Integrated-pest-management
Guides
Therioaphis
Therioaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae comprising more than 20 described species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, notably the spotted alfalfa aphid (Therioaphis maculata, also treated as T. trifolii forma maculata) and the yellow clover aphid (Therioaphis trifolii), which infest alfalfa, clovers, and related legumes. These species have been extensively studied for biological control, host plant resistance, and their role as vectors of plant pathogens including alfalfa mosaic virus.
Thyanta
redshouldered stink bugs, red-shouldered stink bugs
Thyanta is a genus of stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae containing approximately 19 described species. Species in this genus are recognized by a distinctive reddish band across the pronotum (the 'shoulder' region behind the head), giving them the common name 'redshouldered stink bugs.' Several Thyanta species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybean, corn, and various legume crops. The genus is native to the Americas, with species distributed from North America through South America.
Thyanta custator accerra
Redshouldered stink bug, Red-shouldered stink bug
Thyanta custator accerra is a subspecies of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae, commonly known as the redshouldered stink bug. It is an agricultural pest of increasing concern in soybean and corn production across the Midwestern United States. Adults are recognized by a distinctive reddish band across the thorax-abdomen junction. The species feeds on developing fruits and seeds using piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing yield loss and quality reduction in affected crops.
Triaspis
Triaspis is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae. Species within this genus are biological control agents that parasitize weevil larvae and eggs, particularly those of agricultural pests. The genus includes species such as T. thoracicus, an egg-larval parasitoid of pea weevils, and T. aequoris, a larval parasitoid of sunflower seed weevils.
Trichogramma
Trichogramma wasps, egg parasitoid wasps
Trichogramma is a genus of minute polyphagous wasps that are endoparasitoids of insect eggs. With over 200 species worldwide, it is one of approximately 80 genera in the family Trichogrammatidae. These wasps are among the most extensively studied and widely used biological control agents globally, with more than a thousand published papers on their biology and applications. Trichogramma species have also gained attention in neuroscience research due to their extremely small brain size—fewer than 10,000 neurons—while still exhibiting complex behaviors.
biological-controlegg-parasitoidintegrated-pest-managementneuroscience-modelWolbachiamass-rearingagricultural-pest-managementChalcidoideaTrichogrammatidaeaugmentative-biological-controlinundative-releasesustainable-agriculturerice-pest-managementcotton-pest-managementorchard-pest-managementforest-pest-managementparthenogenesischemosensory-biologyminiaturizationbrain-evolutionTrichogrammatidae
trichogrammatid wasps, egg parasitoid wasps
Trichogrammatidae are a family of minute endoparasitoid wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea, containing over 840 species in approximately 80 genera with worldwide distribution. Adults of most species measure less than 1 mm in length, with some species of Megaphragma reaching less than 300 μm—among the smallest insects known. The family is distinguished by 3-segmented tarsi, paddle-shaped forewings fringed with marginal cilia, and a unique nervous system adaptation where adult neurons function without nuclei. Trichogrammatids are economically important as biological control agents, parasitizing eggs of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera.
Trichopoda pennipes
feather-legged fly
Trichopoda pennipes is a tachinid fly native to North and South America that has been introduced to Europe and other regions as a biological control agent. Adults feed on nectar and are active from late spring through autumn. Females deposit eggs on true bugs, particularly stink bugs and squash bugs, and the developing larvae act as internal parasitoids that eventually kill their hosts. The species is notable for its feather-like hind leg fringes and is considered a valuable natural enemy of agricultural pests, though its effectiveness varies by region and host species.
Trichopria
Trichopria is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Diapriidae distributed worldwide. Species in this genus are primarily pupal parasitoids of Diptera, with documented hosts including drosophilid fruit flies, sarcophagid flies, muscids, and other fly families. Several species have been investigated for biological control of pest flies, particularly the invasive spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii). The genus exhibits variation in reproductive strategies, with some species showing solitary development and others gregarious or polyembryonic development.
Triops
tadpole shrimp, shield shrimp
Triops is a genus of small branchiopod crustaceans in the order Notostraca, commonly known as tadpole shrimp or shield shrimp. The genus is distinguished by having only a pair of long, thin caudal extensions on the telson, unlike the related genus Lepidurus which bears an additional central platelike process. Some species are frequently sold as aquarium pets in dried egg kits, hatching upon contact with fresh water. In agricultural settings, particularly California rice cultivation, certain species function as early-season pests that damage germinating seedlings.
Trissolcus
samurai wasps
Trissolcus is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Scelionidae, comprising at least 180 described species. Members are obligate egg parasitoids of true bugs in the infraorder Pentatomomorpha, including stink bugs (Pentatomidae). The genus has gained significant attention due to the biological control potential of several species, particularly Trissolcus japonicus (the "samurai wasp"), against the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). Taxonomic challenges have historically complicated identification, with recent revisionary work resolving numerous synonymies and clarifying species boundaries.
Trogoderma inclusum
larger cabinet beetle
Trogoderma inclusum, commonly known as the larger cabinet beetle, is a stored product pest in the family Dermestidae. It has a broad global distribution spanning Africa, Europe, Northern Asia, North America, Oceania, and Southern Asia. Research indicates it is more resistant to long-term mating delays than its congener Trogoderma variabile, maintaining higher egg production and progeny emergence as females age. The species is a target for integrated pest management strategies including mating disruption and insecticide-incorporated netting.
Tropiduchidae
Tropiduchid Planthoppers
Tropiduchidae is a family of planthoppers in the order Hemiptera, within the superfamily Fulgoroidea. The family contains at least 160 genera and approximately 600 described species distributed worldwide. Members are characterized by their planthopper morphology and are classified within the subfamily Elicinae and other subfamilies. The family includes economically significant pests such as Ommatissus lybicus (the Dubas bug), a serious pest of date palms in the Middle East and North Africa.
Trybliographa
Trybliographa is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Figitidae. The most studied species, T. rapae, is an important biological control agent of cabbage root fly (Delia radicum) larvae in agricultural systems across Europe and North America. Members of this genus are koinobiont endoparasitoids that locate hosts using chemical cues and visual cues, with documented plasticity in behavioral responses to environmental stimuli.
Varroa
Varroa Mites
Varroa is a genus of parasitic mesostigmatan mites that are obligate ectoparasites of honey bees (Apis spp.). The genus contains four species, with Varroa destructor being the most significant pest of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) worldwide. Originally parasites of Asian honey bees (Apis cerana) in mainland Asia, these mites have spread globally through beekeeping activities. V. destructor is recognized as the most devastating pest of managed honey bees, causing colony losses through direct parasitism and by vectoring viruses such as deformed wing virus. The genus was named for Marcus Terentius Varro, a Roman scholar and beekeeper.
Varroidae
Varroidae is a family of parasitic mites in the order Mesostigmata, containing the economically significant genus Varroa. Members are obligate ectoparasites of honey bees (Apis spp.), with Varroa destructor being the most destructive species affecting managed European honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies worldwide. These mites have a two-stage life cycle involving a phoretic traveling phase on adult bees and a reproductive phase within brood cells. The family has become a major focus of apicultural research due to the severe colony losses attributed to Varroa infestations, disease transmission, and the mites' role in honey bee population declines.
Vitacea polistiformis
grape root borer, Grape Root Borer Moth
Vitacea polistiformis, commonly known as the grape root borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. It is a significant agricultural pest of grapevines (Vitis spp.) in the eastern and midwestern United States, where larval feeding on roots causes 'slow vine decline' that may take 5–10 years to become visible aboveground. Adults are Batesian mimics of Polistes paper wasps. As few as nine larvae can kill a mature vine with an 8-inch base circumference.
Xanthogaleruca luteola
elm leaf beetle
Xanthogaleruca luteola, the elm leaf beetle, is an invasive leaf beetle native to Europe that has become the most serious defoliator of elm trees in North America. Adults are yellow to olive-green with distinctive black lateral stripes and spots. Both adults and larvae feed on elm foliage, with larvae skeletonizing leaves by consuming soft tissue between veins. The species has multiple generations annually, with larvae overwintering in soil or bark crevices. Biological control using introduced parasitoids has reduced its pest status in many regions.
Zabrotes subfasciatus
Mexican bean weevil
Zabrotes subfasciatus, commonly known as the Mexican bean weevil, is a small bruchine beetle that infests stored legume seeds, particularly common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Females deposit eggs on seed coats; larvae develop endophytically within the cotyledons, consuming the seed from the inside. A single seed can support up to 20 emerging adults. The species has demonstrated capacity to utilize alternative hosts including cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), lentil, chickpea, and soybean, with populations showing plasticity in host preference through artificial selection. Development from egg to adult takes approximately 34 days at 27°C and 70% relative humidity. Maximum female fecundity is around 55 eggs. The species is a significant post-harvest pest in tropical regions, with reported production losses up to 35%.
Zetzellia mali
apple mite, Zetzellia mite
Zetzellia mali is a predatory mite in the family Stigmaeidae, widely distributed across apple-growing regions of the world. This small arachnid serves as an important natural enemy of phytophagous mites in orchards, particularly targeting spider mites (Tetranychidae) and eriophyid mites. The species exhibits a three-generation annual life cycle in temperate climates, with adult females overwintering in protected locations on host trees. While less efficient at population regulation than some competing predatory mites such as phytoseiids, Z. mali contributes significantly to biological control in integrated pest management programs.
Zeuzera
Leopard moths, Wood-boring moths
Zeuzera is an Old World genus of carpenter moths (family Cossidae) comprising approximately eight currently recognized species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, notably Zeuzera pyrina (leopard moth), whose larvae bore into the wood of fruit and ornamental trees causing substantial economic damage. Members of this genus are characterized by their wood-boring larval habit and broad distribution across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Several former species have been reclassified to other genera, including Zeuzera boisduvalii which was moved to the new genus Davidlivingstonia in 2020.