Invasive
Guides
Acanalonia
cone-headed planthoppers
Acanalonia is a genus of planthoppers in the family Acanaloniidae, containing the majority of species within that family. Species are generally small, mostly green, and feed on woody and semi-woody plants. Several species have become invasive in Europe, including A. conica, which has established populations in multiple countries.
Acantholyda erythrocephala
red-headed pine sawfly, pine false webworm
Acantholyda erythrocephala is a sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae, native to Europe and introduced to North America in 1925, where it became an invasive pest of pine trees. The species is commonly known as the red-headed pine sawfly or pine false webworm. Its larvae construct distinctive silken tubes for feeding and shelter, causing defoliation of host trees. The species has been the target of biological control efforts using parasitoid flies and viral agents.
Acizzia
Acizzia is a genus of psyllids in the monotypic subfamily Acizziinae, established by George Heslop-Harrison in 1961. Species are primarily associated with leguminous hosts, particularly Acacia and Albizia species in Australia, though some have expanded to Solanaceae and Loranthaceae. Many species exhibit high host specificity, with some being monophagous or oligophagous. Several species have become invasive outside their native ranges following the global horticultural trade of their host plants.
Acizzia jamatonica
Acizzia jamatonica is a psyllid species (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) native to Asia that has established populations in Europe and North America. It is associated with Albizia species, particularly Albizia julibrissin. The species was first described by Kuwayama in 1908 from Japan and has since been detected as a non-native introduction in multiple countries.
Acrididae
Short-horned Grasshoppers, Grasshoppers
Acrididae is the largest family of grasshoppers, comprising approximately 6,700–10,000 species within the suborder Caelifera. Members are characterized by short, stout antennae and auditory tympana located on the first abdominal segment. The family includes all locust species capable of forming destructive swarms, making it economically significant worldwide. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies indicate the family originated in South America during the Paleocene, approximately 59 million years ago, rather than Africa as previously believed.
Adelges cooleyi
Cooley spruce gall adelgid, Douglas fir adelgid, gall adelgid
Adelges cooleyi is a gall-forming adelgid native to western North America, specifically the Rocky Mountains and Cascade Mountains. It is a host-alternating species with a complex life cycle involving two primary hosts: spruce (Picea) species as primary hosts and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) as the secondary host. On spruce, the adelgid induces the formation of distinctive pineapple-shaped galls at branch terminals. On Douglas fir, it produces white, cottony wax masses containing eggs but causes less conspicuous injury. The species has two generations per year and exhibits morphological dimorphism: progredientes migrate to current-year needles while sistentes settle on older needles.
Agrilus cyanescens
Agrilus cyanescens is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is native to Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China) and has been introduced to North America, where it is now considered invasive. It has been newly recorded in Connecticut and other eastern states. Two subspecies are recognized: A. c. cyanescens and A. c. johanidesi.
Agrilus sinuatus
sinuate peartree borer, hawthorn jewel beetle
Agrilus sinuatus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China) with introduced or established populations in North America. The species has emerged as a significant pest of rosaceous trees in European orchards and nurseries, particularly pear, quince, and hawthorn. It was historically an occasional pest in the 19th century, became rare during the broad-spectrum insecticide era, then resurged dramatically from 1992–1997 in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, with a major population explosion recorded in Hungary in 2019 causing 40–50% tree mortality in a quince orchard. The species exhibits a two-year life cycle with thermophilic tendencies, showing increased population growth following hot summers.
Aleurodicus
whiteflies, spiraling whiteflies, rugose spiraling whitefly (for A. rugioperculatus), giant whitefly (for A. dugesii)
Aleurodicus is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) comprising at least 30 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Several species are significant agricultural and ornamental pests, including the invasive rugose spiraling whitefly (A. rugioperculatus) and the spiraling whitefly (A. dispersus). The genus is characterized by distinctive wax-producing capabilities and puparial morphology used extensively in taxonomic identification.
Aleurodicus dugesii
giant whitefly, spiralling whitefly
Aleurodicus dugesii, commonly known as the giant whitefly, is a polyphagous pest of horticultural crops native to the Americas and invasive in Asia. It produces distinctive long wax filaments during the nymph stage that resemble a beard. Population densities can exceed 1,900 individuals per leaf on preferred hosts, causing severe defoliation and plant damage. The species serves as host for several introduced parasitoids used in biological control programs.
Amphiareus obscuriceps
Amphiareus obscuriceps is a minute predatory flower bug (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) native to the Sino-Japanese Region of East Asia. The species has become invasive in North America and Europe, where it has been recorded since at least 2007. It inhabits dead leaf clusters of deciduous trees and shrubs, where it preys on small arthropods. Phylogeographic studies indicate the species diverged into Chinese and Japanese lineages approximately 1.07 million years ago, influenced by Pleistocene sea level fluctuations.
Amphibalanus
acorn barnacle
Amphibalanus is a genus of acorn barnacles in the family Balanidae, established by Pitombo in 2004 to accommodate species formerly assigned to Balanus. The genus contains multiple species including the widespread and economically significant Amphibalanus amphitrite and A. improvisus. These barnacles are characterized by their conical calcareous shells, cemented base, and planktonic larval stages culminating in a settlement-competent cyprid stage. Several species have become established outside their native ranges as invasive biofouling organisms in ports and harbors worldwide.
Amphibalanus amphitrite
striped barnacle, purple acorn barnacle, Amphitrite's rock barnacle
Amphibalanus amphitrite is a medium-sized acorn barnacle with distinctive purple or brown vertical stripes. It is a globally distributed marine species native to warm and temperate waters, now recognized as a significant biofouling organism. The species has become a model organism for larval settlement research due to its invasive potential, worldwide distribution, and ease of laboratory culture. Its genome has been sequenced, and extensive neurobiological studies have examined the settlement behavior of its cyprid larvae.
Anastrepha suspensa
Caribbean fruit fly, Greater Antillean fruit fly, guava fruit fly, Caribfly
Anastrepha suspensa is a tephritid fruit fly native to the Caribbean region and now established in Florida. Adults are 11–14 mm long with yellow-orange-brown coloration and distinctive wing venation patterns. The species is a significant agricultural pest, infesting over 100 host plants with particular preference for guava, Cayenne cherry, and citrus. Females possess a serrated ovipositor for cutting into fruit to deposit eggs. Mating occurs through lek formation on host fruit, with males establishing territories and producing acoustic signals through wing vibrations.
Anthonomus rubi
strawberry blossom weevil, strawberry-blossom weevil
Anthonomus rubi is a small weevil native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa that has become established in North America (first detected in British Columbia, Canada in 2019, then Washington State, USA in 2021). It is a major agricultural pest of strawberry and raspberry, with females laying single eggs in unopened flower buds before severing the stalk, causing bud death and yield losses up to 80% in severe cases. The species has been observed to exhibit prolonged adult activity year-round in protected cultivation systems, with recent documentation of direct fruit feeding behavior in addition to traditional bud damage.
Anthonomus testaceosquamosus
hibiscus bud weevil
Anthonomus testaceosquamosus, commonly known as the hibiscus bud weevil, is a small curculionid weevil native to northeastern Mexico and southern Texas. The species was first detected as an invasive pest in south Florida in May 2017, where it infests China rose hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) in ornamental production systems. It has three larval instars and completes its life cycle only at 27±1°C. The species is now regulated in Florida due to significant economic damage to the hibiscus industry.
Antispila
shield-bearer moths
Antispila is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Heliozelidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus comprises approximately 50 described species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Larvae feed internally on leaves of host plants, creating distinctive serpentine or blotch mines that terminate in oval cutouts ('shields') used for pupation. Several species are economically significant as pests of grapevines, dogwoods, and ornamental shrubs. Taxonomic revisions using DNA barcoding have resolved longstanding species complexes, particularly among Cornus-feeding species in Europe.
Aplos
Aplos is a monotypic genus of issid planthoppers in the family Issidae, established by Gnezdilov in 2018. The sole species, Aplos simplex, was previously classified under the genus Thionia. The genus has established invasive populations in Europe.
Appendiseta
Appendiseta is a monotypic genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Richards in 1965. The sole described species, Appendiseta robiniae, is known as the black locust aphid and has been introduced to Europe from its native North American range. The genus is classified within the tribe Therioaphidini and subfamily Calaphidinae.
Archips fuscocupreanus
exotic leafroller moth, apple tortrix
Archips fuscocupreanus is a leafroller moth in the family Tortricidae, native to East Asia (China, South Korea, Japan, and eastern Russia). It is an introduced species in the northeastern United States, where it has established populations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington. The species is a generalist herbivore with larvae feeding on numerous woody and herbaceous plants across multiple families. Adults are active in summer, with flight periods recorded from June to July in China.
Atholus bimaculatus
Spotted Clown Beetle
Atholus bimaculatus, commonly known as the spotted clown beetle, is a species of histerid beetle with a remarkably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. The species is native to the Palearctic region (Europe, Northern Asia, North Africa) and has been introduced to North America, South America, and parts of Asia. It belongs to the family Histeridae, a group commonly called clown beetles or hister beetles, which are typically associated with decomposing organic matter. The specific epithet 'bimaculatus' refers to two spots, likely describing a characteristic marking pattern on the elytra.
Attagenus smirnovi
Brown Carpet Beetle, Vodka Beetle
Attagenus smirnovi is a synanthropic dermestid beetle commonly known as the brown carpet beetle. Native to Africa, it has established populations across Central and Northern Europe through human-mediated dispersal. The species is a significant pest of museum collections and households, feeding on keratin-based materials including wool textiles, carpets, fur, and skin. First described by Rustem Devletovich Zhantiev in 1973, it was named after E.S. Smirnov, who first observed it in Moscow in 1961.
Aulacaspis
Aulacaspis is a genus of armored scale insects in the family Diaspididae. These small, sap-sucking insects are characterized by their protective waxy coverings, called tests, which shield their soft bodies. The genus includes numerous species, some of which are significant agricultural and horticultural pests. The type species is Aulacaspis rosae. Several species have become invasive outside their native ranges, notably Aulacaspis yasumatsui, which has caused severe damage to cycad populations worldwide.
Bactrocera oleae
olive fruit fly, olive fly, δάκος της ελιάς
Bactrocera oleae is a tephritid fruit fly and the most destructive pest of olive cultivation worldwide. Larvae feed exclusively on olive fruits (Olea europaea), causing direct damage to pulp and oil quality. Annual crop losses can reach 30% without control, and exceed 90% in severe infestations. The species is monophagous on olives and has developed resistance to multiple insecticide classes, driving research into alternative management strategies including sterile insect technique and biological control.
Badumna
House Spiders, Black House Spider, Grey House Spider
Badumna is a genus of medium to large cribellate spiders in the family Desidae, first described by Tamerlan Thorell in 1890. The genus is native to the Indo-Australian region, with most species endemic to Australasia. Several species, particularly B. longinqua and B. insignis, have become synanthropic and have been introduced to multiple continents, establishing populations in urban environments. The most well-known species, B. insignis, is commonly called the 'black house spider' and has been documented in Japan as an introduced species.
Badumna longinqua
Grey House Spider
Badumna longinqua, the grey house spider, is a medium-sized spider native to eastern Australia that has become a widespread invasive species. It is highly synanthropic, thriving in urban environments and artificial structures rather than natural habitats. The species constructs distinctive messy, ladder-like webs from retreats in cracks and crevices. Females may remain in the same web for their entire lives, while males disperse to seek mates during warmer months.
Blattella asahinai
Asian cockroach
Blattella asahinai, the Asian cockroach, is a small peridomestic cockroach species first described in 1981 from Okinawa, Japan. It is nearly morphologically identical to the German cockroach (B. germanica) but occupies distinct ecological niches, preferring outdoor habitats with leaf litter and vegetation. The species is a strong flier attracted to light, contrasting with its flight-avoidant relative. Since its introduction to Florida in 1986, it has spread throughout the southeastern United States, where it can reach extremely high population densities in suitable habitats.
Boisea trivittata
eastern boxelder bug, box bug, maple bug, adobe bug
Boisea trivittata, commonly known as the eastern boxelder bug, is a North American true bug in the family Rhopalidae. Despite being classified as 'scentless plant bugs,' this species produces defensive monoterpene hydrocarbons that deter predators. Adults are approximately 12-13 mm long with dark brown or black coloration marked by distinctive red wing veins and abdominal markings. The species undergoes incomplete metamorphosis, with bright red nymphs maturing to winged adults before winter. It is primarily associated with boxelder trees (Acer negundo), though it also occurs on other maples and ash trees.
Brachyplatys subaeneus
black bean bug
Brachyplatys subaeneus, commonly known as the black bean bug, is a shield bug in the family Plataspidae native to Asia. It has established invasive populations in the Western Hemisphere, first detected in Panama in 2012 and subsequently reported from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, and Florida (USA). The species is a significant agricultural pest with a strong preference for legume crops, though it feeds on multiple plant families. Genetic studies have identified three distinct lineages within its native range and traced invasive populations to specific source regions.
Bruchus affinis
seed beetle
Bruchus affinis is a univoltine seed beetle native to the western Palaearctic Region, first recorded in North America in Canada (British Columbia, Ontario, Québec) before 2007. It was likely introduced via imported Lathyrus seeds for planting. The species develops inside seeds of Lathyrus species, with adults feeding on pollen and nectar. Development from egg to adult requires approximately 60 days. The parasitoid Dinarmus basalis has been recorded causing about 10% mortality in Canadian populations.
Cacoecimorpha pronubana
Carnation Tortrix, Carnation Leaf-roller
Cacoecimorpha pronubana is a highly polyphagous tortricid moth of Mediterranean origin, now widespread across Europe, North Africa, and introduced to North America and South Africa. The sole species in its genus, it is a significant pest of ornamental plants and horticultural crops. Larvae feed on foliage, flowers, and fruits, rolling leaves with silken webbing to create concealed feeding shelters. The species exhibits complex transgenerational responses to host plant changes, with parental diet affecting offspring development and reproduction.
Cacopsylla fatsiae
Cacopsylla fatsiae is a psyllid species in the family Psyllidae, described by Jensen in 1957. It belongs to the genus Cacopsylla, which includes numerous phloem-feeding insects associated with woody plants. The species has been recorded in Japan, China (Hong Kong), and California (USA). Like other Cacopsylla species, it is presumed to feed on plant phloem sap, though specific host associations for C. fatsiae remain poorly documented in published literature.
Callidiellum rufipenne
Japanese Cedar Longhorned Beetle
Callidiellum rufipenne is a small longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) native to East Asia, commonly known as the Japanese Cedar Longhorned Beetle. It is a wood-boring pest of conifers in the Cupressaceae and Pinaceae families. The species has been introduced to multiple regions outside its native range, including eastern North America, Europe, and Oceania, where it has established populations. It is of economic concern due to damage to ornamental and timber conifers.
Calomycterus setarius
Imported Long-horned Weevil
Calomycterus setarius, commonly known as the imported long-horned weevil, is a broad-nosed weevil native to Japan that has become established in eastern North America. The species belongs to the family Curculionidae and is classified within the subfamily Entiminae. It is frequently encountered in the northeastern and midwestern United States, with confirmed records from states including Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.
Caloptilia fraxinella
Ash Leaf Cone Roller, Ash Leaf Cone Roller Moth
Caloptilia fraxinella is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. Native to North America, it has become a significant pest of horticultural ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in Canadian Prairie cities and parts of the United States. The species exhibits an unusual life history with a 9-month adult reproductive diapause; adults eclose in summer, overwinter, and mate the following spring. Larvae mine ash leaves and eventually roll leaflets into cones for pupation.
Camponotus sexguttatus
Six-spotted Carpenter Ant
Camponotus sexguttatus is a Neotropical carpenter ant native to South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The species has established invasive populations in Florida, Hawaii, and Arizona, where it has been documented as a 'tramp ant' in urban environments. It belongs to the diverse genus Camponotus, which includes over 1,000 species of wood-nesting ants. Multiple subspecies have been described across its native range.
Carcinus
Green crabs
Carcinus is a genus of crabs in the family Carcinidae, comprising two recognized species: C. maenas (the European green crab or shore crab) and C. aestuarii (the Mediterranean shore crab). The genus is notable for containing one of the world's most successful marine invasive species, C. maenas, which has established populations across temperate coastlines on multiple continents. Both species share similar ecological roles as opportunistic predators in coastal marine systems. C. aestuarii is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea and has been implicated in at least one invasion event in Japan.
Carpophilus hemipterus
dried-fruit beetle
Carpophilus hemipterus is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae known as the dried-fruit beetle. It is a cosmopolitan pest of ripening and dried fruits, with documented infestations on dates, litchi, mango, guava, papaya, and stone fruits. The species exhibits strong aggregation behavior mediated by pheromones and shows phototactic flight responses that transition readily to vegetative orientation upon encountering food odors. It completes multiple generations per season in warm climates, with population peaks correlating with temperature and humidity optima. Both adults and larvae cause direct damage to fruits and can vector microorganisms associated with fermentation and aflatoxin production.
Cephennium gallicum
Cephennium gallicum is a minute rove beetle in the subfamily Scydmaeninae, native to Europe and first recorded in North America in 2004 from Point Pleasant Park, Halifax, Nova Scotia. The species is believed to have been introduced via shipping activity at the port of Halifax. It represents one of several documented cases of Palearctic Coleoptera establishing populations in North American port cities.
Cercopagididae
Cercopagididae is a family of predatory branchiopod crustaceans in the order Onychopoda. Members are planktonic water fleas characterized by specialized predatory adaptations including modified thoracopods and distinctive labral morphology. The family includes notable invasive species such as Bythotrephes longimanus (spiny water flea) and Cercopagis pengoi (fishhook water flea), which have been introduced to North America and pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems. Native to the Palearctic, several species have expanded their ranges through human-mediated dispersal.
Cercyon lateralis
Cercyon lateralis is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia, and has been introduced to North America where it is now established across much of Canada and the northern United States. The species occupies moist terrestrial and semi-aquatic habitats, typical of the genus Cercyon.
Chlosyne theona
Theona Checkerspot
Chlosyne theona, commonly known as the Theona Checkerspot, is a species of brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded in Hawaii. The species is part of the checkerspot group within the genus Chlosyne, which includes several similar-looking species with patterned orange and black wing markings. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 4508.
Chrysis angolensis
Chrysis angolensis is a cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. Originally described from Angola, it has established populations across much of the world through human-mediated dispersal. The species is a documented parasite of mud dauber nests, with a known association to the black and yellow mud dauber Sceliphron caementarium. It has been recorded as introduced to French Polynesia and is well-established in North America.
Cithaeron
Cithaeron is a genus of small, nomadic spiders in the family Cithaeronidae. Members are characterized by depressed posterior median eyes and pseudosegmented tarsi. The genus includes species with Old World origins that have become established as human-mediated introductions in multiple regions, including the Americas. Cithaeron praedonius, the best-known species, was first documented in Florida in 2011 and has since been recorded in multiple counties.
Cithaeronidae
Curly-legged Ground Spiders
Cithaeronidae is a small family of araneomorph spiders in the superfamily Gnaphosoidea, established by Simon in 1893. The family contains two genera—Cithaeron and Inthaeron—with approximately ten described species. Members are small, pale yellowish, fast-moving nocturnal hunters that construct silken retreats under rocks. Several species, notably Cithaeron praedonius, have been introduced to the Americas and Australia through human activity.
Coccotrypes cyperi
seed borer
A small weevil species in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the seed borer. Native to Southeast Asia, it has established cosmopolitan distribution through human-mediated dispersal, particularly via international trade in seeds and plant materials. The species is polyphagous and has been documented from approximately 50 host plant species. It is recognized as an invasive pest in multiple regions including the United States, where it was introduced in the early 1900s through imported bird seeds and avocado seeds.
Coptodisca
Coptodisca is a genus of small moths in the family Heliozelidae, established by Walsingham in 1895. Species are leafminers whose larvae feed internally on leaves of woody plants, creating distinctive blotch mines. Several species have become invasive pests in Europe, particularly C. lucifluella and C. juglandiella on walnut (Juglans) and related trees. The genus is native to the Nearctic region with approximately 20 described species.
Coptotermes
Coptotermes is a genus of subterranean termites in the family Rhinotermitidae, containing approximately 71 described species. The genus is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia and includes some of the world's most economically destructive termite pests, notably Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite) and C. gestroi (Asian subterranean termite). A 2013 consensus among 31 termite experts reduced the number of validated species from 69 to 21 based on morphological and molecular evidence, with many historical names suspected to be synonyms. Species in this genus exhibit complex social behaviors including age-based task division and unique nitrogen recycling strategies.
termitepestinvasivestructural-pestsubterraneanRhinotermitidaeHeterotermitidaeeconomic-pesturban-entomologycolonysocial-insectmoltingnitrogen-recyclingexuviaeage-polyethismFormosan-subterranean-termiteAsian-subterranean-termiteSoutheast-Asia-originwood-feedingcellulosegut-protozoalower-termiteevolutionary-transitiontunnelingforagingtrophallaxisproctodeal-trophallaxiscarton-nestAhamitermesparasitechitin-synthesis-inhibitorCSI-baitmolting-site-fidelityinvasive-speciesurban-peststructural-damagequarantineshippingrailroad-tiesmulchHawaiiFloridaLouisianaTaiwanJapanChinaPhilippinesAustraliatemperature-limitationhumidity-requirementcolony-sizeseveral-millionalatesswarmingnematode-associationvertical-transfermorphological-plasticitymolecular-identificationmitochondrial-DNACOII12S-rRNA16S-rRNAconsortium-taxonomytaxonomic-cold-casesynonymyWasmann-1896Crangonyctidae
Crangonyctidae is a family of freshwater amphipod crustaceans containing both surface-dwelling and subterranean species. The family includes notable genera such as Crangonyx, Stygobromus, Bactrurus, and Synurella. Many species are obligate groundwater inhabitants adapted to cave and aquifer environments, while others occupy springs, streams, and lakes. The family has a broad geographic distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, with significant diversity in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Crangonyx
cave amphipods, spring amphipods
Crangonyx is a genus of freshwater amphipod crustaceans in the family Crangonyctidae. Species inhabit diverse aquatic environments including surface waters (marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers) and subterranean habitats (caves, springs, groundwater systems). The genus includes both native and highly invasive species, with some taxa exhibiting troglobitic adaptations such as reduced eyes and elongated appendages. Several species have been introduced outside their native ranges, notably Crangonyx pseudogracilis and C. floridanus in Europe and Asia, where they interact competitively and predatorily with native amphipods.