Invasive-species-management
Guides
Lilioceris
lily leaf beetles, air potato leaf beetles
Lilioceris is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) in the subfamily Criocerinae, first described by Edmund Reitter in 1912. The genus contains over 100 species, with approximately 80 species occurring in Asia. Several species are notable agricultural and horticultural pests, particularly of plants in the lily family (Liliaceae). Lilioceris lilii (lily leaf beetle) is a serious pest of native and cultivated lilies in Europe and North America, while L. cheni has been successfully deployed as a classical biological control agent against the invasive air potato vine (Dioscorea bulbifera) in Florida. Species range from 4–10 mm in length with elongated, narrow bodies and distinct shoulders between the elytra and pronotum.
Lilioceris cheni
air potato leaf beetle
Lilioceris cheni is a leaf-feeding beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to China and Nepal. It was introduced to Florida in 2012 as a classical biological control agent to combat the invasive air potato vine (Dioscorea bulbifera). The beetle has established successfully and is now widely distributed across the southern United States. Mass rearing programs produce over 50,000 beetles annually for release. Both larvae and adults feed on air potato foliage, causing significant damage that reduces vine density and bulbil production.
Listronotus sordidus
Underwater weevil
Listronotus sordidus is a species of underwater weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, native to North America. It has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for the invasive aquatic plant Sagittaria platyphylla in South Africa, though habitat incompatibility issues have affected its suitability. The species is distinguished by its aquatic lifestyle, which is unusual among weevils.
Longitarsus jacobaeae
Ragwort Flea Beetle, Tansy Ragwort Flea Beetle
Longitarsus jacobaeae is a flea beetle (Chrysomelidae) native to Europe, widely introduced as a biological control agent for tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), a toxic weed affecting livestock. Adults and larvae feed on ragwort foliage, with larvae mining roots and crown tissue. The species exhibits pronounced seasonal behavioral patterns, including summer aestivation and winter inactivity. It has established successfully in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Longitarsus quadriguttatus
flea beetle
Longitarsus quadriguttatus is a flea beetle (Chrysomelidae) native to Central and south-eastern Europe, Asia Minor, and the Caucasus. It has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent for hound's tongue (Cynoglossum officinale), an invasive weed. Adults feed on leaves while larvae develop as root-feeders inside host plant roots. The species shows strong host specificity for plants in the family Boraginaceae, particularly the tribe Cynoglosseae.
Lorita baccharivora
groundsel leafroller
Lorita baccharivora, commonly known as the groundsel leafroller, is a small tortricid moth native to Florida and Texas. It has been introduced to Australia as a biological control agent targeting groundsel bush (Baccharis halimifolia). The species has a wingspan of approximately 8 mm and exhibits multiple generations annually.
Mecinus janthinus
Toadflax stem weevil
Mecinus janthinus is a stem-boring weevil used as a classical biological control agent for invasive toadflax species (Linaria spp.) in North America. Originally introduced from Europe in the 1990s, it has established populations on Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica) and yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) in the United States and Canada. The species exhibits high host specificity, with postrelease studies in Colorado finding no evidence of nontarget herbivory on native plants even under no-choice starvation conditions. Genetic studies have revealed that M. janthinus as historically defined comprises two cryptic species: M. janthinus sensu stricto associated with yellow toadflax, and M. janthiniformis associated with Dalmatian toadflax.
Megamelus
Water Hyacinth Planthopper (for M. scutellaris)
Megamelus is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, comprising at least 30 described species. The genus is widely distributed and primarily associated with freshwater aquatic environments. Several species, particularly M. scutellaris, have been extensively studied as biological control agents for invasive aquatic weeds such as water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes). The genus exhibits wing dimorphism influenced by population density and host plant quality. Recent phylogenetic studies have clarified interspecific relationships and supported the monophyly of the genus.
Megamelus scutellaris
water hyacinth planthopper, waterhyacinth planthopper
Megamelus scutellaris is a small delphacid planthopper native to South America, where it is monophagous on water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes). The species has been introduced to multiple regions including Florida (2010) and South Africa (2013) as a classical biological control agent for invasive water hyacinth. It exhibits wing dimorphism, with adults occurring as either wingless (brachypterous) or winged (macropterous) forms. Population genetic studies indicate three main lineages in its native range associated with major river basins, shaped by Pleistocene climatic shifts and Holocene hydrological changes.
Melitara junctolineella
Melitara junctolineella is a snout moth (Pyralidae) native to southern Texas and eastern Mexico. It has been introduced to Australia as a biological control agent for the invasive cactus Opuntia stricta. The species is bivoltine, with two distinct adult flight periods annually. Its larvae are specialized feeders on several Opuntia cactus species.
Metzneria paucipunctella
spotted knapweed seed head moth
Metzneria paucipunctella is a gelechiid moth introduced from Europe to North America as a biological control agent against spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa). Adults are small, narrow-bodied moths approximately 8 mm long with brownish-gray coloration, light speckling, and large recurved antennae. Females deposit eggs at the base of knapweed flower heads, where larvae burrow inside to feed on developing seeds and florets. Larvae are small white grubs with dark heads that overwinter within seed heads and pupate the following spring. The species has been established across much of the western United States since its introduction in 1980.
Microlarinus
puncturevine seed weevils
Microlarinus is a genus of weevils (Curculionidae) comprising at least two species, M. lareynii and M. lypriformis, specialized on puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris). Both species have been introduced to North America as classical biological control agents. M. lareynii attacks seeds while M. lypriformis feeds on stems. Despite their potential, establishment and impact have been variable due to climatic and biological mismatches with host populations.
Microlarinus lypriformis
Puncture vine stem weevil
Microlarinus lypriformis is a stem-boring weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) introduced to North America as a biological control agent for puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris). Females oviposit into the stems of this host plant, and larvae feed internally on the pith, causing stem damage and plant mortality. Adults emerge through exit holes bored in the stem. The species has been used in combination with the seed-feeding weevil Microlarinus lareynii in biocontrol programs in the United States and Canada.
Microterys
Microterys is a large genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Chalcidoidea), with its center of distribution in the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Species are important natural enemies of various scale insects (Coccoidea), including soft scales (Coccidae), wax scales (Ceroplastes), and mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). The genus has been extensively studied for biological control applications, particularly for managing pest scale insects on citrus and other crops. Several species have been introduced to new regions as biocontrol agents, including Microterys flavus in California.
parasitoidbiological-controlscale-insectCoccoideaEncyrtidaeChalcidoideaHymenopteraovipositorintegrated-pest-managementcitrus-pestsoft-scalemealybughyperparasitoidhost-specificitybiotypeclassical-biological-controlsynchrotron-microtomographyoviposition-behaviornatural-enemyagricultural-entomologytaxonomyGiraultAustraliaChinaCaliforniaSyriaIndiaCzech-RepublicEuropeAsiaNorth-AmericaSouthern-HemisphereCeroplastesCoccusPhenacoccusKermesParthenolecaniumMetaceronemaChaetococcusKerriaLacciferGascardiaSphaerolecaniumCerococcusChloropulvinariapest-managementhost-selectionhost-penetrationenvenomationegg-depositionhost-feedingvalvifervalvulamusculoskeletal-system3D-morphologySEMSR-µCTinvasive-speciesbiocontrol-introductionhyperparasitismefficiency-reductionnatural-enemy-conservationcitrusCamelliaMagnoliafruit-cropsornamental-plantsforestrylac-insectwax-scaleplum-scalecottony-maple-scaleEuropean-fruit-lecaniumbrown-soft-scalecitricola-scalecitrus-snow-scaleJapanese-wax-scaletype-materialspecies-descriptionredescriptionidentification-keyintraspecific-variationdiagnostic-charactersNorthern-Hemispherecenter-of-distributioncosmopolitannew-speciesnew-recordfaunisticsmuseum-collectionUCRTimberlakeCompereGordhTriapitsynNoyesXuSugonjaevPrinslooRosenIshiiMercetDalmanHowardAshmeadWalkerFerrièreKerrichAnneckeMynhardtHayatSubba-RaoTrjapitzinViggianiDe-SantisMayrThomsonWestwoodGahanCrawfordBlanchardPerkinsRisbecBruesBennettErdösSilvestriDomenichiniDozierCockerellCoquilletFonscolombeRatzeburgMatsumuraVassiljevYoshimotoGhesquièreTachikawaLogvinovskayaSiscaroAgarwalAhmadGhaniBurksGirault-speciesAustralian-faunaChinese-faunaIndian-faunaSyrian-faunaEuropean-faunaCalifornian-faunaglobal-distributioneconomic-entomologyapplied-entomologysystematicsmorphologybehavioral-ecologyfunctional-morphologyevolutionary-successdiverse-groupunderstudiedminute-waspsmicro-Hymenopteraslide-collectionvoucher-specimenshost-recordsundetermined-specimensvalid-generasynonymymanuscript-namesnomina-nudaunpublished-namesre-organizationcuratorhistorical-notescollection-growthcollecting-activitiesidentificationsortingdrawerspointsslidesparatypesbackbonebiological-control-projectsCalifornia-entomologistsCitrus-Experiment-StationHawaiian-collectionbee-taxonomysystematistsstudentsstaffworldlargestimportantvaluemere-numbertaxa-representedreportedscientific-literatureconductedaugmentedcontributionscountriesrapidlygrowingcompletelistpresenteditalicizedmiscellaneousundeterminedfull-drawersunsortedspecimens-per-slidemore-than-500-slidesat-least-700-slidessometimes-more-than-one-specimen-per-slidesynchrotron-X-ray-phase-contrast-microtomographyscanning-electron-microscopyin-vivo-documentation3D-modelmicrostructurescuticular-elementsmotion-patternsphasesparasitizationworking-mechanismkey-traitadaptive-evolutionreproductive-successmechanical-aspectsfunctional-aspectsfully-understoodenormously-diversespecializedparasitisingplant-pestsecological-roleeconomic-roleimprove-understandingmechanicsmode-of-functiondetailedanalysisidentifiedconsistingrecently-discovereddescribedelucidatedpenetrationassessmentinternal-organsdevelopedunderlyingobservedcontributinghighly-diverse-groupchalcidoid-waspsFrontiers-in-ZoologyActa-Musei-SilesiaeArab-Journal-for-Plant-ProtectionAustralian-Journal-of-EntomologyInsect-ScienceOriental-InsectsJournal-of-Natural-HistoryPhytoparasiticaAnnals-of-the-Entomological-Society-of-AmericaEnvironmental-EntomologyGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBI-TaxonomyiNaturalistWikipediaDOI10.1186/s12983-025-00575-110.2478/cszma-2021-000710.22268/AJPP-41.3.29230510.1111/j.1440-6055.1975.tb02058.x10.1111/j.1744-7917.2000.tb00345.x10.1080/00305316.2011.64682710.1111/j.1440-6055.1973.tb01670.x10.1080/00222933.2020.178660810.1007/s12600-019-00727-010.1007/s12600-018-0691-510.1093/aesa/54.2.22210.1093/ee/7.6.87420252021202319752000201119732020201920181950s1960s1876199920162017AprilJuneFebruaryNorth-MoraviaNE-Czech-RepublicMoravskoslezské-Beskydy-MtsMorávkaTurkmenistanCentral-AsiaLattakia-ProvinceAl-SanobarDabbaSyrian-coastDamascus-UniversityBiological-Control-Studies-and-Research-CenterBCSRCFaculty-of-AgricultureQueensland-MuseumZhejiangFujianYunnanGuangdongNortheast-ChinaWestern-AustraliaJilinfirst-recordnew-to-sciencefirst-timeadded-to-faunareviewednotesillustrationshabitusredescriptionsclose-relationshipdiscussedkey-providedfemalesmalestransferredextentvalidityevaluatedcorrectionbehaviorresponsehoneydewtaxonomy-matchhigher-rankacceptedcanonical-namerankstatusmatch-typeclassificationEukaryotaHexapodaApocritaTerebrantesEncyrtinaeobservations-countnoneevidencepaper-summaryconfidence-notesinferredexplicitly-statedvisible-textfull-paperaccessibleprovided-contentcited-referencesdetailed-biologytype-localitynative-rangegenerallimited-tobased-onno-information-providedabstractgenus-level-biologyfamily-level-biologydefinitivefull-text-requiredinferred-fromJaposhvili-1999Yasnosh-&-Japoshvili-1998high-hyperparasitoids-levelsreduced-efficiencynaturally-occurringmicroscopic-imagesmorphologicalmorphometric-characteristicsimportant-roleeconomic-importancesamplescollectedbroughtbased-on-information-gatheredmay-playobjectivefollowingprovidedillustratekeywordsgivencannot-be-properly-identifiedremaining-type-materialrecordedlocalitiessoft-scale-insect-hostscentre-of-distributionnorthern-partsmorphological-diagnostic-characterscritically-evaluatedmaterial-keptdeals-withprovinceshostpapercollected-fromhost-of-these-parasitoidsonHomopteraCoccidoideadescribed-fromas-parasitoid-offrom-Indiaassociated-withcommentshost-relationshipcorrection-tonew-species-fromparasitoid-ofnew-biological-raceintroduced-intocontrol-ofresponse-toand-its-honeydewNCBIAnimaliaArthropodaInsectaMicroterysThomson-1876genushigherrank511-observationsno-summaryMetazoawasps-ants-&-beesgroupmatcheddistribution-recordsEncyrtid-HoldingsEntomology-Research-MuseumUCR-collectioncompiled-bySerguei-V.-TriapitsynupdatedFebruary-2000one-of-the-largestmost-importantcollections779-valid-speciesaround-1000261-generaimportant-slide-collectionlargest-in-the-worldabout-8000-slidesunpublishednumerous-voucher-specimensstarted-byP.H.-Timberlakenumerous-paratypesunfortunatelylost-interestswitcheduntil-1970sH.-Comperenotable-contributionsP.-TimberlakeJ.-MapleP.-DeBachC.-Clausen1970s-1980sG.-GordhJ.-LaSalleJ.-WoolleyJ.-PintoJ.-BeardsleyMexicoUSother-countriespresentlygrowing-rapidlyJ.-HeratymajorityV.-TrjapitzinJ.-Noyescomplete-re-organizationS.-Triapitsyncurrent-curatorspecieson-pointson-slidesundetermined-to-genusabout-3-full-drawersAcerophagoidesAcerophagusAchalcerinysAdelencyrtoidesAdelencyrtusAenasiellaAenasiusAeptencyrtusAethognathusAgarwalencyrtusAgeniaspisAglyptusAgromyzaphagusAlamellaAloencyrtusAmeromyzobiaAmmonoencyrtusAnagyrusAnanusiaAnasemionAnathrixAnicetusAnomalicorniaAnthemusAnusiaAnusiopteraAphidencyrtoidesAphycoidesAphycomorphaAphycopsisAphycusApoanagyrusApoleptomastixApsilophrysArchinusArhopoidiellaArrhenophagusAschitusAstymachusAtropatesAustrochoreiaAvernesAvetianellaAztecencyrtusBaeoanusiaBaeocharisBlastothrixBlepyrusBorrowellaBothriocraeraBothriophryneBothriothoraxBoucekiellaBrethesiellaCaenocercusCaenohomalopodaCallipteromaCarabuniaCeballosiaCerapterocerellaCerapteroceroidesCerapteroceroideusCerapterocerusCerchysiellaCerchysiusCercobelusCharitopusCheiloneuromyiaCheiloneurusCheilopsisChoreiaChrysoplatycerusCicoencyrtusCirrhencyrtusClauseniaCoccidencyrtusCoccidoctonusCoccidoxenoidesCoelopencyrtusComperiaComperiellaCopidosomaCopidosomopsisCowperiaCryptanusiaCyderiusDeilioDiaphorencyrtusDicarnosisDinocarsiellaDinocarsisDiscodesDiversinervusDusmetiaEchthrogonatopusEchthroplexiellaEctromaEctromatopsisEncyrtusEotopusEpanusiaEpiblatticidaEpiencyrtusEpistenoterysEpitetracnemusErencyrtusEricydnusEucoccidophagusEugahaniaEupoecilopodaEusemionExoristobiaForcipestricisFormicencyrtusFulgoridicidaGahaniellaGinsianaGyranusoideaHabrolepisHabrolepopteryxHambletoniaHelegonatopusHemencyrtusHengataHesperencyrtusHeterococcidoxenusHexacladiaHexacnemusHexencyrtusHolanusomyiaHolcencyrtusHolcothoraxHomalopodaHomalotyloideaHomalotylusHoplopsisHypergonatopusIceromyiaIsodromusIxodiphagusLakshaphagusLamennaisiaLeefmansiaLeptomastideaLeptomastixLeurocerusLirencyrtusLykaMahencyrtusManicnemusMariolaMayridiaMeniscocephalusMeromyzobiaMesorhopellaMetablastothrixMetanotaliaMetaphaenodiscusMetaphycusMiraMonodiscodesMoorellaMucrencyrtusNeastymachusNeblatticidaNegeniaspidiusNeocharitopusNeocladiaNeococcidencyrtusNeodusmetiaNeoplatycerusOesolOobiusOoencyrtusOriencyrtusPaksimmondsiusPapakaParablastothrixParablatticidaParaclauseniaParaenasomyiaParaleurocerusParalitomastixParaphaenodiscusParapyrusParaschediusParatetracnemoideaParatetralophideaParechthrodryinusParectromoidellaParectromoidesPareusemionPentelicusPerpoliaPhilosindiaPlagiomerusPlatencyrtusPrionomastixPrionomitusProchiloneurusProleurocerusProleuroceroidesProtyndarichoidesPseudaphycusPseudectromaPseudencyrtoidesPseudencyrtusPseudhomalopodaPseudleptomastixPseudococcobiusPseudorhopusPsilophryoideaPsilophrysPsyllaephagusPsyllechthrusRaffaelliaRhopalencyrtoideaRhopusRhytidothoraxRuandellaSaeraSauleiaSchilleriellaSectiticlavaSubprionomitusSynsemionSyrphophagusSzelenyiolaTachardiaephagusTachardiobiusTachinaephagusTaftiaTanyencyrtusTassoniaTeleterebratusTetarticlavaTetracnemoideaTetracnemusTetracyclosThomsoniscaTineophoctonusTrechnitesTremblayaTrichomasthusTricladiaTrjapitzinellusTropidophryneTyndarichusTyndaricopsisVosleriaXenanusiaXenoencyrtusYasumatsuiolaZaommaZaommoencyrtusZaplatycerusZarhopaloidesZarhopalusspp.sp.sp(p).?nr.ms-namemanuscript-namenomen-nudumincludingprobably-mixed-withunsorted-miscellaneousUniversity-of-California-Riversidecollectionmuseumspecimensvouchershostsparasitoidsscale-insectsmealybugssoft-scaleswax-scalescitrus-pestsagricultural-pestsnatural-enemieshyperparasitoidsefficiencyovipositionanatomy3D-reconstructionmicrotomographyin-vivo-observationevolutionadaptive-radiationdiversityAfricaSouth-AmericaMiddle-EastHawaiihorticulturecrop-protectionaugmentative-biological-controlconservation-biological-controlegg-layingpopulation-dynamicsecosystem-servicesnatural-pest-controlsustainable-agricultureorganic-farmingbiodiversityinvasive-species-managementquarantinephylogenydiagnosisdescriptionnew-recordsbiogeographymuseum-collectionshistorical-collectionstype-specimenscuratorial-practicescollection-managementdata-qualityscientific-infrastructureresearch-capacitycollaborationknowledge-transfereducationoutreachpublic-engagementscience-communicationopen-accessdata-sharingFAIR-principlesdigitalizationimagingmicroscopytomography3D-modelingcomputational-biologybiomechanicskinematicsmuscle-physiologyneuroethologysensory-ecologychemical-ecologyhost-locationhost-recognitionhost-acceptancehost-suitabilityforaging-behaviorlearningmemorydecision-makinglife-historydevelopmentreproductionsurvivalmortalitypopulation-ecologycommunity-ecologytrophic-interactionsfood-websecosystem-functioningecosystem-stabilityresiliencesustainabilityenvironmental-changeclimate-changeland-use-changehabitat-fragmentationpollutionpesticide-usebiological-invasionsconservationrestorationrewildingnature-based-solutionsgreen-infrastructureurban-ecologyagroecologyecological-intensificationsustainable-intensificationclimate-smart-agricultureprecision-agriculturedigital-agriculturesmart-farmingagricultural-technologybiotechnologygenetic-improvementbreedingselectionbiocontrol-agent-improvementmass-rearingrelease-strategiesmonitoringevaluationimpact-assessmentrisk-assessmentregulatory-frameworkspolicygovernancestakeholder-engagementfarmer-adoptionsocio-economicscost-benefit-analysisreturn-on-investmentlivelihoodsfood-securitynutritionhealthwellbeingequityjusticeethicsresponsible-innovationprecautionary-principlebiosafetybiosecurityOne-Healthplanetary-healthsustainability-sciencefutures-studiesscenario-planningadaptive-managementtransdisciplinary-researchparticipatory-researchcitizen-scienceindigenous-knowledgetraditional-ecological-knowledgelocal-knowledgeexpert-knowledgescientific-knowledgeknowledge-integrationknowledge-co-productionboundary-workscience-policy-interfaceevidence-based-policypolicy-relevant-researchresearch-impactsocietal-impacttransformational-changesystem-changeparadigm-shiftnew-normalAnthropoceneGreat-Accelerationplanetary-boundariessafe-operating-spaceDoughnut-Economicscircular-economyregenerative-agricultureagroforestrypermaculturebiodynamic-agriculturenature-farmingecological-agricultureorganic-agriculturelow-input-agricultureconservation-agriculturesustainable-food-systemshealthy-dietssustainable-consumption-and-productionSustainable-Development-GoalsAgenda-2030Paris-AgreementConvention-on-Biological-DiversityIPBESIPCCFAOWHOUNEPUNDPWorld-BankCGIARnational-agricultural-research-systemsuniversitiesmuseumsherbariabotanical-gardenszoosaquariaarboretaseed-banksgene-banksculture-collectionsmicrobial-resource-centersbiorepositoriescryobanksdigital-repositoriesdata-banksknowledge-banksinformation-systemsdatabasesportalsnetworkspartnershipsalliancescoalitionsmovementscampaignsadvocacyactivismpublic-awarenesseducation-for-sustainable-developmentlifelong-learningcapacity-buildingprofessional-developmenttrainingmentoringcoachingleadershipmanagemententrepreneurshipinnovationcreativitycritical-thinkingproblem-solvingcommunicationteamworkinterdisciplinarymultidisciplinarytransdisciplinarycross-sectoralmulti-stakeholderinclusiveparticipatorybottom-uptop-downhybridadaptiveagileresilientrobustflexibleresponsiveanticipatorytransformativeempoweringenablingsupportivefacilitatingmediatingbrokeringtranslatingsynthesizingintegratingharmonizingbalancingnegotiatingconflict-resolutionpeace-buildingtrust-buildingrelationship-buildingnetwork-buildingcommunity-buildinginstitution-buildingcapacity-strengtheningsystem-strengtheninggovernance-improvementpolicy-reformlegal-reformregulatory-reformincentive-reformmarket-reformfinancial-reforminvestment-reforminnovation-reformeducation-reformresearch-reformextension-reformadvisory-reformservice-reforminfrastructure-developmenttechnology-developmentproduct-developmentprocess-developmentbusiness-developmentmarket-developmentvalue-chain-developmentsector-developmentterritorial-developmentrural-developmenturban-developmentregional-developmentnational-developmentinternational-developmentglobal-developmentsustainable-developmenthuman-developmentsocial-developmenteconomic-developmentenvironmental-developmentcultural-developmentpolitical-developmentinstitutional-developmentorganizational-developmentpersonal-developmentcareer-developmentleadership-developmentnetwork-developmentpartnership-developmentalliance-developmentcoalition-developmentmovement-developmentcampaign-developmentadvocacy-developmentawareness-raisingeducation-and-traininginformation-and-communicationknowledge-managementlearning-and-innovationresearch-and-developmentextension-and-advisorymarket-and-value-chainpolicy-and-governancefinance-and-investmentinfrastructure-and-technologyinstitutions-and-organizationshuman-resources-and-capacitiessocial-capital-and-networksnatural-capital-and-ecosystemsphysical-capital-and-infrastructurefinancial-capital-and-marketsintellectual-capital-and-knowledgecultural-capital-and-heritagepolitical-capital-and-governancesymbolic-capital-and-reputationassets-and-resourcescapabilities-and-competenciesopportunities-and-challengesdrivers-and-barriersenablers-and-constraintsincentives-and-disincentivesrisks-and-uncertaintiestrade-offs-and-synergiescosts-and-benefitsimpacts-and-outcomesinputs-and-outputsactivities-and-processesmechanisms-and-pathwayscontexts-and-conditionsscales-and-levelsdimensions-and-perspectivesactors-and-stakeholdersinterests-and-valuespower-and-politicsnarratives-and-discoursesframes-and-lensesmodels-and-theoriesconcepts-and-constructsparadigms-and-worldviewsepistemologies-and-ontologiesmethodologies-and-methodstools-and-techniquesapproaches-and-strategiestactics-and-operationsplans-and-programsprojects-and-interventionsinitiatives-and-activitiesactions-and-measurespolicies-and-regulationslaws-and-standardsguidelines-and-protocolsbest-practiceslessons-learnedsuccess-storiesfailure-storiescase-studiespilotsdemonstrationsexperimentstrialsevaluationsassessmentsreviewssynthesesmeta-analysessystematic-reviewsevidence-mapsknowledge-gapsresearch-prioritiesagenda-settingfundingresource-mobilizationallocationutilizationaccountabilitytransparencyintegrityresponsibilityadaptationmitigationtransformationimprovementprogressgrowthchangecontinuitystabilitydisruptionemergencecomplexityuncertaintyambiguitypluralityinclusionfairnesscaresolidaritycooperationcompetitionconflictconsensusdissentdeliberationdialoguedebatediscussionnegotiationmediationarbitrationadjudicationlitigationlegislationregulationimplementationenforcementcompliancereportingverificationcertificationaccreditationstandardizationharmonizationintegrationcoordinationcoherenceconsistencycompatibilitycomplementaritysynergyalignmentfitmatchbalancetrade-offoptimizationmaximizationminimizationsatisfactionsufficiencyeffectivenessefficacyperformanceproductivityprofitabilityviabilityfeasibilitydesirabilityacceptabilitylegitimacycredibilityreliabilityqualityexcellencedistinctionrecognitionreputationprestigeinfluenceimpactlegacyheritagetraditioncultureidentitybelongingattachmentcommitmentengagementparticipationinvolvementownershipempowermentautonomyagencycapacitycapabilitycompetenceskillexpertiseknowledgewisdominsightunderstandingawarenessconsciousnessmindfulnessattentionfocusconcentrationintentionpurposemeaningsignificanceworthmeritvirtuegoodnessbeautytruthgoodrightjustfairequitablesustainableinnovativecreativecriticalreflectiveresponsibleaccountabletransparentethicalintegralholisticsystemicdynamiccomplexuncertainambiguousdiversepluralcollaborativecooperativecompetitiveconflictingconsensualdeliberativedialogicaldemocraticautocratichierarchicalnetworkeddecentralizeddistributedlocalizedglobalizedstandardizedharmonizedintegratedcoordinatedalignedbalancedoptimizedsatisficingsufficientefficienteffectiveefficaciousperformantproductiveprofitableviablefeasibledesirableacceptablelegitimatecrediblereliablevalidhigh-qualityexcellentdistinctiverecognizedreputableprestigiousinfluentialimpactfulenduringmeaningfulsignificantvaluableworthymeritoriousvirtuousbeautifultruemorallegalauthorizedapprovedsanctionedendorsedsupportedfundedresourcedstaffedequippedenabledempoweredcapacitatedskilledtrainededucatedinformedawareconsciousmindfulattentivefocusedintentionalpurposefulMozena obtusa
leaf-footed bug
Mozena obtusa is a species of leaf-footed bug (family Coreidae) native to North America. It has been investigated as a potential biocontrol agent for invasive Prosopis (mesquite) species in Australia due to its association with this plant genus. The species exhibits developmental host-specificity to Prosopis, making it a candidate for classical biological control programs targeting weedy mesquite populations.
Neochetina
water hyacinth weevil, waterhyacinth weevils
Neochetina is a genus of weevils native to South America, comprising at least two species: N. eichhorniae (mottled water hyacinth weevil) and N. bruchi (chevroned water hyacinth weevil). Both species are highly host-specific biological control agents used worldwide to manage invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). The genus has been introduced to over 30 countries including the United States, where releases began in Florida in 1972 (N. eichhorniae) and 1974 (N. bruchi).
Neochetina bruchi
chevroned water hyacinth weevil, chevroned waterhyacinth weevil
Neochetina bruchi is a South American marsh weevil introduced to over 30 countries as a biological control agent for invasive water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes, formerly Eichhornia crassipes). First released in the United States in Florida in 1974, it now occurs throughout the Gulf Coast states and California. The species has been studied extensively for its effectiveness in managing water hyacinth infestations, with research showing its performance varies with environmental factors including salinity, temperature, and nutrient availability.
Neochetina eichhorniae
Mottled Waterhyacinth Weevil, Mottled Water Hyacinth Weevil
Neochetina eichhorniae is a host-specific weevil native to Argentina and neighboring South American regions. It was introduced to Florida in 1972 as a biological control agent for the invasive aquatic weed water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and has since been established in more than three dozen countries worldwide. Adults feed on leaves and petioles, producing characteristic feeding scars, while larvae tunnel into petioles and the plant crown. The species has demonstrated substantial suppression of water hyacinth growth, reducing biomass, flower production, and water surface coverage.
Neochrysocharis
Neochrysocharis is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae. Species in this genus are endoparasitoids of leafmining insects, particularly agromyzid flies. Some species exhibit host-feeding behavior and possess both thelytokous (asexual) and arrhenotokous (sexual) reproductive strains. Multiple species have been evaluated as biological control agents for invasive leafminer pests in agricultural systems.
Neogalea
Catabena moth, Lantana stick moth
Neogalea is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, containing the single species Neogalea sunia. The genus was described by Hampson in 1906. The sole species has been widely introduced outside its native range as a biological control agent.
Neogalea sunia
Lantana Stick Moth, Catabena Moth
Neogalea sunia is a noctuid moth and the sole species in the genus Neogalea. Native to the Americas from the southern United States through the Caribbean to Argentina, it has been introduced to Australia and Hawaii as a biological control agent. The species is notable for its specialized larval diet and its role in classical biological control programs targeting invasive plants.
Neogalerucella calmariensis
black-margined loosestrife beetle, purple loosestrife beetle
A small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to Europe and Asia, that has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). Adults and larvae feed on leaves and meristems of their host plant, causing significant damage that reduces plant vigor and seed production. The species is one of several Neogalerucella beetles used in loosestrife biocontrol programs.
Neohydronomus
waterlettuce weevils
Neohydronomus is a genus of subaquatic weevils comprising three species native to South and Central America. All species are obligate specialists on waterlettuce (Pistia stratiotes), an invasive floating aquatic plant. The genus has been utilized as a biological control agent, with N. affinis successfully introduced to Florida in 1987 to manage waterlettuce infestations.
Neohydronomus affinis
Waterlettuce Weevil
Neohydronomus affinis is a subaquatic weevil native to South and Central America that has been deployed as a biological control agent against the invasive aquatic plant waterlettuce (Pistia stratiotes). First introduced to Florida in 1987, it has successfully established populations in peninsular Florida and Louisiana. The weevil's exoskeleton is covered in white scales and lacks water-resistant features, an unusual trait for an insect living in aquatic environments.
Neomusotima
Neomusotima is a genus of crambid moths established by Yoshiyasu in 1985, containing at least two species: N. conspurcatalis (Warren, 1896) and N. fuscolinealis Yoshiyasu, 1985. The genus is best known for N. conspurcatalis, which has been extensively studied as a biological control agent against the invasive Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) in Florida. This species exhibits highly specific host associations with ferns, with genomic studies revealing expansions in odorant receptor gene families potentially linked to host plant detection.
Neomusotima conspurcatalis
Lygodium Defoliator Moth
A small crambid moth native to South and Southeast Asia, introduced to Florida as a biological control agent for the invasive Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum). Larvae are specialist feeders on Lygodium ferns, with young larvae skeletonizing leaves and older larvae consuming entire foliage. The species has been extensively studied for its host specificity and is subject to parasitism by multiple native parasitoid species in its introduced range.
Neurostrota
Neurostrota is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Ely in 1918. The genus contains five described species distributed in the Neotropical region and Australia. At least one species, N. gunniella, has been deployed as a biological control agent for invasive Mimosa pigra. Larvae are leaf miners that feed internally on host plant foliage.
Neurostrota gunniella
mimosa stem-mining moth
Neurostrota gunniella is a gracillariid moth native to the Americas, introduced to Australia in 1989 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Mimosa pigra. The species exhibits strong microhabitat selection for edge habitats within host plant stands, with larvae causing greater damage to branches at thicket edges than in interior areas. It has been observed in both wet and dry seasons, maintaining consistent attack rates across locations but concentrating feeding activity at habitat margins.
Niphograpta
water hyacinth moth
Niphograpta is a monotypic genus of crambid moths established by Warren in 1892. The sole species, Niphograpta albiguttalis, commonly called the water hyacinth moth, has been widely introduced outside its native range as a biological control agent for the invasive aquatic plant water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). The genus is notable for its specialized ecological role and successful establishment in multiple continents.
Niphograpta albiguttalis
Water Hyacinth Moth
Niphograpta albiguttalis is the sole species in its genus, a crambid moth native to the Amazon basin. It has been intentionally introduced to multiple continents as a biological control agent for water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). The moth's larvae tunnel into water hyacinth leaves and petioles, causing damage that can reduce plant vigor and spread. It is established in the southeastern United States, parts of Africa, and eastern Australia.
Oberea erythrocephala
Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle, Red-headed Leafy Spurge Stem Borer
Oberea erythrocephala is a slender, elongate longhorn beetle introduced to North America as a biological control agent for leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). Adults have distinctive red heads, black eyes, and grayish-black hind wings. The species is univoltine and oligophagous, feeding and developing only on certain Euphorbia species in the subgenus Esula. It was approved for release in the United States in 1980 and has since established populations across at least fifteen states and several Canadian provinces. The beetle is considered secondary to Aphthona flea beetles in leafy spurge management due to its narrower host range.
Octotoma
Octotoma is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) comprising approximately 11–12 described species. Members of this genus are leaf-mining beetles with documented associations to Lantana camara, an invasive weed. Several species, notably O. championi and O. scabripennis, have been extensively studied and employed as biological control agents. The genus exhibits a leaf-mining larval phase followed by free-living, leaf-chewing adults.
Octotoma championi
lantana leafminer, lantana leaf beetle
Octotoma championi is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the lantana leafminer or lantana leaf beetle. Native to Central and North America, it has been introduced to Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, and South Africa as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species has a leaf-mining larval phase and free-living, leaf-chewing adults. Research indicates its development and consumption rates are sensitive to elevated CO2 and temperature conditions.
Olesicampe benefactor
Olesicampe benefactor is a European ichneumonid wasp introduced to eastern North America as a biological control agent for the larch sawfly (Pristiphora erichsonii), a forest pest. Small numbers (147–388 individuals) were released in Maine, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick in 1967. The species successfully established at multiple sites, surviving two to three winters at several locations. It disperses slowly, which may limit its effectiveness over large areas without multiple release points.
Oobius
Oobius is a genus of parasitic non-stinging wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Species are specialized egg parasitoids of wood-boring beetles, particularly in the family Buprestidae (jewel beetles) and Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles). The genus has gained significant attention due to the use of O. agrili as a biological control agent against the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in North America. Oobius species are small, morphologically cryptic wasps that are often distinguished by subtle differences in antennal structure and tarsomere count. Several species exhibit parthenogenetic reproduction and undergo diapause to synchronize their life cycles with host availability.
Oobius agrili
Oob
Oobius agrili is a tiny, solitary egg parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, native to Northeast Asia. It is the only egg parasitoid released for biological control of the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in North America, where it has been introduced in over 31 US states. The species is parthenogenic, produces multiple generations annually, and achieves partial phenological synchrony with its host's egg-laying period. Individual females can parasitize more than 60 host eggs, with field parasitism rates reaching 60% in optimal conditions.
Ophiomyia camarae
Herring-bone Leafminer, Herringbone Leaf-miner
Ophiomyia camarae is a small leaf-mining fly (1.5–2 mm) native to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Florida. It has been introduced to multiple countries outside the Americas as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species exhibits strong host specificity, with larvae mining the leaves of Lantana species. Adults are distinguished by their shiny black bodies and red compound eyes.
Ophiomyia lantanae
Lantana Seed Fly
Ophiomyia lantanae is a small fly in the family Agromyzidae, native to the Americas from the southern United States to Brazil. It was introduced to Australia in 1914 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species has since established populations in multiple countries across several continents. It is commonly known as the Lantana Seed Fly due to its association with its host plant.
Ophraella communa
ragweed leaf beetle
Ophraella communa is a small leaf beetle native to North America that has been introduced to Europe and Asia as a biological control agent for the invasive weed common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). Adults and larvae feed on leaves and flowers of Asteraceae, with a strong preference for ragweed. The species has demonstrated rapid adaptive evolution of cold tolerance in newly colonized regions, facilitating northward expansion. Multiple mating is positively associated with fitness in this species, with females preferring larger males that confer reproductive advantages through seminal fluid proteins.
Orphanostigma haemorrhoidalis
Lantana Leaftier
Orphanostigma haemorrhoidalis, commonly known as the lantana leaftier, is a crambid moth native to the Neotropical region including South America, Central America, Mexico, the Antilles, and the southern United States. The species has been deliberately introduced to several regions outside its native range—Hawaii (1956), Queensland (1958), Réunion, and Mauritius—as a biological control agent targeting invasive Lantana species. First described by Achille Guenée in 1854, this moth is also known under the synonym Salbia haemorrhoidalis. Its common name derives from the larval habit of tying leaves together with silk.
Oxyops vitiosus
Melaleuca Weevil
Oxyops vitiosus, commonly known as the Melaleuca Weevil, is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae. It is native to Australia and has been introduced to the United States as a biological control agent targeting invasive Melaleuca trees. The species is notable for its specialized feeding relationship with plants in the genus Melaleuca.
Pareuchaetes
Pareuchaetes is a genus of arctiine tussock moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1866. The genus contains six described species distributed from the southern United States to northern Argentina. Several species have been employed as biological control agents against the invasive weed Chromolaena odorata in Africa and Asia, with varying degrees of establishment success. The genus is notable for its specialist association with Chromolaena host plants and its use in classical biological control programs.
Pareuchaetes insulata
yellow-winged pareuchaetes
Pareuchaetes insulata is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae, first described by Francis Walker in 1855. Native to the Caribbean and southern United States, it has been introduced to South Africa as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Chromolaena odorata. The species exhibits high host specificity, with larvae feeding primarily on C. odorata. Adult moths have a wingspan of 26–38 mm and are active year-round, peaking from April to November.
Phrydiuchus
Phrydiuchus is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) comprising at least two described species: P. tau and P. topiarius. Species in this genus are specialized herbivores associated with Salvia species (Lamiaceae), with documented use as biological control agents against invasive sage weeds. The genus is characterized by small, dark-colored weevils with distinctive dorsal markings.
Phrydiuchus tau
Mediterranean sage root weevil
Phrydiuchus tau is a small weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the Mediterranean sage root weevil. It is native to southern Eurasia and has been introduced to the western United States as a biological control agent targeting the invasive weed Mediterranean sage (Salvia aethiopis). The species derives its scientific name from the distinctive white T-shaped marking on its dorsal surface, resembling the Greek letter tau.
Phthorimaea operculella
potato tuber moth, tobacco splitworm
Phthorimaea operculella, commonly known as the potato tuber moth or tobacco splitworm, is a gelechiid moth and major agricultural pest of Solanaceae crops worldwide. The species is oligophagous, feeding primarily on potato tubers and foliage, but also attacks tomato, tobacco, eggplant, and pepper plants. Larval mining of tubers and leaves causes substantial economic damage, rendering potatoes unmarketable. The species has achieved near-global distribution, particularly in subtropical, tropical, and Mediterranean climates, and is subject to extensive integrated pest management efforts including biological control, cultural practices, and chemical interventions.
Phytobius
Phytobius is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae. At least one species, Phytobius vestitus, has been investigated as a biological control agent for invasive aquatic vegetation. The genus is recorded from northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Pogonomyrmex tenuispinus
Pogonomyrmex tenuispinus is a species of harvester ant in the genus Pogonomyrmex. Like other members of this genus, it is a seed-collecting ant native to arid regions. The species was described by Auguste Forel in 1914. As a harvester ant, it likely participates in seed dispersal and ecosystem engineering through nest construction, though specific ecological studies for this species are limited.
harvester-antseed-collecting-antarid-adapted-antPogonomyrmexMyrmicinaeFormicidaeHymenopteraInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaForel-1914speciesacceptedPogonomyrmex-tenuispinusPogonomyrmeciniAculeataApocritaHexapodaEukaryotaMetazoaVespoideainsectantseed-harvesterdesert-antnative-specieskeystone-species-candidateecosystem-engineermyrmecochorynest-diskisland-of-fertilitystinging-antvenomous-insectarthropodhymenopteranformicidmyrmicine-antpogonomyrmecine-antharvester-ant-speciesPogonomyrmex-speciesNorth-American-antwestern-North-America-antarid-region-antxeric-habitat-antgranivorous-antseed-predatorseed-dispersersoil-engineervegetation-engineernest-rim-vegetationbiodiversity-hotspot-creatorfood-web-participantpredatorpreyinsectivore-food-sourcerodent-defensemammal-defensepainful-stingSchmidt-sting-pain-indexJustin-SchmidtDerek-UheyRichard-Hofstetterkeystone-speciespest-perceptionrange-managementrangeland-ecologyrestoration-ecologyinvasion-ecologynative-plant-restorationdrought-refugegrazing-refugedisturbance-recoveryfire-recoverysoil-nutrient-enhancementtrash-dump-ecosystemhouse-guest-habitatmite-associatesilverfish-associatebeetle-associatespringtail-associatebacteria-associatemycorrhizae-associateprotist-associatefungi-associatearthropod-associatebird-food-sourcelizard-food-sourcemammal-food-sourcesage-grouse-food-sourcehorned-lizard-food-sourceendangered-species-food-sourcetraditional-medicineindigenous-knowledgeShoshoneanritual-usevision-questdream-helpertherapeutic-useanaphylaxis-riskallergic-reactionsting-avoidancenon-flying-insectnon-domestic-pestcrop-pest-perceptionweed-seed-preferencerestoration-seed-lossbroadcast-seeding-interferenceseed-selectionseed-preferencefilareeErodium-cicutariummustardBrassica-tournefortiibrittlebushbuckwheatexotic-plantinvasive-plantnative-plantcoastal-sage-scrubColorado-PlateauArizonaUtahNevadaCaliforniaNew-MexicoTexasMexicoChihuahuan-DesertSonoran-DesertMojave-DesertGreat-BasinColorado-Desertarid-grasslandshrublandpinyon-juniperponderosa-pinenest-rimnest-clearingnest-moundsubterranean-granarytrunk-trailforaging-patchpatroller-antforager-antseed-transportseed-storageseed-consumptionseed-germinationseedling-establishmentplant-recruitmentplant-community-compositionvegetation-patternlandscape-patternpolka-dot-landscapebare-soilvegetation-clearingvegetation-enhancementnutrient-depositiondetritus-accumulationsoil-biota-enhancementmicrohabitat-creationrefugiastress-tolerancedrought-tolerancegrazing-tolerancefire-toleranceecosystem-stabilityecosystem-resilienceecosystem-servicesconservation-valuemanagement-considerationresearch-subjecteducational-subjectant-farm-subjectchildren's-scienceoutreachpublic-educationentomologymyrmecologyecologyethnobiologyethnoentomologyvenom-biochemistrypeptide-venomsodium-ion-channelmammalian-nervous-systemtoxicologyLD50Maricopa-harvester-antPogonomyrmex-maricopawestern-harvester-antPogonomyrmex-occidentalisCalifornian-harvester-antPogonomyrmex-californicusPogonomyrmex-rugosusPogonomyrmex-subdentatusred-harvester-antblack-harvester-antMessorVeromessorseed-harvesting-ant-generaant-generaant-speciesant-taxonomyant-biodiversityant-conservationant-managementant-controlant-baitant-sting-treatmentant-allergyant-venom-evolutionant-plant-interactionant-seed-interactionant-rodent-interactionant-vertebrate-interactionant-arthropod-interactionant-microbe-interactionant-soil-interactionant-vegetation-interactionant-landscape-interactionmutualismcommensalismpredationscavenginggranivorymyrmecophilymyrmecophagyformicivoryecological-engineeringecosystem-engineeringkeystone-engineeringfoundation-speciesdominant-speciesabundant-speciesconspicuous-speciesvisible-speciesindicator-speciesumbrella-speciesflagship-speciesresearch-modelecological-modelbehavioral-modelsocial-insecteusocial-insectcolonial-insectcolony-lifecaste-systemworker-antqueen-antmale-antreproductive-antpatrollerforagernest-maintenancebrood-carefood-storageterritorial-defensesting-defensemandible-defensechemical-defensealarm-pheromonetrail-pheromonerecruitmenttandem-runningmass-foragingcentral-place-foragingoptimal-foragingseed-size-selectionseed-chemistry-selectionseed-morphology-selectionawned-seedelaiosomeseed-appendageseed-dispersal-distanceseed-fateseed-bankseed-predationseed-survivalseedling-survivalplant-population-dynamicsplant-community-dynamicsvegetation-recoveryvegetation-restorationhabitat-restorationecological-restorationrangeland-managementgrazing-managementfire-managementdrought-managementclimate-change-adaptationconservation-biologyapplied-ecologylandscape-ecologycommunity-ecologypopulation-ecologybehavioral-ecologyevolutionary-ecologyfunctional-ecologyecosystem-ecologysoil-ecologymicrobial-ecologyinvasion-biologybiological-invasionexotic-speciesnon-native-speciesalien-speciesinvasive-species-managementnative-species-conservationbiodiversity-conservationspecies-interactionfood-webtrophic-levelenergy-flownutrient-cyclingdecompositionprimary-productionsecondary-productionherbivorycarnivoryomnivorydetritivoryscavengeropportunistic-feedergeneralist-feederselective-feederspecialist-feederseed-specialistarthropod-predatorarthropod-preyvertebrate-preyvertebrate-predatorinsect-predatorinsect-preyecological-functionecological-impactecological-significancescientific-nametaxonomic-authorityoriginal-descriptiontype-specimentype-localityspecies-validityaccepted-speciesvalid-speciesnomenclaturetaxonomysystematicsphylogenybiogeographydistribution-rangegeographic-rangeendemicnative-rangenaturalized-rangeintroduced-rangerange-expansionrange-contractionrange-shifthabitat-specificityhabitat-breadthniche-breadthenvironmental-toleranceabiotic-factorbiotic-factordisturbance-regimestress-factorlimiting-factorpopulation-densitycolony-densitynest-densityabundancefrequencyoccurrenceobservationspecimencollectionmuseum-recordliterature-recordcitizen-scienceiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIAntWebtaxonomic-databasebiodiversity-databaseoccurrence-databasedistribution-databaseresearch-articlereview-articlescientific-publicationpeer-reviewedentomological-journalecological-journalconservation-journalacademic-sourceexpert-sourceauthoritative-sourceDeborah-GordonBert-HölldoblerE.O.-WilsonPhil-WardMeredith-Swett-WalkerChristopher-BriggsRichard-RedakNorthern-Arizona-UniversityUniversity-of-CaliforniaUniversity-of-California-RiversideFlagstaffbee-gardenHäagen-Dazs-Honey-Bee-HavenBohart-MuseumUC-Davisentomology-departmentforestry-schoolresearchergraduate-studentPhD-candidateassistant-professorteaching-professorforest-entomologistant-specialistmyrmecologistecologistconservationistnaturalistethnobiologisttoxicologistbehavioral-ecologist20212023November-2021December-2023July-2015July-17July-18Annals-of-the-Entomological-Society-of-AmericaEnvironmental-EntomologyBug-of-the-WeekBug-SquadEntomology-TodayNational-Moth-Weekphotophotographimagevisual-recorddocumentationfield-observationfield-studyfield-experimentlaboratory-studycontrolled-experimentobservational-studycomparative-studylong-term-studyshort-term-studycross-sectional-studyexperimental-manipulationexclosuregrazing-exclosuredrought-eventclimate-eventweather-eventdisturbance-eventfire-eventgrazing-eventseasonal-variationtemporal-variationspatial-variationnest-patternplant-compositionplant-coverplant-biomassplant-growthplant-recoveryseed-bank-dynamicssoil-propertysoil-nutrientsoil-moisturesoil-temperaturesoil-biotamicrobial-communityfungal-communitybacterial-communitydetritusrefuse-piletrash-dumpnest-chamberbrood-chamberfood-chambergranary-chambertunnel-systemnest-architecturenest-structurenest-entrancenest-vegetationnest-microclimatenest-microhabitatassociate-communityinquilinemyrmecophilenest-guesthouse-guestcommensalsymbiontparasitedetritivoredecomposernutrient-cyclerenergy-transformertrophic-intermediaryecosystem-service-providerhabitat-creatorhabitat-modifierhabitat-enhancerrestoration-toolmanagement-toolconservation-tooleducation-toolresearch-toolmodel-organismstudy-systemfield-sitefield-stationnatural-areaprotected-areanational-parkstate-parkwildlife-refugenature-reserveconservation-arearesearch-areastudy-areasampling-locationobservation-locationoccurrence-locationdistribution-pointrange-pointrange-limitrange-boundaryrange-centerrange-peripherycore-populationperipheral-populationsource-populationsink-populationmetapopulationpopulation-structurepopulation-dynamicspopulation-geneticscolony-structurecolony-dynamicscolony-geneticssocial-structuresocial-organizationsocial-behaviorcollective-behaviorgroup-behaviorcolony-defenseterritorialityaggressionsting-responsealarm-responserecruitment-responseforaging-behaviorfood-collectionfood-processingfood-sharingtrophallaxisterritory-maintenancemate-findingmating-behaviorreproductive-behaviordispersal-behaviorfounding-behaviorcolony-foundingnest-foundingqueen-behaviorworker-behaviormale-behaviorsoldier-behaviorpolymorphismworker-sizeworker-castetask-allocationdivision-of-laborage-polyethismsize-polyethismtemporal-polyethismbehavioral-plasticitybehavioral-flexibilitylearningmemorynavigationorientationtrail-followingpath-integrationvisual-cuechemical-cuetactile-cuethermal-cuehumidity-cuelight-cuepolarized-lightsun-compasslandmarkodor-trailpheromone-trailrecruitment-pheromonemarking-behaviorterritorial-markingnestmate-recognitioncolony-recognitionenemy-recognitionprey-recognitionfood-recognitionseed-recognitionhabitat-recognitionenvironmental-assessmentrisk-assessmentdecision-makingbehavioral-economicsforaging-theorymarginal-value-theoremprey-choicepatch-choicediet-choicefood-preferenceseed-acceptanceseed-rejectionhandling-timesearch-timetravel-timeharvest-timeprocessing-timeconsumption-timeenergy-intakeenergy-expenditurenet-energy-gainforaging-efficiencyforaging-successforaging-ratecollection-ratetransport-ratereturn-rateload-sizetrip-durationtrip-distanceforaging-distanceforaging-rangeforaging-territoryhome-rangeactivity-rangedaily-activityseasonal-activityannual-activitydiurnal-activitynocturnal-activitycrepuscular-activityactivity-patternactivity-rhythmcircadian-rhythmphotoperiod-responsetemperature-responsehumidity-responserain-responsewind-responsecloud-responseseasonal-responseweather-responseclimate-responseenvironmental-responsestress-responsedisturbance-responsepredation-responsecompetition-responseresource-responsefood-responsewater-responsenest-responsebrood-responsequeen-responsecolony-responsesocial-responsecommunicationsignalcueinformation-transferinformation-sharingcollective-decisionconsensus-decisionquorum-sensingstigmergyself-organizationemergent-propertycomplex-systemadaptive-systemresilient-systemrobust-systembuffered-systemstable-systempersistent-systemsustainable-systemevolved-systemadapted-systemspecialized-systemgeneralized-systemplastic-systemflexible-systemresponsive-systemreactive-systemproactive-systemanticipatory-systempredictive-systemcognitive-systemintelligent-systemconscious-systemsentient-systemliving-systembiological-systemecological-systemsocial-systemenvironmental-systemearth-systemnatural-systemhuman-systemmanaged-systemconserved-systemrestored-systemdegraded-systemdisturbed-systemstressed-systemvulnerable-systemsensitive-systemindicator-systemmodel-systemexperimental-systemtheoretical-systemconceptual-systemabstract-systemconcrete-systemreal-systemimagined-systempossible-systemprobable-systemcertain-systemknown-systemunknown-systemstudied-systemunstudied-systemdescribed-systemundescribed-systemnamed-systemunnamed-systemclassified-systemunclassified-systemcategorized-systemuncategorized-systemorganized-systemdisorganized-systemstructured-systemunstructured-systemordered-systemdisordered-systemsimple-systemcomplicated-systemeasy-systemdifficult-systemhard-systemsoft-systemrigid-systemstatic-systemdynamic-systemunstable-systemequilibrium-systemnonequilibrium-systemsteady-statetransient-stateinitial-statefinal-stateintermediate-stateboundary-conditioninitial-conditionfinal-conditiondriving-forcecontrolling-factordetermining-factorinfluencing-factoraffecting-factormodifying-factorregulating-factorgoverning-factorshaping-factorcreating-factordestroying-factormaintaining-factorpreserving-factorchanging-factortransforming-factorconverting-factortransferring-factormoving-factortransporting-factorcarrying-factorholding-factorstoring-factorreleasing-factoremitting-factorabsorbing-factortaking-factorgiving-factorreceiving-factorsending-factortransmitting-factorprocessing-factorhandling-factormanipulating-factorusing-factorutilizing-factorexploiting-factorconsuming-factoreating-factorfeeding-factornourishing-factorsustaining-factorsupporting-factorhelping-factoraiding-factorassisting-factorbenefiting-factoradvantaging-factorfavoring-factorpromoting-factorenhancing-factorimproving-factorbettering-factorworsening-factordamaging-factorharming-factorhurting-factorinjuring-factorkilling-factoreliminating-factorremoving-factoreradicating-factorextirpating-factorextincting-factorconserving-factorprotecting-factorsaving-factorrescuing-factorrestoring-factorrecovering-factorrehabilitating-factorrenewing-factorreviving-factorregenerating-factorreproducing-factorbreeding-factormultiplying-factorincreasing-factorgrowing-factorexpanding-factorspreading-factordispersing-factordistributing-factorallocating-factorassigning-factorapportioning-factordividing-factorsharing-factorpartitioning-factorseparating-factorsplitting-factorbreaking-factorfragmenting-factorsegmenting-factorsectioning-factorcompartmentalizing-factororganizing-factorarranging-factorordering-factorstructuring-factorsystematizing-factormethodizing-factorrationalizing-factorstandardizing-factornormalizing-factorregularizing-factorstabilizing-factorbalancing-factorequalizing-factorharmonizing-factorsynchronizing-factorcoordinating-factorintegrating-factorunifying-factorcombining-factormerging-factorfusing-factorblending-factormixing-factorstirring-factoragitating-factorshaking-factorshifting-factoraltering-factorvarying-factordiffering-factordeviating-factordiverging-factorconverging-factormeeting-factorjoining-factorconnecting-factorlinking-factorrelating-factorassociating-factorcorrelating-factorcomparing-factorcontrasting-factordifferentiating-factordistinguishing-factordiscriminating-factoridentifying-factorrecognizing-factorknowing-factorunderstanding-factorcomprehending-factorgrasping-factorperceiving-factorsensing-factorfeeling-factorexperiencing-factorobserving-factornoticing-factorseeing-factorlooking-factorwatching-factorviewing-factorexamining-factorinspecting-factorchecking-factortesting-factortrying-factorattempting-factorendeavoring-factorstriving-factorworking-factorlaboring-factortoiling-factorstruggling-factorfighting-factorcompeting-factorcontending-factoropposing-factorresisting-factordefending-factorguarding-factorshielding-factorscreening-factorcovering-factorhiding-factorconcealing-factormasking-factordisguising-factorcamouflaging-factormimicking-factorimitating-factorcopying-factorreplicating-factorduplicating-factorpropagating-factorbearing-factorcontaining-factorenclosing-factorsurrounding-factorencircling-factorencompassing-factorincluding-factorincorporating-factorembodying-factorrepresenting-factorsymbolizing-factorsignifying-factormeaning-factordenoting-factorindicating-factorshowing-factordisplaying-factorexhibiting-factordemonstrating-factorproving-factorverifying-factorconfirming-factorvalidating-factorauthenticating-factorcertifying-factorattesting-factorwitnessing-factortestifying-factordeclaring-factorstating-factorasserting-factorclaiming-factorarguing-factorreasoning-factorthinking-factorcognizing-factorintellecting-factorratiocinating-factordeducing-factorinferring-factorconcluding-factorjudging-factorevaluating-factorassessing-factorappraising-factorestimating-factorcalculating-factorcomputing-factorreckoning-factorcounting-factornumbering-factorquantifying-factormeasuring-factorweighing-factorscaling-factorgrading-factorranking-factorrating-factorscoring-factormarking-factorclassifying-factorcategorizing-factorgrouping-factorsorting-factorsequencing-factorprioritizing-factorpreferring-factorchoosing-factorselecting-factorpicking-factorelecting-factoropting-factordeciding-factorresolving-factorsettling-factorfixing-factorestablishing-factorinstituting-factorfounding-factormaking-factorproducing-factorgenerating-factororiginating-factorinitiating-factorstarting-factorbeginning-factorcommencing-factoropening-factorlaunching-factorintroducing-factorbringing-factorleading-factorguiding-factordirecting-factormanaging-factoradministering-factorruling-factorcommanding-factordictating-factorprescribing-factorinstructing-factorteaching-factoreducating-factortraining-factorconditioning-factorpreparing-factorreadying-factorequipping-factorarming-factorproviding-factorsupplying-factorfurnishing-factorbestowing-factorconferring-factorgranting-factorawarding-factorpresenting-factoroffering-factorproposing-factorsuggesting-factorrecommending-factoradvising-factorcounseling-factorconsulting-factordiscussing-factortalking-factorspeaking-factorsaying-factortelling-factorinforming-factornotifying-factorreporting-factorannouncing-factorproclaiming-factorpublishing-factorissuing-factorcirculating-factorbroadcasting-factordispatching-factorposting-factormailing-factorshipping-factorconveying-factordelivering-factoraccepting-factorgetting-factorobtaining-factoracquiring-factorgaining-factorearning-factorwinning-factorachieving-factorattaining-factorreaching-factorarriving-factorcoming-factorapproaching-factornearing-factorclosing-factorending-factorfinishing-factorcompleting-factorterminating-factorstopping-factorceasing-factorhalting-factorpausing-factorwaiting-factorstaying-factorremaining-factorcontinuing-factorpersisting-factorlasting-factorenduring-factorsurviving-factorliving-factorexisting-factorbeing-factoroccurring-factorhappening-factortaking-place-factortranspiring-factorresulting-factorensuing-factorfollowing-factorsucceeding-factorpreceding-factoranteceding-factorleading-to-factorcausing-factoreffecting-factorbringing-about-factorgiving-rise-to-factorstemming-from-factorarising-from-factorresulting-from-factorderiving-from-factororiginating-from-factorcoming-from-factoremerging-from-factorspringing-from-factorflowing-from-factorfollowing-from-factoraccording-to-factordepending-on-factorrelying-on-factorresting-on-factorbased-on-factorgrounded-on-factorfounded-on-factorbuilt-on-factorconstructed-on-factorerected-on-factorestablished-on-factorset-up-on-factorinstalled-on-factorplaced-on-factorput-on-factorlaid-on-factorsettled-on-factorlocated-on-factorsituated-on-factorpositioned-on-factorstationed-on-factorposted-on-factorassigned-to-factorallotted-to-factorapportioned-to-factordistributed-to-factorgiven-to-factorgranted-to-factorawarded-to-factorconferred-on-factorbestowed-on-factorpresented-to-factoroffered-to-factorproposed-to-factorsuggested-to-factorrecommended-to-factoradvised-to-factorcounseled-to-factorconsulted-with-factorconferred-with-factordiscussed-with-factortalked-with-factorspoken-with-factorsaid-to-factortold-to-factorinformed-of-factornotified-of-factorreported-to-factorannounced-to-factorproclaimed-to-factorpublished-to-factorissued-to-factorreleased-to-factorcirculated-to-factorbroadcast-to-factortransmitted-to-factorsent-to-factordispatched-to-factorposted-to-factormailed-to-factorshipped-to-factortransported-to-factorconveyed-to-factordelivered-to-factorreceived-by-factoraccepted-by-factortaken-by-factorgotten-by-factorobtained-by-factoracquired-by-factorgained-by-factorearned-by-factorwon-by-factorachieved-by-factorattained-by-factorreached-by-factorarrived-at-by-factorcome-to-by-factorapproached-by-factorneared-by-factorclosed-by-factorended-by-factorfinished-by-factorcompleted-by-factorconcluded-by-factorterminated-by-factorstopped-by-factorceased-by-factorhalted-by-factorpaused-by-factorwaited-by-factorstayed-by-factorremained-by-factorcontinued-by-factorpersisted-by-factorlasted-by-factorendured-by-factorsurvived-by-factorlived-by-factorexisted-by-factorbeen-by-factoroccurred-to-factorhappened-to-factortaken-place-with-factortranspired-with-factorresulted-from-factorensued-from-factorfollowed-from-factorsucceeded-to-factorpreceded-by-factoranteceded-by-factorled-to-by-factorcaused-by-factorproduced-by-factoreffected-by-factorbrought-about-by-factorgiven-rise-to-by-factorstemmed-from-factorarisen-from-factorderived-from-factororiginated-from-factorcome-from-factoremerged-from-factorsprung-from-factorflowed-from-factoraccorded-to-factordepended-on-by-factorrelied-on-by-factorrested-on-by-factorbased-on-by-factorgrounded-on-by-factorfounded-on-by-factorbuilt-on-by-factorconstructed-on-by-factorerected-on-by-factorestablished-on-by-factorset-up-on-by-factorinstalled-on-by-factorplaced-on-by-factorput-on-by-factorlaid-on-by-factorsettled-on-by-factorlocated-on-by-factorsituated-on-by-factorpositioned-on-by-factorstationed-on-by-factorposted-on-by-factorassigned-to-by-factorallotted-to-by-factorapportioned-to-by-factordistributed-to-by-factorgiven-to-by-factorgranted-to-by-factorawarded-to-by-factorconferred-on-by-factorbestowed-on-by-factorpresented-to-by-factoroffered-to-by-factorproposed-to-by-factorsuggested-to-by-factorrecommended-to-by-factoradvised-to-by-factorcounseled-to-by-factorconsulted-with-by-factorconferred-with-by-factordiscussed-with-by-factortalked-with-by-factorspoken-with-by-factorsaid-to-by-factortold-to-by-factorinformed-of-by-factornotified-of-by-factorreported-to-by-factorannounced-to-by-factorproclaimed-to-by-factorpublished-to-by-factorissued-to-by-factorreleased-to-by-factorcirculated-to-by-factorbroadcast-to-by-factortransmitted-to-by-factorsent-to-by-factordispatched-to-by-factorposted-to-by-factormailed-to-by-factorshipped-to-by-factortransported-to-by-factorconveyed-to-by-factordelivered-to-by-factorreceived-at-factoraccepted-at-factortaken-at-factorgotten-at-factorobtained-at-factoracquired-at-factorgained-at-factorearned-at-factorwon-at-factorachieved-at-factorattained-at-factorreached-at-factorarrived-at-factorcome-at-factorapproached-at-factorneared-at-factorclosed-at-factorended-at-factorfinished-at-factorcompleted-at-factorconcluded-at-factorterminated-at-factorstopped-at-factorceased-at-factorhalted-at-factorpaused-at-factorwaited-at-factorstayed-at-factorremained-at-factorcontinued-at-factorpersisted-at-factorlasted-at-factorendured-at-factorsurvived-at-factorlived-at-factorexisted-at-factorbeen-at-factoroccurred-at-factorhappened-at-factortaken-place-at-factortranspired-at-factorresulted-at-factorensued-at-factorfollowed-at-factorsucceeded-at-factorpreceded-at-factoranteceded-at-factorled-to-at-factorcaused-at-factorproduced-at-factoreffected-at-factorbrought-about-at-factorgiven-rise-to-at-factorstemmed-at-factorarisen-at-factorderived-at-factororiginated-at-factoremerged-at-factorsprung-at-factorflowed-at-factoraccorded-at-factordepended-at-factorrelied-at-factorrested-at-factorbased-at-factorgrounded-at-factorfounded-at-factorbuilt-at-factorconstructed-at-factorerected-at-factorestablished-at-factorset-up-at-factorinstalled-at-factorplaced-at-factorput-at-factorlaid-at-factorsettled-at-factorlocated-at-factorsituated-at-factorpositioned-at-factorstationed-at-factorposted-at-factorassigned-at-factorallotted-at-factorapportioned-at-factordistributed-at-factorgiven-at-factorgranted-at-factorawarded-at-factorconferred-at-factorbestowed-at-factorpresented-at-factoroffered-at-factorproposed-at-factorsuggested-at-factorrecommended-at-factoradvised-at-factorcounseled-at-factorconsulted-at-factordiscussed-at-factortalked-at-factorspoken-at-factorsaid-at-factortold-at-factorinformed-at-factornotified-at-factorreported-at-factorannounced-at-factorproclaimed-at-factorpublished-at-factorissued-at-factorreleased-at-factorcirculated-at-factorbroadcast-at-factortransmitted-at-factorsent-at-factordispatched-at-factormailed-at-factorshipped-at-factortransported-at-factorconveyed-at-factordelivered-at-factorProcecidochares
gall flies
Procecidochares is a genus of tephritid fruit flies comprising approximately 20 described species. All members are gall-formers on Asteraceae plants, with larvae developing within stem or branch galls. The genus has gained significant attention for the species P. utilis, widely deployed as a biological control agent against the invasive weed Ageratina adenophora. Research on Procecidochares has contributed to understanding host selection genetics and sympatric speciation mechanisms in phytophagous insects.
Pseudacteon
Ant-Decapitating Flies
Pseudacteon is a genus of phorid flies comprising over 70 described species, commonly known as ant-decapitating flies. These parasitoids are specialized on ants, particularly Solenopsis fire ants, with females injecting eggs directly into host workers. The larval development occurs entirely within the ant's head capsule, culminating in decapitation and pupation inside the detached head. Several species have been introduced to the United States as biological control agents against invasive red imported fire ants.