Entomopathogenic-nematode-host
Guides
Cactophagus
cactus weevil, prickly pear cactus weevil
Cactophagus is a genus of snout and bark beetles in the family Dryophthoridae, comprising more than 50 described species distributed from southern North America through Central America to northern South America. Species in this genus are strongly associated with cacti, particularly Opuntia species, and several are significant agricultural pests. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with some species previously placed in Metamasius. The most economically important species, C. spinolae, is a major pest of prickly pear cactus in Mexico and has been introduced to other regions for biological control of invasive Opuntia.
Elasmopalpus
lesser cornstalk borer (for E. lignosellus)
Elasmopalpus is a genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae, described by Émile Blanchard in 1852. The genus is restricted to the Americas and currently comprises three species. The type species E. angustellus was described with the genus, while E. corrientellus was added in 1888 and E. lignosellus in 1848. The genus is considered closely related to Ufa. The most well-known species, E. lignosellus (lesser cornstalk borer), is a significant agricultural pest of Poaceae and Fabaceae crops throughout the Americas.
Herpetogramma phaeopteralis
dusky herpetogramma moth, tropical sod webworm, dark sod webworm
Herpetogramma phaeopteralis is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of approximately 18 mm, originally described by Guenée in 1854. It is known by multiple common names including dusky herpetogramma moth, tropical sod webworm, and dark sod webworm. The species has an exceptionally broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. Larvae feed on grass leaves, and the species is occasionally referenced in turfgrass pest management and biological control research.
Lobiopa insularis
strawberry sap beetle
Lobiopa insularis is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, widely distributed across the Americas from North America through Central America to South America and the Caribbean. It is a significant agricultural pest of strawberry and other soft fruits, causing direct feeding damage and indirect losses through fungal dispersal. The species has been extensively studied for its biology, life history, and control options, including biological control using parasitoids and entomopathogenic nematodes.
agricultural-pestsap-beetlestrawberry-pestbiological-controlNitidulidaefrugivoroussexual-dimorphismmate-guardingparasitoid-hostentomopathogenic-nematode-hostpolyphagousfungal-dispersal-agentoverwintering-adultlong-lived-adulthigh-fecunditysoil-ovipositionripening-fruit-attractionintegrated-pest-managementBrazilArgentinaAmericas-distributionMaladera formosae
Asiatic garden beetle
Maladera formosae, the Asiatic garden beetle, is an invasive scarab beetle native to East Asia that was introduced to North America in 1921. It has become a significant agricultural pest, particularly in the Great Lakes region where it damages field corn, soybeans, and commercial mint. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with soil-dwelling larvae that feed on plant roots and nocturnal adults that consume foliage and flowers. Both life stages cause economically important damage, with larvae responsible for early-season crop losses and adults defoliating ornamental and crop plants.
Otiorhynchus sulcatus
black vine weevil, vine weevil, strawberry weevil, cyclamen weevil
Otiorhynchus sulcatus is a parthenogenetic weevil native to the Palearctic region that has become a globally significant horticultural pest. Adults are flightless, nocturnal, and feed on foliage, producing characteristic notching damage along leaf margins. Larvae develop belowground, feeding on roots, corms, and rhizomes, causing severe plant damage or death. The species reproduces exclusively through thelytokous parthenogenesis; males are absent from all populations. Adults exhibit strong visual and thigmotactic preferences for refuge selection, favoring dark colors (black, blue), tall silhouettes, and basal entrance openings.
Sitona hispidulus
Clover Root Curculio, Clover Weevil
Sitona hispidulus, the clover root curculio, is a weevil species native to Europe that has been introduced to Asia and North America. The larval stage is the most damaging, feeding cryptically underground on root nodules and taproots of legumes, particularly alfalfa and clovers. Adults feed on foliage with minimal damage. The species has been overlooked as a pest for decades but causes chronic issues including reduced stand establishment, shortened stand life, and increased winterkill in forage systems. Population levels are limited by availability of root nodules for early instars and taproot biomass for later instars.