Grape-pest
Guides
Altica chalybea
Grape Flea Beetle, Grape Steely Beetle
Altica chalybea, commonly known as the grape flea beetle or grape steely beetle, is a North American leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is recognized by its small bluish-green metallic coloration and reflective appearance. It is a documented pest of cultivated grape vines, where adults feed on buds and cause measurable reduction in vegetative growth. The species is distributed across North America and the Caribbean.
Alypia octomaculata
Eight-spotted Forester, Eight-spotted Forester Moth
Alypia octomaculata, the eight-spotted forester, is a day-flying moth in the family Noctuidae. Adults are strikingly colored with black bodies and eight contrasting spots on their wings—two per wing in white, cream, or yellow shades. The species is notable for its diurnal activity, unusual among noctuids, which frequently leads to misidentification as a butterfly. Larvae feed on grape family plants and are considered minor pests in vineyards.
Ampelomyia vitiscoryloides
grape filbert gall midge, grape filbert gall
A gall midge (Cecidomyiidae) that induces galls on grape plants (Vitis). Originally described as Schizomyia vitiscoryloides by Packard in 1869, it was transferred to the new genus Ampelomyia in 2018 based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence. Widespread in eastern North America.
Amphion floridensis
Nessus sphinx
Amphion floridensis, commonly known as the Nessus sphinx, is a day-flying moth in the family Sphingidae. It is the sole member of the monotypic genus Amphion. The species is widespread in eastern North America and is frequently encountered due to its diurnal activity. It is easily recognized by two bright yellow bands across the abdomen.
Aphis illinoisensis
grapevine aphid
Aphis illinoisensis, commonly known as the grapevine aphid, is a phytophagous insect native to North America that has become invasive in Mediterranean regions and other grape-growing areas worldwide. It is a documented vector of Grapevine vein clearing virus (GVCV), transmitting the pathogen from wild Vitaceae to cultivated grapevines. The species exhibits holocyclic life cycle characteristics with documented overwintering on Viburnum species. Its invasive expansion across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East has prompted biocontrol research using native parasitoids and entomopathogenic bacteria.
Aspilanta
Aspilanta is a genus of minute leaf-mining moths in the family Heliozelidae, erected in 2020 to accommodate North American species previously assigned to Antispila. Adults are distinguished by reduced wing venation and small size (wingspan 4.0–6.2 mm). Larvae feed internally in leaves of woody plants, primarily Vitaceae (grape family), with two species known from Hydrangeaceae and Myricaceae. The genus name is a partial anagram of Antispila.
Bromius obscurus
Western Grape Rootworm, Brown and Black Beetle
Bromius obscurus is a small leaf beetle (Chrysomelidae: Eumolpinae) and the sole member of its genus. It is a Holarctic species with a notable geographic parthenogenesis pattern: North American populations reproduce sexually while European populations are triploid and reproduce asexually. The species is recognized as a pest of grape vines in Europe and western North America. Adults possess a stridulatory apparatus on the wings, the first documented in the subfamily Eumolpinae.
Cedusa vulgaris
blue Derbid planthopper
Cedusa vulgaris is a planthopper in the family Derbidae, commonly known as the blue Derbid planthopper. First described by Fitch in 1851, this species is native to North America but has been recently documented as an emerging pest in Indian grape vineyards since May 2024. Adults feed on phloem sap of grape plants through piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species belongs to a group of planthoppers often characterized by distinctive coloration and association with woody host plants.
Ceroplastes rusci
Fig Wax Scale
Ceroplastes rusci, commonly known as the fig wax scale, is a soft scale insect (family Coccidae) native to the Mediterranean region. First discovered in Florida in 1994-1995, it has since spread to numerous countries across six continents and is recognized as a significant agricultural and forestry pest. The species feeds on more than 94 genera from 52 plant families, with notable impacts on figs, citrus, grapes, and ornamental plants. Climate change modeling predicts expanding suitable habitat ranges through 2100, increasing its invasive potential in temperate regions.
Daktulosphaira
grape phylloxera
Daktulosphaira is a genus of phylloxerid insects within Hemiptera, containing the economically devastating grape phylloxera D. vitifoliae. Members are small, aphid-like insects that induce distinctive galls on grapevines (Vitis spp.) and are obligate specialists on this host genus. The genus is notable for extremely high transcriptional plasticity when transferred between host genotypes, with over one-third of expressed genes showing differential expression. D. vitifoliae exhibits both root-feeding and leaf-galling forms, with complex life cycles involving parthenogenetic and sexual reproduction. The genus is native to eastern North America but has become a global pest of commercial viticulture.
Daktulosphaira vitifoliae
Grape Phylloxera
Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, commonly known as grape phylloxera, is a minute aphid-like insect in the family Phylloxeridae that is the most destructive pest of commercial grapevines worldwide. Native to eastern North America, it was accidentally introduced to Europe in the 1860s, where it devastated Vitis vinifera vineyards and nearly destroyed the wine industry. The insect has a complex life cycle involving both root-feeding and leaf-galling forms, with high transcriptional plasticity enabling rapid adaptation to different host grapevine genotypes. It reproduces parthenogenetically for most generations but can produce sexual forms and overwintering eggs under certain conditions.
Desmia
Desmia is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, erected by John O. Westwood in 1832. The genus contains small to medium-sized moths, most commonly brown with variable white spotting on the wings, though some species exhibit orange or blue-green coloration. The majority of species are distributed in South and Central America, with additional species present in Africa, Asia, and North America. Several species are of agricultural significance, particularly Desmia funeralis, the grape leaffolder, which is a documented pest of grapevines in the United States and Mexico.
Erasmoneura variabilis
Variegated Leafhopper
Erasmoneura variabilis, commonly known as the Variegated Leafhopper, is a small cicadellid leafhopper native to western North America. It feeds on grapevines (Vitis spp.) and has been studied for its mating communication through substrate-borne vibrational signals. The species is of concern to California viticulture due to direct feeding damage caused by piercing-sucking mouthparts. Research indicates it uses complex vibrational signaling with distinct male and female signals during pair formation, suggesting potential for behavioral mating disruption as a management strategy.
Erythroneura comes
Eastern Grape Leafhopper
Erythroneura comes, the Eastern Grape Leafhopper, is a key pest of grapevines in central and northeastern North America. Adults overwinter in leaf litter and debris, becoming active in spring to feed on diverse plants before colonizing grape foliage. Despite feeding on many host plants, oviposition is restricted exclusively to wild and cultivated grape. The species causes stippling, chlorosis, and early leaf drop through feeding damage, with one to four generations per year depending on geographic location and environmental conditions.
Erythroneura elegantula
Western Grape Leafhopper
Erythroneura elegantula, the Western Grape Leafhopper, is a leafhopper species native to western North America and a significant pest of cultivated grapevines. It completes two generations annually between April and September in California vineyards. Population densities vary with proximity to vegetational borders, remaining stable near diverse perennial flowering hedgerows and riparian zones while declining at greater distances from borders. The species serves as host for egg parasitoids in the genus Anagrus (Mymaridae), which provide biological control.
Erythroneura vitis
Grapevine Leafhopper
Erythroneura vitis, commonly known as the grapevine leafhopper, is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. It is a documented pest of grapevines (Vitis spp.), with both wild and cultivated grapes serving as hosts. The species has been recorded from multiple U.S. states including Colorado, District of Columbia, Indiana, Iowa, and Kansas. As a member of the subfamily Typhlocybinae, it possesses the characteristic small size and colorful patterning typical of this group. The species is part of a genus containing multiple grape-feeding species that can be challenging to distinguish without detailed examination.
Erythroneura ziczac
Virginia Creeper Leafhopper
Erythroneura ziczac, commonly known as the Virginia Creeper Leafhopper, is a small leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae. It is a documented pest of grapevines in North America, particularly in California vineyards where it has been the subject of integrated pest management research. The species feeds on plant sap and is known to overwinter as adults. It is one of several Erythroneura species associated with vineyard ecosystems, distinguished by its specific host plant relationships and population dynamics studied in agricultural contexts.
Eumorpha achemon
Achemon Sphinx, Grape Sphinx
Eumorpha achemon, commonly known as the Achemon Sphinx or Grape Sphinx, is a large sphinx moth native to North America. Adults are notable for their attractive pink hindwings, which contrast with their cryptic forewings. The species is considered uncommon throughout its range and is the only member of its genus found in California. Larvae are large hornworms that feed exclusively on grape leaves.
Geina
Geina is a genus of plume moths (family Pterophoridae) established by Tutt in 1906. The genus comprises six described species distributed primarily in North America and parts of Europe. At least two North American species—Geina sheppardi and Geina periscelidactyla—are specialized feeders on grape (Vitis). Species within this genus are small moths with divided wings characteristic of the family.
Geina periscelidactylus
grape plume moth, Grape and Sheppard's Plume Moths
Geina periscelidactylus, commonly known as the grape plume moth, is a small moth in the family Pterophoridae found in eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 16 mm and are active during summer months. The larvae are specialist feeders on grape (Vitis) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus), constructing webs among young foliage.
Givira
carpenter moths
Givira is a genus of carpenter moths (family Cossidae, subfamily Hypoptinae) established by Walker in 1856. The genus contains approximately 70 described species distributed across the Neotropics and southwestern North America. Several species are economically significant as wood-boring pests of cultivated plants, including Givira ethela, which damages grapevines in California. Adults are typically nocturnal with variable wing coloration ranging from dark brown to satiny white.
Harrisina
grapeleaf skeletonizer moths
Harrisina is a genus of moths in the family Zygaenidae, commonly known as grapeleaf skeletonizer moths. The genus includes several species, notably Harrisina americana (grapeleaf skeletonizer) and Harrisina metallica (western grapeleaf skeletonizer), which are significant agricultural pests of grapevines. Members of this genus are characterized by their aposematic coloration—typically black with bright red or metallic markings—and their ability to produce hydrogen cyanide as a chemical defense. The larvae feed gregariously on grape foliage, skeletonizing leaves by consuming the tissue between the veins.
Harrisina americana
Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moth
Harrisina americana, commonly known as the Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moth, is a day-flying moth in the family Zygaenidae. Adults are uniformly black with a distinctive bright red collar on the neck, serving as aposematic warning coloration. The species is notable among insects for its ability to produce hydrogen cyanide as a chemical defense. Larvae feed on grape family plants, skeletonizing leaves by consuming tissue between the veins. The moth is widespread in the eastern United States and is frequently observed in association with wild and cultivated grapes as well as Virginia creeper.
Harrisina metallica
Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moth, Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer
Harrisina metallica is a day-flying moth in the family Zygaenidae, commonly known as the western grapeleaf skeletonizer. Adults are deep metallic blue in color and exhibit wasp-mimicry, resembling spider wasps in the family Pompilidae. The species is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Larvae are specialized feeders on grape leaves and Parthenocissus species, skeletonizing foliage by consuming tissue between leaf veins. Caterpillars possess stinging hairs that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in humans.
Lobesia botrana
European grapevine moth, European grape worm
Lobesia botrana is a tortricid moth native to Southern Italy, now distributed across Southern Europe, North Africa, Anatolia, the Caucasus, and introduced to Japan, Chile, Argentina, and briefly California (2009–2016). It is a major vineyard pest whose larvae feed internally on grape berries, causing direct damage and facilitating secondary fungal infections. The species has two to three generations per year in Europe, with pupae overwintering in silken cocoons.
Naupactus
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.
Paralobesia viteana
Grape Berry Moth
Paralobesia viteana, the grape berry moth, is a tortricid moth native to eastern North America and an economically significant pest of cultivated and wild grapes (Vitis spp.). Larvae damage grape berries directly through feeding and indirectly by increasing susceptibility to fungal and bacterial pathogens. The species completes two to four generations annually depending on latitude and climate, with the final generation overwintering as pupae in leaf litter. It is considered one of the most damaging insect pests of grapes in eastern North America.
Pelidnota punctata
Grapevine Beetle, Spotted June Beetle, Spotted Pelidnota
Pelidnota punctata is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as the grapevine beetle or spotted June beetle. Adults are approximately 2.5–3 cm long with variable coloration ranging from off-yellow to auburn red, marked by four black spots on each side of the elytra. The species exhibits regional variation: northern populations typically have darker legs and more pronounced spotting, while southern populations may lack spots entirely and have lighter legs. It is distributed across eastern North America from Ontario to Florida and west to Texas and South Dakota.
Phyllocnistis vitegenella
Phyllocnistis vitegenella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, native to North America, with established populations in Europe since the 1990s. The larvae are leaf miners that feed on grape species, including both native Vitis and cultivated Vitis vinifera, and have become recognized as a pest of commercial vineyards. The species was first described by Clemens in 1859.
Pseudococcus maritimus
grape mealybug, vine mealybug
Pseudococcus maritimus, commonly known as the grape mealybug or vine mealybug, is a scale insect in the family Pseudococcidae that primarily infests grapevines (Vitis vinifera). It has been documented as a vector of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 and, more recently, was confirmed to transmit Little cherry virus 2 to sweet cherry, making it an economically significant pest in tree fruit and vineyard systems. The species is part of a species complex that includes morphologically similar taxa such as Pseudococcus meridionalis. Research indicates limited natural dispersal capacity, with first instars rarely walking between plants and wind dispersal declining sharply with distance from source plants.
Psychomorpha epimenis
Grapevine Epimenis Moth
Psychomorpha epimenis, commonly known as the Grapevine Epimenis Moth, is a North American noctuid moth in the subfamily Agaristinae. Adults are diurnal and display striking black-and-white wing patterns with orange-red patches. The species is associated with grapevines and related plants. It is one of only two species in the genus Psychomorpha.
Vitacea
Grape Root Borer Moths
Vitacea is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as grape root borer moths. The genus contains four recognized species, including Vitacea polistiformis, a significant agricultural pest of grape vineyards in the eastern United States. Adults are wasp mimics with reduced wing scaling that gives them a distinctive transparent appearance. Larvae are subterranean root borers that feed on grapevine roots, causing economically important damage to cultivated grapes.
Vitacea scepsiformis
Lesser Grape Root Borer Moth
Vitacea scepsiformis, the lesser grape root borer moth, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. It occurs across eastern and central North America, where its larvae develop as root borers in grapevines (Vitis species). Adults are active from mid-summer through early autumn and are wasp mimics in appearance. The species is smaller than the related grape root borer (Vitacea polistiformis) and generally considered less economically damaging.
Vitisiella
Grape Midge Galls
Vitisiella is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established by Fedotova & Kovalev in 2003. Species in this genus are associated with grape plants (Vitis spp.), inducing characteristic galls on their hosts. The genus is known from North America, with records from the northeastern United States. The common name 'Grape Midge Galls' reflects their ecological association with cultivated and wild grapes.
Vitisiella brevicauda
Grape Tumid Gallmaker Midge
Vitisiella brevicauda, the Grape Tumid Gallmaker Midge, is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces characteristic tumor-like galls on grape (Vitis) leaves and stems. The species was described by Felt in 1908 and is primarily known from eastern North America. It is a minor pest in vineyards, where gall formation can reduce photosynthetic capacity and aesthetic value of grape foliage.
Zaprionus
Fig Flies
Zaprionus is a genus of fruit flies in the family Drosophilidae, distinguished by conspicuous white longitudinal stripes across the head and thorax. The genus is divided into two subgenera based on stripe number: Zaprionus (even number of stripes) and Anaprionus (odd number of stripes). Species occur primarily in Africa and southern Asia, with several species showing invasive expansion. The genus is taxonomically nested within the paraphyletic genus Drosophila.
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African fig fly
Zaprionus indianus is a highly invasive drosophilid fruit fly native to West and Central Africa that has established populations across tropical and temperate regions worldwide. It is distinguished by striking longitudinal black and white stripes on the head and thorax. Unlike many invasive drosophilids, it cannot penetrate intact fruit skin and instead exploits pre-existing wounds or oviposition holes made by other species, particularly spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii). It is a significant pest of figs, grapes, and other soft fruits, and exhibits strong interspecific competitive ability.