Economic-pest

Guides

Aculops cannabicola
hemp russet mite, HRM
Aculops cannabicola, the hemp russet mite, is a highly specialized eriophyoid mite and among the most serious pests of Cannabis sativa. First described from Hungary in 1960, it has since been detected across multiple continents including North America, Central Asia, and Europe, with its first Italian record in 2021. The mite causes distinctive rust-colored damage to leaves, curling of leaf edges, and russeting, and can reduce flower and seed production by 50-90%. It feeds on all plant parts including leaves, petioles, inflorescences of both sexes, and glandular trichomes, drastically reducing resin production. Control is notoriously difficult; the mite persists year-round in dry, warm habitats and complete eradication typically requires destroying all plants and sterilizing surfaces.
eriophyoid-mite hemp-pest cannabis-pest greenhouse-pest specialist-herbivore vagrant-mite economic-pest invasive-pest
Aeoloplides turnbulli
thistle grasshopper, Russian thistle grasshopper, saltbush grasshopper
Aeoloplides turnbulli is a medium-sized, robust spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the thistle grasshopper or Russian thistle grasshopper. The species exhibits two recognized subspecies: A. t. turnbulli in the north and A. t. bruneri in the south, distinguished primarily by wing length. It is an early-hatching species with a prolonged nymphal development period of 50–60 days. The species has demonstrated outbreak potential, with historical population irruptions documented in western Kansas during the 1930s and in the Big Horn Basin, Wyoming, in 1993.
grasshopper spur-throated chenopod-specialist early-hatching economic-pest beneficial-insect subspecies-dimorphism wing-polymorphism phytophilous Big-Horn-Basin western-Kansas-outbreak Melanoplinae
Araecerus fasciculatus
Coffee Bean Weevil
Araecerus fasciculatus, commonly known as the coffee bean weevil, is a polyphagous stored product pest in the family Anthribidae. Adults measure 3–5 mm with a dome-shaped, dark-brown body mottled with light and dark pubescence. The species has been documented on over 100 host plants including coffee, maize, cassava, nutmeg, dried fruits, and various nuts. It completes its life cycle inside seeds and stored products, with development times varying from 29 to 57 days depending on humidity and temperature. Through international trade, it has achieved cosmopolitan distribution in tropical and subtropical regions and is considered economically significant due to damage and contamination of stored commodities.
stored-product-pest polyphagous cosmopolitan economic-pest seed-predator humidity-dependent-development aggregation-pheromone invasive-species
Aulocara
slant-faced grasshoppers
Aulocara is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, comprising at least three described species distributed across western North America. The genus includes economically significant rangeland pests, notably Aulocara elliotti (big-headed grasshopper), which can reach outbreak densities and cause substantial damage to grass forage. Species in this genus inhabit diverse grassland ecosystems from southern Canada to central Mexico.
grasshopper rangeland-pest graminivore western-North-America slant-faced economic-pest
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
Blissus occiduus
Western Chinch Bug
Blissus occiduus, the western chinch bug, is a phloem-feeding true bug (Hemiptera: Blissidae) that is a significant pest of warm-season turfgrasses, particularly buffalograss and zoysiagrass. The species exhibits strong host preference hierarchies, with buffalograss being the most preferred host followed by zoysiagrass, though it can survive and reproduce on a broad range of grasses including agronomic crops. Field studies have documented inconsistent control with neonicotinoid insecticides, with thiamethoxam showing particularly rapid degradation in buffalograss tissues compared to imidacloprid and clothianidin.
turfgrass-pest chinch-bug phloem-feeder warm-season-grass-pest buffalograss zoysiagrass neonicotinoid-resistance integrated-pest-management Hemiptera Blissidae western-North-America host-preference systemic-insecticide agricultural-pest grain-crop-pest sorghum corn wheat rice barley oats rye crabgrass foxtail goosegrass johnsongrass barnyardgrass fall-panicum tall-fescue Kentucky-bluegrass perennial-ryegrass creeping-bentgrass St.-Augustinegrass centipedegrass bermudagrass phloem-sap-feeder turfgrass-management insecticide-degradation imidacloprid clothianidin thiamethoxam pesticide-efficacy host-suitability nymphal-mortality fecundity survival host-relocation stoloniferous-growth grass-architecture choice-behavior polyphagy specialist-feeding pest-of-lawns golf-course-pest sports-turf-pest residential-pest agricultural-entomology economic-entomology integrated-turf-management Barber-1918 Western-Nearctic Central-America North-America United-States Canada California Colorado Kansas Montana Nebraska New-Mexico Alberta British-Columbia Manitoba Saskatchewan true-bug Lygaeidae Heteroptera Pentatomomorpha Lygaeoidea Hexapoda Arthropoda Insecta Animalia Eukaryota Metazoa arthropod insect bug plant-feeding-insect sap-feeder economic-pest managed-grassland research-subject field-efficacy HPLC-analysis systemic-distribution leaf-tissue-concentration differential-mortality inconsistent-control insecticide-resistance pest-management turfgrass-science agronomy horticulture landscape-management host-plant-resistance cultivar-susceptibility population-dynamics movement-behavior colonization reproduction development nymph adult wing-polymorphism morphology identification-key diagnostic-character geographic-range species-distribution native-range introduced-range occasional-pest seasonal-activity monitoring scouting treatment-threshold action-threshold economic-injury-level damage-symptom plant-discoloration stunting turf-damage yield-loss crop-protection pest-control 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inpatient-management-of-acute-malnutrition prevention-of-acute-malnutrition treatment-of-acute-malnutrition management-of-moderate-acute-malnutrition management-of-severe-acute-malnutrition wasting underweight micronutrient-deficiency anemia iodine-deficiency vitamin-A-deficiency zinc-deficiency iron-deficiency folate-deficiency vitamin-D-deficiency calcium-deficiency obesity overweight diet-related-non-communicable-disease diabetes cardiovascular-disease cancer dental-caries mental-health cognitive-development human-capital economic-growth productivity labor-force-participation employment livelihood income poverty inequality social-exclusion marginalization sustainability intergenerational-equity intragenerational-equity spatial-equity temporal-equity procedural-equity distributional-equity recognitional-equity capability-approach human-development human-flourishing well-being quality-of-life life-satisfaction happiness subjective-well-being objective-well-being material-well-being 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tactical operational foundational structural functional procedural behavioral attitudinal cultural social economic political environmental technological institutional organizational individual collective community societal global local national regional landscape seascape waterscape airscape biosphere noosphere technosphere sociosphere ecosphere hydrosphere atmosphere lithosphere pedosphere cryosphere anthroposphere urban-sphere rural-sphere agricultural-sphere natural-sphere managed-sphere protected-sphere restored-sphere degraded-sphere transformed-sphere connected-sphere disconnected-sphere integrated-sphere fragmented-sphere resilient-sphere vulnerable-sphere adaptive-sphere maladaptive-sphere sustainable-sphere unsustainable-sphere equitable-sphere inequitable-sphere just-sphere unjust-sphere inclusive-sphere exclusive-sphere diverse-sphere homogeneous-sphere complex-sphere simple-sphere dynamic-sphere static-sphere stable-sphere unstable-sphere predictable-sphere 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national-sphere regional-sphere landscape-sphere seascape-sphere waterscape-sphere airscape-sphere biosphere-sphere noosphere-sphere technosphere-sphere sociosphere-sphere ecosphere-sphere hydrosphere-sphere atmosphere-sphere lithosphere-sphere pedosphere-sphere cryosphere-sphere anthroposphere-sphere urban-sphere-sphere rural-sphere-sphere agricultural-sphere-sphere natural-sphere-sphere managed-sphere-sphere protected-sphere-sphere restored-sphere-sphere degraded-sphere-sphere transformed-sphere-sphere connected-sphere-sphere disconnected-sphere-sphere integrated-sphere-sphere fragmented-sphere-sphere resilient-sphere-sphere vulnerable-sphere-sphere adaptive-sphere-sphere maladaptive-sphere-sphere sustainable-sphere-sphere unsustainable-sphere-sphere equitable-sphere-sphere inequitable-sphere-sphere just-sphere-sphere unjust-sphere-sphere inclusive-sphere-sphere exclusive-sphere-sphere diverse-sphere-sphere homogeneous-sphere-sphere complex-sphere-sphere simple-sphere-sphere 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airscape-sphere-sphere-sphere biosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere noosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere technosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere sociosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere ecosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere hydrosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere atmosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere lithosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere pedosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere cryosphere-sphere-sphere-sphere anthroposphere-sphere-sphere-sphere
Cactoblastis cactorum
cactus moth, South American cactus moth, nopal moth
Cactoblastis cactorum is a pyralid moth native to South America that has become globally significant both as a biological control agent and an invasive pest. In its native range, natural predators and parasitoids limit population growth. The species was deliberately introduced to Australia in 1925 for control of invasive Opuntia cacti, achieving dramatic success that inspired further introductions to South Africa, the Caribbean, and elsewhere. Following Caribbean establishment in the 1950s, the moth spread naturally and through human activity to the southeastern United States by 1989, where it now threatens native cactus species and the ornamental cactus industry. The moth exhibits r-selected life history traits including high fecundity, short adult lifespan, and strong dispersal ability.
biological-control-agent invasive-species Opuntia-specialist gregarious-larvae r-selected economic-pest
Cixiidae
cixiid planthoppers
A family of small fulgoroid planthoppers comprising over 2,000 species in more than 150 genera worldwide. Adults are typically less than one centimeter in length and often inconspicuous. Nymphs develop underground feeding on roots, while adults feed on herbs, shrubs, and trees. Several species are economically significant as vectors of phytoplasma diseases affecting coconut palms, grapevines, sugar beets, and lilies.
planthopper fulgoroid phytoplasma-vector root-feeding-nymphs economic-pest wax-tails subterranean-nymphs Hemiptera Auchenorrhyncha
Cochliomyia hominivorax
New World screwworm fly, New World screwworm, screwworm, screw-worm
Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm fly, is an obligate parasitic blowfly whose larvae feed exclusively on living tissue of warm-blooded vertebrates. It is the only parasitic species in its genus; other Cochliomyia species are facultative parasites or carrion feeders. The species was eradicated from the United States, Central America, and much of the Caribbean through the sterile insect technique beginning in the 1950s, though it persists in tropical and subtropical South America and portions of the Caribbean. A 2016 outbreak in the Florida Keys was successfully eliminated, but detections in southern Mexico in 2024–2025 triggered renewed eradication efforts and trade restrictions.
obligate-parasite myiasis livestock-pest eradication sterile-insect-technique veterinary-entomology invasive-species economic-pest
Cochylichroa hospes
Banded Sunflower Moth
A small tortricid moth native to North America, the banded sunflower moth is a significant pest of cultivated sunflowers. Adults are active in mid-summer and are attracted to sunflower heads at twilight for egg-laying. The species was transferred from the genus Cochylis to the redefined genus Cochylichroa in 2019 based on phylogenetic analysis.
pest sunflower agriculture Tortricidae leafroller-moth Helianthus seed-feeder North-America crepuscular economic-pest overwintering-larva
Conophthorus coniperda
white pine cone beetle
Conophthorus coniperda, the white pine cone beetle, is a scolytine weevil that develops entirely within the cones of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). Adults emerge in spring to attack new cones, and larvae feed on cone tissues and seeds, often killing the cone. The species is typically univoltine, though some individuals require two years to complete development. It is a significant economic pest in white pine seed orchards due to seed destruction.
pest forest-insect cone-feeder pheromone-mediated economic-pest seed-orchard-pest
Coptotermes
Coptotermes is a genus of subterranean termites in the family Rhinotermitidae, containing approximately 71 described species. The genus is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia and includes some of the world's most economically destructive termite pests, notably Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite) and C. gestroi (Asian subterranean termite). A 2013 consensus among 31 termite experts reduced the number of validated species from 69 to 21 based on morphological and molecular evidence, with many historical names suspected to be synonyms. Species in this genus exhibit complex social behaviors including age-based task division and unique nitrogen recycling strategies.
termite pest invasive structural-pest subterranean Rhinotermitidae Heterotermitidae economic-pest urban-entomology colony social-insect molting nitrogen-recycling exuviae age-polyethism Formosan-subterranean-termite Asian-subterranean-termite Southeast-Asia-origin wood-feeding cellulose gut-protozoa lower-termite evolutionary-transition tunneling foraging trophallaxis proctodeal-trophallaxis carton-nest Ahamitermes parasite chitin-synthesis-inhibitor CSI-bait molting-site-fidelity invasive-species urban-pest structural-damage quarantine shipping railroad-ties mulch Hawaii Florida Louisiana Taiwan Japan China Philippines Australia temperature-limitation humidity-requirement colony-size several-million alates swarming nematode-association vertical-transfer morphological-plasticity molecular-identification mitochondrial-DNA COII 12S-rRNA 16S-rRNA consortium-taxonomy taxonomic-cold-case synonymy Wasmann-1896
Cryptolestes
Cryptolestes is a genus of small beetles in the family Laemophloeidae. Several species are economically significant pests of stored products, particularly food grains. The genus includes four particularly notorious species: C. ferrugineus (rusty grain beetle), C. pusilloides, C. pusillus (flat grain beetle), and C. turcicus (flour mill beetle). Species within this genus are morphologically similar and often require examination of genitalia for definitive identification.
stored-product-pest grain-pest Laemophloeidae Coleoptera economic-pest cosmopolitan-distribution
Curculio caryae
pecan weevil
Curculio caryae, the pecan weevil, is a specialized nut-feeding weevil native to North America and a major economic pest of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and hickory (Carya species) production. Adults emerge from soil in August and September, feed on developing nuts, and females use their elongated proboscis to drill through shells and deposit eggs into kernels. Larvae develop inside nuts for approximately 42 days before emerging through clean, round exit holes and burrowing into soil to pupate. The life cycle typically spans two years, though approximately 10% of individuals require three years. The species has been observed to occasionally infest Persian walnut (Juglans regia).
agricultural-pest nut-pest Curculionidae Coleoptera North-America-native biennial-life-cycle economic-pest pecan hickory
Cyladini
Cyladini is a tribe of weevils in the family Brentidae, subfamily Apioninae. The tribe includes economically significant pests of sweet potato, particularly the sweetpotato weevil (Cylas formicarius), which causes substantial damage to storage roots in tropical and subtropical production regions. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with Convolvulaceae host plants and their status as specialized root-feeding pests.
pest agriculture sweet-potato Convolvulaceae integrated-pest-management Cylas-formicarius tropical-agriculture subtropical-agriculture root-feeding-weevil storage-root-damage economic-pest biological-control crop-protection southeastern-United-States global-food-security low-input-farming drought-tolerant-crop nematode-interactions Beauveria-bassiana entomopathogenic-nematodes resistant-varieties crop-rotation cover-crops IPM Brentidae Apioninae Coleoptera Insecta Hexapoda Arthropoda Animalia Claire-Schloemer Auburn-University University-of-Wisconsin-Madison Journal-of-Integrated-Pest-Management Scott-Graham Kathy-Lawrence Covington Bonita Beauregard Orleans guava-root-knot-nematode root-knot-nematode wireworm cucumber-beetle flea-beetle Purpureocillium-lilacinum biopesticide green-bridge-effect mustard glucosinolate peanut bahiagrass sandy-soil drought-adaptation biofuel animal-feed nutritional-value food-security sustainable-agriculture environmental-impact microbial-control fungal-pathogen entomopathogenic-fungus biological-nematicide nematode-egg-parasitism pest-management agricultural-entomology crop-loss yield-reduction root-quality marketability integrated-management cultural-control selective-chemical-use productivity natural-processes versatility global-cultivation tropical-regions subtropical-regions southeastern-U.S.domestic-production revenue acreage harvest farming grower breeding research cultivar-development evolving-threats pest-pressure soil-health field-preparation winter-habitat insect-habitat parasitism infestation damage loss challenge defense arsenal battle war resilience adaptation innovation strategy sustainability livelihood nourishment food-production agricultural-research entomology plant-protection crop-science horticulture root-crop tuber storage-organ feeding-injury galling cracked-roots stunted-growth water-uptake nutrient-uptake pathogen-interaction exacerbated-damage variety-selection hardy-variety robust-performance high-yield nematode-resistance pest-resistance vulnerability spreading-pest population-reduction soil-improvement spring-planting toxic-compound natural-property microbial-product formulation application evaluation maximization potential urgency growing-threat comprehensive-strategy balance enablement essential-crop security defiance difficult-conditions menacing-pests formidable-threats production-continuation face-to-face threat disease resilient-crop growing-conditions menace story surface beneath relentless adversary favor condition powerful foe tiny parasite attack formation diminish ability result unattractive worse matter interaction significant devastating ruin inflict further compromise grapple thankfully farmer begin select hardy withstand traditional gain traction vulnerable highlight need continue breed effort develop capable oppose evolve after sturdy cultural management rotation cover cropping line take year off grow rotate non-host prove effective reduce population breathe life improve health suppress prepare example contain compound call break down release substance wary provide represent method harness help win spore fungus infect kill type tap different microscopic animal parasitize plus use combat attention egg aid fight minimize impact despite advance question remain require maximize particularly urgent pose key enhance approach integrate practice control selective chemical enable natural process nutritional value essential crop global food region support million address pressure innovative sustainable ensure live many formidable production although come face resilient able defy difficult read more journal integrated Claire Schloemer Ph.D.student conduct earn master degree email share link friend open new window print Facebook LinkedIn Bluesky Mastodon X Reddit Threads related discover from today subscribe get latest post send your Cylas formicarius sweet potato sweetpotato weevil photo courtesy show here cucumber beetle root-knot nematode harm U.S.guide detail variety option beloved delicious taste benefit bright color rank seventh most important world tropical subtropical area around serve feed source good pick low-input style well adapted sandy soil drought United States 2022 over 130,000 acre generate nearly 600 southeastern lead domestic Auburn University weather article publish March colleague Scott Graham Kathy Lawrence various among plant-parasitic specifically root system cause gall plant water nutrient stunted growth yield crack make interact pathogen exacerbate insect know storage 7 annual southern flea quality leave economic own resistance better meanwhile newer high robust performance however resist guava species spread next season winter field spring toxic green bridge effect habitat feeder symptom infection biological property microbe Beauveria bassiana agent formulate environmentally friendly product easy apply similarly beneficial entomopathogenic nematicide Purpureocillium lilacinum solution environmental resistant nematode-resistant cultivar comprehensive cultivation Wisconsin-Madison cschloemer wisc edu
Delphacoidea
planthopper superfamily, delphacid planthoppers
Delphacoidea is a superfamily of planthoppers within the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, comprising approximately 2,000 described species across two families: Delphacidae (the largest family of planthoppers) and the smaller Achilixiidae. Members are characterized by a movable spur on the hind tibia, a feature unique among planthoppers. The superfamily has a global distribution and includes numerous economically significant agricultural pests, particularly rice planthoppers in the genus *Nilaparvata*.
planthopper agricultural-pest rice-pest grass-feeder Auchenorrhyncha Fulgoromorpha phloem-feeder vector economic-pest hemipteran
Diapheromera femorata
Northern Walkingstick, Common Walkingstick
Diapheromera femorata is the most widespread and economically significant stick insect native to the United States. Adults reach 75–95 mm in length, with females typically larger than males. The species is notable for periodic outbreak populations that can cause localized defoliation of trees, particularly oaks. It is the only phasmid of documented economic importance in North America, with historical outbreaks affecting thousands of hectares in Michigan, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
phasmid walkingstick defoliator oak-feeder cryptic wingless economic-pest
Drosophila suzukii
spotted wing drosophila, SWD, spotted-winged drosophila, cherry vinegar fly
Drosophila suzukii, commonly called the spotted wing drosophila or SWD, is a small vinegar fly native to Southeast Asia that has become a major invasive pest of soft-skinned fruits in North America, Europe, and other regions. Unlike most Drosophila species that infest rotting fruit, females use their serrated ovipositor to lay eggs in intact, ripening fruit, causing significant economic damage to crops including cherries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and grapes. First described in 1931 and observed in Japan as early as 1916, the species was detected in Hawaii in the 1980s and subsequently invaded continental North America in 2008 and Europe shortly thereafter, spreading rapidly due to its high reproductive potential and polyphagous nature.
invasive-species agricultural-pest fruit-pest vinegar-fly polyphagous economic-pest EPPO-A2-list berry-pest cherry-pest
Ephestia kuehniella
Mediterranean Flour Moth, Mill Moth
Ephestia kuehniella is a small moth in the family Pyralidae and a major pest of stored cereal products, particularly flour. It is cosmopolitan in distribution, with established populations in temperate regions worldwide. The species thrives in warm conditions but tolerates a broad temperature range. Larvae are the destructive stage, feeding on milled grains and creating silk webbing that contaminates food products.
stored-product-pest pyralid-moth flour-pest cosmopolitan economic-pest
Erasmoneura vulnerata
Wounded Leafhopper
Erasmoneura vulnerata is a small leafhopper native to North America that has become an invasive pest in European vineyards since its first detection in Italy in 2004. Adults measure 2.7–3.2 mm in length and exhibit seasonal color dimorphism. The species completes 2–3 generations per year, with nymphal development taking 16–20 days. Feeding on grapevine mesophyll causes characteristic pale speckled lesions, leaf curling, and premature defoliation. In its invaded range, it poses significant economic threat to viticulture, particularly in organic vineyards where natural insecticides show limited efficacy.
invasive-species vineyard-pest leafhopper Typhlocybinae grapevine Europe North-America economic-pest seasonal-dimorphism biological-control-target
Eupnigodes megacephala
Big-headed grasshopper
Eupnigodes megacephala is a medium-sized grasshopper widely distributed across western North America. Formerly classified as Aulocara elliotti, this species is notable for its disproportionately large, rounded head and bright blue hind tibiae. It inhabits shortgrass prairies, desert grasslands, and occasionally montane areas up to 8,500 feet elevation. The species is economically significant as a rangeland pest, capable of reaching outbreak densities that severely reduce forage for livestock and promote soil erosion.
grasshopper rangeland-pest western-North-America graminivore early-hatching-species economic-pest Acrididae Gomphocerinae
Exoteleia
Exoteleia is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Wallengren in 1881. Species in this genus are associated with coniferous hosts, particularly pines (Pinus), where larvae function as needle miners and bud feeders. Several species are recognized as economic pests of plantation, ornamental, and Christmas tree pines in North America and Europe. The genus includes at least nine described species distributed across the Holarctic region.
needle-miner pine-pest Gelechiidae conifer-specialist economic-pest
Galleria mellonella
Greater Wax Moth, Honeycomb Moth
Galleria mellonella is a globally distributed moth in the family Pyralidae, best known as a destructive pest of honeybee colonies. The larvae tunnel through honeycomb, consuming wax, pollen, honey, and cast skins of bee larvae, causing significant economic damage to apiculture. Adults are nocturnal, with males producing ultrasonic mating calls at 75 kHz. The species has become an important model organism in biomedical research due to its innate immune system functionally similar to mammals, and has attracted recent attention for the ability of its larvae to degrade polyethylene plastic through salivary enzymes.
pest model-organism bee-parasite plastic-degradation ultrasonic-communication cosmopolitan economic-pest nocturnal
Gnatocerus maxillosus
flour beetle
Gnatocerus maxillosus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is a stored product pest commonly associated with grain and flour storage facilities. The species is known for its distinctive enlarged mandibles in males, which function as weapons in male-male combat. It has been documented from several European countries including France, Italy, and Albania, as well as the Canary Islands.
stored-product-pest sexual-dimorphism male-combat flour-beetle Tenebrionidae economic-pest grain-pest
Grapholita delineana
Eurasian hemp moth, hemp moth, hemp borer
Grapholita delineana, commonly known as the Eurasian hemp moth or hemp borer, is a tortricid moth species in the family Tortricidae. It has emerged as a significant economic pest of hemp (Cannabis sativa) in the United States following the crop's legalization for commercial production. The species is native to Eurasia but has established populations in North America where it can cause substantial damage to hemp crops, particularly those grown for cannabidiol (CBD) production.
pest hemp agricultural tortricidae invasive economic-pest
Haematobia
horn flies
Haematobia is a genus of biting muscid flies commonly known as horn flies. Adults are obligate blood-feeders on cattle and related bovids, with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus includes approximately 8 described species, with Haematobia irritans being the most economically significant pest of cattle in North America. Larvae develop exclusively in fresh cattle manure. Heavy infestations cause substantial economic losses through blood loss, reduced weight gain, and decreased milk production.
livestock-pest blood-feeding economic-pest vector integrated-pest-management insecticide-resistance
Haematobia irritans
Horn Fly
Haematobia irritans, the horn fly, is a small blood-feeding muscid fly native to Europe that has become a major livestock pest across North America, Latin America, and other regions. Adults are obligate hematophages that remain continuously on cattle hosts, feeding 20-40 times daily and causing significant economic losses through blood loss, stress, and reduced productivity. The species exhibits remarkable life history plasticity, with generation times as short as 10-14 days under optimal conditions and multiple annual generations. Overwintering strategies vary geographically: active adults persist year-round in tropical regions, while colder latitudes see pharate adult dormancy beneath dung pats. The horn fly has developed extensive insecticide resistance, driving research into alternative control methods including biological control, botanical repellents, and Wolbachia-based strategies.
livestock-pest blood-feeding veterinary-entomology insecticide-resistance integrated-pest-management Wolbachia economic-pest
Hypoderma tarandi
Reindeer Warble Fly, Reindeer Botfly, Caribou Bot Fly
Hypoderma tarandi is a parasitic warble fly (Diptera: Oestridae) that infests reindeer and caribou across Arctic and subarctic regions. Adult females lay eggs on host hair shafts; larvae penetrate the skin and develop in subcutaneous tissues, creating warble lesions. The species has exceptionally strong flight capacity in females, with maximum lifetime flight distances estimated at 600–900 km, an adaptation linked to the migratory behavior of its host. Adults do not feed; they rely entirely on fat reserves accumulated during larval development. The species causes economic damage to hides, meat, and milk production in domesticated herds and has been documented causing ophthalmomyiasis in humans.
parasite reindeer caribou Arctic botfly oestrid myiasis economic-pest traditional-food ophthalmomyiasis strong-flier thermoregulation mating-aggregation fat-body-metabolism ivermectin-resistance dispersal-ecology
Lasioderma
cigarette beetles, tobacco beetles
Lasioderma is a genus of small beetles in the family Ptinidae, containing over 50 species as of 1990. The genus is best known for Lasioderma serricorne, commonly called the cigarette beetle or tobacco beetle, a major cosmopolitan pest of stored products. Members of this genus are associated with dried plant materials and have become distributed globally through human commerce. The genus has been variously classified in Anobiidae or Ptinidae depending on taxonomic treatment.
stored-product-pest anobiid ptinid tobacco-pest cosmopolitan economic-pest
Lasioderma serricorne
cigarette beetle, tobacco beetle, cigar beetle, paprika beetle, tow bug, tobacco borer, cheroot beetle
Lasioderma serricorne is a small stored-product pest beetle, 2–3 mm in length, with a cosmopolitan distribution resulting from human commerce. It is distinguished from similar anobiid beetles by its uniformly serrated antennae lacking a terminal club, flatter thorax profile, and smooth elytra without grooves. The species has a remarkably broad diet, infesting tobacco, cereals, dried fruits, spices, and herbarium specimens. It possesses a mutualistic relationship with yeast-like symbionts (Symbiotaphrina spp.) that assist in protein metabolism and enable survival on nutritionally poor substrates. Strong flight capability and attraction to UV light facilitate its spread and monitoring.
stored-product-pest pantry-pest tobacco-pest herbarium-pest cosmopolitan symbiotic-yeast UV-phototaxis economic-pest anobiid flight-capable temperature-dependent-development polyphagous packaging-penetrator
Latheticus oryzae
Long-Headed Flour Beetle
Latheticus oryzae is a small stored-product pest beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the long-headed flour beetle. It infests milled grain products, cereals, flour, and rice, with both adults and larvae feeding directly on these substrates. The species is notable for its elongated head morphology and resemblance to Tribolium castaneum. It has been documented in high-temperature environments including Chinese baijiu-producing regions, where it infests fermented Daqu starter cultures.
stored-product-pest grain-pest Tenebrionidae economic-pest fermented-product-pest
Macalla thyrsisalis
mahogany webworm moth, mahogany webworm
Macalla thyrsisalis, known as the mahogany webworm moth, is a snout moth in the family Pyralidae described by Francis Walker in 1859. The larval stage is a strikingly colored caterpillar that feeds on West Indies mahogany, causing damage to the host plant. The species is distributed across southern Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America.
Pyralidae Epipaschiinae mahogany-pest West-Indies-mahogany Florida Caribbean Central-America herbivore webworm economic-pest
Melanocallis caryaefoliae
Black Pecan Aphid
Melanocallis caryaefoliae, commonly known as the black pecan aphid, is a specialized pest of pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis). Among aphid species attacking pecans, it produces the most severe foliar symptoms and achieves the highest mean density on susceptible cultivars. While feeding, it injects a toxin that causes bright yellow lesions between leaf veins, which subsequently turn brown and die. Premature defoliation from heavy infestations reduces nut fill and can diminish the following year's production. Unlike yellow pecan aphids, M. caryaefoliae is considered more destructive even at low densities, with economic thresholds as low as three aphids per compound leaf.
pest aphid pecan agriculture Hemiptera Aphididae foliar-feeder economic-pest integrated-pest-management parthenogenesis
Melittomma
Melittomma is a genus of ship-timber beetles (family Lymexylidae) comprising approximately 20 described species distributed pantropically. The genus is notable for larvae that bore into hardwoods and palm stems, with some species forming symbiotic associations with ambrosia fungi. Melittomma insulare is a serious pest of coconut palms in the Seychelles and Madagascar, causing structural damage that can lead to tree collapse. Adult females deposit fungal spores in a sticky matrix with their eggs, and larvae carry spores into wood on their bodies.
ship-timber-beetles ambrosia-beetles coconut-pest symbiotic-fungi wood-borer pantropical Seychelles Madagascar economic-pest Lymexylidae
Mindarus
balsam twig aphid
Mindarus is a genus of conifer-feeding aphids in the family Mindaridae, commonly known as balsam twig aphids. Species in this genus are specialized phloem feeders on fir trees (Abies spp.), where they cause needle discoloration, shoot deformation, and reduced aesthetic quality. Several species are significant economic pests in Christmas tree plantations, particularly M. abietinus on balsam fir and M. pinicola on Fraser fir. The genus exhibits a holocyclic life cycle with overwintering eggs, spring fundatrices, and summer parthenogenetic generations.
aphid conifer-pest Christmas-tree-pest Abies phloem-feeder economic-pest holocyclic parthenogenesis climate-sensitivity
Neofidia lurida
grape rootworm
Neofidia lurida, commonly known as the grape rootworm, is a leaf beetle in family Chrysomelidae. It is distributed across eastern North America, extending south to Mexico and north to Quebec. The species is recognized as an economic pest of grape cultivation due to larval feeding damage on roots. Adults are small, hairy beetles active in late spring and early summer.
leaf-beetle pest grape Vitaceae root-feeder eastern-North-America univoltine economic-pest Chrysomelidae
Ornithonyssus sylviarum
Northern Fowl Mite
Ornithonyssus sylviarum, commonly known as the northern fowl mite, is a blood-feeding ectoparasite of birds that has become a major economic pest of poultry worldwide. The entire life cycle occurs on the host, allowing populations to expand rapidly under favorable conditions. Heavy infestations cause anemia, reduced egg production, and can lead to death in severe cases. The mite has been reported on over 72 host species across 26 bird families and has shown ability to infest mammalian hosts including humans, though it does not permanently establish on non-avian hosts.
ectoparasite poultry-pest haematophagous economic-pest veterinary-entomology acari macronyssidae
Pachylobius picivorus
pitch-eating weevil, pitch eating weevil
Pachylobius picivorus, commonly known as the pitch-eating weevil, is a pine root-feeding weevil native to North America. The species is an economically significant pest of natural and planted pine seedlings, with brood development requiring 100–128 days during summer. Adults are long-lived and oviposit continuously at approximately 0.7 eggs per day per female throughout their lifespan. Populations exhibit two annual peaks in the Georgia Piedmont, driven by temperature and developmental cycles. Behavioral studies indicate the species responds strongly to olfactory cues, particularly ethanol and turpentine mixtures, though visual cues are less important for host location than in related species such as Hylobius pales.
pine-weevil root-feeding-weevil forestry-pest Pinus-pest Curculionidae North-America Georgia-Piedmont trap-response-behavior ethanol-turpentine-response pine-seedling-damage long-lived-adult continuous-oviposition population-peaks summer-brood-development olfactory-cue-response visual-cue-secondary Tedders-trap modified-Tilles-trap economic-pest forest-regeneration-pest larval-root-feeding pine-plantation-pest behavioral-ecology host-finding-behavior ground-dwelling-weevil Pachylobius Molytinae Pissodini
Phylloxera caryaemagna
pecan phylloxera
Phylloxera caryaemagna, commonly known as the pecan phylloxera, is a tiny, soft-bodied insect closely related to aphids and a significant pest of pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis). This species is considered the most damaging of the two primary phylloxera species attacking pecans, as it attacks shoots and developing nuts rather than just leaves. The insect induces the formation of galls on new growth through chemical secretions that stimulate abnormal plant tissue development. Widespread infestations can reduce current-year yield, impair tree vitality, and curtail subsequent production. Management requires precisely timed insecticide applications targeting the vulnerable nymph stage before gall formation encloses and protects the insects.
pest gall-former phloem-feeder pecan-pest economic-pest
Phylloxera deplanata
pecan leaf phylloxera, pecan phylloxera
Phylloxera deplanata is a tiny, soft-bodied insect in the family Phylloxeridae, closely related to aphids. It is a significant pest of pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis), causing the formation of galls on leaves, shoots, and nuts. The species overwinters as eggs in bark crevices and emerges in spring to feed on new growth, inducing abnormal plant tissue development. Unlike the pecan leaf phylloxera (which forms galls on leaves only), this species attacks shoots and nuts, making it more economically damaging. Heavy infestations can reduce yield, impair tree vitality, and diminish subsequent production.
phylloxera pecan gall pest agriculture Sternorrhyncha Carya economic-pest integrated-pest-management IPM orchard-pest
Prostephanus truncatus
Larger Grain Borer, Greater Grain Borer
Prostephanus truncatus, commonly known as the larger grain borer or greater grain borer, is a highly destructive beetle in the family Bostrichidae. Native to Mexico and Central America where it evolved as a wood-boring insect, it adapted to become a major pest of stored maize. The species was accidentally introduced to Tanzania, Africa in the late 1970s and subsequently spread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, where it additionally adapted to cassava as an alternate host. Populations can destroy up to 40% of stored maize in three months and cause estimated losses of 52-74% of stored cassava. Climate modeling indicates potential for further range expansion into the southern United States, South America, and tropical Asia.
stored-product-pest invasive-species maize-pest cassava-pest Bostrichidae economic-pest climate-change biological-control Africa Central-America
Rhinostomus
yucca weevils, bearded weevil, bottle brush weevil
Rhinostomus is a genus of weevils in the family Dryophthoridae, tribe Rhinostomini. The genus contains approximately eight species distributed across the Neotropics. Several species, particularly R. barbirostris, are significant pests of palms (Arecaceae), causing damage through larval and adult feeding that can lead to palm mortality. The genus was formerly known as Yuccaborus, which was synonymized with Rhinostomus in 2002.
weevil palm-pest Neotropical economic-pest edible-insects
Rhynchophorus cruentatus
Palmetto Weevil
Rhynchophorus cruentatus, commonly known as the palmetto weevil, is the largest weevil in North America and the only palm weevil species native to the continental United States. Native to Florida, it has expanded its range west to southern Texas and north to South Carolina. The species is a significant pest of palms, particularly targeting stressed or transplanted trees. Larvae bore into palm crowns and trunks, often killing the host before damage becomes externally visible. The complete life cycle from egg to adult takes approximately 84 days.
pest palm-pest invasive-potential aggregation-pheromone native-species economic-pest urban-pest
Scolytinae
Bark and Ambrosia Beetles, Bark Beetles
Scolytinae is a subfamily of weevils (Curculionidae) comprising approximately 220 genera and 6,000 species commonly known as bark and ambrosia beetles. Members are characterized by their specialized association with woody plants, where they excavate galleries beneath bark for reproduction and larval development. The subfamily includes some of the most economically significant forest pests globally, such as the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) and mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), which cause billions of dollars in timber losses. Species exhibit diverse feeding strategies: phloem-feeding bark beetles consume living or dying tree tissues, while ambrosia beetles cultivate symbiotic fungi in galleries as a food source.
forest-pest invasive-species phloem-feeder ambrosia-beetle fungal-symbiosis pheromone-communication fire-associated economic-pest tree-mortality wood-borer
Solenopsis
fire ants, thief ants, ginger ants, tropical fire ants, red ants
Solenopsis is a genus of ants in the family Formicidae comprising over 200 species worldwide, including the notorious fire ants and thief ants. Members of this genus are characterized by their ability to deliver painful stings using a venom-injecting stinger. The genus includes some of the most economically and ecologically significant invasive ant species, particularly Solenopsis invicta (red imported fire ant), which has spread from South America to become a major pest across the southern United States and beyond. While fire ants represent a minority of Solenopsis species, they have disproportionate ecological and economic impacts due to their aggressive behavior, large colony sizes, and potent venom.
invasive-species economic-pest medically-significant stinging-ant aggressive-defender soil-nesting polymorphic-workers multiple-queen-colonies biological-control-target climate-change-responder
Stegobium paniceum
Drugstore Beetle, Bread Beetle, Biscuit Beetle
Stegobium paniceum, commonly known as the drugstore beetle or biscuit beetle, is a small stored-product pest that infests a wide variety of dried plant materials. It is the sole member of the monotypic genus Stegobium. The beetle is notable for its ability to feed on toxic substances including strychnine, tobacco, and habanero peppers, and is a significant pest in homes, warehouses, museums, and the tobacco industry. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light and females emit sex pheromones that peak 3-4 days after emergence. The species harbors yeast-like symbionts (Symbiotaphrina) that provide nutritional supplementation.
stored-product-pest pantry-pest museum-pest UV-phototaxis symbiosis cosmopolitan economic-pest anobiid-beetle
Stomoxys calcitrans
Stable Fly, Barn Fly, Biting House Fly, Dog Fly, Power Mower Fly, Beach Fly, Lawn-mower Fly
Stomoxys calcitrans, commonly known as the stable fly, is a worldwide pest of livestock and humans. Both sexes are obligate blood-feeders, inflicting painful bites that cause significant economic losses in cattle operations through reduced weight gain and milk production. The species is easily mistaken for the common house fly but distinguished by its piercing-sucking mouthparts. Native to Eurasia and Africa, it has spread globally through human activity.
livestock-pest blood-feeding economic-pest vector Diptera Muscidae worldwide-distribution
Tetanops myopaeformis
sugar beet root maggot, sugarbeet root maggot
Tetanops myopaeformis is a picture-winged fly (family Ulidiidae) and the most economically significant pest of sugar beet in North America. Larvae feed on sugar beet roots, causing yield losses up to 100% in affected fields. The species overwinters as freeze-tolerant third-instar larvae in soil, with some individuals exhibiting prolonged diapause lasting multiple years. It is native to North America, though its original host plant remains unidentified; sugar beet, introduced to the continent, became its primary agricultural host.
agricultural-pest root-maggot freeze-tolerance diapause bacterial-symbionts genome-sequenced economic-pest sugar-beet Ulidiidae picture-winged-fly
Tetropium parvulum
Northern Spruce Borer
Tetropium parvulum, the northern spruce borer, is a small cerambycid beetle specialized on spruce hosts. It was elevated from synonymy with T. cinnamopterum based on distinct morphological differences in larvae and adults, and exhibits strict host specificity to Picea compared to the conifer generalist T. cinnamopterum. The species has a one-year life cycle and is an economically important borer of white and Engelmann spruce logs in western Canada.
Cerambycidae spruce-borer wood-boring-beetle forest-pest western-Canada conifer-specialist Tetropium Picea economic-pest one-year-life-cycle Tetropium-parvulum Northern-Spruce-Borer Tetropium-cinnamopterum-complex morphological-diagnosis strict-host-specificity Tetropium-alaskanum-synonym Rhimphoctona-alaskensis-parasitoid spruce-log-pest Alberta-forestry boreal-forest-insect phloem-feeder cambium-borer L-shaped-galleries early-summer-emergence woodpecker-predation disease-mortality excess-heat-mortality Tetropium-velutinum-comparison lectotype-designation Tetropium-parallelum Tetropium-schwarzianum coniferous-forest-decomposer primary-borer Tetropium-taxonomy Casey-1891 Canadian-Entomologist economic-entomology forest-health timber-pest spruce-regeneration Picea-glauca-pest Picea-engelmannii-pest western-Canadian-distribution North-American-Cerambycidae Tetropium-morphology larval-urogomphi adult-genitalia pronotal-punctation eye-morphology scutellum-structure 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Tribolium castaneum
Red Flour Beetle, Rust-red Flour Beetle
Tribolium castaneum, the red flour beetle, is a cosmopolitan pest of stored grain products and a well-established model organism for genetic and developmental research. Adults are small, reddish-brown beetles approximately 3–4 mm in length. The species is notable for its amenability to RNA interference techniques, making it valuable for studying segmentation, body plan development, and gene function. In stored product environments, it causes significant economic damage to flour, cereals, pasta, and other dry goods. Females are polyandrous, mating with multiple males.
stored-product-pest model-organism RNAi developmental-biology pantry-pest grain-pest economic-pest
Trogoderma variabile
warehouse beetle
Trogoderma variabile, commonly known as the warehouse beetle, is a stored product pest in the family Dermestidae. Adults are small beetles averaging about 3.2 mm in length with variable coloration ranging from reddish-brown to dark brown or blackish-brown. The species is highly polyphagous, infesting a wide range of dry goods including cereal products, animal feeds, spices, and nuts. It has been introduced globally and is now established across Europe, Asia, Central America, North America, and Oceania, where it causes significant economic damage in warehouses, granaries, and food storage facilities.
stored-product-pest grain-pest dermestid warehouse-pest invasive-species economic-pest
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.
armored-scale citrus-pest economic-pest phloem-feeder cosmopolitan-distribution agricultural-pest