Biological-control
Guides
Diadromus
pupal parasitoid wasps
Diadromus is a genus of ichneumonid wasps comprising over two dozen species distributed across Europe and North America. Species in this genus are endoparasitoids, primarily attacking lepidopteran hosts at the pupal stage. Several species, notably D. pulchellus and D. collaris, have been extensively studied for their biological control potential against agricultural pests including leek moth and diamondback moth. The genus exhibits complex host-finding behaviors mediated by volatile chemical cues and shows variable relationships with symbiotic viruses.
Diaeretiella
Diaeretiella is a monotypic genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Aphidiinae. The sole species, Diaeretiella rapae, is a cosmopolitan koinobiont endoparasitoid of aphids with documented occurrence in 87 countries. It has been recorded parasitizing approximately 98 aphid species across more than 180 plant species in 43 plant families, with particular association to cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) on cruciferous crops. The genus is recognized as an important biological control agent in integrated pest management systems.
Dialeurodes citri
Citrus Whitefly
Dialeurodes citri, the citrus whitefly, is a polyphagous pest native to Southeast Asia that has become established in citrus-growing regions worldwide. Adults and immature stages feed on phloem sap, secreting honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth. The species completes 2–3 generations annually in most regions, with development arrested in the fourth instar during cooler months. It is distinguished from the similar Parabemisia myricae by its larger size, preference for fully developed leaves, and slower life cycle.
Diaphania indica
cucumber moth, cotton caterpillar, leaf roller
Diaphania indica is a widespread moth species occurring primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, native to southern Asia. It is a significant agricultural pest of cucurbitaceous crops, with larvae feeding on leaves, stems, and fruits of host plants. The species has been documented on multiple continents and is subject to biological control efforts using parasitoid wasps. Laboratory studies have established detailed demographic parameters and life cycle duration.
Diapriidae
Diapriidae is a family of minute parasitoid wasps in the order Hymenoptera. Adults range from 1–8 mm in length, with most species measuring 2–4 mm. The family contains approximately 2,300 described species in around 150–200 genera, though estimates suggest at least 4,500 species exist globally. Members are primarily parasitoids of Diptera larvae and pupae, with some species attacking Coleoptera or associated with ants. The family exhibits considerable morphological diversity, including frequent winglessness and pronounced sexual dimorphism.
Diapriinae
Diapriinae is a subfamily of minute parasitoid wasps within the family Diapriidae. Members are typically 1–8 mm in length, with most species averaging 2–4 mm. They are characterized by a distinctive ledge-like extension of the face above the clypeus (the "shelf face"), from which the antennae originate. The subfamily contains three tribes: Diapriini, Psilini, and Spilomicrini. Most species are parasitoids of Diptera larvae and pupae, particularly fungus gnats (Mycetophilidae and Sciaridae), though some lineages have evolved specialized associations with ants. Many species remain undescribed, with an estimated 4,500 species worldwide compared to approximately 2,300 currently described.
Diaspididae
Armored Scale Insects, Armored Scales, Hard Scales
Diaspididae is the largest family of scale insects, comprising over 2,650 described species in approximately 400 genera. Members are commonly known as armored scale insects due to their distinctive protective covering, which incorporates exuviae from the first two nymphal instars, sometimes with fecal matter and host plant fragments. The female remains permanently beneath this armor, feeding on host plant tissues through piercing-sucking mouthparts. The family includes numerous economically significant pests such as the California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii), San Jose scale (Diaspidiotus perniciosus), and gloomy scale (Melanaspis tenebricosa), which damage crops, ornamentals, and forest trees worldwide.
Diastema tigris
Lantana Moth, Lantana Control Moth
Diastema tigris is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 25 mm. Native to Florida and Texas, it has been widely introduced across tropical and subtropical regions as a biological control agent targeting the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Its common name, 'lantana moth,' directly reflects its specialized larval association with this host plant.
Diatraea
sugarcane borer, stalk borer
Diatraea is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae comprising approximately 40 described species. The genus is best known for several economically important stalk-boring pests of grass crops, particularly sugarcane, corn, sorghum, and rice. Larvae tunnel within plant stems, causing reduced yield, lodging, and increased susceptibility to pathogens. Several species have been the focus of extensive biological control programs, notably using parasitoid wasps such as Cotesia flavipes and Trichogramma galloi. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas from the southern United States to Argentina.
Dicaelotus
Dicaelotus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Wesmael in 1845. Species within this genus are distributed across Europe, Africa, and North America. The genus is part of the diverse ichneumonid wasp radiation, which are predominantly parasitoids of other insects.
Dichroplus
spur-throated grasshoppers
Dichroplus is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing more than 20 described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. Species in this genus are primarily ground-dwelling and associated with grassland and agricultural habitats. Dichroplus maculipennis, one of the most studied species, is a significant agricultural pest in Argentina's Pampas region, where it damages corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Dichrorampha
Dichrorampha is a genus of small tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, comprising over 100 described species distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. The genus includes both diurnal and crepuscular species, many associated with mountain and alpine habitats. Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for invasive weeds, including D. aeratana for oxeye daisy and D. odorata for Chromolaena odorata. The genus has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, with cryptic species discovered through integrative approaches combining morphology and molecular data.
Dichrorampha aeratana
Obscure Drill
Dichrorampha aeratana is a small tortricid moth native to Europe, first described in 1915. The species has gained scientific attention as a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) in North America and Australia. Adults are active in spring, with larvae feeding internally on host plant roots and rhizomes. The moth exhibits strong host specificity, with larval survival negatively associated with increasing ploidy levels in host plants.
Dicladocerus
Dicladocerus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, first described by Westwood in 1832. The genus contains species distributed across the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, including North America north of Mexico and Japan. Several North American species—specifically D. nearcticus, D. pacificus, and D. terraenovae—are known to attack larch casebearer (Coleophoridae), a moth pest of larch trees. The genus was taxonomically revised in 1976, with twelve new species described from North America and one from Japan.
Dicondylus
Dicondylus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Dryinidae. Members of this genus are known to attack planthoppers (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), including agricultural pests such as the Rice Brown Planthopper. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some authorities treating it as a synonym of Gonatopus.
Dicrodiplosis californica
mealybug-destroying predaceous gall midge
Dicrodiplosis californica is a species of predaceous gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Felt in 1912. The common name 'mealybug-destroying predaceous gall midge' indicates its role as a biological control agent targeting mealybugs. As a member of the genus Dicrodiplosis, it belongs to a group of predatory gall midges rather than the gall-forming majority in this family.
Dictyla echii
Bugloss Lace Bug
A lace bug (Hemiptera: Tingidae) native to the Palearctic and introduced to North America. In Canada, it is univoltine and overwinters as adults in soil near host plant rosettes in reproductive diapause. In the Mediterranean region, it produces at least 2–3 generations annually. Associated primarily with Boraginaceae, especially Echium species. Tested as a biological control agent for Echium plantagineum (Paterson's curse) in Australia but rejected due to insufficient host specificity.
Dicymolomia
Dicymolomia is a genus of crambid moths established by Zeller in 1872, containing approximately eight described species. The genus is placed in subfamily Glaphyriinae. Dicymolomia julianalis has been documented as a seed predator on musk thistle (Carduus nutans) in Tennessee, with larvae feeding within seed heads and reducing seed production. The genus has been recorded from the United States, including Vermont and Tennessee.
Dicyphini
Dicyphini is a tribe of plant bugs in the subfamily Bryocorinae (family Miridae). Members are predominantly zoophytophagous, combining predation on agricultural pests with facultative plant feeding. Several species are commercially used as biological control agents in greenhouse vegetable production, particularly for whiteflies and lepidopteran pests on tomato and other Solanaceae crops. The tribe includes subtribes Dicyphina, Monaloniina, and Odoniellina, with genera such as Dicyphus, Macrolophus, Nesidiocoris, and Engytatus.
Dicyphus
Dicyphus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae containing at least 70 described species. Several species, including D. hesperus, D. hyalinipennis, and D. tamanini, are zoophytophagous predators used in biological control of crop pests. The genus exhibits considerable variation in feeding ecology, with some species being primarily phytophagous while others are important predators of whiteflies, thrips, and other horticultural pests.
Dielis tolteca
Toltec scoliid wasp
Dielis tolteca is a species of scoliid wasp native to western North America and Mesoamerica. The species is known to parasitize scarab beetle grubs, with females hunting underground hosts to provision their offspring. Adults have been observed feeding on flowering plants, particularly mustards (Brassicaceae) and goldenrods (Solidago). The species has been documented in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area in western Colorado, where it is active as a spring-emerging species.
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Digitivalva is a genus of small moths in the family Glyphipterigidae (subfamily Acrolepiinae), established by Gaedike in 1970. The genus comprises approximately 35 described species distributed across the Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Oriental regions. Several species have been studied for their specialized host plant associations with Asteraceae, and at least one species (D. delaireae) has been evaluated as a biological control agent for invasive Cape-ivy in North America.
Digitonthophagus gazella
Gazelle scarab, Brown dung beetle
Digitonthophagus gazella is a dung beetle native to Afro-Asian regions that has been widely introduced across the Americas, Australia, and Pacific islands for biological control of cattle dung. The species exhibits rapid colonization ability due to high reproductive rates, opportunistic resource utilization, and strong dispersal capacity. It has become established in numerous tropical and subtropical regions, with documented naturalized populations in North, Central, and South America. The species shows complex nesting behavior involving tunnel construction by both sexes and has been extensively studied for its ecological impacts on native dung beetle assemblages.
Diglyphus
Diglyphus is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae. Species are larval ectoparasitoids of leaf-mining flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae) and some Lepidoptera leafminers. Several species, particularly D. isaea and D. begini, are commercially used for biological control of agricultural leafminer pests in greenhouses and field crops. The genus contains at least 15 European species, with additional species described from Asia and North America.
Diglyphus pulchripes
Diglyphus pulchripes is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae. It belongs to a group of tiny wasps known as jewel wasps or pteromalids, which are characterized by their parasitoid life history where immature stages develop inside host insects, eventually killing the host. The species has been documented in Canada across multiple provinces. Like other members of its genus, it likely parasitizes leaf-mining insects, though specific host associations for this species require further documentation.
Diglyphus websteri
Diglyphus websteri is a tiny parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae. It belongs to a genus known for biological control of leafmining insects. The species has been documented in laboratory settings for parasitoid research.
Digonogastra
Digonogastra is a genus of braconid wasps comprising approximately 260 described species distributed across Afrotropical, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. Members are idiobiont ectoparasitoids that attack larval stages of stalk-boring Lepidoptera, particularly pyralid and crambid borers in gramineous crops. The genus has documented significance as a biological control agent for agricultural pests in sugarcane, maize, and sorghum systems.
Dikrella
Dikrella is a genus of leafhoppers in the subfamily Typhlocybinae, tribe Dikraneurini, containing approximately 37 species distributed from the United States through Central America to South America. Members are small, delicate insects typically 3–4 mm in length. The genus has agricultural significance: Dikrella californica has been used as an intermediary host for the parasitic wasp Anagnus epos, employed in biological control of the western grape leafhopper. Several species are associated with economically important host plants including avocado and pequi.
Dinarmus
Dinarmus is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae with nearly cosmopolitan distribution. Species in this genus are larval-pupal ectoparasitoids of bruchid beetles (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), particularly pests of stored legume seeds such as cowpea. The genus includes economically important biological control agents, notably D. basalis and D. vagabundus, which are deployed in integrated pest management programs targeting Callosobruchus species. Research on D. basalis has revealed complex host discrimination behaviors, facultative superparasitism, and olfactory host location mechanisms.
Dinera
Dinera fly
Dinera is a genus of tachinid flies established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. The genus comprises approximately 24 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with notable diversity in China. Larvae of most species are parasitoids of scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae), making this genus economically relevant for biological control of certain beetle pests.
Dinocampus
Dinocampus is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Euphorinae. The genus contains at least 25 described species, with Dinocampus coccinellae being the most extensively studied. Members of this genus are endoparasitoids of lady beetles (Coccinellidae), exhibiting complex host manipulation behaviors including the induction of partial paralysis that causes hosts to guard developing wasp cocoons. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution and has been recorded from multiple continents.
Dinocampus coccinellae
Ladybird Parasitoid Wasp
Dinocampus coccinellae is a solitary braconid wasp that parasitizes lady beetles (Coccinellidae). The female wasp deposits a single egg into the host's abdomen, where the larva develops through four instars over 18–27 days before emerging. Upon emergence, the larva paralyzes the host and spins a cocoon attached to the ladybird's legs. The paralyzed host remains alive, twitching occasionally, and serves as a protective bodyguard that deters predators with its bright coloration and defensive movements. Approximately 25% of hosts recover after the wasp completes development. The wasp is notable for co-injecting Dinocampus coccinellae paralysis virus (DcPV) with its egg, which facilitates host manipulation.
Diomus
lady beetles, ladybirds
Diomus is a genus of small lady beetles (Coccinellidae) comprising at least 20 described species. Species within this genus exhibit diverse ecological strategies, including generalist predation on mealybugs and aphids, as well as specialized myrmecophilous associations. Several species have been evaluated or employed as biological control agents against agricultural pests such as the papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus), yellow sugarcane aphid (Sipha flava), and cassava mealybug (Phenacoccus manihoti). The genus shows notable variation in habitat associations, from agricultural crops to ant nests.
Diomus terminatus
Firefly Duskyling
Diomus terminatus is a minute lady beetle native to eastern North America, measuring 1.5–2 mm. It has been evaluated for biological control of sugarcane aphids, particularly Melanaphis sacchari and Sipha flava. Laboratory studies confirm its complete development on aphid prey, with a generation time of approximately 12 days from egg to adult at 26°C.
Dione juno
Juno Silverspot, Juno Longwing, Juno Heliconian
Dione juno is a heliconiine butterfly (subfamily Heliconiinae) distributed from the southern United States through Central and South America. The species is a significant agricultural pest of passion fruit (Passiflora spp.), particularly Passiflora edulis, where caterpillars can completely defoliate host plants at high population densities. Adults are characterized by orange and black dorsal wing patterns with distinctive silver spots on the ventral wing surfaces. The species has been extensively studied in Brazil and Central America for its role in agroecosystems and its diverse complex of natural enemies.
Dioprosopa
drone flies
Dioprosopa is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini, containing two described species found in the New World. The genus was elevated from subgenus rank in 2018 based on phylogenetic studies. Both species occur in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where they contribute to ecosystem services through adult pollination and larval predation on agricultural pests.
Dioprosopa clavata
Four-speckled Hover Fly
Dioprosopa clavata is a Neotropical hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) and the type species of genus Dioprosopa. Adults feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are aphidophagous predators that also attack spittlebugs and other hemipteran pests. The species provides dual ecosystem services as both a pollinator and biological control agent in natural habitats and agroecosystems, including citrus orchards. Climate change projections indicate substantial habitat loss by 2100, with range contractions in tropical lowlands and modest shifts toward cooler, higher-elevation refugia.
Diorhabda
tamarisk beetle, saltcedar leaf beetle
Diorhabda is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Galerucinae. Most species within the genus feed on Tamarix (tamarisk or saltcedar), though at least one species, D. tarsalis, is a pest of Chinese licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis). The genus is native to Europe and Asia, with several species introduced to North America as biological control agents for invasive Tamarix. The D. elongata species group comprises five sibling species specialized on Tamarix: D. elongata, D. carinata, D. sublineata, D. carinulata, and D. meridionalis.
Diorhabda carinulata
Northern Tamarisk Beetle, Saltcedar Beetle, Saltcedar Leaf Beetle, Tamarisk Leaf Beetle
Diorhabda carinulata is a leaf beetle native to Central Asia, introduced to North America as a classical biological control agent for invasive saltcedar (Tamarix spp.). Adults and larvae feed exclusively on Tamarix foliage, causing defoliation that can reduce tamarisk biomass by 75–85% over multiple years. The species has established successfully in the western United States, with populations evolving shorter critical day lengths for diapause induction that enable range expansion. Its introduction has generated conservation concerns due to impacts on nesting habitat for the federally endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.
Diorhabda sublineata
Subtropical Tamarisk Beetle, Saltcedar Beetle, Saltcedar Leaf Beetle, Tamarisk Leaf Beetle
Diorhabda sublineata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the subtropical tamarisk beetle. Originally described from Algeria in 1849, it was restored to full species status in 2009 after being treated as a subspecies or synonym of D. elongata for over a century. It is a specialist feeder on tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) and has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent against invasive saltcedar. The species is particularly adapted to subtropical and Mediterranean climates.
Dioryctria
Conifer Coneworm Moths, Coneworm Moths
Dioryctria is a genus of snout moths (family Pyralidae) described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1846. Commonly known as conifer coneworm moths, the genus contains approximately 40 species in North America, with 25 occurring in western regions. Larvae of most species feed within conifer cones, though some species infest shoots, branches, or bark. Several species are significant forest pests, causing damage to pine, spruce, fir, and cedar trees through cone and seed destruction, shoot boring, and deformation of tree crowns.
Diospilus
Diospilus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Brachistinae. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution. At least one species, D. capito, is a parasitoid of pollen beetles (Meligethes spp.) in agricultural systems, particularly in rape and mustard crops. Species within this genus are small braconid wasps, though detailed morphological descriptions for the genus as a whole are limited.
Diplazontinae
Hover Fly Parasitoid Wasps
Diplazontinae is a subfamily of ichneumonid wasps comprising approximately 19 genera, with highest diversity in the Holarctic region. Members are specialized koinobiont endoparasitoids of hover flies (Syrphidae), with oviposition into host eggs or larvae and emergence from the puparium. The subfamily exhibits distinctive morphological features including three-toothed mandibles and a box-like first abdominal tergite. Several genera have undergone recent taxonomic revision, with Syrphoctonus split into multiple genera to restore monophyly.
Discodes
Discodes is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Species in this genus are known as parasitoids of scale insects (Coccoidea), with documented host associations including Sphaerolecanium prunastri, the globose scale insect. The genus was established by Foerster in 1856 and contains multiple described species distributed across several continents.
Diversinervus
Diversinervus is a genus of encyrtid parasitoid wasps in the tribe Cheiloneurini. The genus comprises approximately twelve species worldwide, including the notable D. elegans, which has been studied for its biological control potential against scale insects. Species in this genus are endoparasitoids, developing within their hosts. The genus was established by Silvestri in 1915 and has been the subject of recent research on venom biochemistry and viral associations.
Dolichopodidae
long-legged flies, longlegged flies
Dolichopodidae, the long-legged flies, is a large cosmopolitan family of true flies (Diptera) comprising over 8,000 described species in approximately 250 genera. Members are typically small (1–10 mm), often metallic green, blue, or bronze, with characteristically long and slender legs. Adults are predominantly predatory on small invertebrates. The family is particularly diverse in North America, with nearly 60 genera and about 1,300 species. Many species inhabit moist environments near water margins, though others occupy terrestrial habitats including tree trunks and foliage.
Doru taeniatum
lined earwig
Doru taeniatum, the lined earwig, is a predaceous earwig species in the family Forficulidae. It is native to the Americas, ranging from North America through Central America to South America. The species has been studied extensively for its potential role in biological control, particularly in maize agroecosystems where it preys on pest lepidopterans including the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Laboratory studies indicate it is omnivorous, capable of completing development and reproduction on plant pollen or lepidopteran eggs alone, with optimal fitness on mixed or egg-only diets.
Dorymyrmex
pyramid ants, cone ants
Dorymyrmex is a genus of ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, commonly known as pyramid ants or cone ants. The genus exhibits an amphitropical distribution pattern, with highest diversity concentrated in arid temperate regions of North and South America rather than tropical zones. Phylogenomic studies have identified four major species groups: D. flavescens, tener, wolffhuegeli, and pyramicus groups. The genus has undergone rapid evolutionary radiation, particularly in the pyramicus group, presenting ongoing taxonomic challenges.
Draeculacephala inscripta
Waterlettuce Leafhopper
Draeculacephala inscripta is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1915. It is commonly known as the Waterlettuce Leafhopper due to its association with aquatic and semi-aquatic host plants. The species has been recorded from multiple U.S. states including Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, and Hawaii, as well as being present in California where it has been studied as a host for egg parasitoids. Its eggs serve as hosts for several parasitoid wasp species in the families Mymaridae and Trichogrammatidae.
Draeculacephala noveboracensis
Black-ledged Sharpshooter
Draeculacephala noveboracensis is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as the Black-ledged Sharpshooter. It is native to North America and has been documented as a host for egg parasitoids in the families Mymaridae and Trichogrammatidae. The species has been studied in California in relation to biological control programs targeting sharpshooter pests.