Forestry-pests
Guides
Buprestinae
jewel beetles, metallic wood-boring beetles
Buprestinae is a subfamily of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) comprising approximately 1,500+ species worldwide. The subfamily contains five recognized tribes: Anthaxiini, Buprestini, Chrysobothrini, Melanophilini, and Xenorhipidini. Members are characterized by their brilliant metallic coloration and sculptured bodies. Adults are primarily phytophagous, with many species visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. Larvae are predominantly wood-borers, though some exhibit leaf-mining habits in tropical regions. Several species are significant forestry pests or invasive species.
Chlorophorus
wasp beetles
Chlorophorus is a genus of round-necked longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, tribe Clytini. Species within this genus exhibit diverse ecological specializations, with some acting as significant agricultural and forestry pests. Notable species include the Asian bamboo longhorn beetle (C. annularis), an invasive species in Europe; C. robustior, a pest of sainfoin in Turkey; C. caragana, a pest of Caragana shrubs in China; C. varius, known as the wasp beetle, which develops in peach wood; and C. strobilicola, a cone and seed pest of chir pine in India. The genus demonstrates considerable variation in host associations, ranging from woody plants to herbaceous legumes and conifer cones.
Geometridae
geometer moths, geometrid moths, inchworms, spanworms, loopers, cankerworms, measuring worms
Geometridae is one of the largest families of moths, with approximately 23,000 described species worldwide. The family name derives from Greek "geo" (earth) and "metron" (measure), referring to the distinctive looping locomotion of their larvae, commonly called inchworms or loopers. These caterpillars possess only two or three pairs of prolegs at the posterior end, compared to five or more pairs in most other Lepidoptera, forcing them to arch their bodies in a characteristic "measuring" gait. Adults are typically nocturnal with slender bodies and broad wings, often exhibiting cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against bark and vegetation.
Paropsis
tortoise beetles
Paropsis is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) comprising over 70 described species. Members are small, brightly colored, and hemispherical in shape, leading to frequent misidentification as ladybirds (Coccinellidae). The genus is native to Australasia and has become established in some regions outside its native range through accidental introduction. Several species are significant defoliators of Eucalyptus and are considered economic pests in forestry plantations.
Phoracanthini
Phoracanthini is a tribe of longhorn beetles in the subfamily Cerambycinae, containing twelve recognized genera distributed primarily across the Australasian, Oriental, and Indo-Pacific regions. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Phoracantha, known for their association with Eucalyptus trees. Member genera exhibit substantial diversity in body form and elytral patterning, with many species displaying distinctive spotted or banded coloration.
Zeuzerinae
Leopard Moths
Zeuzerinae is a subfamily of carpenter moths (Cossidae) commonly known as leopard moths. The group includes approximately 60 genera distributed across tropical and temperate regions worldwide. Many species are known for their striking spotted or patterned wing coloration. Larvae of several genera, including Zeuzera and Polyphagozerra, are significant wood-boring pests that tunnel into living trees and woody plants.