Cereal-pest

Guides

Agriotes
click beetles, wireworms (larvae)
Agriotes is a large genus of click beetles (family Elateridae) containing approximately 274 described species distributed across the Americas, Asia, and Europe. The genus includes numerous agricultural pest species whose larvae, known as wireworms, feed on crop roots and tubers. Several Palearctic species have become invasive in North America, where they threaten potato and cereal production. Adults are attracted to species-specific sex pheromones, enabling monitoring and mass trapping programs.
agricultural-pest wireworm soil-dwelling pheromone-communication invasive-species potato-pest cereal-pest Elateridae
Agriotes obscurus
dusky wireworm, obscure click beetle
Agriotes obscurus is a click beetle native to Europe and northern Asia that has become an established invasive pest in western North America since its accidental introduction around 1900. The larvae, known as wireworms, are significant agricultural pests that feed on tubers, seeds, and roots of numerous crops including potatoes, cereals, and vegetables. Adults are dark brown to black beetles 7–10 mm long, distinguishable from related species by their pronotum morphology and elytral ridges. The species has a prolonged life cycle of 2–4 years depending on temperature, with larvae passing through 8–13 instars before pupation.
agricultural-pest invasive-species wireworm Europe North-America grassland potato-pest cereal-pest pheromone biological-control Metarhizium
Agriotes sputator
Spitting Click Beetle, Common Click Beetle
Agriotes sputator is a click beetle native to Europe, with established populations in parts of western Asia, North Africa, and an introduced range in eastern Canada. Adults are small (6–9 mm), dark brown to black with reddish-brown antennae and legs. The larvae, known as wireworms, are soil-dwelling agricultural pests that feed on roots and germinating seeds. The species completes its life cycle in up to five years, with larvae developing through multiple growth stages before pupation. It is considered a serious pest of cereals, potatoes, and other crops, and is monitored using pheromone traps baited with geranyl butanoate.
wireworm agricultural-pest click-beetle soil-dwelling invasive-species pheromone-monitoring biological-control Europe grassland cereal-pest potato-pest
Apamea
Cutworm moths, Rustic shoulder-knot moths
Apamea is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as cutworm moths or rustic shoulder-knot moths. The genus contains numerous species that are typically medium-sized with cryptic, mottled forewings in shades of brown, gray, and ochre. Several species are significant agricultural pests, with larvae feeding on cereal crops and grasses. Species-level identification is notoriously difficult due to extensive individual variation and overlapping morphological features.
cutworm-moth noctuid agricultural-pest grassland cereal-pest cryptic-coloration difficult-identification Holarctic
Atherigona
Shoot Flies
Atherigona is a genus of muscid flies containing approximately 299 recognized species. Many species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly in cereal cultivation. Larvae of numerous species are known as shoot flies, attacking the seedlings and stems of rice, maize, sorghum, wheat, and various millets. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australasia, with species diversity concentrated in tropical and subtropical grassland habitats.
agricultural-pest cereal-pest shoot-fly grassland-habitat quarantine-pest invasive-species
Blissus
chinch bugs
Blissus is a genus of true bugs (Hemiptera: Blissidae) comprising approximately 27 species, commonly known as chinch bugs in North America. Several species are significant agricultural pests: B. leucopterus (true chinch bug) attacks cereal crops including wheat, corn, and sorghum; B. occiduus (western chinch bug) damages warm-season turfgrasses, particularly buffalograss and zoysiagrass; and B. insularis (southern chinch bug) is a major pest of St. Augustine grass. These species exhibit strong host preferences for grasses and can cause substantial economic damage through phloem feeding.
chinch-bug turfgrass-pest cereal-pest phloem-feeder grass-specialist Burkholderia-symbiosis insecticide-resistance invasive-potential economic-pest Hemiptera
Cephus
stem sawflies
Cephus is a genus of stem sawflies in the family Cephidae, first described by Latreille in 1802. Members are found in Europe and North America. These insects are notable for their cylindrical, wasp-like bodies and their habit of boring into grass stems.
sawfly stem-borer pest agriculture grassland Hymenoptera Symphyta cereal-pest
Chloropidae
frit flies, grass flies, eye gnats
Chloropidae are a large family of small flies comprising approximately 2000 described species in over 160 genera, distributed worldwide. Adults are minute to small (1.0–4.0 mm, rarely to 12 mm), typically yellow, black, gray, or greenish, with a shiny appearance due to sparse pubescence. The mesonotum often bears three to five dark longitudinal stripes. Larvae exhibit diverse life histories: most are phytophagous, feeding on grasses and cereal crops, with some species causing significant agricultural damage; others are saprophagous, predatory, parasitic, or kleptoparasitic. A few species in genera Hippelates and Siphunculina are attracted to lachrymal secretions and other body fluids of mammals, earning the name 'eye gnats' and serving as mechanical vectors of bacterial and viral pathogens.
Diptera agricultural-pest eye-gnat cereal-pest kleptoparasite vector migratory-insect grassland phytophagous parasitoid
Chlorops
grass flies, frit flies
Chlorops is a genus of small flies in the family Chloropidae, commonly known as grass flies or frit flies. Several species are significant agricultural pests of cereal crops. Chlorops oryzae (rice stem maggot) is a major pest of rice in Asia, causing 20-50% yield losses by larval feeding on developing leaves and young panicles. Chlorops taeniopus (gout fly) and related species damage barley and wheat in Europe. The genus exhibits geographic variation in voltinism, with some populations producing 2-5 generations annually depending on latitude and diapause patterns.
agricultural-pest stem-borer cereal-pest rice-pest barley-pest diapause voltinism endophytic-feeder
Dargida diffusa
Wheat Head Armyworm
Dargida diffusa, commonly known as the wheat head armyworm, is a noctuid moth native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of 27–36 mm and are active from May to September across their range. The species is economically significant due to larval feeding on seed heads of cereal crops and grasses, with timothy grass (Phleum pratense) being a particularly favored host.
agricultural-pest grassland noctuid cereal-pest North-America
Delphacini
Delphacini is a tribe of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, characterized by a worldwide distribution and ecological significance as agricultural pests. Members are phytophagous, feeding primarily on grasses including cereal crops. Several species are economically important as direct pests through feeding damage or as vectors of plant pathogens. Notable pest species include the rice brown planthopper (*Nilaparvata lugens*), white-backed planthopper (*Sogatella furcifera*), and sugarcane planthopper (*Perkinsiella saccharicida*).
planthopper agricultural-pest virus-vector grass-feeder cereal-pest Hemiptera
Delphacodes
delphacid planthoppers
Delphacodes is a large genus of delphacid planthoppers comprising over 230 described species with worldwide distribution. Species in this genus are phloem-feeding herbivores primarily associated with grasses and cereal crops. Several species are economically significant as vectors of plant viruses affecting maize, wheat, and other gramineae, including Mal de Río Cuarto virus and maize rough dwarf virus. The genus exhibits wing dimorphism, with both brachypterous (short-winged) and macropterous (long-winged) forms occurring within populations.
planthopper delphacid grass-feeder virus-vector agricultural-pest wing-dimorphism phloem-feeder Poaceae-associate Fijivirus-vector maize-pest cereal-pest invasive-potential natural-enemy-host
Elachiptera
frit flies
Elachiptera is a genus of small frit flies in the family Chloropidae, subfamily Oscinellinae. The genus contains approximately 81 valid species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia, with some species extending into the Oriental Region. Several species are known agricultural pests of cereal crops, with larvae feeding internally within stems of wheat and maize. The genus includes both fully winged and wingless (brachypterous) species.
Chloropidae Oscinellinae cereal-pest stem-borer wheat-pest maize-pest invasive-species China Holarctic brachypterous wingless agricultural-pest grass-fly frit-fly
Entedoninae
Entedoninae is a subfamily of chalcid wasps in the family Eulophidae comprising over 90 genera. Members are primarily parasitoids with documented associations across diverse host groups including gall-inducing insects, leafminers, sawflies, thrips, and ants. The subfamily exhibits considerable morphological and ecological diversity, with species found in tropical to temperate habitats worldwide.
parasitoid biological-control gall-associated leafminer-parasitoid Chalcidoidea Hymenoptera Eulophidae Entedoninae tropical-forest agricultural-pest-control sawfly-parasitoid thrips-parasitoid ant-associated rice-pest Cecidomyiidae Tenthredinidae Pontania Closterocerus Ceranisus Afronympha Ametallon Chrysonotomyia Omphale-genus-group canopy understorey ecological-plasticity Bangladesh Panama Africa New-Zealand Europe Senegal South-Africa Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo Uganda endoparasitoid larval-parasitoid egg-parasitoid host-specificity forest-habitat degraded-habitat mid-altitude-rainforest lowland-rainforest tropical-America classical-biological-control augmentative-biological-control integrated-pest-management rice-hispa Dicladispa-armigera gall-wasp sawfly-gall leafminer ant-symbiosis Formicidae Khaya-senegalensis Ochna-pulchra morphological-taxonomy molecular-taxonomy 28S-rDNA COI CytB new-species-description generic-revision host-range parasitoid-complex food-web ecosystem-service natural-enemy pest-management entomophagous hyperparasitoid inquiline curculionid Apion-minimum Phyllocolpa-leucosticta Chrysocharis Entedon Asecodes Pleurotroppopsis Afrotroppopsis Zaommomentedon Apleurotropis Kratoysma Platocharis Schizocharis Parahorismenus Atullya Tropicharis Chrysochuris cruy mirabilis oryzamyntor eminpashai carinatum dussiae longicaudata machaeriae unimaculata claviger gorgonaense auripunctata galbina laeviscuta phenacapsia cecvora elongata pontaniae heyeri risbeci milletiae newbyi Förster-1856 Chalcidoidea-phylogeny biodiversity species-richness cryptic-species molecular-diagnostics host-plant-association habitat-specificity canopy-fauna understorey-fauna forest-stratification tropical-biodiversity Afrotropical Neotropical Palaearctic Nearctic Oriental Australasian Pacific Holarctic biogeography taxonomic-revision annotated-key catalogue type-specimen museum-collection slide-mounted-specimens morphometrics genitalia wing-venation antennae clypeus mandibles malar-space scape pedicel flagellum gaster vertex suture color-pattern pale-femora dark-gaster sexual-dimorphism male female ovipositor emergence rearing quarantine field-collection foreign-exploration augmentative-release pesticide-resistance sustainable-agriculture food-security rice-production cereal-pest vegetable-pest fruit-pest ornamental-pest forest-pest urban-pest invasive-species native-range introduced-range establishment spread impact non-target-effects host-specificity risk-assessment environmental-safety regulatory-approval research-symposium proceedings peer-reviewed Zootaxa ZooKeys Insect-Systematics-&-Evolution Australian-Journal-of-Entomology Far-Eastern-Entomologist Russian-Entomological-Journal Belgian-Journal-of-Entomology Florida-Entomologist Pan-Pacific-Entomologist Entomological-News Proceedings-of-the-Hawaiian-Entomological-Society Transactions-of-the-American-Entomological-Society Journal-of-Natural-History 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sustainable-intensification agroecology conservation-biological-control habitat-management floral-resources refuge buffer-zone landscape-complexity connectivity spillover natural-enemy-diversity food-web-structure trophic-interactions multitrophic indirect-effects trait-mediated density-dependent inverse-density-dependent functional-response numerical-response searching-efficiency handling-time oviposition-behavior host-selection host-acceptance host-suitability host-quality host-stage-preference egg-load progeny-allocation sex-ratio local-mate-competition sib-mating inbreeding fitness longevity fecundity development-time thermal-requirements degree-days phenology synchrony asynchrony seasonal-adaptation diapause quiescence cold-hardiness heat-tolerance desiccation-resistance starvation-resistance dispersal flight walking foraging patch-use area-restricted-search oviposition-marking host-marking superparasitism multiparasitism intraguild-predation hyperparasitism autoparasitism heteronomous-hyperparasitism facultative-hyperparasitism obligate-hyperparasitism primary-parasitoid secondary-parasitoid tertiary-parasitoid mummy aphid-mummy scale-mummy pupal-parasitoid egg-larval-parasitoid larval-pupal-parasitoid idiobiont koinobiont ectoparasitoid solitary gregarious polyembryony thelytoky arrhenotoky diploid haplodiploid chromosome-number genome-size transcriptome proteome metabolome morphome phenome extended-phenotype niche-construction ecosystem-engineering keystone-species ecosystem-service-provider functional-group guild trophic-level energy-flow nutrient-cycling decomposition predation herbivory parasitism mutualism commensalism competition apparent-competition exploitative-competition interference-competition scramble-competition contest-competition resource-partitioning niche-differentiation character-displacement co-evolution arms-race Red-Queen geographic-mosaic local-adaptation phenotypic-plasticity genetic-adaptation epigenetics transgenerational-effects maternal-effects paternal-effects parental-care mating-system sexual-selection sperm-competition cryptic-female-choice mate-choice lek territory aggression alarm defense venom allomone kairomone synomone semiochemical pheromone trail-pheromone alarm-pheromone aggregation-pheromone sex-pheromone marking-pheromone oviposition-deterrent host-marking-pheromone plant-volatile induced-plant-defense systemic-acquired-resistance induced-systemic-resistance priming volatile-organic-compound green-leaf-volatile terpenoid phenylpropanoid jasmonic-acid salicylic-acid ethylene abscisic-acid gibberellin auxin cytokinin brassinosteroid strigolactone nitric-oxide reactive-oxygen-species hypersensitive-response programmed-cell-death autophagy apoptosis necrosis pathogen-associated-molecular-pattern damage-associated-molecular-pattern pattern-recognition-receptor effector-triggered-immunity gene-for-gene avirulence virulence effector toxin phytotoxin mycotoxin bacterial-toxin viral-toxin insecticidal-protein cry-protein vip-protein cyt-protein spore conidium appressorium haustorium mycelium sclerotium fruiting-body basidiocarp ascocarp perithecium cleistothecium pycnidium acervulus sporodochium symptom sign disease-triangle disease-cycle epidemic endemic pandemic outbreak eradication containment management control prevention forecasting warning-system decision-support-system expert-system model simulation economic-threshold economic-injury-level action-threshold treatment-threshold damage-threshold aesthetic-injury-level cultural-control physical-control mechanical-control chemical-control genetic-control sterile-insect-technique incompatible-insect-technique precision-agriculture site-specific-management variable-rate-application remote-sensing geographic-information-system global-positioning-system unmanned-aerial-vehicle drone sensor imaging spectroscopy machine-learning artificial-intelligence deep-learning neural-network computer-vision image-analysis 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sticky-trap pheromone-trap synthetic-pheromone natural-pheromone kairomone-trap food-bait protein-bait sugar-bait fermentation-bait alcohol-bait vinegar-bait molasses-bait fruit-bait meat-bait fish-bait dung-bait carrion-bait decoy lure attractant repellent deterrent antifeedant oviposition-stimulant arrestant suppressant toxicant stomach-poison contact-poison fumigant systemic translaminar residual persistent non-persistent broad-spectrum narrow-spectrum selective non-selective target-specific host-specific mode-of-action nerve-poison acetylcholinesterase-inhibitor GABA-antagonist sodium-channel-modulator nicotinic-acetylcholine-receptor-agonist ryanodine-receptor-modulator chitin-synthesis-inhibitor juvenile-hormone-mimic ecdysone-agonist microbial-pesticide entomopathogenic-nematode entomopathogenic-fungus entomopathogenic-bacterium entomopathogenic-virus entomopathogenic-protozoa Bacillus-thuringiensis Bt Bacillus-sphaericus Paenibacillus-popilliae Serratia-entomophila 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Eurygaster
sunn pest, sunn bug, tortoise shieldbug
Eurygaster is a genus of shield bugs in the family Scutelleridae, distributed across Eurasia with some species in North America. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, particularly E. integriceps and E. testudinaria, known as sunn pests that damage cereal crops. Species identification within the genus is challenging due to morphological similarities among closely related taxa. The genus comprises at least 17 extant species plus one fossil species, with six species recorded from Russia.
agricultural-pest cereal-pest sunn-pest shield-bug biological-control integrated-pest-management wheat-pest barley-pest diapause parasitoid-host
Eurygastrinae
Eurygastrinae is a subfamily of shield-backed bugs within the family Scutelleridae. Members are characterized by a greatly enlarged scutellum that forms a continuous shield covering the abdomen and wings. The subfamily is predominantly distributed in the Palearctic region, with notable genera including Eurygaster. Many species are associated with grasses and cereal crops, with some considered agricultural pests.
agricultural-pest cereal-pest shield-bug Palearctic phytophagous grassland-insect
Geomyza
frit flies
Geomyza is a genus of frit flies in the family Opomyzidae, comprising at least 30 described species. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, notably Geomyza tripunctata, whose larvae feed internally on grasses and cereals, killing the central shoot. These flies are distributed across the Holarctic region, with documented occurrences in Europe and North America. Larvae serve as hosts for hymenopterous parasitoids in grassland ecosystems.
agricultural-pest grassland cereal-pest parasitoid-host Holarctic internal-feeder
Javesella
Javesella is a genus of delphacid planthoppers (family Delphacidae) established by Fennah in 1963, containing at least 20 described species. The genus is best known through Javesella pellucida, a significant agricultural pest and virus vector. Species in this genus exhibit wing dimorphism and are associated with grass hosts including cereals.
planthopper Delphacidae vector virus-transmission agricultural-pest wing-dimorphism cereal-pest Europe Asia North-America
Limothrips
Grain thrips, Barley thrips
Limothrips is a genus of thrips in the family Thripidae comprising six recognized species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, particularly Limothrips cerealium (grain thrips) and Limothrips denticornis (barley thrips), which feed on cereals and grasses. Species exhibit wing dimorphism, with both winged (macropterous) and wingless (apterous) forms documented. Several species have been documented as crop pests causing reduced seed set in wheat, oats, and barley.
Thysanoptera Thripidae agricultural-pest cereal-pest graminivore wing-dimorphism hibernation Thigmotaxis museum-pest
Limothrips denticornis
barley thrips
Limothrips denticornis is a grass-dwelling thrips species with a Holarctic distribution. It is primarily associated with cereal crops, particularly spring barley, where females deposit eggs within leaf sheaths during inflorescence emergence. The species has been documented as an incidental nest parasite of birds and mammals, entering nests passively on grass nest materials. It has been recorded in museum environments as a secondary pest associated with damaged artworks.
thrips barley-pest cereal-pest nest-parasite museum-pest Holarctic agricultural-pest passive-dispersal
Metopolophium
Metopolophium is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae. Species in this genus are found in Eurasia, Australia, and North America. Several species are significant agricultural pests of cereal crops, particularly M. dirhodum (rose-grain aphid) and M. festucae (fescue aphid). The genus exhibits typical aphid life cycles with alternation between woody primary hosts (Rosa species) and herbaceous secondary hosts (Poaceae).
aphid cereal-pest agriculture host-alternation rose-grain-aphid fescue-aphid Macrosiphini
Metopolophium dirhodum
rose-grain aphid, rose-grass aphid
Metopolophium dirhodum is a globally distributed aphid species with a heteroecious life cycle alternating between rose (Rosa) as primary host and grasses, particularly cereal crops, as secondary hosts. It is a significant agricultural pest and vector of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), causing yield reductions in wheat, barley, oats, and rye. The species exhibits wing dimorphism with both apterous and alate morphs, and shows genetic variability in host plant adaptation among populations.
aphid cereal-pest virus-vector heteroecious holocyclic agricultural-pest BYDV rose Poaceae
Mythimna
Armyworm moths
Mythimna is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as armyworm moths. Several species are significant agricultural pests, with larvae that feed on cereal crops, corn, rice, and other grasses. The genus has a global distribution spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australasia. Notable species include M. unipuncta (true armyworm), M. separata (Oriental armyworm), and M. loreyi, all of which cause economic damage to major food crops. Adult moths have been documented as nocturnal pollinators of apple flowers and other crops.
armyworm agricultural-pest nocturnal-pollinator Noctuidae cereal-pest corn-pest rice-pest
Opomyza germinationis
Opomyza germinationis is a univoltine fly species in the family Opomyzidae. The larva is a stem-boring pest of cereals and grasses, feeding on the central shoot and causing 'dead-heart' symptoms in young plants. Adults emerge in mid-summer and persist until early autumn, with oviposition occurring in September-November. The species has been documented as an agricultural pest in Britain and is present in Scandinavia.
agricultural-pest cereal-pest stem-borer univoltine grassland Diptera Opomyzidae Europe autumn-oviposition
Oscinella
frit flies
Oscinella is a genus of small flies in the family Chloropidae, commonly known as frit flies. The genus contains multiple species, several of which are significant agricultural pests of cereal crops and pasture grasses. The most economically important species is O. frit, which attacks oats, wheat, and other cereals. Species within the genus exhibit distinct flight behaviors and host plant preferences, with some being migratory and others sedentary.
Chloropidae frit-fly cereal-pest grassland parasitoid-host agricultural-pest internal-feeder
Phorbia
Wheat bulb fly, Black fly, Onion fly
Phorbia is a genus of true flies in the family Anthomyiidae. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including Phorbia coarctata (Wheat Bulb Fly) on cereals, Phorbia securis (Black Fly) on wheat, and Phorbia cepetorum (Imported Onion Fly) on Allium crops. Some species engage in unusual mutualistic interactions with Epichloe fungi, transporting spermatia between fungal individuals in a manner analogous to insect pollination of angiosperms. The genus occurs in Europe and North America.
Agricultural-pest Root-maggot Cereal-pest Onion-pest Fungal-mutualism Pollination-analog Convergent-evolution
Rhopalosiphum
Cherry-Grass Aphids
Rhopalosiphum is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae comprising approximately 16-17 species worldwide. Species within this genus are significant agricultural pests, feeding on phloem of host plants and causing direct damage to crops. Several species, notably Rhopalosiphum padi (bird cherry-oat aphid) and Rhopalosiphum maidis (corn leaf aphid), are important vectors of plant viruses including barley yellow dwarf virus and maize dwarf mosaic virus. The genus exhibits typical aphid characteristics including polymorphism with both winged and wingless forms, and parthenogenetic reproduction in favorable conditions.
aphid agricultural-pest virus-vector Hemiptera Aphididae cereal-pest grass-feeding parthenogenesis polymorphism
Rhopalosiphum padi
bird cherry-oat aphid, oat-bird cherry aphid, apple-grain aphid
Rhopalosiphum padi is a globally distributed aphid species and major pest of temperate cereal crops. It exhibits a complex life cycle involving host alternation between a woody primary host (Prunus padus, bird cherry) and herbaceous secondary hosts including barley, oats, wheat, and other grasses. The species is the principal vector of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) and several other economically important plant viruses. Unlike some cereal aphids, it does not inject toxins while feeding, so direct damage from feeding is generally less severe than virus transmission losses.
aphid cereal-pest virus-vector BYDV host-alternation banker-plant biological-control temperate-agriculture Prunus-padus Hemiptera Sternorrhyncha
Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale
rice root aphid, red rice root aphid
Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale is a globally distributed root-feeding aphid pest with a remarkably broad host range spanning 22 plant families. Native to East Asia, it has established populations across every continent except Antarctica. The species exhibits a heteroecious holocyclic life cycle in its native range, alternating between Prunus species (primary hosts) and herbaceous plant roots (secondary hosts), though asexual reproduction dominates in temperate regions and protected cultivation. Its subterranean habit makes detection difficult and management challenging. The aphid vectors several economically important plant viruses including barley yellow dwarf virus and sugarcane yellow leaf virus, and has emerged as a significant pest of indoor-grown cannabis in North America.
aphid root-feeder agricultural-pest virus-vector cosmopolitan polyphagous subterranean invasive-species cannabis-pest cereal-pest greenhouse-pest hydroponic-pest monocot-preference
Schizaphis graminum
greenbug, wheat aphid, common wheat-louse
Schizaphis graminum, commonly known as the greenbug or wheat aphid, is a small aphid species in the family Aphididae. Native to the Palaearctic region, it has been introduced worldwide and is a significant pest of cereal crops, particularly wheat and sorghum. The species exhibits wing dimorphism, with wingless forms predominating early in the season and winged forms developing under crowded conditions to disperse to new hosts. It causes direct damage through feeding and toxin injection, and indirect damage as a vector of multiple plant viruses.
aphid pest cereal-pest wheat-pest sorghum-pest vector parthenogenesis wing-dimorphism
Scutelleridae
Jewel Bugs, Metallic Shield Bugs, Shield-backed Bugs
Scutelleridae is a family of true bugs in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as jewel bugs or shield-backed bugs. Members are distinguished by a greatly enlarged scutellum that forms a continuous shield over the abdomen and wings, often displaying brilliant metallic or iridescent coloration. This family includes approximately 81 genera and over 450 species distributed worldwide, with notable genera including Eurygaster, Scutellera, and Solenosthedium. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of cereal crops.
Hemiptera Heteroptera Pentatomoidea phytophagous agricultural-pest metallic-coloration shield-backed stridulation cereal-pest wheat-pest parasitoid-host
Sipha
yellow sugarcane aphid (for S. flava), hedgehog grain aphid (for S. maydis)
Sipha is a genus of aphids (Aphididae) in the tribe Siphini, with nearly cosmopolitan distribution. The genus includes notable agricultural pests, particularly Sipha flava (yellow sugarcane aphid) and Sipha maydis (hedgehog grain aphid). Species in this genus feed on grasses and cereal crops, with some capable of transmitting plant viruses such as barley yellow dwarf virus. Several species have expanded their ranges rapidly in recent decades, becoming significant pests of sorghum, sugarcane, wheat, and barley.
aphid cereal-pest sorghum-pest sugarcane-pest virus-vector invasive-species parthenogenesis agricultural-entomology integrated-pest-management Poaceae-feeder
Sipha maydis
Hedgehog Grain Aphid
Sipha maydis, commonly known as the hedgehog grain aphid, is a globally distributed pest of cereal crops and wild grasses. Native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, it was first detected in the United States in 2007 and has since expanded across the Southwest and Rocky Mountain states. The aphid feeds on phloem of Poaceae, with documented hosts including wheat, barley, sorghum, millet, and over 50 plant species worldwide. It reproduces parthenogenetically, with optimal development at 20–25°C. S. maydis is a vector of barley yellow dwarf virus and can cause leaf yellowing, rolling, and desiccation leading to yield reduction.
aphid cereal-pest invasive-species barley-yellow-dwarf-virus-vector parthenogenesis multipartite-symbiosis
Sitobion
Sitobion is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, comprising more than 80 described species. Species within this genus are primarily associated with grasses and cereal crops, with Sitobion avenae (English grain aphid) being the most extensively studied. These aphids are phloem-feeding insects that can cause direct damage to host plants and vector plant viruses. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species found across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Oceania.
aphid cereal-pest phloem-feeder virus-vector agricultural-pest Macrosiphini Hemiptera
Sitobion avenae
English Grain Aphid
Sitobion avenae, the English grain aphid, is a globally distributed pest of cereal crops. It feeds on phloem sap and transmits yellow dwarf viruses to wheat, barley, and oats. Population dynamics are influenced by temperature, water availability, and host plant quality. The species exhibits complex reproductive strategies including both cyclical and obligate parthenogenesis. Management challenges include insecticide resistance, variable biotypes, and climate change impacts on dispersal and adaptation.
aphid cereal-pest vector parthenogenesis agriculture Hemiptera invasive global-pest virus-transmission integrated-pest-management
Stenotus binotatus
Two-spotted Grass Bug, Timothy Plant Bug, Two-spotted Plant Bug, Slender Crop Mirid
Stenotus binotatus is a grass-feeding mirid bug native to the Palearctic that has become established in temperate regions worldwide, including North America and New Zealand. Adults measure 6–7 mm and show sexual dimorphism in coloration: males are yellow with dark pronotal and forewing markings, while females are greenish-yellow with paler markings. The species is a documented pest of cereal crops, particularly wheat, where its feeding causes distinctive grain collapse and sticky dough problems due to gluten-degrading enzymes.
pest grass-feeding mirid introduced-species cereal-pest gluten-degradation
Trachelus
stem sawflies
Trachelus is a genus of stem sawflies in the family Cephidae. Species are internal feeders in grass stems, with several species recognized as significant agricultural pests of wheat and barley. The genus occurs across the Palearctic region, with documented species in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Larval development occurs entirely within host plant stems, causing characteristic damage often called 'whiteheads' in cereal crops.
stem-borer agricultural-pest cereal-pest grass-feeder internal-feeder univoltine diapause Palearctic