Citrus-pest
Guides
Lepidosaphes
armored scale insects
Lepidosaphes is a large genus of armored scale insects (Diaspididae) with at least 190 described species distributed worldwide. Species in this genus are phytophagous pests of woody plants, particularly fruit trees and ornamentals. Several species, including L. beckii and L. ulmi, are significant agricultural pests. Members of this genus are hosts for various parasitoids, notably species of Aphytis (Aphelinidae), which are used in biological control programs.
Leptoglossus
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
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nchanmoss-bugarchaeorrhynchanfulgoromorphancicadomorphanmembracoidtreehopperleafhopperplanthopperpsyllidjumping-plant-lousewhiteflyaleyrodidscale-insectcoccoidmealybugaphidadelgidphylloxeransternorrhynchanthysanopteranthripspsocopteranbarklousebooklousephthirapteranlousesucking-lousechewing-lousemallophagananoplurandermapteranearwigblattodeancockroachtermiteisopteranmantodeanmantidphasmidstick-insectleaf-insectorthopterangrasshopperlocustkatydidcricketmole-cricketpygmy-mole-cricketcamel-cricketcave-cricketwetaensiferancaeliferangryllotalpidmyrmecophilidtettigoniidgryllidacrididpamphagidpneumoridlentulidtristirideumastacidproscopiidtridactylidtetrigidgrouse-locustpygmy-grasshopperplecopteranstoneflyembiopteranwebspinnerzorapteranangel-insectdictyopteranLeptoglossus zonatus
leaf-footed bug
Leptoglossus zonatus is a polyphagous leaf-footed bug native to the Americas, ranging from the southwestern United States through Central America to South America. Adults measure approximately 20 mm in length with gray coloration, a zigzagging whitish band across the dorsum, and two distinctive yellowish spots on the anterior pronotum that serve as the primary identifying characteristic. The species has emerged as a significant agricultural pest, particularly in California almonds and Gulf Coast satsuma mandarins, causing direct feeding damage and transmitting plant pathogens. Two genetically distinct strains occur in the Western Hemisphere, with low overall genetic diversity suggesting potential for further range expansion.
Leptomastidea
Leptomastidea is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), first described by Mercet in 1916. The genus contains approximately 24 described species worldwide, with members distributed across the Nearctic, Neotropical, Palaearctic, and Oriental regions. Species are primary parasitoids of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), with some species also attacking eriococcids (Eriococcidae). Several species, particularly L. abnormis and L. dactylopii, have been widely used in classical and augmentative biological control programs against citrus and vine mealybugs. The genus is classified in the tribe Anagyrini based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence.
Leptomastidea abnormis
Leptomastidea abnormis is an encyrtid parasitoid wasp native to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with introduced populations in Europe and elsewhere. It is a primary parasitoid of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), particularly the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri, and is widely used in biological control programs. Females exhibit size-dependent host selection, preferring second-instar mealybugs but also attacking later instars and adults. The species shows temperature-dependent reproduction, with maximum progeny production at 24°C maintained up to 34°C. Sex allocation follows host quality models, with female-biased sex ratios on larger hosts.
Litargus tetraspilotus
Four-spotted Hairy Fungus Beetle
Litargus tetraspilotus is a small hairy fungus beetle in the family Mycetophagidae, first described from North America in 1856 and more recently recorded in Brazil. It feeds on powdery mildew fungi (Oidium sp.) and has been studied as a potential biological control agent for fungal pathogens on fruit trees. Population dynamics show seasonal variation tied to humidity and rainfall patterns.
Lopholeucaspis
Lopholeucaspis is a genus of armored scale insects (Diaspididae) containing species that are invasive pests of woody plants. The most documented species, L. japonica, has established populations across Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. These scales infest a broad range of hosts including citrus, pomegranate, crapemyrtle, privet, and euonymus. The genus is notable for its expanding global distribution and association with multiple parasitoid wasp species.
Mamestra curialis
Scripted Arches Moth, Scripted Arches
Mamestra curialis is a noctuid moth native to North America, first described by John Bernhard Smith in 1887. The species has been documented across western Canada including Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. It was historically referred to as the "citrus cutworm" in California agricultural literature, where early-season larvae feed on young citrus fruit, though this common name has also been applied to related species. The species has gained attention in integrated pest management research due to its potential economic impact on citrus production.
Marmara gulosa
Citrus Peelminer
Marmara gulosa is a small gracillariid moth, approximately 4 mm in length, commonly known as the citrus peelminer. Native to the United States where it originally fed on willow (Salix lasiolepis), the species has undergone a documented host-shift to non-native plants including citrus varieties and ornamentals such as oleander. It is known from California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida, as well as Cuba. The species is of economic concern as a pest of citrus, particularly grapefruit in southwestern growing regions. A distinct species from the similar Marmara salictella, it was formally described in 2001.
Microcentrum rhombifolium
greater angle-wing katydid, broad-winged katydid, angular-winged katydid
A large, leaf-mimicking katydid native to North America, recognized by its rhombus-shaped green wings and distinctive 'ticking' call. Adults reach 50–65 mm in length and are most active in late summer and autumn. The species is among the most convincing leaf mimics in its family, with broad, reticulate-veined tegmina that provide excellent crypsis in deciduous vegetation. Males produce intermittent calling songs and courtship songs consisting of repeated ticks once a female is attracted.
Microterys
Microterys is a large genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Chalcidoidea), with its center of distribution in the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Species are important natural enemies of various scale insects (Coccoidea), including soft scales (Coccidae), wax scales (Ceroplastes), and mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). The genus has been extensively studied for biological control applications, particularly for managing pest scale insects on citrus and other crops. Several species have been introduced to new regions as biocontrol agents, including Microterys flavus in California.
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White-fringed Weevils
Naupactus is a large genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as white-fringed weevils. The genus comprises exclusively Neotropical species, several of which have been introduced to other regions and become significant agricultural pests. Members of this genus are characterized by reduced humeri and lack of metathoracic wings, traits formerly used to separate them into the genus Graphognathus before taxonomic revision. Some species exhibit parthenogenetic reproduction, and flightless adults are common.
Nipaecoccus
Nipaecoccus is a genus of mealybugs in the family Pseudococcidae. The genus includes several economically important pest species, most notably Nipaecoccus viridis (hibiscus mealybug or lebbeck mealybug) and Nipaecoccus nipae (coconut mealybug). Species in this genus are characterized by their white, powdery wax covering and polyphagous feeding habits on a wide range of host plants including citrus, palms, ornamentals, and various fruit and row crops. Nipaecoccus viridis has emerged as a significant invasive pest in Florida since 2009, with documented impacts on citrus, blueberries, hemp, and ornamental plants.
Novius cardinalis
Vedalia beetle, cardinal ladybird
Novius cardinalis is a small ladybird beetle native to Australia, notable as one of the earliest and most successful examples of classical biological control. The species was introduced to California in 1888 to combat cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi), a devastating citrus pest, and achieved rapid, dramatic suppression of the pest population. Adults measure 2.5–4 mm with variable red and black coloration. The species has undergone multiple taxonomic revisions, most recently transferred from Rodolia to Novius in 2020.
Oncometopia
sharpshooters
Oncometopia is a genus of sharpshooters (leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae) found in North and South America, erected by Carl Stål in 1869. Species range from 9.4 to 15.0 mm in length and are characterized by distinctive morphological features including a moderately produced head, coriaceous forewings with apical membranes, and specialized hindleg tarsomere proportions. Several species are economically important as vectors of plant pathogens, particularly Xylella fastidiosa, which causes diseases such as phony peach disease and citrus variegated chlorosis.
Pachnaeus
broad-nosed weevils, citrus root weevils
Pachnaeus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils comprising approximately seven described species. Several species, notably P. litus and P. opalus, are economically significant pests of citrus, commonly referred to as citrus root weevils. The genus has been targeted for biological control research, with studies evaluating parasitoid wasps for management of P. litus populations.
Pachnaeus litus
blue-green citrus root weevil, blue-green citrus weevil
Pachnaeus litus is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the blue-green citrus root weevil or blue-green citrus weevil. It is a pest of citrus in North America, with eggs that serve as hosts for multiple parasitoid wasp species. The species has been studied extensively for biological control potential, particularly targeting its egg stage with parasitoids such as Brachyufens osborni (Trichogrammatidae), Pediobius irregularis, and Horismenus bennetti (Eulophidae).
Pachnaeus opalus
Northern Citrus Root Weevil
Pachnaeus opalus is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the northern citrus root weevil. It is native to the southeastern United States and has been documented in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and New Jersey. The species is associated with citrus and related plants, where adults feed on foliage and larvae develop in roots. It was first described by Olivier in 1807 as Curculio opalus.
Panonychus
spider mites
Panonychus is a genus of spider mites in the family Tetranychidae, established by Yokoyama in 1929. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species, including several economically significant agricultural pests. Notable species include Panonychus citri (citrus red mite), a major pest of citrus crops, and Panonychus ulmi (European red mite or fruit tree red spider mite), which attacks deciduous fruit and forest trees. These mites are characterized by their phytophagous feeding habits and have developed resistance to numerous pesticides.
Papilio
Common Swallowtails
Papilio is a large genus of swallowtail butterflies containing approximately 200 species, representing the sole genus in the tribe Papilionini. The genus includes some of the most recognizable butterflies worldwide, such as the Old World swallowtail (P. machaon), western tiger swallowtail (P. rutulus), and eastern tiger swallowtail (P. glaucus). Modern taxonomic revisions have consolidated numerous former genera—including Pterourus (tiger swallowtails), Heraclides (giant swallowtails), and Achillides—into Papilio, making it one of the most diverse butterfly genera. The name derives from the Latin word for butterfly.
Papilio anchisiades
ruby-spotted swallowtail, red-spotted swallowtail
Papilio anchisiades is a medium to large swallowtail butterfly with a wingspan of 70–100 mm, distributed from southern Texas through Central America to Argentina. The species exhibits considerable geographic variation across its range, with multiple recognized subspecies. Larvae feed on Rutaceae, particularly Citrus species, and adults are commonly observed drinking at moist ground near rivers rather than in forested habitats.
Papilio ornythion
ornythion swallowtail
Papilio ornythion is a swallowtail butterfly in the subfamily Papilioninae, native to Mexico and Guatemala with occasional vagrancy into the southern United States. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism with two female forms—one matching the male and a distinctive dark form. Adults fly from April to September with two generations per year. Larvae feed on Citrus leaves while adults nectar on flowers.
Paraleyrodes
nesting whiteflies, Bondar's nesting whitefly (for P. bondari), fig whitefly (for P. minei)
Paraleyrodes is a genus of whiteflies in the subfamily Aleurodicinae, commonly known as nesting whiteflies due to the woolly wax nests constructed by females around egg masses. The genus includes economically significant invasive species such as P. bondari (Bondar's nesting whitefly) and P. minei, which are pests of coconut, citrus, fig, avocado, and ornamental plants. Species in this genus are characterized by distinctive waxy secretions, sessile nymphal stages, and polyphagous feeding habits on woody plants.
whiteflyinvasive-pestagricultural-pestornamental-pestAleurodicinaecoconut-pestcitrus-pestfig-pestavocado-pestwoolly-wax-nestspolyphagousphloem-feederhoneydew-producersooty-moldFlorida-pestCalifornia-pestIndia-pestBangladesh-pestCroatia-pestGreece-pestnatural-enemiesbiological-controlintegrated-pest-managementPhyllocnistis citrella
Citrus Leafminer, CLM
Phyllocnistis citrella, commonly known as the citrus leafminer or CLM, is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae. Native to tropical Asia, it has become a globally distributed agricultural pest of citrus since its discovery in Florida in 1993. The larvae create distinctive serpentine mines in citrus leaves, protected within the leaf epidermis from many topical insecticide treatments. The species is managed through integrated pest management strategies including biological control with introduced parasitoids, mating disruption using sex pheromones, and cultural practices.
Planococcus
mealybugs
Planococcus is a genus of mealybugs in the family Pseudococcidae, comprising economically significant agricultural pests. The genus includes species such as Planococcus citri (citrus mealybug), Planococcus ficus (vine mealybug), and Planococcus minor, which infest a wide range of host plants including citrus, grapevines, and numerous horticultural crops. These insects cause direct damage through phloem feeding and indirect damage via honeydew secretion that promotes sooty mold growth; several species are also known vectors of plant viruses. The genus is characterized by small, soft-bodied insects covered in white, powdery wax secretions, with complex taxonomic histories involving multiple synonymies and cryptic species complexes.
Planococcus citri
citrus mealybug
Planococcus citri, the citrus mealybug, is a highly polyphagous pest native to Asia that has established populations worldwide through human-mediated transport. Adult females are approximately 3 mm long, wingless, and covered in white wax with marginal filaments; males are slightly larger with functional wings. The species reproduces sexually with multiple generations per year, producing ovisacs containing up to 20 eggs. It feeds on phloem sap from over 200 host plant species across 82 families, causing direct damage through sap removal and indirect damage via honeydew secretion and sooty mold growth. It is also a known vector of Cacao swollen shoot virus. The species is difficult to distinguish morphologically from the vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus), requiring microscopic examination of pore and duct arrangements or molecular methods for accurate identification.
Platynota rostrana
Omnivorous Platynota Moth
Platynota rostrana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 13–17 mm, distributed across the Americas from the United States through Central America to South America, with established populations in the West Indies and occasional records in Europe via accidental importation. The species is known to be a pest of citrus and other crops, with larvae that feed on a variety of plant materials.
Prodiplosis
Prodiplosis is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) comprising approximately 11 described species. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably P. longifila, which infests citrus, solanaceous crops, and ornamental foliage. Members of this genus are characterized by complete metamorphosis and larval feeding on reproductive and vegetative tissues of host plants, causing necrosis and yield loss. Some species exhibit host specialization and cryptic genetic differentiation across geographic ranges.
Pseudococcus longispinus
long-tailed mealybug, longtailed mealybug
Pseudococcus longispinus is a cosmopolitan mealybug pest in the family Pseudococcidae. It is distinguished by two long, waxy filaments extending from the posterior abdomen of adult females. The species is a significant agricultural and horticultural pest, particularly damaging to grapevines, citrus, orchids, and tropical fruits. It is a known vector of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3), transmitting the virus only during the first instar crawler stage. The species has been observed to develop three generations annually in temperate regions, with complex dispersal patterns shifting from exposed foliage in early instars to protected bark and fruit clusters for reproduction.
Resseliella
Resseliella is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae containing at least 50 described species. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, notably R. maxima (soybean gall midge) which threatens soybean production in the north-central United States, as well as R. citrifrugis, a major citrus pest in China, and R. theobaldi (raspberry cane midge), an important pest of cultivated red raspberry in Europe. Some species exhibit mutualistic relationships with plants, such as R. kadsurae which pollinates Kadsura longipedunculata in China.
Saissetia
soft scales, black scales
Saissetia is a genus of soft scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccidae) containing at least four described species. The genus includes economically important pests, notably Saissetia oleae (black scale) and Saissetia coffeae (hemispherical scale), which attack citrus, olive, coffee, and numerous ornamental plants. Saissetia species are phloem-feeding insects that produce honeydew, facilitating ant associations and sooty mold growth. Several species have been introduced globally through trade in infested nursery plants.
Saissetia coffeae
hemispherical scale, helmet scale, coffee brown scale
Saissetia coffeae is a polyphagous soft scale insect (Coccidae) with a cosmopolitan tropical and subtropical distribution. Adults are sessile, hemispherical, and helmet-shaped, ranging 2–4.5 mm in diameter depending on host plant. The species reproduces parthenogenetically; all individuals are female. It is a significant agricultural pest of coffee, citrus, avocado, fig, guava, and numerous ornamental plants, causing damage through phloem sap feeding and honeydew secretion that promotes sooty mold growth. Multiple parasitoid wasps and predatory insects are associated with natural population regulation.
Scirtothrips
leaf-feeding thrips, citrus thrips, chilli thrips
Scirtothrips is a genus of leaf-feeding thrips in the family Thripidae, established by Shull in 1909. The genus includes economically significant pest species such as the chilli thrips (S. dorsalis), citrus thrips (S. citri), and South African citrus thrips (S. aurantii), which damage agricultural crops through piercing-sucking feeding on tender leaves, buds, and fruit. Species exhibit diverse host associations ranging from highly host-specific forms on endemic Australian Acacia to broadly polyphagous invasive pests. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with Labiothrips synonymised under Scirtothrips.
Scudderia
Scudder's Bush Katydids, bush katydids
Scudderia is a genus of bush katydids in the subfamily Phaneropterinae, established by Stål in 1873. Species in this genus are medium-sized insects, 30–40 mm in length, with a transcontinental distribution across North America. They are herbivorous, feeding on flowers as nymphs and woody deciduous plants as adults. Several species are economically significant as pests in citrus orchards and stone fruit production, particularly Scudderia furcata, the fork-tailed bush katydid. Males produce species-specific calling songs using file-and-scraper structures on their forewings, and species identification typically requires examination of the male supra-anal plate morphology.
Trioza
psyllids, jumping plant-lice
Trioza is the type genus of psyllids in the family Triozidae, comprising sap-sucking insects with worldwide distribution. Species in this genus exhibit diverse host associations, ranging from agricultural crops to native trees. Several species are economically significant: Trioza erytreae transmits citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing), T. apicalis is a major pest of carrot in northern Europe, and T. brevigenae is an invasive pest of ornamental Ficus in California. The genus is characterized by distinct morphological features and complex life cycles involving seasonal migration between summer hosts and overwintering sites.
Unaspis
Unaspis is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) containing economically significant agricultural and horticultural pests. The genus includes at least 19 described species, with several species infesting citrus crops (U. citri, U. yanonensis) and ornamental plants (U. euonymi). Species in this genus are characterized by their protective waxy coverings and phytophagous feeding habits on host plant tissues.
Unaspis citri
Citrus Snow Scale, Orange Chionaspi, Orange Snow Scale, White Louse Scale, White Snow Scale
Unaspis citri is an armored scale insect (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) that infests citrus crops worldwide. The species forms dense colonies on bark, fruit, and leaves, causing direct damage through sap feeding and indirect harm by promoting sooty mold growth. It is economically significant in citrus-producing regions, particularly Florida, where management requires integrated approaches combining monitoring, biological control, and targeted chemical applications.