Invasive-species
Guides
Acanalonia conica
Green Cone-headed Planthopper
Acanalonia conica is a planthopper species native to North America that has established invasive populations across Europe since its first detection in Italy in 2003. Adults are bright green with a distinctive conical head and red eyes, while nymphs are brown with white waxy filaments. The species is univoltine, highly polyphagous, and produces abundant honeydew. In Europe, it has been observed forming denser populations than in its native range and is considered a potential agricultural pest.
Acanaloniidae
Acanaloniid Planthoppers, Cone-headed Planthoppers
Acanaloniidae is a family of planthoppers in the superfamily Fulgoroidea, sometimes treated as a subfamily (Acanaloniinae) within Issidae. The family comprises approximately 7 genera including Acanalonia, Batusa, Chlorochara, and Philatis. Members are characterized by their distinctive cone-headed appearance and reticulate forewing venation. Several species have been introduced to Europe, including Acanalonia conica and Acanalonia bivittata, where they represent the first Nearctic representatives of this family.
Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae
crapemyrtle bark scale, CMBS
Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae, commonly called crapemyrtle bark scale or CMBS, is an invasive felt scale insect native to East Asia. First detected in the United States near Dallas, Texas in 2004, it has since spread to at least 17 states across the Southeast and Middle Atlantic regions. This phloem-feeding pest primarily infests crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.), forming distinctive white, felt-like coverings on trunks and branches. Heavy infestations cause branch dieback, reduce flowering, and promote black sooty mold growth through honeydew excretion. The scale has also been confirmed on alternative hosts including American beautyberry, pomegranate, apple, and spirea.
Acanthoscelides obtectus
Bean Weevil, Bean Bruchid, Dry Bean Weevil
Acanthoscelides obtectus is a small bruchid beetle and major pest of stored legume seeds, particularly common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Native to mountainous regions of northern South America, it has spread globally through grain shipments and now occurs on every continent except Antarctica. The species is notable for its ability to infest seeds both in the field and in storage, with larvae developing entirely within seeds while adults feed on pollen. Its economic impact stems from reduced seed quality, germination failure, and contamination of legume products.
Aceria fraxiniflora
ash flower gall mite
Aceria fraxiniflora is a North American gall mite that produces distinctive galls on ash trees, particularly on male flowers. Native to North America, it was first recorded in Europe in southeast Hungary in 2017 and has since spread rapidly across eight Central-Eastern European countries by 2023. The mite appears to be a strict specialist on North American ash species, with no records from native European ashes. Its rapid spread on invasive green ash has raised interest in its potential as a biocontrol agent, though its real impact on host fitness remains unquantified.
Achroia
Achroia is a genus of small moths in the snout moth family Pyralidae, belonging to the tribe Galleriini within subfamily Galleriinae. The genus contains one unequivocally recognized species, Achroia grisella (lesser wax moth), with several other named species considered of doubtful validity. These moths are primarily known as pests of honey bee colonies, where larvae consume wax, pollen, and honey. The genus is closely related to Galleria, which contains the greater wax moth.
Achroia grisella
Lesser Wax Moth
Achroia grisella, the lesser wax moth, is a pyralid moth and pest of honey bee colonies worldwide. It is smaller and less destructive than the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella), primarily infesting weak or abandoned honey bee colonies where larvae feed on beeswax, pollen, honey, and brood cappings. The species has a worldwide distribution in temperate and tropical regions where honey bees are kept, and its spread has been facilitated by human-mediated transport of beekeeping equipment. Adults are small grayish moths with distinctive yellow heads. The species is notable for its unusually simple directional ear, which enables acoustic localization for both predator avoidance and mate finding.
Acizzia uncatoides
Acacia Psyllid
Acizzia uncatoides is a psyllid species native to Australia, primarily associated with Acacia species, especially Acacia melanoxylon, and some Albizia species. It has been introduced to multiple regions worldwide, including La Réunion, where it poses a significant threat to endemic Acacia heterophylla forests. Though capable of reaching high population densities, it is not generally regarded as a major pest species in most of its range. The species serves as prey for generalist psyllid predators and has been targeted for classical biological control programs.
Aclerdidae
Aclerdid Scales, Flat Grass Scales
Aclerdidae is a family of scale insects (superfamily Coccoidea) comprising five genera and approximately 58 species. Members are specialized herbivores primarily associated with grasses (Poaceae), where they inhabit leaf sheaths and feed on plant sap. The family exhibits highly derived morphology including leglessness, reduced antennae, and unique anal apparatus. Several species have become economically significant as pests of agricultural and wetland grasses, including the invasive roseau cane scale (Nipponaclerda biwakoensis) in North America and Aclerda takahashii on sugarcane.
Acmaeodera parkeri
Acmaeodera parkeri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Cazier in 1940. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of several plant species, including Allionia incarnata (creeping four o'clock), Talinum whitei (White's flameflower), and Evolvulus arizonicus (Arizona blue-eyes).
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Aconophora is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, tribe Aconophorini, characterized by a long, forward-projecting pronotal horn. The genus contains 13 described species distributed in the Neotropics. The most studied species, Aconophora compressa, was introduced to Australia in 1995 as a biological control agent for invasive lantana but was subsequently found to attack non-target plants, leading to its discontinued use. Members of this genus feed on plant stem sap and are not known to form mutualistic associations with ants, unlike the related genus Guayaquila.
Acrocercops
Acrocercops is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae. Species in this genus are primarily known as internal feeders on plant foliage, creating mines within leaves. Several species have been extensively studied as models for host race formation and host-associated speciation, particularly A. transecta, which exhibits distinct host races on distantly related plant families. The genus includes both native and invasive species, with some members recognized as agricultural pests.
Acroclisoides
Acroclisoides is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, established in 1915. Species within this genus are obligate hyperparasitoids that attack the pupal stage of scelionid primary parasitoids developing within pentatomid (stink bug) eggs. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Oriental, Afrotropical, Australian, and Holarctic regions. Acroclisoides sinicus, the most studied species, has recently expanded from Asia to Europe and North America, where it poses potential risks to biological control programs targeting invasive stink bugs such as Halyomorpha halys.
Acroclisoides sinicus
Acroclisoides sinicus is a small pteromalid wasp described from China in 1988. It is an obligate hyperparasitoid that exploits the pupal stage of scelionid primary parasitoids, particularly Trissolcus species, within pentatomid stink bug eggs. Laboratory studies demonstrate extreme host selectivity, with strong preference for Trissolcus mitsukurii over T. japonicus and no exploitation of eupelmid parasitoids. The species has recently expanded to Europe and North America, likely following pathways of its primary parasitoid hosts. Its presence raises concerns for biological control programs targeting invasive stink bugs like Halyomorpha halys.
Acrolepiopsis
Acrolepiopsis is a genus of small moths in the family Glyphipterigidae, established by Gaedike in 1970. The genus includes approximately six described species in North America and additional species in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably Acrolepiopsis assectella (leek moth) and A. sapporensis (Asiatic onion leafminer), which specialize on Allium species including onion, garlic, and leek. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with DNA barcoding data supporting species-level distinctions.
Acrolepiopsis assectella
Leek Moth, Onion Leaf Miner
Acrolepiopsis assectella, commonly known as the leek moth or onion leaf miner, is a specialist herbivore native to Europe and Siberia that has become an invasive pest in North America. It is a significant agricultural pest of Allium crops including garlic, leek, onion, and chives, capable of causing up to 40% crop damage. The species has expanded its range from initial detections in the Ottawa area in 1993 to much of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Its life cycle is temperature-dependent, with 1–3 generations per year possible depending on climate.
Adelges
Adelges is a genus of conifer-feeding insects in the family Adelgidae, closely related to aphids. Members of this genus are small, sap-sucking insects that infest various fir (Abies) and hemlock (Tsuga) species. Several species are significant forest pests, notably Adelges tsugae (hemlock woolly adelgid), which has caused extensive mortality of eastern hemlock forests in North America, and Adelges piceae (balsam woolly adelgid), a pest of balsam and Fraser firs. The genus exhibits complex life cycles often involving parthenogenetic reproduction and alternating generations between winged and wingless forms.
Adelges piceae
Balsam Woolly Adelgid, Balsam Woolly Aphid
Adelges piceae is a small, wingless, sap-sucking insect native to Europe that has become a destructive invasive pest of fir trees (Abies spp.) in North America. Introduced to the United States around 1900, it has killed millions of trees across the continent. The species produces distinctive white, woolly wax secretions that protect adults and eggs. It is particularly damaging to balsam fir and Fraser fir, causing gouting, reduced growth, and tree mortality.
Adelges tsugae
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, HWA
Adelges tsugae, the hemlock woolly adelgid, is a small invasive sap-sucking insect native to East Asia. In eastern North America, it is a destructive pest of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and Carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana), causing extensive tree mortality and threatening forest ecosystems. The insect is named for the white, woolly wax coating that covers its egg sacs and protects the insects beneath. It reproduces asexually via parthenogenesis in North America, producing two generations per year.
Adelgidae
adelgids, woolly conifer aphids, pine aphids, spruce aphids
Adelgidae is a small family of sap-sucking insects in the order Hemiptera, closely related to aphids. Members are commonly known as "woolly conifer aphids" due to their waxy secretions and exclusive association with conifer hosts in the family Pinaceae. The family includes some of the most destructive invasive forest pests in North America, notably the hemlock woolly adelgid (*Adelges tsugae*) and balsam woolly adelgid (*A. piceae*), which have caused widespread tree mortality. Adelgids exhibit complex, multigeneration life cycles that may include cyclical parthenogenesis, host alternation, and polymorphism.
Adoxophyes
Summerfruit tortrix moths
Adoxophyes is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Archipini, established by Meyrick in 1881. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, most notably Adoxophyes orana (summerfruit tortrix), which damages fruit crops across Europe and Asia. Species in this genus are characterized by their polyvoltine life cycles, larval feeding on buds, leaves, and fruits of numerous host plants, and the use of sex pheromones for mate location. Several species have been introduced to new regions, causing significant damage to orchards and requiring integrated pest management.
Aedes
tiger mosquito, dengue mosquito
Aedes is a large genus of mosquitoes containing over 950 species, originally native to tropical and subtropical regions but now established on all continents except Antarctica. The genus is distinguished by black and white banding on the body and legs, and by diurnal biting behavior that differs from most mosquito genera. Several species are significant disease vectors, transmitting dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. Invasive species such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus have expanded their ranges dramatically through human activity, particularly via the international trade in used tires.
Aedes aegypti
yellow fever mosquito, dengue mosquito, Egyptian mosquito
Aedes aegypti is a small, dark mosquito and the primary global vector of dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. Native to Africa, it has become established in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions worldwide through human commerce and travel. The species is highly adapted to urban environments, breeding in artificial water containers and feeding preferentially on humans. Females require blood meals for egg development and are responsible for disease transmission. The species exhibits significant insecticide resistance, particularly to pyrethroids, complicating control efforts.
Aedes albopictus
Asian tiger mosquito, forest mosquito, tiger mosquito
Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is a highly invasive vector species native to tropical and subtropical Southeast Asia. It has spread globally through human commerce, particularly via used tires and shipping containers. The species is distinguished by striking black and white banded legs and a white dorsal thoracic stripe. It is a significant public health threat as an efficient vector for dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and other arboviruses. Unlike many mosquitoes, it bites during daytime hours and thrives in urban environments, breeding in small artificial water containers.
Aedes japonicus
Asian bush mosquito, Asian rock pool mosquito
Aedes japonicus is an invasive mosquito species native to East Asia, first described from Tokyo in 1901. It has established populations in North America, Europe, and Hawaii through human-mediated transport of eggs in used tires and containers. The species is a competent vector for West Nile virus, La Crosse virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and St. Louis encephalitis virus, with experimental evidence for dengue and chikungunya viruses. Its cold-hardiness, ecological plasticity, and ability to exploit diverse container habitats contribute to its invasive success.
Aedini
Aedini is the largest tribe of mosquitoes in the subfamily Culicinae, comprising approximately 1,256 species across 81 genera. Members include many medically important vectors such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which transmit dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses. The tribe exhibits considerable diversity in ecology, ranging from container-breeding species to floodwater mosquitoes, with many species adapted to temperate climates through embryonic diapause.
Aemodogryllinae
camel crickets
Aemodogryllinae is a subfamily of Rhaphidophoridae (cave crickets or camel crickets) containing approximately sixteen genera. Members are apterous (wingless) and predominantly inhabit dark, humid microhabitats including caves, stone crevices, and karst formations. The subfamily exhibits a disjunct distribution: tribe Aemodogryllini occurs in Europe and Asia (Korea, Russia, China, Indochina), while tribe Diestramimini is restricted to India, southern China, and Indochina. The greenhouse camel cricket (Diestrammena asynamora) is cosmopolitan and invasive.
Aenasius
Aenasius is a genus of solitary endoparasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae. Species within this genus are specialized parasitoids of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), with documented hosts including the invasive cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis. The genus has been extensively studied for its potential in biological control of agricultural pests, particularly in cotton-growing regions. Some species show remarkable developmental plasticity in response to temperature, enabling them to track their hosts across invaded ranges.
Aethina tumida
Small Hive Beetle, SHB
Aethina tumida is an invasive pest beetle native to sub-Saharan Africa that has spread globally, causing significant damage to European honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. Adults are small, reddish-brown to dark brown beetles with clubbed antennae. Females can lay up to 2,000 eggs, and larvae feed on bee brood, honey, and pollen, producing frass that promotes fungal fermentation and creates a slimy, unusable mess in hives. The species has demonstrated potential for beneficial use in circular economy applications, converting excess bee pollen into animal feed and biomanure.
Agonoscelis
Agonoscelis is a genus of shield bugs (Pentatomidae) in the monotypic tribe Agonoscelidini. The genus contains approximately 19–22 species native to the Afrotropics and Australia, with one species, A. puberula, established in the New World. Several species are agricultural pests of sorghum, sunflower, and other crops. Adults range from 8 to 12 mm in length and possess five nymphal stages.
Agonoscelis puberula
African cluster bug
Agonoscelis puberula, commonly known as the African cluster bug, is a stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae. Native to Africa, it has established populations in the Western Hemisphere following introduction events. The earliest confirmed record in the Americas dates to 1978 from Cuba, predating the 1985 record previously considered the first. The species is now present throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Its spread to Cuba has been hypothesized to relate to Cuban military engagement in Angola during the Cold War.
Agrilinae
Agrilinae is a subfamily of metallic wood-boring beetles (family Buprestidae) characterized by larvae that develop in plant stems, twigs, and branches. The subfamily contains the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which with nearly 4,000 described species is among the largest genera in the animal kingdom. Most Agrilinae are secondary pests of broadleaf forests, developing in recently dead wood, though some species attack living trees of economic importance. Adults are typically small, often under 8 mm, and lack the vivid metallic colors common in other Buprestidae subfamilies. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution with greatest diversity in tropical and warm temperate regions.
Agrilini
Agrilini is a tribe of metallic wood-boring beetles within the family Buprestidae, subfamily Agrilinae. The tribe comprises at least 40 described genera and over 180 described species, distributed across multiple subtribes including Agrilina, Amorphosternina, Amyiina, and Rhaeboscelidina. The genus Agrilus, the largest genus in the tribe, contains numerous species including several significant forest pests such as the emerald ash borer (A. planipennis).
Agrilus auroguttatus
Goldspotted Oak Borer
Agrilus auroguttatus, the goldspotted oak borer, is a jewel beetle native to southeastern Arizona that became invasive in southern California around 2004. In California, it has caused extensive mortality in oak forests, killing an estimated 80,000 trees, primarily affecting red oaks. The species exhibits significantly higher population densities in its invasive range compared to its native range, where it coexists with a more diverse community of native borers. It was previously treated as a subspecies of Agrilus coxalis but is now recognized as a distinct species.
Agrilus bilineatus
two-lined chestnut borer, twolined chestnut borer
Agrilus bilineatus is a metallic wood-boring beetle native to eastern North America that attacks oak trees (Quercus spp.) and chestnut (Castanea spp.). Unlike most Agrilus species that develop in dead twigs and branches, it is a trunk borer of living trees and represents a significant forest pest. Adults emerge from June through September with peak activity in late June to July. The species has been introduced to Turkey, where it poses an emerging threat to European oak and chestnut species.
Agrilus planipennis
Emerald Ash Borer, EAB
Agrilus planipennis, the emerald ash borer, is a highly destructive invasive beetle native to northeastern Asia. First detected in North America in 2002 (Michigan) and European Russia in 2003, it has since spread to 36 U.S. states, five Canadian provinces, and across Eastern Europe. The species has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees, causing severe ecological and economic damage. In its native range, it occurs at low densities without significant tree mortality; in invaded regions, it typically kills over 90% of ash trees within 2–4 years of establishment.
Agrilus sulcicollis
European oak borer
Agrilus sulcicollis, commonly known as the European oak borer, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. Native to Europe and Northern Asia, it has been introduced to North America, with confirmed records in southern Ontario, Canada, and the northeastern United States. The species is associated with oak trees and is one of nine non-native Agrilus species established in North America.
Agriotes
click beetles, wireworms (larvae)
Agriotes is a large genus of click beetles (family Elateridae) containing approximately 274 described species distributed across the Americas, Asia, and Europe. The genus includes numerous agricultural pest species whose larvae, known as wireworms, feed on crop roots and tubers. Several Palearctic species have become invasive in North America, where they threaten potato and cereal production. Adults are attracted to species-specific sex pheromones, enabling monitoring and mass trapping programs.
Agriotes lineatus
lined click beetle, wireworm
Agriotes lineatus, the lined click beetle, is a click beetle species native to Europe and western Asia that has become invasive in North America. Adults are 7.5–11 mm long with brownish-black bodies and distinctive longitudinal stripes on the elytra. The larvae, known as wireworms, are significant agricultural pests that attack roots, tubers, and seeds of crops including potatoes, maize, and strawberries. The species has a life cycle of approximately 3 years with up to 12 larval instars. Management relies on integrated pest management approaches including pheromone monitoring, crop rotation, and biological control.
Agriotes obscurus
dusky wireworm, obscure click beetle
Agriotes obscurus is a click beetle native to Europe and northern Asia that has become an established invasive pest in western North America since its accidental introduction around 1900. The larvae, known as wireworms, are significant agricultural pests that feed on tubers, seeds, and roots of numerous crops including potatoes, cereals, and vegetables. Adults are dark brown to black beetles 7–10 mm long, distinguishable from related species by their pronotum morphology and elytral ridges. The species has a prolonged life cycle of 2–4 years depending on temperature, with larvae passing through 8–13 instars before pupation.
Agriotes sputator
Spitting Click Beetle, Common Click Beetle
Agriotes sputator is a click beetle native to Europe, with established populations in parts of western Asia, North Africa, and an introduced range in eastern Canada. Adults are small (6–9 mm), dark brown to black with reddish-brown antennae and legs. The larvae, known as wireworms, are soil-dwelling agricultural pests that feed on roots and germinating seeds. The species completes its life cycle in up to five years, with larvae developing through multiple growth stages before pupation. It is considered a serious pest of cereals, potatoes, and other crops, and is monitored using pheromone traps baited with geranyl butanoate.
Aleurocanthus
Aleurocanthus is a genus of whiteflies in the family Aleyrodidae, established by Quaintance & Baker in 1914. Species in this genus are significant agricultural pests, particularly of citrus and other cultivated crops. The genus includes notable species such as the orange spiny whitefly (A. spiniferus) and the citrus blackfly (A. woglumi), both of which have been subjects of extensive biological control programs due to their economic impact. The genus is characterized by distinctive spiny or ornamented puparial cases and exhibits sexual dimorphism in some species.
Aleurocanthus woglumi
Citrus blackfly
Aleurocanthus woglumi is a whitefly species in the family Aleyrodidae, native to India and widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. It is a significant agricultural pest of citrus and over 300 other host plants, causing damage through sap feeding and honeydew excretion that promotes sooty mold growth. The species has been introduced to the Americas, Africa, and Pacific islands, where biological control using parasitic wasps has been implemented.
Aleurothrixus floccosus
woolly whitefly
Aleurothrixus floccosus, commonly known as the woolly whitefly, is a sap-feeding insect in the family Aleyrodidae. Native to the Neotropics, it has spread globally and become a significant agricultural pest, particularly of citrus. The species is distinguished by the dense, woolly wax filaments produced by its nymphs, which cover the colonies and give the insect its common name. It reproduces year-round in suitable climates, with overlapping generations. Biological control using parasitoid wasps, especially Cales noacki, has been widely implemented as chemical control is often ineffective due to the protective waxy covering.
Aleyrodinae
whiteflies
Aleyrodinae is the largest subfamily of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), containing the majority of described species. Members are small, sap-sucking insects with powdery white wax-coated wings in adults. The subfamily includes economically significant agricultural pests such as Bemisia tabaci and Aleurotrachelus trachoides, which cause damage through direct feeding and virus transmission. A field survey in Belize recorded nearly 200 whitefly species, with all but 40 belonging to Aleyrodinae.
Ambrosiodmus
Ambrosiodmus is a genus of ambrosia beetles (Scolytinae) in the family Curculionidae, comprising at least 100 described species. These beetles are distinguished by their obligate mutualism with the white-rot decay fungus Flavodon subulatus (formerly Flavodon ambrosius), a unique symbiosis among ambrosia beetles. Unlike most ambrosia fungi that merely extract nutrients from recently dead wood, Flavodon is a true wood degrader capable of decomposing cellulose and lignin. This superior fungal mutualist enables Ambrosiodmus species to establish large, semi-social colonies with thousands of individuals and to colonize and decay wood over multiple generations. Several species, including A. minor and A. rubricollis, have become invasive outside their native ranges.
Ambrosiodmus minor
Punky Wood Ambrosia Beetle
Ambrosiodmus minor is an invasive ambrosia beetle in the southeastern United States, including Florida. It cultivates a unique ambrosia fungus, Flavodon subulatus, which causes rapid wood rot in dead trees. The beetle is considered of low economic importance as evident major impacts have not been observed, though wood decay from this association is increasing across its introduced range. Native to Asia, it has established populations in North America and has been recorded from mainland China with documented host associations on multiple tree genera.
Ambrosiodmus rubricollis
Ambrosiodmus rubricollis is an ambrosia beetle native to eastern and southern Asia that has been introduced to Europe and North America. As a member of the genus Ambrosiodmus, it maintains a mutualistic symbiosis with the white-rot fungus Flavodon ambrosius, which is capable of true wood decomposition—an unusual trait among ambrosia beetles. The species has been documented attacking young Tasmanian blue gum trees (Eucalyptus globulus) in Portugal and has been detected in Slovenia and Italy. Its introduction to non-native regions raises concern given the potential of Ambrosiodmus species to vector pathogenic fungi.
Ambrosiophilus atratus
Black Bark Weevil
Ambrosiophilus atratus is a non-native ambrosia beetle in the weevil family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae. First recorded in Europe in Slovenia in 2017 during monitoring surveys for invasive ambrosia beetles. The species is distinguished by pronounced asperities covering the entire pronotum surface. Native to North America and Southern Asia, it has established populations in Europe through human-mediated introduction.
Amphiareus
minute pirate bugs
Amphiareus is a genus of minute pirate bugs in the family Anthocoridae, established by Distant in 1904. Species occur in Eurasia and North America. At least one species, Amphiareus constrictus, has been successfully mass-reared in laboratory conditions for biological control research. The genus includes species associated with dead-leaf microhabitats and agricultural pest management.