Eggplant
Guides
Epitrix fuscula
eggplant flea beetle
Epitrix fuscula, commonly known as the eggplant flea beetle, is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It is recognized as a significant agricultural pest of eggplant (Solanum melongena) in North America. The species has been studied specifically in Arkansas production areas where it affects crop yields through feeding damage.
Gargaphia solani
eggplant lace bug
Gargaphia solani is a subsocial lace bug in the family Tingidae, described by Heidemann in 1914 after emerging as a pest of eggplant in Norfolk, Virginia. It is the first species in its family in which maternal care was discovered. Females guard circular egg masses on leaf undersides and defend nymphs against predators, a behavior essential for offspring survival given heavy predation pressure. Development from egg to adult takes approximately 20 days, with nymphs passing through five instars. The species is a significant agricultural pest of solanaceous crops and has been extensively studied for its reproductive trade-offs and the evolution of parental care.
Rhectocraspeda
eggplant webworm moth
Rhectocraspeda is a genus of snout moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was described by Warren in 1892 and currently contains one recognized species, Rhectocraspeda periusalis, commonly known as the eggplant webworm moth. The genus is considered a synonym of Psara in some taxonomic databases, though this classification remains disputed. Members of this genus are associated with agricultural crops, particularly Solanaceae.