Biological-control
Guides
Ceraeochrysa claveri
trash bug (larval stage)
A green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, Ceraeochrysa claveri is a polyphagous predator with established value in biological control of agricultural pests. Larvae are "trash carriers" that construct dorsal camouflage packets using assorted materials including lichen, plant trichomes, and notably the wax of mealybugs and other insects. The species has been documented incorporating live mealybug nymphs into these packets, representing the first recorded instance of active placement of live prey onto the larval packet. Adults feed on pollen and may contribute to pollination. The species shows high genetic diversity across agroecosystems and is compatible with certain biopesticides including Bacillus thuringiensis serovar aizawai.
Ceraeochrysa cubana
green lacewing
Ceraeochrysa cubana is a green lacewing species widely distributed across the Americas, from the Caribbean and Middle America through South America. Larvae are voracious polyphagous predators important for biological control of agricultural pests. The species exhibits high genetic diversity in agroecosystems and shows associative learning capabilities in immature stages.
Ceraeochrysa valida
Ceraeochrysa valida is a green lacewing species in the family Chrysopidae. Like other Ceraeochrysa species, its larvae are predatory and construct dorsal packets of debris for camouflage. The species has been documented as a predator of Diaphorina citri nymphs, the Asian citrus psyllid, a significant agricultural pest. Adults are likely green lacewings with delicate, net-veined wings typical of the family.
Ceranisus
Ceranisus is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae. Species are solitary larval endoparasitoids of thrips (Thysanoptera), with females laying eggs within early larval instars of their hosts. The genus has received attention for its potential in biological control of agricultural thrips pests, including Thrips tabaci, Frankliniella occidentalis, and F. intonsa. Strains collected worldwide show variation in biology and behavior based on geographic origin and phenotypic appearance.
Ceraphronidae
ceraphronid wasps, ceraphronids
Ceraphronidae is a small family of parasitoid wasps in the superfamily Ceraphronoidea, containing approximately 14 genera and 360 described species, though many remain undescribed. The family is poorly known taxonomically and ecologically. Most species are believed to be primary parasitoids, particularly of flies, with some functioning as hyperparasitoids of other parasitoids. A significant number of species are found in soil, and winglessness has evolved in multiple lineages.
Ceratogastra
Ceratogastra is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. The best-known species, Ceratogastra ornata, is a small wasp measuring 10–12 millimeters in body length, recognized by its ornate yellow and reddish-brown or black color pattern. Four subspecies of C. ornata are recognized, showing geographic variation in coloration from darker northern forms to paler western and southern populations. Members of this genus are flower visitors and parasitoids of moth larvae.
Ceratopogonini
Predaceous Biting Midges
Ceratopogonini is a tribe of biting midges within the family Ceratopogonidae. Members are commonly known as predaceous biting midges, reflecting their primarily predatory lifestyle. The tribe includes species that serve as important biological control agents, particularly against aphid pests in agricultural and greenhouse settings. Adults are small, delicate flies, while larvae are minute predators that subdue prey using paralytic venom.
Cercerini
Weevil Wasps and Allies
Cercerini is a tribe of solitary wasps within the subfamily Philanthinae of the family Crabronidae. Members are commonly known as "weevil wasps" due to their specialized predation on adult weevils (Curculionidae). The tribe contains approximately 900 species across several genera, with Cerceris being the largest and most widely distributed. These wasps are characterized by their stout bodies, strong mandibles adapted for handling hard-bodied prey, and distinctive nesting behaviors involving burrows in soil or pre-existing cavities.
Cerchysius
Cerchysius is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, established by Westwood in 1832. Species in this genus are known to attack scale insects (Coccoidea), serving as biological control agents. The genus is represented in major entomological collections including the UCR Encyrtidae holdings, which contains multiple Cerchysius species. Cerchysius species have been recorded from Brazil, Denmark, and New Caledonia.
Ceroplastes sinensis
Chinese Wax Scale
Ceroplastes sinensis is a cosmopolitan scale insect pest of commercial citrus and other woody plants. Native to Central or South America based on cladistic analysis, it has established populations across temperate regions including Australia, New Zealand, Mediterranean Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. The species produces a distinctive waxy covering and completes a single annual generation in temperate climates. It has become a significant agricultural pest, particularly in citrus groves, prompting development of integrated pest management sampling protocols and biological control efforts.
Ceutorhynchinae
Minute Seed Weevils
Ceutorhynchinae is a large subfamily of minute seed weevils within Curculionidae, comprising over 150 genera and more than 1,000 described species worldwide. The subfamily is predominantly phytophagous and exhibits strong associations with Brassicaceae, though host plant relationships vary across genera. The genus Ceutorhynchus is particularly diverse and includes significant agricultural pests such as the cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus), as well as species with potential for biological control of weeds. The subfamily shows highest diversity in the Holarctic region, especially the Palaearctic.
Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus
Cabbage Stem Weevil
Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus, commonly known as the cabbage stem weevil, is a stem-mining weevil native to Europe and a significant pest of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in northern and central Europe. The species has been introduced to North America, with established populations in Nova Scotia, Canada. Larvae mine within plant stems, causing damage that requires regular control measures in agricultural systems. The species exhibits complex ecological interactions, including competitive relationships with congeneric species and parasitism by larval endoparasitoids.
Chaetopsis
picture-winged flies, corn silk flies
Chaetopsis is a genus of ulidiid flies (Diptera: Ulidiidae) established by Loew in 1868. The genus includes at least 13 described species distributed in tropical and semi-tropical regions of the Americas. Chaetopsis massyla is the most economically significant species, a major pest of fresh market sweet corn in Florida and tropical regions where larvae feed on developing corn kernels and silk. The genus is characterized by picture-winged morphology typical of Ulidiidae, with patterned wings and robust body form.
Chaetopsis massyla
corn silk fly, picture-winged fly
Chaetopsis massyla is a picture-winged fly (Diptera: Ulidiidae) and major agricultural pest of fresh market sweet corn in tropical and semitropical regions. Larvae develop within corn ears, feeding on developing kernels beneath protective husks, causing direct damage and secondary fungal contamination that renders cobs unmarketable. Mature larvae exit cobs and pupate in soil at depths influenced by substrate type and moisture. The species is native to the Americas, with established populations in Florida and documented occurrence in Mexico and Argentina.
Chaetorellia
Chaetorellia is a genus of tephritid fruit flies (family Tephritidae) containing approximately 11 described species. Species in this genus are specialists on Asteraceae flower heads, with larvae developing within capitula and feeding on developing florets and seeds. Several species have been investigated or deployed as biological control agents against invasive thistles and knapweeds, particularly yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis). The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features and host-specificity patterns that have been taxonomically revised.
Chaetorellia australis
yellow starthistle peacock fly
Chaetorellia australis is a tephritid fruit fly native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, introduced to the western United States in 1988 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis). Adult females deposit eggs beneath bracts on host flower heads, and larvae tunnel into developing seeds, destroying up to 90% of seeds within an infested capitulum. The species exhibits a host-marking pheromone behavior that prevents multiple oviposition events in the same flower head and facilitates male aggregation. Despite significant seed destruction at the individual capitulum level, field populations generally remain low and have had limited impact on overall starthistle seed production.
Chaetorellia succinea
False Peacock Fly
Chaetorellia succinea is a tephritid fruit fly native to the Mediterranean region that was accidentally introduced to the western United States in 1991. It has become established as a biological control agent of yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), a noxious invasive weed. The fly was not intentionally released due to concerns about potential attack on safflower (Carthamus tinctorius). It has been observed to feed on multiple Centaurea species and may competitively displace the related biocontrol fly Chaetorellia australis where both occur.
Chaetosiphon
strawberry aphid
Chaetosiphon is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, comprising species specialized on Rosaceae hosts, particularly strawberries (Fragaria) and roses (Rosa). The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, most notably Chaetosiphon fragaefolii, which vectors multiple strawberry viruses. Species in this genus exhibit complex life cycles with both holocyclic (sexual) and anholocyclic (parthenogenetic) populations, and show morphological variation in karyotype and chaetotaxy that has complicated taxonomic classification.
Chaetostomella
Chaetostomella is a genus of fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, established by Hendel in 1927. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species distributed across the Palearctic region. At least one species, Chaetostomella cylindrica, exhibits host race formation on different thistle species, with documented genetic, morphological, and behavioral divergence between populations associated with Notobasis syriaca and Onopordum illyricum.
Chalarus
Chalarus is a genus of big-headed flies in the family Pipunculidae, established by Walker in 1834. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with approximately 45 described species found across multiple continents. Chalarus species are primary parasitoids of typhlocybine leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), a relationship that has been documented through life history and oviposition studies. As members of Pipunculidae, they contribute to biological control of leafhopper populations in various ecosystems.
Chalcididae
Chalcidid Wasps
Chalcididae is a family of parasitoid wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea, comprising over 85 genera and more than 1,460 species worldwide. Members are characterized by greatly enlarged, toothed hind femora that enable powerful jumping. Most species are parasitoids of Lepidoptera and Diptera pupae, though some attack Coleoptera (particularly jewel beetles in the genus Chrysobothris) and other insects. The family is currently considered polyphyletic, with subfamilies potentially warranting elevation to family status. They occur across diverse habitats from tropical to temperate regions, with notable diversity in semiarid regions of Brazil and teak plantations in Southeast Asia.
Chalcidoidea
Chalcidoid Wasps, Chalcid Wasps, Jewel Wasps
Chalcidoidea is a superfamily of Hymenoptera containing over 22,500 described species, with an estimated true diversity exceeding 500,000 species. Members are commonly known as chalcidoid wasps or jewel wasps due to their often metallic coloration. They are predominantly parasitoid wasps that attack other insects to lay eggs upon or within hosts, with larvae feeding and developing at the host's expense. The group originated in the late Jurassic approximately 162 million years ago, with fossil evidence extending to 130 million years ago.
Chalcodermus serripes
mimosa green-seed weevil
Chalcodermus serripes is a true weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the mimosa green-seed weevil. It has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for the invasive plant Mimosa pigra. The species is native to North America. Its common name reflects its association with Mimosa seeds.
Chalybion
blue mud dauber wasps, blue mud-daubers, blue nest-renting wasps
Chalybion is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Sphecidae, commonly known as blue mud dauber or blue nest-renting wasps. The genus comprises approximately 49 described species distributed across North America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. These wasps are characterized by metallic blue to blue-black coloration and are notable for their unique nesting behavior: rather than constructing their own nests, they primarily utilize pre-existing cavities, particularly abandoned mud nests of other wasps such as Sceliphron species. They provision these nests with paralyzed spiders as food for their larvae. Some species, notably Chalybion californicum, are significant predators of medically important spiders including black widows (Latrodectus species).
Chamaecleini
bird dropping moths
Chamaecleini is a small tribe of moths within the family Noctuidae, containing approximately 9 genera and 14 described species. The tribe was formally established by Keegan & Wagner in 2019. Members are commonly referred to as "bird dropping moths," a name reflecting their cryptic coloration that resembles avian feces. The tribe includes genera such as Chamaeclea, Megalodes, and Aleptinoides.
Chamaemyia
silver-flies
Chamaemyia is a genus of small flies in the family Chamaemyiidae, commonly known as silver-flies. It serves as the type genus for its family. Larvae of at least one species, Chamaemyia polystigma, are known predators of mealybugs, suggesting a broader role in biological control within the genus.
Chamaemyiidae
silver flies, aphid flies
Chamaemyiidae is a small family of acalyptrate flies comprising fewer than 200 described species worldwide. Adults are minute (1–5 mm), typically greyish, and morphologically characterized by reduced bristling. Larvae are active predators of Sternorrhyncha, particularly aphids, adelgids, and scale insects, making several species valuable biological control agents. The family has been deployed in classical biological control programs targeting invasive pests such as the hemlock woolly adelgid and pink hibiscus mealybug. Fossil records are sparse but extend to the Eocene.
Chamaesphecia
Chamaesphecia is a genus of clearwing moths (Sesiidae) established by Spuler in 1910, containing over 80 species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region. Species are characterized by their wasp-mimicking appearance and specialized larval associations with host plants, particularly in the families Euphorbiaceae and Lamiaceae. Several species have been investigated for biological control of invasive weeds, including leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) and horehound (Marrubium vulgare). The genus is divided into two subgenera: Chamaesphecia and Scopulosphecia.
Charops
Charops is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Campopleginae, established by Holmgren in 1859. Species in this genus are larval parasitoids of lepidopteran hosts, with documented associations including fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in agricultural systems. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning Asia, South America, and Europe. Recent taxonomic work has expanded the known species diversity, particularly with descriptions of seven new species from Brazil and one from China.
Chartocerus
Chartocerus is a genus of minute parasitic wasps in the family Signiphoridae, comprising 27 described species. Members are known primarily as hyperparasitoids—parasitoids of other parasitoids—though some species have been recorded as primary parasitoids of aphids, psyllids, mealybugs, scale insects, and flies. The genus has been documented as an obligate hyperparasitoid of other chalcid wasps, including Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis and possibly Tamarixia radiata.
Chasmodon
Chasmodon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae. Species in this genus are ground-dwelling and function as parasitoids of stem-boring Diptera, particularly frit flies (Oscinella spp.) in grassland ecosystems. The genus has been documented in northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Chauliognathus marginatus
Margined Leatherwing, Margined Soldier Beetle
Chauliognathus marginatus is a soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) distributed across North and Central America. Adults are diurnal and strongly associated with flowers, particularly white-blooming species. A 2023 study using iNaturalist data demonstrated that this species exhibits statistically significant color preference for white flowers compared to availability, distinguishing it from the closely related Chauliognathus pensylvanicus which prefers yellow flowers. Both larvae and adults are predatory, contributing to biological control of pest insects.
Cheiloneurus
parasitic wasp
Cheiloneurus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae. Species within this genus function primarily as hyperparasitoids, attacking other parasitoid wasps that develop within scale insects, mealybugs, and other hemipteran hosts. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a group of coarse bristles at the apex of the scutellum and a long marginal vein on the fore wings. Cheiloneurus species have been recorded from multiple continents including Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, with some species being utilized or studied for biological control applications.
Cheiropachus
Cheiropachus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, first described by Westwood in 1829. Species within this genus are known to parasitize bark beetles (Scolytidae), with C. quadrum being the most studied species due to its role as a biological control agent of olive bark beetles in southern Europe. The genus occurs in Europe and North America, with at least ten recognized species.
Chelinidea
cactus bugs, cactus leaffooted bugs
Chelinidea is a genus of leaf-footed bugs (family Coreidae) comprising five described species distributed across Central and North America, with three species introduced to Australia. Members are specialized feeders on cacti in the genus Opuntia, making them significant in both natural ecosystems and agricultural contexts. The genus represents the sole member of the monotypic tribe Chelinideini.
Chelinidea vittiger
cactus coreid, cactus bug, squash bug
Chelinidea vittiger is a leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae that feeds and develops almost exclusively on prickly pear cacti (Opuntia spp.). It has been studied for its potential use in biological weed control, particularly for managing invasive Opuntia species. The species occurs across North America, Central America, and Australia, with its distribution closely tied to that of its host plants. It can be considered either beneficial or pestiferous depending on context: it helps prevent prickly pear from aggressively overtaking rangelands, yet may also damage cacti used as emergency forage or produce.
Chelisoches morio
black earwig
Chelisoches morio, commonly known as the black earwig, is a cosmopolitan earwig species in the family Chelisochidae. Adults are uniformly jet black and among the largest earwigs, reaching up to 36 mm in length. The species exhibits extended maternal care, with females guarding eggs and feeding first-instar nymphs before they disperse. Males possess distinctive widely separated, serrated cerci that differ markedly from female morphology. The species has been investigated as a potential biological control agent due to its predatory habits and high consumption rates of agricultural pests.
Cheloninae
chelonine wasps
Cheloninae is a cosmopolitan subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps, distinguished by a distinctive metasomal carapace formed from the fusion of the first three tergites. Members are solitary koinobiont endoparasitoids that primarily attack Lepidoptera, particularly Pyraloidea and Tortricoidea. They are egg-larval parasitoids, ovipositing into host eggs but completing development only after the caterpillar hatches and matures. Chelonines carry polydnaviruses that aid in suppressing host immune responses.
Chelonus
Chelonus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Cheloninae. These wasps are internal parasites of moth larvae, particularly those in superfamilies Tortricoidea and Pyraloidea. The genus contains approximately 139 species in North America north of Mexico. Chelonus wasps exhibit a distinctive abdominal structure where the first three dorsal segments are fused into a single plate, making them relatively easy to identify among braconids.
Chetogena
Chetogena is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising parasitoid species. Members are solitary parasitoids that attack various Lepidoptera hosts. Some species exhibit specialized reproductive behaviors, including egg retention in response to host deprivation. The genus has been studied for biological control potential against agricultural pests.
Cheyletidae
Cheyletid mites
Cheyletidae is a family of predatory and parasitic mites in the order Trombidiformes. Some species, notably in the genus Cheyletiella, are ectoparasites of mammals and birds causing cheyletiellosis ("walking dandruff"). Most species are free-living predators found in diverse habitats including soil, forest litter, animal nests, house dust, under bark, and on foliage. They feed on other mites, nematodes, and small arthropods. Several species have been evaluated as biological control agents for agricultural and stored-product pests.
Chilocorinae
Scale-feeding Lady Beetles
Chilocorinae are a subfamily of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) commonly known as scale-feeding lady beetles. They are specialized predators of scale insects, though some species have been observed feeding on cowpea aphids. Members are typically medium-sized with shiny, often unmarked elytra and rounded, helmet-shaped bodies. They exhibit defensive reflex bleeding when disturbed and may form winter aggregations.
Chilocorus bipustulatus
heather ladybird, heather lady beetle
Chilocorus bipustulatus is a small lady beetle in the subfamily Chilocorinae, commonly known as the heather ladybird. It is widely distributed across the Palearctic and has been introduced to tropical Africa, Hawaii, and North America for biological control. The species is recognized by its shiny brown elytra with two reddish-orange spots. Both adults and larvae are specialist predators of scale insects, particularly armored scales (Diaspididae), and are used commercially to manage scale infestations in orchards and forests.
Chilocorus cacti
cactus lady beetle, twice-stabbed cactus lady beetle
Chilocorus cacti is a small predatory lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, native to the New World and introduced to several regions including South Africa, India, and New Zealand. Both adults and larvae are specialized predators of scale insects, with documented consumption of numerous agricultural pest species. The species has been evaluated for biological control programs with variable success. Its common name derives from its frequent association with prickly pear cacti and the distinctive two reddish-brown spots on its otherwise black elytra.
Chilocorus circumdatus
red chilocorus
Chilocorus circumdatus is a predatory lady beetle native to Southern Asia that has been introduced to Hawaii and established in Australia. The species is recognized by its helmet-shaped body and orange-red coloration with a fine black margin at the base of the wings. It is a specialized predator of armoured scale insects (Diaspididae), making it significant in biological control programs.
Chilocorus nigrita
black ladybird beetle, black lady beetle
Chilocorus nigrita is a species of ladybird beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It belongs to the genus Chilocorus, which comprises small, often dark-colored ladybirds that feed primarily on scale insects. The species is known from forested habitats and is considered a beneficial predator in natural ecosystems. Unlike some commercially used ladybird species, Chilocorus nigrita is not widely sold for biological control purposes.
Chilocorus orbus
twice-stabbed lady beetle, two-stabbed lady beetle
Chilocorus orbus is a small predatory lady beetle native to western North America. Adults are readily identified by their shiny black, dome-shaped bodies with two prominent oval red patches positioned near the head on the elytra. The species is an important biological control agent, feeding voraciously on scale insects in forests, orchards, and gardens. Both adults and larvae are predatory, with larvae described as resembling miniature alligators with branching spines.
Chlaenius tricolor tricolor
Chlaenius tricolor tricolor is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It has been documented as a predator of slugs in agricultural systems, making it a beneficial species in horticultural contexts. The subspecies occurs in North America, with records from Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. Like other members of the genus Chlaenius, it exhibits vivid metallic coloration.
Chlorochroa congrua
Chlorochroa congrua is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, described by Uhler in 1876. It belongs to the genus Chlorochroa, which includes several North American stink bug species. The species has been documented as prey for the predatory wasp Astata unicolor in Oregon, where it was observed being paralyzed and carried to the wasp's nest as provisions for its offspring. Beyond this predation record and basic taxonomic placement, detailed biological information about C. congrua remains limited in the available literature.
Cholomyia inaequipes
Cholomyia inaequipes is a tachinid bristle fly described by Bigot in 1884. The species is a parasitoid of weevils in the genus Conotrachelus, with documented associations to nine species including plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) and hickory curculio (Conotrachelus juglandis). It occurs across North, Central, and South America.