Biological-control
Guides
Calliephialtes grapholithae
Calliephialtes grapholithae is an ichneumonid parasitoid wasp that primarily parasitizes concealed lepidopteran larvae. Its most extensively documented host is Cydia caryana (Tortricidae), a key pest of pecan orchards in Mexico and the southern United States. The species has been recorded from pecan-growing regions in Coahuila and Tamaulipas, Mexico, and from Kansas, USA. A potential additional host association involves Chalcoela iphitalis (Crambidae), a moth whose larvae prey on paper wasp larvae within nests; this relationship requires independent confirmation.
Calophasia
Calophasia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, first described by Stephens in 1829. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed across Europe, North Africa, and parts of North America. The most well-known species is Calophasia lunula (toadflax brocade), which has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive toadflax plants. Species in this genus are generally associated with open, dry habitats.
Calophasia lunula
Toadflax Brocade Moth, Toadflax Moth
Calophasia lunula is a noctuid moth native to the Palearctic region, introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive toadflax species. The moth's larvae are specialized feeders on yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) and Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria genistifolia ssp. dalmatica), causing significant defoliation that reduces seed production. Adults feed on nectar without causing plant damage. The species has established populations in parts of Canada and the United States following intentional introductions beginning in the early 1960s.
Calophya
jumping plant lice
Calophya is the type genus of the psyllid family Calophyidae, containing at least 69 described species. Members are gall-forming psyllids that feed on phloem and induce galls on host plants, primarily in the family Anacardiaceae. Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for invasive plants, particularly Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia). The genus shows high host specificity, with most species completing development only on specific host plants.
Calophyidae
Calophyidae is a family of jumping plant lice (psyllids) within the superfamily Psylloidea (Hemiptera). Members of this family are phloem-feeding insects that induce galls on host plants, with several species studied as classical biological control agents for invasive weeds. The family contains four recognized subfamilies: Atmetocraniinae, Calophyinae, Metapsyllinae, and Symphorosinae. Notable genera include Calophya, which contains multiple species associated with Schinus species (Anacardiaceae).
Caloptilia fraxinella
Ash Leaf Cone Roller, Ash Leaf Cone Roller Moth
Caloptilia fraxinella is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. Native to North America, it has become a significant pest of horticultural ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in Canadian Prairie cities and parts of the United States. The species exhibits an unusual life history with a 9-month adult reproductive diapause; adults eclose in summer, overwinter, and mate the following spring. Larvae mine ash leaves and eventually roll leaflets into cones for pupation.
Caloptilia triadicae
Chinese Tallow Leaf Miner
Caloptilia triadicae is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, described by Davis in 2013. It is a leaf-mining specialist on Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera), an invasive plant in the southeastern United States. The species is adventive (non-native) in North America and has been investigated for its potential as a biological control agent. Its seasonal abundance patterns and parasitoid associations have been studied in Florida.
Calosoma affine
related beautiful black searcher
Calosoma affine is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by Maximilien Chaudoir in 1843. It is one of the so-called "caterpillar hunters," large predatory beetles known for ascending trees to feed on caterpillars. The species occurs in Mexico and the southern United States, where adults are active both day and night and exhibit gregarious behavior.
Calosoma monticola
mountain beautiful black searcher
Calosoma monticola is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1913. It is found in the western United States, where it inhabits sagebrush areas. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and have been documented preying on various soil-dwelling insect larvae and other beetles. The species belongs to a genus known for active predation on caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects.
Calosoma obsoletum
old beautiful black searcher
Calosoma obsoletum is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas Say in 1823. It belongs to the 'caterpillar hunter' genus Calosoma, known for arboreal hunting behavior. The species occurs across the Great Plains and western North America, where both adults and larvae prey on lepidopteran caterpillars.
Calosoma sayi
Black Caterpillar Hunter, Say's Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma sayi is a large ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the Black Caterpillar Hunter or Say's Caterpillar Hunter. It is one of the largest carabid beetles in North America, measuring 25–28 mm in length. Unlike many congeners, it lacks metallic coloration, instead appearing uniformly lustrous black. Both adults and larvae are active predators that specialize in hunting caterpillars and other soft-bodied insect larvae.
Calosoma scrutator
Fiery Searcher, Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma scrutator is a large, predatory ground beetle native to North America, commonly known as the Fiery Searcher or Caterpillar Hunter. Adults reach 25–35 mm in length and display striking metallic coloration. The species is primarily nocturnal and climbs vegetation to hunt caterpillars, earning its common name. When disturbed, it excretes a foul-smelling defensive oil from pygidial glands. It serves as an important biological control agent for defoliating insect pests.
Calosoma sycophanta
forest caterpillar hunter, Agreeable Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma sycophanta is a large, metallic ground beetle renowned for its specialized predation on caterpillars. Adults reach 21–35 mm in length and display striking iridescent green elytra with a bluish scutellum, though coloration shifts with light angle to show blue, bronze, copper, gold, or black tones. Both adults and larvae are arboreal hunters, ascending trees to prey on caterpillars including Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth), Thaumetopoea processionea (oak processionary), and Thaumetopoea pityocampa. The species is diurnal and visually orients toward dark objects and tree bases in forests. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America for biological control and is now established in the northeastern United States.
Calosoma wilcoxi
Wilcox's Spring Caterpillar Hunter, Wilcox's caterpillar hunter
Calosoma wilcoxi is a medium-sized ground beetle in the genus Calosoma, commonly known as Wilcox's Spring Caterpillar Hunter. It is an arboreal predator that climbs trees to hunt caterpillars, including fall cankerworms, spring cankerworms, gypsy moth larvae, and eastern tent caterpillars. The species is smaller than its congener Calosoma scrutator (the fiery searcher), typically reaching about one third of that species' size. It has been observed in large numbers during caterpillar outbreaks in deciduous forests. Adults are active both day and night and possess potent chemical defenses including methacrylic acid and salicylaldehyde.
Calosota
Calosota is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Eupelmidae, subfamily Calosotinae. The genus was established by Curtis in 1836. Species in this genus are parasitoids, with at least one species, Calosota elongata, documented as a parasitoid of wood-boring beetles.
Calycomyza
Calycomyza is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae, containing approximately 90 described species. Larvae feed internally within leaf tissue, creating distinctive serpentine or blotch mines. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Nearctic, Neotropical, Palearctic, Oriental, and Afrotropical regions. Several species have been documented as agricultural pests or biological control agents for invasive plants.
Calycomyza eupatorivora
Chromolaena Leaf-mining Fly
A leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, Calycomyza eupatorivora was introduced to South Africa as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Chromolaena odorata. Larvae feed internally on leaf tissue, creating characteristic mines. The species exhibits distinct habitat preferences and seasonal activity patterns that influence its effectiveness as a biocontrol agent.
Campoletis
Campoletis is a genus of ichneumonid parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Campopleginae, established by Förster in 1869. Species are cosmopolitan in distribution and function as endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae. The genus includes notable species such as C. sonorensis, which has been extensively studied as a model system for host-parasitoid interactions and polydnavirus biology.
Campoletis sonorensis
Campoletis sonorensis is a parasitoid ichneumonid wasp distributed across much of the Americas, including the United States, Brazil, and Chile. It is a generalist endoparasitoid of lepidopteran larvae, with documented hosts including Spodoptera frugiperda, Spodoptera exigua, Helicoverpa species, Chrysodeixis includens, and Heliothis virescens. The species employs sophisticated immune evasion strategies involving a mutualistic polydnavirus (Campoletis sonorensis ichnovirus, CsIV) and ovarian proteins that suppress host hemocyte function and prevent encapsulation. It has been extensively studied as a model system for host-parasitoid interactions, host selection behavior, and biological control potential.
Campoplex
Campoplex is a genus of ichneumonid parasitic wasps in the tribe Campoplegini. Species are larval endoparasitoids with narrow host ranges, primarily targeting lepidopteran pests. Several species have been investigated for biological control of agricultural pests, particularly in vineyards. The genus is taxonomically challenging, with species historically difficult to distinguish due to inadequate descriptions.
Campylomma
mullein bugs
Campylomma is a genus of plant bugs (family Miridae, tribe Nasocorini) comprising at least 12 recognized species. The genus is best known from detailed studies of C. verbasci, the mullein bug, which exhibits a predator-phytophage feeding strategy and has been investigated for pheromone-based mating disruption in orchard systems. Japanese species have been taxonomically revised, with emphasis on genitalic characters for identification. The genus occurs across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere including North America, Europe, and East Asia.
Campylomma verbasci
mullein bug
Campylomma verbasci, commonly known as the mullein bug, is a plant bug in the family Miridae. It is a predator-phytophage that functions as a biological control agent in orchards, feeding primarily on pear psylla (Psylla pyricola) and European red mite (Panonychus ulmi). The species overwinters as eggs on woody hosts including apple, pear, Rosa spp., and Amelanchier sp., then completes two to four generations annually depending on region. Adults disperse to herbaceous plants, particularly common mullein (Verbascum thapsus), during summer months before returning to orchards in autumn. It has been studied extensively for pheromone-based mating disruption, representing the first documented case of such control in Heteroptera.
Cantharidae
Soldier Beetles, Leatherwings
Soldier beetles (Cantharidae) are soft-bodied, elongate beetles with flexible, velvety elytra that give rise to the common name 'leatherwings.' The family is cosmopolitan, with approximately 160 species in 11 genera occurring in California alone. Adults are frequently observed on flowers, particularly in late summer and fall, where they feed on pollen and nectar and prey on small insects. Both adults and larvae produce defensive chemicals from specialized glands, making them distasteful to predators. The common name derives from the red-and-black color pattern of some species, reminiscent of British military uniforms.
Cantharis livida
pale soldier beetle
Cantharis livida, commonly known as the pale soldier beetle, is a soft-bodied beetle in the family Cantharidae. Adults measure 10–15 mm and display variable coloration, with bright red or orange head, thorax, and abdomen contrasting with yellow to reddish-brown elytra. Both adults and larvae are predatory, feeding on small invertebrates. The species is widespread across Europe and the eastern Palearctic, and has been introduced to eastern North America.
Carabidae
ground beetles
Carabidae is one of the largest families of beetles, comprising over 40,000 described species worldwide. Members are predominantly predatory, with elongated bodies, thread-like antennae, and prominent forward-directed mandibles. The family includes diverse forms from fast-running tiger beetles to flightless tyrant ground beetles, occupying nearly every terrestrial habitat. Many species serve as important biological control agents of agricultural pests.
Carabinae
ground beetles
Carabinae is a subfamily of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, comprising approximately 1,400 described species across ten genera. The subfamily is divided into two tribes: Cychrini and Carabini, with the latter further subdivided into subtribes Carabina and Ceroglossina. Notable genera include Carabus, Calosoma, and Ceroglossus. The group has been extensively studied phylogenetically, with molecular data covering over 90% of carabid genera.
Carabus auratus
Golden Ground Beetle
Carabus auratus, commonly known as the golden ground beetle, is a flightless predatory beetle in the family Carabidae. Native to central and western Europe, it has been introduced to North America. Adults are diurnal hunters that prey on insects, snails, and worms using digestive secretions to subdue prey. The species is considered beneficial in agricultural settings due to its predation on pest species such as the Colorado potato beetle.
Carabus goryi
Gory's worm and slug hunter
Carabus goryi is a North American ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Gory's worm and slug hunter. The species inhabits cool, moist forests as well as agricultural settings including orchards and cultivated fields. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), nocturnal, and exhibit gregarious behavior. They are predatory, feeding on soft-bodied insect larvae including those of the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar).
Carcelia
Carcelia is a genus of tachinid flies comprising over 100 described species distributed across multiple subgenera. Species within this genus are larval parasitoids of Lepidoptera, with documented hosts including noctuid moths, geometrid moths, lymantriid moths, and notodontid moths. Several species have been studied for their potential in biological control of agricultural and forestry pests, including Carcelia iliaca, which achieves parasitism rates of approximately 80% on the invasive oak processionary moth in the United Kingdom. The genus exhibits life cycle adaptations including generation synchronization with host populations and diapause strategies.
Carcinops
clown beetles
Carcinops is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, containing at least 50 described species. These small beetles are known primarily from their role as biological control agents in poultry operations, where they prey on fly eggs and larvae. The genus was established by Marseul in 1855 and belongs to the subfamily Dendrophilinae.
Carcinops pumilio
poultryhouse pill beetle
Carcinops pumilio is a small histerid beetle widely distributed across Africa, Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. It is a specialized predator of filth flies, particularly house flies (Musca domestica) and little house flies (Fannia canicularis), consuming both eggs and first-instar larvae. The species has been extensively studied for its potential as a biological control agent in poultry operations, where it inhabits manure accumulations. Adults exhibit a distinctive prey-mediated dispersal behavior, clinging to flies to locate ephemeral breeding resources more efficiently than by walking or flying alone.
Cardiochiles
Cardiochiles is a genus of braconid wasps with nearly cosmopolitan distribution. Species are larval endoparasitoids, primarily attacking lepidopteran hosts. The genus includes economically significant species used in biological control, particularly against noctuid pests in agricultural systems.
Cardiochilinae
Cardiochilinae is a subfamily of braconid wasps comprising approximately 20 genera and 220+ species. Members are solitary koinobiont endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera caterpillars. Females inject polydnavirus during oviposition to manipulate host immune response. Some species, notably Toxoneuron nigriceps, have been employed in biological control programs against agricultural pests.
Casinaria
Casinaria is a genus of koinobiont endoparasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Holmgren in 1859. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with over 150 described species. Members are primarily parasitoids of Lepidoptera, with some species documented attacking specific host moths including geometrids and noctuids. Several species have been reared from forest pest species, suggesting potential value in biological control programs.
Cassida azurea
Azure tortoise beetle
Cassida azurea is a tortoise beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae, native to Europe and Northern Asia. It was intentionally introduced to North America in 1989 as a biological control agent targeting the invasive weed Silene vulgaris (bladder campion). Host specificity testing demonstrated extremely narrow feeding preferences, with reproduction occurring almost exclusively on S. vulgaris. Field releases in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta from 1989–1993 resulted in establishment at 8 of 18 sites, though populations have remained insufficient to achieve effective weed suppression.
Cassida rubiginosa
Thistle Tortoise Beetle
Cassida rubiginosa, commonly known as the thistle tortoise beetle, is a leaf beetle in the subfamily Cassidinae native to Europe and Asia that has been introduced to North America, New Zealand, and other regions as a biological control agent for invasive thistles. The beetle derives its common name from the tortoise-like appearance of adults, whose elytra and pronotum form a shield-like covering over the body. Both adults and larvae feed on thistle foliage, with larvae possessing a distinctive defensive structure—a forked caudal appendage used to carry accumulated feces and exuviae as a mobile 'fecal shield' that deters predators. The species has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing thistle biomass and seed production, though its host range extends beyond the primary target to other Cardueae species.
Cassidinae
tortoise and leaf-mining beetles, tortoise beetles, hispine beetles
Cassidinae is a large subfamily of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) comprising over 125 genera and approximately 3,000 species worldwide, with greatest diversity in the Neotropics. The subfamily encompasses two historically recognized groups: the 'cassidoids' or tortoise beetles, characterized by expanded pronotal and elytral margins that form a protective shield over the body, and the 'hispoids' or leaf-mining beetles, typically more elongated with parallel-sided bodies. Members exhibit remarkable morphological diversity, with some species displaying metallic coloration and the ability to change color through water movements within the translucent cuticle. The subfamily is notable for complex larval defensive adaptations including fecal shield construction and cycloalexic behavior, as well as the independent evolution of subsociality with paternal care in at least two lineages.
Cathartus
Cathartus is a monotypic genus of flat bark beetles in the family Silvanidae, containing the single species Cathartus quadricollis. The genus is known from both stored product environments and agricultural systems, with documented populations in Hawaii functioning as predators of scolytine pests. Laboratory studies have characterized its developmental biology on various grain substrates.
Cathartus quadricollis
square-necked warrior beetle
A small predatory flat bark beetle in the family Silvanidae with a broad global distribution spanning the Americas, Africa, and the Galápagos Islands. In Hawaii, it serves as an important natural enemy of agricultural scolytine pests including the coffee berry borer, tropical nut borer, and black twig borer. Laboratory studies confirm it can complete development on various stored grains and seeds. The species shows potential for augmentative biological control programs due to its limited dispersal from release sites and established predation rates on pest eggs.
Cecidocharini
Cecidocharini is a tribe of tephritid fruit flies within the subfamily Tephritinae. The tribe contains eight recognized genera, including economically significant gall-forming species such as those in *Procecidochares*. Members are distinguished by their association with plant galls, a trait that separates them from many other tephritid groups. The tribe was established by Hering in 1947.
Cecidomyiidae
gall midges, gall gnats
Cecidomyiidae is a family of minute flies comprising over 6,650 described species, with estimates suggesting global diversity may exceed one million species. The family is characterized by larvae that typically feed within plant tissues, inducing abnormal growths called galls. Adults are delicate, 0.5–8 mm in length, with notably long antennae and hairy wings—unusual among Diptera. Some species exhibit paedogenesis, where larvae reproduce without maturing. The family includes major agricultural pests such as the Hessian fly and soybean gall midge, as well as species used in biological control.
Cecidomyiinae
gall midges, gall gnats
Cecidomyiinae is the largest subfamily in Cecidomyiidae, comprising over 600 genera and more than 5,000 described species. The subfamily exhibits remarkable ecological diversity: approximately 75% of species are herbivorous, many inducing galls on plants, while others are fungivores, predators, or parasitoids. Gall-inducing species attack a wide diversity of host plants worldwide and represent the most ecologically diverse gall-inducing group of organisms. Members can be distinguished from other Cecidomyiidae by characters of the male genitalia, antennal segment number, and larval abdominal bristles.
Cecidomyiini
gall midges
Cecidomyiini is a tribe of gall midges within the subfamily Cecidomyiinae, family Cecidomyiidae. The tribe contains at least 220 described species. Members are known for inducing galls on diverse host plants, with some species serving as biological control agents for invasive plants. The tribe includes genera with varied life-history strategies, including gall inducers, inquilines, and species developing in plant tissues without distinct gall formation.
Celatoria
Celatoria is a genus of tachinid flies whose larvae are parasitoids of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae). Several species have been evaluated as biological control agents for agricultural pests, particularly Diabrotica species and the striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum). The genus includes both New World species with documented host associations in cucurbit and maize agroecosystems.
Centrodora
Centrodora is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Aphelinidae, comprising approximately 60 described species. The genus is notable for being the most polyphagous within Aphelinidae, with species attacking eggs of insects across multiple orders including Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, and Hymenoptera, as well as pupae of Diptera and nymphs of Hemiptera. Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for crop and forest pests, including C. darwini and C. scolytivorae. The genus exhibits considerable morphological diversity, with some species groups potentially warranting elevation to separate genera.
Cephalonomia
Cephalonomia is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Bethylidae, containing over 20 described species. Species within this genus are primarily known as biological control agents targeting beetle pests in stored grain and agricultural systems. C. stephanoderis is extensively used against the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) in coffee-producing regions, while C. waterstoni and C. tarsalis target stored product beetles such as Laemophloeus ferrugineus and Oryzaephilus surinamensis. These wasps exhibit idiobiont parasitoid biology, with females attacking host larvae or pupae.
Cephalonomia waterstoni
parasitic grain wasp, rusty grain beetlewasp
Cephalonomia waterstoni is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Bethylidae that attacks larvae and pupae of stored-product beetles, particularly the rusty grain beetle (Cryptolestes ferrugineus, formerly Laemophloeus ferrugineus). It is an ectoparasitoid that paralyzes host larvae before laying eggs on them. The species has been extensively studied for its potential as a biological control agent in grain storage facilities. Development is rapid, with the life cycle completing in approximately two weeks at 30°C and three weeks at 25°C.
Cephus pygmaeus
European wheat stem sawfly, wheat stem sawfly
Cephus pygmaeus is a stem sawfly in the family Cephidae, widely distributed across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, with introduced populations in North America. Adults are small, wasp-like insects that emerge in early spring and are active during wheat stem elongation. Larvae develop inside wheat stems, causing significant agricultural damage by tunneling and cutting stems. The species is a major pest of wheat and other cereal crops, with infestations reaching over 50% in some regions.
Ceraeochrysa
trash-carrier lacewings, green lacewings
Ceraeochrysa is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, established by Adams in 1982 based on distinct genitalia structure. It is the second largest genus in Chrysopidae with 61 species distributed from southeastern Canada to Argentina, with highest diversity in the Neotropics. Larvae are known as 'trash carriers' that construct dorsal packets of debris for camouflage, including insect wax, lichen, and plant material. The genus contains important biological control agents that prey on mealybugs, aphids, mites, thrips, and lepidopteran eggs.
Ceraeochrysa cincta
Ceraeochrysa cincta is a green lacewing species in the family Chrysopidae, distributed across the Americas from North America through the Caribbean to South America. Laboratory studies demonstrate its potential as a biological control agent, with larvae showing instar-specific predatory preferences on prey eggs. Populations in southeast Brazilian agroecosystems exhibit high genetic diversity with broad gene flow across different crop systems. The species produces non-pedunculated infertile eggs in later generations under laboratory conditions, a trait relevant to mass rearing programs.