmex
leafcutter ants, Acromyrmex Leaf-cutter Ants
Acromyrmex is a genus of New World leafcutter ants in the tribe Attini, one of two genera of advanced attines alongside Atta. These ants are obligate fungus-farmers, cultivating symbiotic Leucoagaricus fungi on masticated leaf substrate. Colonies contain up to several million individuals with four worker castes. The genus is distinguished from Atta by four pairs of thoracic spines and a rough exoskeleton. Acromyrmex species are significant herbivores in Neotropical ecosystems and major agricultural pests.
Adelges piceae
Balsam Woolly Adelgid, Balsam Woolly Aphid
Adelges piceae is a small, wingless, sap-sucking insect native to Europe that has become a destructive invasive pest of fir trees (Abies spp.) in North America. Introduced to the United States around 1900, it has killed millions of trees across the continent. The species produces distinctive white, woolly wax secretions that protect adults and eggs. It is particularly damaging to balsam fir and Fraser fir, causing gouting, reduced growth, and tree mortality.
Aleurothrixus floccosus
woolly whitefly
Aleurothrixus floccosus, commonly known as the woolly whitefly, is a sap-feeding insect in the family Aleyrodidae. Native to the Neotropics, it has spread globally and become a significant agricultural pest, particularly of citrus. The species is distinguished by the dense, woolly wax filaments produced by its nymphs, which cover the colonies and give the insect its common name. It reproduces year-round in suitable climates, with overlapping generations. Biological control using parasitoid wasps, especially Cales noacki, has been widely implemented as chemical control is often ineffective due to the protective waxy covering.
Anasa tristis
Squash Bug
Anasa tristis is a significant agricultural pest native to North America, specializing in cucurbit crops including squash, pumpkins, and zucchini. Adults are greyish-brown, flattened insects approximately 1.5 cm long with distinctive alternating brown and gold spots along the abdominal margin. The species is a phloem-feeding sap sucker that physically damages plant xylem and leaves, causing wilting, darkening, and death. It also vectors the bacterial pathogen Serratia marcescens, which causes cucurbit yellow vine disease—a condition particularly prevalent in Oklahoma and Texas but spreading to other regions. When disturbed, adults emit an unpleasant odor.
Aphis gossypii
cotton aphid, melon aphid, melon and cotton aphid, greenfly
Aphis gossypii is a small sap-sucking aphid and significant agricultural pest with a global distribution. It infests crops in at least three plant families, particularly Cucurbitaceae, Rutaceae, and Malvaceae, causing direct damage through feeding and indirect damage as a vector of plant viruses. The species exhibits complex life cycle strategies including both holocyclic (sexual) and anholocyclic (asexual) reproduction depending on geographic location and climate. It has developed resistance to multiple insecticide classes, complicating management efforts.
Bagrada hilaris
Bagrada bug, Painted bug
Bagrada hilaris is an invasive shield bug native to Africa and Asia that has become a significant agricultural pest in North America, South America, and Europe. First detected in the Western Hemisphere in Los Angeles in 2008, it has since spread throughout California, Arizona, and other southwestern states, as well as establishing in Chile and Italy. The species is a major pest of Brassicaceae crops including cabbage, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower, causing damage through sap-sucking by both adults and nymphs. Its rapid spread and broad host range have made it a priority for integrated pest management research.
Bemisia argentifolii
Silverleaf whitefly, Sweetpotato whitefly (B biotype)
Bemisia argentifolii, described by Bellows & Perring in 1994, is a whitefly species belonging to the Bemisia tabaci species complex. It is a significant agricultural pest known for causing silverleafing symptoms in squash, transmitting plant viruses, and developing resistance to multiple insecticides. The species has been documented on over 900 host plants including vegetables, ornamentals, and fiber crops. It is frequently associated with greenhouse and protected cultivation environments but also occurs in open field agriculture in tropical and subtropical regions.
Blastopsylla occidentalis
Eucalyptus Shoot Psyllid
Blastopsylla occidentalis is a psyllid native to Australia that has been introduced to multiple continents, becoming a significant pest of Eucalyptus species in forestry plantations worldwide. The species forms colonies on apical shoot tips where adults and nymphs feed on phloem sap, causing shoot distortion, reduced growth, apical tip death, and general plant weakening. Under field conditions in tropical and subtropical regions, it exhibits polyvoltine reproduction with all life stages present year-round. Population densities fluctuate seasonally, with peaks during dry periods and declines during heavy rainfall.
Callosobruchus maculatus
cowpea weevil, cowpea seed beetle, bean beetle
Callosobruchus maculatus is a seed beetle (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae) commonly known as the cowpea weevil or cowpea seed beetle, despite not being a true weevil. It is a major pest of stored legumes, particularly cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), causing seed losses of 60–100% in infested stores. The species has a cosmopolitan distribution across all continents except Antarctica, having spread globally through human trade of legumes. It exhibits notable sexual dimorphism, with females typically darker and larger than males. The species is widely used as a model organism in evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, and developmental studies due to its rapid generation time, ease of laboratory rearing, and well-characterized life history.
Ceutorhynchus obstrictus
Cabbage seedpod weevil
Ceutorhynchus obstrictus is a small weevil native to Europe and Asia that has become an invasive agricultural pest in North America. Adults feed on Brassicaceae leaves, while larvae develop inside seed pods and destroy developing seeds. The species causes significant economic damage to canola (Brassica napus) and other crucifer crops, with yield losses estimated at 5–30% in heavily infested fields. It completes one generation per year, with adults overwintering in soil or ground litter.
Coccus hesperidum
brown soft scale
Coccus hesperidum, commonly known as the brown soft scale, is a polyphagous soft scale insect with a cosmopolitan distribution. It is a significant agricultural pest of citrus and greenhouse crops, feeding on plant phloem sap and excreting honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth. The species reproduces primarily through parthenogenesis, with females producing live young. It serves as host to numerous parasitoid wasps, which are important biological control agents.
Curculio sayi
small chestnut weevil, lesser chestnut weevil
Curculio sayi is a true weevil (family Curculionidae) known as the small or lesser chestnut weevil. It is a highly host-specific pest of chestnuts in the genus Castanea, feeding and ovipositing exclusively on chestnut and chinquapin species. The species was historically a major pest of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) before the chestnut blight, with infestation rates of 50-75% considered normal. It has resurged as a significant pest with the restoration of blight-resistant chestnut plantings. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism in body size and rostrum length, with females being larger and possessing longer snouts adapted for penetrating chestnut burrs.
Delphacidae
Delphacid Planthoppers, Planthoppers
Delphacidae is a large family of planthoppers in the order Hemiptera, comprising approximately 2000 species distributed worldwide. Members are distinguished from other "hoppers" by a prominent spur on the tibia of the hindleg—a diagnostic morphological feature unique to this family. All species are phytophagous, with many species occurring on grasses and several serving as significant agricultural pests and vectors of cereal pathogens. Notable pest species include the rice brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), the white-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera), and the sugarcane planthopper (Perkinsiella saccharicida).
Diatraea crambidoides
southern cornstalk borer moth, southern corn stalk borer
Diatraea crambidoides is a moth in the family Crambidae whose larvae are significant agricultural pests of corn, sorghum, and sugarcane. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1880 and occurs in eastern North America from Alabama and northern Florida to Ohio and Maryland. Adults are straw-colored to dull white with wingspans of 15–40 mm. The species has two generations per year, with larvae boring into stalks and damaging internodes, reducing crop yield. It has been evaluated as a target for biological control using the parasitoid wasp Aprostocetus esurus.
Diatraea saccharalis
sugarcane borer, sugar-cane borer
Diatraea saccharalis, commonly known as the sugarcane borer, is a moth in the family Crambidae native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Hemisphere. The species was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794 and has since become a significant agricultural pest. It was introduced to Louisiana around 1855 and has subsequently spread throughout the Gulf Coast states of the United States. The larvae are particularly destructive to sugarcane, but also attack corn, rice, sorghum, and various grass species.
Diprionidae
Conifer Sawflies
Diprionidae is a family of conifer-feeding sawflies comprising approximately 90-140 species across 11-13 genera. Larvae feed gregariously on conifer needles and can cause major forest outbreaks. Adults are stingless wasps with distinctive antennae: males possess pectinate (comb-like) antennae while females have serrate (saw-like) antennae with about 20 flagellomeres. The family is restricted to the Northern Hemisphere and includes significant forest pests such as Neodiprion sertifer and N. abietis.
Duponchelia fovealis
European Pepper Moth
Duponchelia fovealis is a small moth in the family Crambidae, originally described from the Mediterranean region in 1847. It has undergone substantial range expansion and is now established across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. The species is a significant agricultural pest, particularly in protected strawberry cultivation, where larval feeding causes damage to leaves and fruits. Its polyphagous nature and invasive potential have made it a focus of integrated pest management research, especially regarding biological control with Trichogramma parasitoids.
Dysdercus
Cotton Stainers, Red Cotton Bugs, Cotton Stainer Bugs
Dysdercus is a widespread genus of true bugs in the family Pyrrhocoridae, commonly called cotton stainers. Species are known for their bright red coloration derived from plant pigments and their economic significance as pests of cotton. The genus can be distinguished from similar families by the absence of ocelli on the head, and from other Pyrrhocoridae genera by prominent white markings at the head-thorax junction and along the thorax sides.
Eoreuma loftini
Mexican rice borer, Mexican Rice-borer Moth
Eoreuma loftini, the Mexican rice borer, is a small moth in the family Crambidae described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1917. It is a significant agricultural pest of sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum, and lemongrass in the southern United States and Mexico. The species is invasive in the U.S. and is expanding its range northward at approximately 15 miles per year, having spread from Texas into Louisiana and Florida since 1980. Larval feeding inside plant stems causes characteristic damage including 'deadhearting' and 'whiteheading' in rice, and stem rot in lemongrass, resulting in substantial yield losses.
Erasmoneura vulnerata
Wounded Leafhopper
Erasmoneura vulnerata is a small leafhopper native to North America that has become an invasive pest in European vineyards since its first detection in Italy in 2004. Adults measure 2.7–3.2 mm in length and exhibit seasonal color dimorphism. The species completes 2–3 generations per year, with nymphal development taking 16–20 days. Feeding on grapevine mesophyll causes characteristic pale speckled lesions, leaf curling, and premature defoliation. In its invaded range, it poses significant economic threat to viticulture, particularly in organic vineyards where natural insecticides show limited efficacy.
Eriococcus
felt scales, bark scales
Eriococcus is a genus of felt scales (bark scales) in the family Eriococcidae, order Hemiptera. These insects are characterized by producing white, felt-like waxy coverings over their bodies. Some species, such as Eriococcus lagerstroemiae (crapemyrtle bark scale), are significant invasive pests of ornamental plants, while others like E. spurius damage American elm trees. The taxonomy of Eriococcidae remains debated, with some authorities placing these species in Acanthococcidae.
Etiella zinckenella
pulse pod borer moth, Gold-banded Etiella Moth, limabean pod borer
Etiella zinckenella is a pyralid moth and significant agricultural pest of leguminous crops. Native to southern and eastern Europe, it has spread throughout tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, with introduced populations in North America and Australia. Larvae feed internally on developing seeds within pods, causing direct damage to economically important crops including soybean, mung bean, cowpea, pigeonpea, and common bean. The species is subject to substantial biological control pressure from multiple hymenopteran parasitoids.
Ferrisia virgata
striped mealybug, grey mealybug
Ferrisia virgata, commonly known as the striped mealybug, is a highly polyphagous pest species in the family Pseudococcidae. First described from Jamaica in 1893, it spread globally within approximately a decade and is now established in all tropical and subtropical zoogeographic regions. The species is recognized by two dark dorsal longitudinal stripes and is a significant agricultural pest with a host range spanning over 203 genera in 77 plant families. It vectors plant badnavirus diseases affecting cocoa and black pepper, and has been demonstrated to acquire but not effectively transmit 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus', the bacterium associated with citrus huanglongbing.
Frankliniella
Frankliniella is a genus of thrips in the family Thripidae containing approximately 230 species with cosmopolitan distribution. The genus was established by Karny in 1910. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably Frankliniella occidentalis (western flower thrips) and F. intonsa, which cause direct feeding damage and vector plant viruses including tomato spotted wilt virus. Species exhibit considerable morphological variability, complicating identification.
Glycaspis brimblecombei
Red Gum Lerp Psyllid
Glycaspis brimblecombei, the Red Gum Lerp Psyllid, is an invasive sap-sucking insect native to Australia that has become a significant pest of Eucalyptus plantations worldwide. First described by Moore in 1964, this psyllid has spread to North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, causing substantial damage to forestry productivity. Nymphs construct protective sugary coverings called lerps while feeding on leaf phloem, and their multivoltine life cycle enables rapid population growth. The species is a major target for biological control efforts using parasitoids, predators, and entomopathogenic fungi.
Gonipterinae
Gonipterinae is a subfamily of weevils within Curculionidae. Members are primarily associated with Eucalyptus trees, with several species recognized as significant forestry pests. The subfamily includes economically important genera such as Gonipterus. Many species have been inadvertently introduced to regions outside their native Australian range.
Gyropsylla
paraguay tea ampul, ampola da erva-mate
Gyropsylla is a genus of psyllids in the family Aphalaridae, containing species that are significant agricultural pests of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis). The genus includes G. spegazziniana, commonly known as 'paraguay tea ampul' or 'ampola da erva-mate', which is a major pest in southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina where yerba mate is cultivated. These insects are phloem feeders that damage the economically important native crop. No registered insecticides exist for this pest in Brazil, making biological control research particularly important.
Heliothrips
Heliothrips is a genus of thrips in the family Thripidae comprising approximately 18 described species. The genus includes economically significant pests, most notably Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (greenhouse thrips), which infests a wide range of cultivated plants. Members of this genus are characterized by their fringed wings and rasping-sucking mouthparts. Several species have been documented as polyphagous herbivores with broad host ranges spanning multiple plant families.
thripsThripidaepestagriculturehorticulturegreenhouse-thripspolyphagousHeliothrips-haemorrhoidalisbiological-control-targetquarantine-pestkiwifruit-peststrawberry-pestavocado-pestornamental-pestworldwide-distributionfringed-wingsThysanopteraPanchaetothripinaeHaliday-183618-speciesgeneralist-herbivorerasping-sucking-mouthpartsHypera
clover weevils, alfalfa weevils
Hypera is a large genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, tribe Hyperini, containing at least 280 described species. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, notably the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica), which is the most problematic insect pest for alfalfa growers in the western United States. Species in this genus are associated with leguminous host plants, particularly clovers (Trifolium spp.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa).
Hyphantria
fall webworm moths
Hyphantria is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, established by Thaddeus William Harris in 1841. The genus contains approximately five species, with Hyphantria cunea (fall webworm) being the most widely known due to its economic and ecological significance. Species in this genus are primarily native to North and Central America, though H. cunea has been accidentally introduced to Europe and Asia, where it has become a significant invasive pest. The genus is characterized by larvae that construct communal silk webs for feeding and protection.
Hyphantria cunea
Fall Webworm, Fall Webworm Moth, American White Moth
The fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) is a moth native to North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico. It is best known for its larval stage, in which caterpillars construct large silken webs on the terminal branches of host trees during late summer and fall. The species exhibits two color races that vary geographically: white moths with black-headed caterpillars predominate in northern populations, while spotted moths with red-headed caterpillars are more common in the south. Accidentally introduced to Hungary in the 1940s, it has become a destructive invasive pest across Europe and Asia, particularly in China where it is known as the 'North American White Moth.'
defoliatorweb-forming-caterpillarinvasive-speciesnative-pestpolyphagousfreeze-avoiderthermoregulationbiological-control-targethazelnut-pestmulberry-pesturban-pestornamental-pestforest-pestagricultural-pestgregarious-larvaesilken-webNorth-American-nativeEuropean-invasiveAsian-invasiveviral-biocontrolparasitoid-hosthyperparasitismKeiferia lycopersicella
Tomato Pinworm
Keiferia lycopersicella, the tomato pinworm, is a gelechiid moth and significant agricultural pest of Solanaceae crops. Native to warm regions of the Americas, it has expanded its range through greenhouse production and international trade. The species completes seven to eight generations annually in favorable climates. Larvae are leaf miners and fruit borers, causing direct damage to tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes. Adults communicate via sex pheromones, with synthetic lures used for monitoring and management.
Lambdina
Lambdina is a genus of geometrid moths comprising approximately ten described species distributed in North America. Several species are significant forest defoliators, particularly the hemlock looper (L. fiscellaria) and its subspecies, which cause economically damaging outbreaks in coniferous forests. The genus exhibits typical geometrid morphology with larvae commonly referred to as loopers due to their characteristic looping gait. Species within Lambdina can be distinguished by host associations, flight periods, and overwintering stages.
Lamprosema
Lamprosema is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, described by Jacob Hübner in 1823. The genus contains approximately 80 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. Several species are documented as agricultural pests, particularly on leguminous crops. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some species transferred to other genera over time.
Leucoma salicis
White Satin Moth, Satin Moth
Leucoma salicis is a medium-sized moth native to the Palearctic, introduced to North America in the 1920s where it became an invasive pest. Adults are distinguished by pure white wings with a silky sheen, held tent-like over the body, contrasting with striking black-and-white banded legs. Larvae feed on Salix and Populus species and can cause severe defoliation damage. The species is univoltine in most of its range, with adults active in June through August.
Limonius infuscatus
Western field wireworm
Limonius infuscatus, commonly known as the Western field wireworm, is a nocturnal click beetle native to the northwestern United States. The larval stage, referred to as a wireworm, is a soil-dwelling pest known to damage agricultural crops. The species belongs to the family Elateridae, characterized by the ability of adults to produce an audible click when righting themselves from a supine position.
Liposcelis decolor
booklouse
Liposcelis decolor is a minute stored-product pest psocid (booklouse) of significant economic importance worldwide. It infests stored grains and grain products, causing direct damage through consumption of endosperm and germ, and indirect damage by distributing molds and transmitting disease pathogens. The species exhibits high tolerance to phosphine fumigant, making chemical control difficult, and recovers rapidly from poorly conducted fumigations. It has been extensively studied as prey for biological control agents including the warehouse pirate bug Xylocoris flavipes and predatory mites Cheyletus eruditus and C. malaccensis.
Liriomyza sativae
vegetable leaf miner, vegetable leafminer
Liriomyza sativae, the vegetable leafminer, is a polyphagous leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. Native to the Neotropics, it has become a widespread invasive pest of vegetable crops globally. Larvae feed internally on leaf mesophyll, creating characteristic serpentine mines that reduce photosynthetic capacity. The species is notable for its broad host range spanning multiple plant families, rapid generation time, and competitive interactions with congeners mediated by temperature.
Lobiopa
sap beetles
Lobiopa is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, containing approximately seven described species. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, particularly Lobiopa insularis (strawberry sap beetle), which causes direct fruit damage and indirect losses through fungal transmission in strawberry crops across the Americas. Members of this genus exhibit frugivorous feeding habits on ripe fruits and display complex reproductive behaviors including mate guarding and soil oviposition.
Megalurothrips
bean flower thrips, oriental bean thrips, Asian bean thrips
Megalurothrips is a genus of thrips in family Thripidae, established by Bagnall in 1915. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed across the Old World and Australia. The most economically significant species, Megalurothrips usitatus, is a major pest of leguminous crops, particularly cowpea, soybean, and common bean, causing damage to flowers and developing pods. Several species have been introduced beyond their native ranges, with M. usitatus recently detected in the Americas.
Melanotus communis
corn wireworm
Melanotus communis is a click beetle species whose larvae, known as corn wireworms, are significant agricultural pests in North America. The species is currently treated as a species complex due to unresolved taxonomic boundaries with closely related forms. Larvae feed on germinating seeds and roots of corn, potatoes, and other crops, causing substantial economic damage. Research has focused on developing biological control methods using entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi, as well as pheromone-based monitoring systems.
Nipaecoccus
Nipaecoccus is a genus of mealybugs in the family Pseudococcidae. The genus includes several economically important pest species, most notably Nipaecoccus viridis (hibiscus mealybug or lebbeck mealybug) and Nipaecoccus nipae (coconut mealybug). Species in this genus are characterized by their white, powdery wax covering and polyphagous feeding habits on a wide range of host plants including citrus, palms, ornamentals, and various fruit and row crops. Nipaecoccus viridis has emerged as a significant invasive pest in Florida since 2009, with documented impacts on citrus, blueberries, hemp, and ornamental plants.
Nipponaclerda
roseau cane scale, Phragmites scale insect
Nipponaclerda is a genus of flat grass scales in the family Aclerdidae, containing species that are specialist sap-feeders on grasses in the genus Phragmites. The genus is native to East Asia and has become invasive in North America. The best-known species, N. biwakoensis, has caused extensive dieback of Phragmites australis in Louisiana's Mississippi River Delta since 2016, threatening critical wetland ecosystem services.
Nipponaclerda biwakoensis
Roseau Cane Mealybug, Phragmites Scale Insect
Nipponaclerda biwakoensis is a scale insect in the family Aclerdidae, native to East Asia (Japan, China, Korea) and first described from Japan in 1907. It is a specialist herbivore on Phragmites australis (common reed), feeding on phloem sap. The species was detected as an invasive pest in Louisiana's Mississippi River Delta in 2016, where it has caused extensive dieback of roseau cane—the dominant coastal wetland plant critical for shoreline stabilization. In its invasive range, densities can exceed 150 individuals per meter of stem and damage over 80% of reeds in affected areas. The species has since spread to Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. In its native range, population dynamics are influenced by five species of hymenopteran parasitoids and predation by wintering birds.
Paropsina
Paropsina is a subtribe of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae) whose members are specialized herbivores of Eucalyptus. Several species have become invasive pests outside Australia, notably Paropsis charybdis in New Zealand. The subtribe is distinguished by obligate association with eucalypt foliage and external leaf-feeding larval behavior.
Pentatomidae
stink bugs, shield bugs
Pentatomidae is the largest family in the superfamily Pentatomoidea, comprising approximately 900 genera and over 4,700 species. Members are commonly known as stink bugs or shield bugs, distinguished by their ability to release defensive secretions when disturbed. The family exhibits diverse feeding strategies: most species are phytophagous and include major agricultural pests, while members of the subfamily Asopinae are predatory. The family name derives from Greek 'pente' (five) and 'tomos' (section), referring to the five-segmented antennae characteristic of all pentatomids.
Perkinsiella saccharicida
Sugarcane planthopper, Sugarcane delphacid, Sugarcane leafhopper
Perkinsiella saccharicida is a delphacid planthopper and a significant pest of sugarcane. It is the primary vector of Fiji disease virus (FDV), the causative agent of Fiji leaf gall, a major viral disease affecting sugarcane production. The species has been documented across Africa, Asia, Australia, Oceania, North America, and South America. Laboratory studies have established methods for rearing this species on sugarcane leaf segments, enabling research on virus transmission dynamics.
Phoracantha semipunctata
Australian Eucalyptus longhorn, Common Eucalyptus Longhorn, eucalyptus longhorned borer, firewood beetle
Phoracantha semipunctata is a wood-boring beetle in the family Cerambycidae, native to Australia and invasive in many regions where Eucalyptus has been introduced. Adults are crepuscular, active during warmer evening hours when temperatures exceed 15°C. Females lay eggs under loose bark or in bark crevices of stressed or freshly cut Eucalyptus trees; larvae bore into phloem and sapwood, potentially girdling and killing trees. The species is a significant pest in plantations outside Australia, though outbreaks in its native range are associated with drought-stressed trees.
Phyllotreta striolata
Striped Flea Beetle, Turnip Flea Beetle
Phyllotreta striolata is a small flea beetle (1.5–2.5 mm) in the family Chrysomelidae, native to Eurasia and now distributed worldwide. It is a major pest of Brassicaceae crops, causing substantial yield losses through adult feeding on aboveground plant parts and larval feeding on roots. The species exhibits strong positive phototaxis with peak sensitivity to blue wavelengths (350–430 nm). It has been recorded from diverse habitats including open prairie, boreal forest, and agricultural systems across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Planococcus
mealybugs
Planococcus is a genus of mealybugs in the family Pseudococcidae, comprising economically significant agricultural pests. The genus includes species such as Planococcus citri (citrus mealybug), Planococcus ficus (vine mealybug), and Planococcus minor, which infest a wide range of host plants including citrus, grapevines, and numerous horticultural crops. These insects cause direct damage through phloem feeding and indirect damage via honeydew secretion that promotes sooty mold growth; several species are also known vectors of plant viruses. The genus is characterized by small, soft-bodied insects covered in white, powdery wax secretions, with complex taxonomic histories involving multiple synonymies and cryptic species complexes.
Platycorypha
Platycorypha is a genus of jumping plantlice (psyllids) in the family Psyllidae, established as the type genus of the subfamily Platycoryphinae in 2021. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species, including two extinct species known from fossils. Species occur across the Americas, southern Europe, and Africa. Some species have become invasive pests in urban landscapes, notably Platycorypha nigrivirga on Tipuana tipu in Mediterranean Europe.
Plodia
Indian meal moth (P. interpunctella), pantry moth, flour moth, grain moth, weevil moth
Plodia is a genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae, erected by Achille Guenée in 1845. The genus contains three species, with P. interpunctella (Indian meal moth) being the most economically significant as a cosmopolitan pest of stored food products. Adults are small moths with distinctive wing banding, while larvae infest grains, dried fruits, nuts, and other stored goods. The genus is notable for its association with human food storage environments worldwide.
Polyphagotarsonemus latus
Broad Mite, Yellow Tea Mite, Citrus Silver Mite
Polyphagotarsonemus latus, commonly known as the broad mite, is a microscopic tarsonemid mite with a cosmopolitan distribution and an exceptionally broad host range spanning over 60 plant families. First described from mango in a Washington, D.C. greenhouse in 1904, it has become a significant agricultural pest affecting crops including cotton, soybean, peppers, strawberries, blackberries, citrus, tea, coffee, and increasingly, cannabis and hemp. The mite feeds on young, tender plant tissues, causing characteristic damage including leaf stunting, twisting, and distortion that resembles auxin herbicide injury. It thrives in greenhouse environments and tropical to subtropical climates, with development occurring between 10–36°C at high humidity. Management relies on acaricides and biological control using predatory mites such as Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus californicus, and A. orientalis.
Protopulvinaria pyriformis
Pyriform Scale
Protopulvinaria pyriformis, commonly known as the pyriform scale, is a soft scale insect in the family Coccidae. It is a significant agricultural pest primarily associated with avocado, though it has been recorded on citrus and other hosts. The species exhibits parthenogenetic reproduction in most populations and possesses the unusual ability for a soft scale to move around as an adult female. It is known from multiple continents including Australia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Pseudococcus
mealybugs
Pseudococcus is a genus of unarmoured scale insects in the family Pseudococcidae, commonly known as mealybugs. The genus contains more than 150 species distributed worldwide. Species in this genus are polyphagous pests of agricultural and horticultural crops, feeding on plant phloem and causing direct damage through sap extraction and indirect damage through honeydew production and sooty mold development. Several species have been introduced to new regions through international plant trade, with some becoming significant invasive pests.
Pseudococcus longispinus
long-tailed mealybug, longtailed mealybug
Pseudococcus longispinus is a cosmopolitan mealybug pest in the family Pseudococcidae. It is distinguished by two long, waxy filaments extending from the posterior abdomen of adult females. The species is a significant agricultural and horticultural pest, particularly damaging to grapevines, citrus, orchids, and tropical fruits. It is a known vector of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3), transmitting the virus only during the first instar crawler stage. The species has been observed to develop three generations annually in temperate regions, with complex dispersal patterns shifting from exposed foliage in early instars to protected bark and fruit clusters for reproduction.
Pseudococcus maritimus
grape mealybug, vine mealybug
Pseudococcus maritimus, commonly known as the grape mealybug or vine mealybug, is a scale insect in the family Pseudococcidae that primarily infests grapevines (Vitis vinifera). It has been documented as a vector of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 and, more recently, was confirmed to transmit Little cherry virus 2 to sweet cherry, making it an economically significant pest in tree fruit and vineyard systems. The species is part of a species complex that includes morphologically similar taxa such as Pseudococcus meridionalis. Research indicates limited natural dispersal capacity, with first instars rarely walking between plants and wind dispersal declining sharply with distance from source plants.
Rachiplusia
sunflower looper (R. nu)
Rachiplusia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae, containing at least four species distributed across the Americas. The most economically significant species is Rachiplusia nu, known as the sunflower looper or "oruga medidora del girasol," which has emerged as a major pest of soybean and sunflower in South America. Larvae of this genus are characterized by the looping locomotion typical of Plusiinae, resulting from having only three pairs of prolegs. The genus was revised taxonomically by Barbut in 2008, clarifying species boundaries and distributions.
Russellaspis
oleander pit scale, fig pit scale
Russellaspis is a genus of armored scale insects (Asterolecaniidae) known primarily from the species R. pustulans, commonly called the oleander pit scale or fig pit scale. These insects are parthenogenetic, with no known males, and are significant agricultural pests on fruit trees and ornamental plants in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The genus is characterized by its pit-inducing feeding damage on host plants and its ability to complete multiple generations annually under favorable conditions.
Solenopsis
fire ants, thief ants, ginger ants, tropical fire ants, red ants
Solenopsis is a genus of ants in the family Formicidae comprising over 200 species worldwide, including the notorious fire ants and thief ants. Members of this genus are characterized by their ability to deliver painful stings using a venom-injecting stinger. The genus includes some of the most economically and ecologically significant invasive ant species, particularly Solenopsis invicta (red imported fire ant), which has spread from South America to become a major pest across the southern United States and beyond. While fire ants represent a minority of Solenopsis species, they have disproportionate ecological and economic impacts due to their aggressive behavior, large colony sizes, and potent venom.
Spoladea recurvalis
Beet Webworm Moth, Hawaiian Beet Webworm Moth, Amaranth Leaf-Webber
Spoladea recurvalis is a small crambid moth with a global tropical and subtropical distribution. The species is a documented agricultural pest, with larvae feeding primarily on Amaranthus species (amaranth) as well as spinach, beet, and other crops. Adults require nectar feeding for survival and exhibit temperature-dependent flight activity. The species has been introduced to temperate regions including Europe and North America, where it continues to expand its range. It serves as host for the larval endoparasitoid Apanteles hemara, which has been studied for biological control potential.
Trioza adventicia
syzygium leaf psyllid, lillypilly psyllid, eugenia psyllid
Trioza adventicia is a sap-sucking hemipteran in the family Triozidae that creates pit galls on leaves of Syzygium paniculatum. Native to eastern subcoastal Australia, this species has been introduced to California, southern Australia, and New Zealand where it affects ornamental plantings. For decades it was misidentified as Trioza eugeniae in scientific literature, horticultural resources, and biological control programs until a 2019 taxonomic revision using morphological and DNA barcoding evidence clarified the distinction. The biological control program in the United States unknowingly targeted the correct species despite the nomenclatural confusion.
Wasmannia auropunctata
little fire ant, electric ant
Wasmannia auropunctata, commonly known as the little fire ant or electric ant, is a small invasive ant native to Central and South America. It has spread to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Florida, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. The species is known for its painful sting relative to its size and is listed among the world's most destructive invasive species. It exhibits facultative reproductive polymorphism, with some populations reproducing sexually and others clonally.