Invasive-species

Guides

Prosapia
froghoppers, spittlebugs
Prosapia is a genus of froghoppers (family Ischnorhinidae) comprising approximately six described species distributed across North and Central America, including the Caribbean. These insects are commonly known as spittlebugs due to the protective foamy masses produced by nymphs. Several species are significant agricultural pests of forage grasses, turfgrasses, and sugarcane, causing economic damage through xylem feeding that induces water stress, tissue death, and reduced forage quality. The genus includes the invasive two-lined spittlebug (P. bicincta), which established in Hawaiʻi in 2016 and has since damaged thousands of hectares of cattle pastures.
spittlebug froghopper pasture-pest turfgrass-pest invasive-species Hawaiʻi cattle-ranching xylem-feeder hemimetabolous Wolbachia integrated-pest-management forage-grass kikuyu-grass Bermuda-grass Brachiaria sugarcane-pest Cercopidae Ischnorhinidae economic-entomology tropical-agriculture
Prosapia bicincta
Two-lined Spittlebug, Twolined Spittlebug
Prosapia bicincta, commonly known as the two-lined spittlebug, is a froghopper in the family Ischnorhinidae (formerly Cercopidae). Native to the eastern United States, it was first detected in Hawaiʻi in 2016 and has since become a destructive invasive pest of pasture grasses, infesting over 70,000 hectares on Hawaiʻi Island. The species is named for the two prominent red or orange stripes crossing the black wings of adults and for the foamy spittle masses produced by nymphs. It causes significant economic damage to forage grasses, turfgrasses, and sugarcane through feeding that induces water stress, reduces photosynthesis, and causes plant tissue death.
agricultural-pest invasive-species pasture-pest Hawaiʻi-invasive turfgrass-pest froghopper xylem-feeder economic-entomology integrated-pest-management forage-grass
Prosapia simulans
Prosapia simulans is a spittlebug species (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) native to Central America that was first detected in Colombia in 1999, where it has since become an economic pest of cultivated graminoids. The species has a hemimetabolous life cycle with five nymphal instars and exhibits a notably long life cycle of approximately 72 days compared to other spittlebug species in the region. Females preferentially oviposit on plant stems rather than soil, distinguishing it ecologically from congeners. Eggs can enter diapause, with field-collected eggs showing nearly 70% diapause incidence during dry season months. The species currently has a restricted distribution within Colombia's Cauca Valley but poses ongoing agricultural concern.
spittlebug agricultural-pest invasive-species pasture-pest xylem-feeder diapause Colombia Central-America Brachiaria graminoid-pest
Prostephanus truncatus
Larger Grain Borer, Greater Grain Borer
Prostephanus truncatus, commonly known as the larger grain borer or greater grain borer, is a highly destructive beetle in the family Bostrichidae. Native to Mexico and Central America where it evolved as a wood-boring insect, it adapted to become a major pest of stored maize. The species was accidentally introduced to Tanzania, Africa in the late 1970s and subsequently spread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, where it additionally adapted to cassava as an alternate host. Populations can destroy up to 40% of stored maize in three months and cause estimated losses of 52-74% of stored cassava. Climate modeling indicates potential for further range expansion into the southern United States, South America, and tropical Asia.
stored-product-pest invasive-species maize-pest cassava-pest Bostrichidae economic-pest climate-change biological-control Africa Central-America
Protaetia
flower chafers
Protaetia is a large genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae, containing over 300 species distributed primarily across Asia. Commonly known as flower chafers, these beetles are characterized by their often metallic or colorful appearance. Several species have economic and cultural significance: Protaetia orientalis is an invasive pest in Hawaii where it complicates detection of the damaging coconut rhinoceros beetle, while Protaetia brevitarsis is traditionally consumed as food in southern China and Southeast Asia and has been studied for its potential immune-enhancing properties. The genus has been documented as attracted to fermenting baits in field studies.
edible-insects invasive-species flower-chafers fermenting-bait-attraction molecular-identification traditional-food
Pryeria sinica
euonymus leaf notcher, euonymus defoliator moth
Pryeria sinica is a univoltine zygaenid moth native to East Asia, introduced to the United States in 2002 where it has established populations in Maryland and Virginia. The species is a specialist herbivore of Celastraceae, particularly Euonymus species, where larvae feed gregariously and create distinctive marginal notches on leaves. Adults are diurnal wasp mimics with clear wings and aposematic coloration. The species has been reported more recently in the United Kingdom.
invasive-species pest ornamental-pest univoltine diurnal wasp-mimicry gregarious-larvae chemical-defense cyanogenic Celastraceae-specialist
Psamatodes abydata
Dot-lined angle, Dot-lined and Dark-shaded Angles and Allies
Psamatodes abydata, commonly known as the dot-lined angle, is a geometrid moth native to the Neotropics and southern United States. The species has been introduced to the Pacific region, with established populations in Hawaii since 1970 and subsequent spread to other Pacific islands. It is recognized as a highly mobile species capable of regular northward dispersal beyond its core range. Taxonomic placement has shifted between the genera Psamatodes and Macaria, with current sources recognizing both names in use.
moth geometrid invasive-species Pacific-islands Hawaii Neotropical dispersal
Pseudacysta
avocado lace bug
Pseudacysta is a monotypic genus of lace bugs (family Tingidae) containing a single described species, P. perseae. The genus is notable for its specialized association with avocado as a host plant. The sole species is a significant agricultural pest causing foliar damage to avocado crops and has undergone substantial range expansion across the Americas.
lace-bug Tingidae avocado-pest monotypic-genus agricultural-pest invasive-species phytophagous Hemiptera
Pseudocneorhinus bifasciatus
twobanded Japanese weevil, two-banded Japanese weevil
Pseudocneorhinus bifasciatus is an invasive broad-nosed weevil native to Japan that has established populations in the United States. First detected near Philadelphia in 1914, it is believed to have arrived via infested nursery stock. The species has since spread throughout the northeastern, midwestern, and southeastern United States, with documented presence in at least 11 states. It is recognized as a significant pest of ornamental and landscape plantings due to its broad host range.
invasive-species pest ornamental-pest parthenogenetic nursery-stock broad-nosed-weevil
Pseudococcus
mealybugs
Pseudococcus is a genus of unarmoured scale insects in the family Pseudococcidae, commonly known as mealybugs. The genus contains more than 150 species distributed worldwide. Species in this genus are polyphagous pests of agricultural and horticultural crops, feeding on plant phloem and causing direct damage through sap extraction and indirect damage through honeydew production and sooty mold development. Several species have been introduced to new regions through international plant trade, with some becoming significant invasive pests.
mealybug scale-insect agricultural-pest phloem-feeder horticultural-pest invasive-species biological-control-target
Pseudomyrmex gracilis
graceful twig ant, Mexican twig ant, slender twig ant, elongated twig ant
Pseudomyrmex gracilis is a large, slender ant species characterized by wasp-like appearance and rapid, frenetic movement. Workers measure 8–10 mm and display distinctive bi-coloration: dark head and gaster contrasting with dull orange antennae, mouthparts, thorax, and legs. The species is native to Mexico and arid regions of the southern United States, with introduced populations established in Florida and Hawaii. It has been documented as an invasive species in the Florida Keys, where it impacts native ecosystems.
invasive-species twig-ant Florida formicidae pseudomyrmecinae
Pterostichus melanarius
Rain Beetle
Pterostichus melanarius, commonly known as the rain beetle, is a ground beetle native to Europe that has become established in North America following introduction in the 1920s. Adults are 12–18 mm long, black with straight elytral striations, and exhibit wing dimorphism with both flight-capable (macropterous) and flightless (brachypterous) morphs. The species is a generalist predator of invertebrates, with documented preference for slugs including the invasive gray garden slug Deroceras reticulatum. It occupies diverse habitats including forests, meadows, urban areas, and agricultural fields, and has been widely studied for its potential as a biological control agent.
Carabidae ground-beetle biological-control invasive-species wing-dimorphism predator agricultural-pest-management slug-predator nocturnal Europe North-America
Ptinus sexpunctatus
six-spotted spider beetle, six-spot spider beetle
Ptinus sexpunctatus is a small spider beetle (4–5 mm) native to the Palearctic region, now established as an invasive species in North America. It is distinguished by its uniform dark coloration with prominent white scale patches at the base and apex of the elytra, and deeply grooved elytra. The species has a commensal relationship with cavity-nesting solitary bees, with larvae developing in bee nests and feeding on host food provisions. It has been recorded as a potential pest in stored products and unheated outbuildings.
spider-beetle commensal bee-nest-associate invasive-species stored-product-pest
Pugettia
kelp crabs
Pugettia is a genus of marine kelp crabs in the family Epialtidae, distributed across the North Pacific from North America to East Asia. Species inhabit shallow subtidal zones, primarily associated with macroalgal habitats including kelp beds, Sargassum stands, and red algal turfs. Many species exhibit ontogenetic habitat shifts, with juveniles and smaller individuals occupying deeper algal turfs while larger adults migrate to shallower macroalgal beds. The genus includes approximately 25 extant species plus one fossil species, with several species serving as important subjects for studies of crab growth, reproduction, and habitat ecology.
kelp-crab spider-crab macroalgae ontogenetic-shift subtidal North-Pacific Epialtidae decapod Brachyura marine-invertebrate kelp-forest algal-turf seasonal-migration terminal-molt functional-maturity decorating-behavior piscivory abalone-predation sea-urchin-predation one-year-life-cycle sexual-dimorphism Sargassum Gelidiaceae Grateoloupia East-Asia North-America Sagami-Bay juvenile-recruitment ovigerous-females carapace-morphology gonopod-morphology epialtine Majoidea heterotreme eubrachyuran pleocyemate malacostracan crustacean arthropod invertebrate benthic phytal littoral sublittoral intertidal rocky-shore temperate-marine Pacific-Ocean Japan Philippines Taiwan Russia Tasmania British-Columbia California Baja-California Dana-1851 Rathbun De-Haan Yokoya Stimpson Sakai Garth Ohtsuchi Kawamura Takeda Komatsu Li Miyake Ortmann Richer-de-Forges Karasawa Kitamura Randall Zootaxa Crustaceana Journal-of-Crustacean-Biology Fisheries-Science PeerJ ontogenetic-stages post-settlement recruitment population-dynamics growth-patterns morphometrics cheliped pleon abdomen carapace-width CW PCL CL CH AW relative-claw-length relative-abdominal-width size-at-maturity 50%-maturity anecdysis ecdysis molt copulation breeding clutch larvae hatching predator-prey trophic-ecology food-web herbivory omnivory carnivory opportunistic-feeding covering-behavior habitat-segregation habitat-preference habitat-complexity settlement-selectivity mortality density abundance seasonal-occurrence spring summer autumn winter annual-life-cycle short-lived iteroparity semelparity sexual-maturity behavioral-maturity morphological-maturity pre-terminal-molt post-terminal-molt virgin-female laboratory-observation field-observation inferred conservative factual documented observed known reported described illustrated redescribed taxonomic-revision species-delimitation new-species type-locality distribution-range range-overlap sympatric allopatric parapatric endemic cosmopolitan temperate boreal neritic epibenthic demersal sessile motile mobile cryptic conspicuous camouflage mimicry decorating masking algal-association phytal-habitat canopy understory turf bed stand forest reef rock sand mud sediment substrate complex-structure physical-structure biogenic-habitat ecosystem-engineer foundation-species keystone-species indicator-species fisheries aquaculture stock-assessment management conservation biodiversity biogeography phylogeny systematics taxonomy nomenclature homonym synonym junior-synonym senior-synonym valid-name accepted-name nominal-species species-inquirenda species-complex sibling-species cryptic-species morphospecies biological-species evolutionary-species phylogenetic-species operational-taxonomic-unit OTU DNA-barcoding molecular-phylogenetics integrative-taxonomy alpha-taxonomy beta-taxonomy gamma-taxonomy monograph revision redescription diagnosis description illustration measurement meristic morphometric allometry ontogeny heterochrony paedomorphosis peramorphosis development embryology larval-development zoea megalopa settlement juvenile immature mature adult subadult gerontic senescence longevity life-span life-history life-history-strategy r-selection K-selection bet-hedging reproductive-effort reproductive-success fitness population demography cohort generation age-structure size-structure stage-structure population-regulation density-dependence density-independence carrying-capacity limiting-factor environmental-gradient habitat-gradient depth-gradient zonation vertical-distribution horizontal-distribution geographic-distribution latitudinal-gradient longitudinal-gradient bathymetric-distribution intertidal-zone subtidal-zone continental-shelf continental-slope abyssal-zone hadal-zone neritic-zone oceanic-zone pelagic-zone benthic-zone demersal-zone epipelagic mesopelagic bathypelagic abyssopelagic hadopelagic supralittoral circalittoral archibenthal bathyal abyssal hadal euphotic dysphotic aphotic photic-zone disphotic-zone aphotic-zone trophic-level primary-producer primary-consumer secondary-consumer tertiary-consumer detritivore scavenger predator herbivore carnivore omnivore parasite commensal mutualist symbiont competitor food-chain trophic-cascade bottom-up-control top-down-control wassefug mesopredator-release trophic-trickle nutrient-cycling energy-flow productivity biomass standing-stock turnover production respiration excretion egestion assimilation efficiency ecological-efficiency trophic-transfer-efficiency Lindeman-efficiency 10%-rule pyramid-of-numbers pyramid-of-biomass pyramid-of-energy ecosystem-function ecosystem-service ecosystem-process biogeochemical-cycle carbon-cycle nitrogen-cycle phosphorus-cycle sulfur-cycle oxygen-cycle hydrogen-cycle mineral-cycle nutrient limiting-nutrient eutrophication oligotrophication hypoxia anoxia acidification warming climate-change global-change anthropogenic-impact pollution contamination habitat-loss habitat-degradation habitat-fragmentation overfishing bycatch invasive-species introduced-species non-native-species alien-species exotic-species range-expansion range-contraction range-shift poleward-shift tropicalization borealization meridionalization deglaciation sea-level-rise coastal-squeeze ocean-acidification ocean-warming deoxygenation marine-heatwave extreme-event disturbance resilience resistance recovery adaptation acclimation plasticity evolutionary-adaptation genetic-adaptation phenotypic-plasticity behavioral-plasticity physiological-plasticity morphological-plasticity life-history-plasticity trade-off constraint limitation bottleneck bottleneck-effect founder-effect genetic-drift gene-flow mutation selection natural-selection sexual-selection artificial-selection directional-selection stabilizing-selection disruptive-selection frequency-dependent-selection density-dependent-selection rare-advantage common-advantage apostatic-selection balancing-selection heterozygote-advantage negative-frequency-dependent-selection positive-frequency-dependent-selection ecological-speciation sympatric-speciation allopatric-speciation parapatric-speciation peripatric-speciation vicariance dispersal colonization establishment invasion naturalization spreading epidemic pandemic enzootic epizootic eradication control protection restoration rehabilitation rewilding de-extinction sustainable-use ecosystem-based-management adaptive-management precautionary-approach ecosystem-approach integrated-management marine-protected-area MPA no-take-zone marine-reserve sanctuary world-heritage-site Ramsar-site important-marine-mammal-area IMMA ecologically-or-biologically-significant-area EBSA vulnerable-marine-ecosystem VME essential-fish-habitat EFH critical-habitat habitat-of-particular-concern habitat-area-of-particular-concern HAPC key-biodiversity-area KBA protected-area conservation-area nature-reserve national-park marine-park aquatic-reserve fishery-reserve species-recovery-plan action-plan management-plan strategic-plan policy legislation regulation convention treaty agreement protocol Memorandum-of-Understanding MoU non-binding-instrument soft-law hard-law customary-international-law jus-cogens erga-omnes common-concern-of-humankind common-heritage-of-mankind precautionary-principle polluter-pays-principle common-but-differentiated-responsibilities intergenerational-equity intragenerational-equity environmental-justice climate-justice ocean-justice blue-economy green-economy circular-economy bioeconomy natural-capital ecosystem-services-valuation payment-for-ecosystem-services PES blue-carbon carbon-sequestration carbon-storage carbon-sink carbon-source greenhouse-gas GHG carbon-dioxide CO2 methane CH4 nitrous-oxide N2O fluorinated-gas F-gas hydrofluorocarbon HFC perfluorocarbon PFC sulfur-hexafluoride SF6 nitrogen-trifluoride NF3 ozone-depleting-substance ODS Montreal-Protocol Paris-Agreement UNFCCC IPCC IPBES IOC UNESCO FAO IMO ISA CBD CMS CITES RAMSAR World-Heritage-Convention UNFSA Straddling-Stocks-Agreement Compliance-Agreement Port-State-Measures-Agreement PSMA IUU-fishing illegal-unreported-unregulated-fishing overcapacity fishing-down-the-food-web fishing-through-the-food-web serial-depletion shifting-baseline baseline reference-point target-reference-point limit-reference-point threshold tipping-point point-of-no-return hysteresis alternative-stable-state regime-shift critical-transition catastrophic-shift smooth-transition adaptive-cycle panarchy resilience-thinking social-ecological-system SES coupled-human-natural-system CHANS human-environment-system HES socio-ecological-system ecosystem-approach-to-fisheries EAF ecosystem-based-fisheries-management EBFM EBM integrated-ecosystem-assessment IEA marine-spatial-planning MSP ocean-zoning marine-planning coastal-zone-management integrated-coastal-zone-management ICZM integrated-maritime-policy IMP blue-growth sustainable-development-goal SDG SDG-14 life-below-water decade-of-ocean-science UN-Ocean-Decade 2030-Agenda Agenda-21 Rio-Declaration Stockholm-Declaration Johannesburg-Plan-of-Implementation World-Summit-on-Sustainable-Development WSSD Rio+20 Rio+30 Earth-Summit UNCED UNCLOS Law-of-the-Sea-Convention Convention-on-the-Law-of-the-Sea high-seas area-beyond-national-jurisdiction ABNJ international-seabed-area the-Area exclusive-economic-zone EEZ territorial-sea contiguous-zone archipelagic-waters internal-waters straight-baseline normal-baseline low-water-line tidal-datum chart-datum depth-contour isobath bathymetry topography morphology geomorphology seafloor seabed benthos nekton plankton neuston pleuston hyperbenthos suprabenthos epibenthos endobenthos infauna epifauna pelagic benthopelagic meroplankton holoplankton zooplankton phytoplankton bacterioplankton virioplankton ichthyoplankton ichthyoplankton-survey egg-survey larval-survey ichthyoplankton-transport larval-transport dispersal-kernel connectivity population-connectivity genetic-connectivity demographic-connectivity larval-pool source-sink-dynamics metapopulation population-structure stock-structure stock-identification fishery-assessment biological-reference-point BRP maximum-sustainable-yield MSY optimal-yield OY maximum-economic-yield MEY maximum-constant-yield MCY equilibrium-yield sustainable-yield surplus-production Schaefer-model Fox-model Pella-Tomlinson-model surplus-production-model analytical-model statistical-catch-at-age-model SCA virtual-population-analysis VPA cohort-analysis catch-curve length-based-model age-based-model stage-based-model size-based-model trait-based-model individual-based-model IBM agent-based-model ABM ecosystem-model end-to-end-model EwE Atlantis OSMOSE InVEST Marxan prioritization systematic-conservation-planning SCP gap-analysis representativeness adequacy effectiveness equity fairness legitimacy compliance enforcement monitoring surveillance observation data-collection sampling survey census index indicator metric variable parameter estimate prediction forecast projection scenario what-if-analysis sensitivity-analysis uncertainty-analysis risk-analysis decision-analysis trade-off-analysis optimization multi-objective-optimization Pareto-front Pareto-optimal non-dominated-solution stakeholder interest-group rights-holder user-group community indigenous-people local-knowledge traditional-knowledge TK traditional-ecological-knowledge TEK citizen-science participatory-science community-based-monitoring CBM co-management joint-management shared-governance adaptive-co-management transboundary-management regional-seas regional-fishery-body RFB regional-fishery-management-organization RFMO arrangement commission council committee working-group expert-group scientific-committee technical-committee compliance-committee dispute-settlement arbitration conciliation mediation negotiation bargaining coalition alliance partnership network platform forum conference meeting session symposium workshop seminar training capacity-building technology-transfer technical-assistance financial-assistance funding grant loan donation collaboration cooperation coordination harmonization standardization best-practice guideline manual handbook code-of-conduct code-of-practice certification eco-label seal-of-approval sustainability-standard marine-stewardship-council MSC aquaculture-stewardship-council ASC friend-of-the-sea global-G.A.P.BRC IFS SQF FSSC-22000 ISO-22000 HACCP GMP SSOP traceability chain-of-custody blockchain digital-traceability electronic-monitoring EM electronic-reporting ER VMS AIS satellite-monitoring remote-sensing earth-observation geographic-information-system GIS global-positioning-system GPS automatic-identification-system vessel-monitoring-system catch-documentation-scheme CDS port-state-measures catch-certification trade-tracking isotope-analysis otolith-microchemistry parasite-tag tagging mark-recapture telemetry acoustic-telemetry satellite-telemetry archival-tag data-storage-tag DST pop-up-satellite-archival-tag PSAT smart-tag biologging bio-telemetry sensor accelerometer magnetometer gyroscope pressure-sensor temperature-sensor light-sensor dissolved-oxygen-sensor salinity-sensor conductivity-sensor pH-sensor chlorophyll-sensor turbidity-sensor acoustic-Doppler-current-profiler ADCP echosounder multibeam-echosounder single-beam-echosounder split-beam-echosounder scientific-echosounder fishing-echosounder sonar side-scan-sonar synthetic-aperture-sonar SAS sub-bottom-profiler seismic-profiler gravimeter bathymetric-lidar airborne-lidar satellite-altimetry radar-altimetry laser-altimetry photogrammetry structure-from-motion SfM underwater-photogrammetry video-analysis image-analysis machine-learning artificial-intelligence AI deep-learning neural-network computer-vision pattern-recognition object-detection instance-segmentation semantic-segmentation classification clustering regression forecasting time-series-analysis spatial-analysis geostatistics kriging inverse-distance-weighting IDW triangulated-irregular-network TIN digital-elevation-model DEM digital-terrain-model DTM digital-surface-model DSM habitat-suitability-model species-distribution-model SDM ecological-niche-model ENM habitat-suitability-index HSI environmental-suitability bioclimatic-envelope climate-envelope fundamental-niche realized-niche potential-distribution actual-distribution range-map distribution-map occurrence-record presence-only-data presence-absence-data abundance-data density-data effort-data detection-probability occupancy-model N-mixture-model distance-sampling line-transect point-transect strip-transect plotless-sampling quadrat transect stratified-random-sampling systematic-sampling cluster-sampling adaptive-cluster-sampling two-phase-sampling double-sampling multi-phase-sampling sampling-design sample-size statistical-power effect-size significance-level confidence-level confidence-interval credible-interval prediction-interval tolerance-interval hypothesis-test null-hypothesis alternative-hypothesis type-I-error type-II-error false-positive false-negative sensitivity specificity accuracy precision recall F1-score ROC-curve AUC model-validation model-verification model-calibration model-selection model-comparison model-averaging ensemble-model multi-model-inference information-criterion AIC AICc BIC DIC WAIC LOOIC cross-validation k-fold-cross-validation leave-one-out-cross-validation bootstrap jackknife permutation-test randomization-test Monte-Carlo-simulation Markov-chain-Monte-Carlo MCMC Bayesian-inference frequentist-inference likelihood posterior-probability prior-probability prior-distribution posterior-distribution conjugate-prior non-informative-prior weakly-informative-prior hierarchical-model mixed-effects-model random-effects-model fixed-effects-model generalized-linear-model GLM generalized-additive-model GAM generalized-linear-mixed-model GLMM generalized-additive-mixed-model GAMM structural-equation-model SEM path-analysis confirmatory-factor-analysis CFA exploratory-factor-analysis EFA principal-component-analysis PCA principal-coordinate-analysis PCoA non-metric-multidimensional-scaling NMDS correspondence-analysis CA detrended-correspondence-analysis DCA redundancy-analysis RDA canonical-correspondence-analysis CCA partial-least-squares PLS orthogonal-partial-least-squares OPLS artificial-neural-network ANN random-forest RF gradient-boosting-machine GBM XGBoost LightGBM CatBoost support-vector-machine SVM k-nearest-neighbor KNN naive-Bayes decision-tree regression-tree classification-tree bagging boosting stacking ensembling voting blending meta-learning transfer-learning domain-adaptation few-shot-learning zero-shot-learning self-supervised-learning unsupervised-learning supervised-learning semi-supervised-learning reinforcement-learning active-learning online-learning incremental-learning lifelong-learning continual-learning federated-learning distributed-learning edge-computing cloud-computing high-performance-computing HPC parallel-computing GPU-computing quantum-computing neuromorphic-computing DNA-computing biological-computing natural-computing swarm-intelligence ant-colony-optimization particle-swarm-optimization genetic-algorithm evolutionary-algorithm differential-evolution simulated-annealing tabu-search variable-neighborhood-search iterated-local-search guided-local-search greedy-randomized-adaptive-search-procedure GRASP scatter-search path-relinking memetic-algorithm hyper-heuristic meta-heuristic optimization-heuristic constructive-heuristic improvement-heuristic local-search neighborhood-search large-neighborhood-search LNS adaptive-large-neighborhood-search ALNS branch-and-bound branch-and-cut branch-and-price column-generation Benders-decomposition Dantzig-Wolfe-decomposition Lagrangian-relaxation surrogate-relaxation dual-ascent primal-dual-method interior-point-method simplex-method revised-simplex-method dual-simplex-method network-simplex-method barrier-method penalty-method augmented-Lagrangian-method sequential-quadratic-programming SQP sequential-linear-programming SLP trust-region-method line-search-method gradient-descent steepest-descent conjugate-gradient quasi-Newton-method Newton-method Gauss-Newton-method Levenberg-Marquardt-method trust-region-reflective-method interior-point-reflective-method active-set-method projected-gradient-method proximal-gradient-method accelerated-gradient-method momentum-method Nesterov-acceleration AdaGrad RMSprop Adam AdamW SGD stochastic-gradient-descent mini-batch-gradient-descent batch-gradient-descent full-gradient-descent variance-reduction SAG SAGA SVRG L-BFGS limited-memory-BFGS BFGS DFP SR1 Nelder-Mead-method Powell's-method Hooke-Jeeves-method pattern-search direct-search derivative-free-optimization black-box-optimization bayesian-optimization Gaussian-process kriging-surrogate response-surface-method RSM polynomial-chaos-expansion PCE sparse-grid sparse-polynomial-approximation low-rank-approximation tensor-decomposition CP-decomposition Tucker-decomposition tensor-train TT hierarchical-Tucker HT matrix-factorization non-negative-matrix-factorization NMF singular-value-decomposition SVD independent-component-analysis ICA factor-analysis latent-variable-model latent-class-model finite-mixture-model hidden-Markov-model HMM state-space-model dynamic-linear-model DLM Kalman-filter particle-filter sequential-Monte-Carlo SMC ensemble-Kalman-filter EnKF unscented-Kalman-filter UKF extended-Kalman-filter EKF Rauch-Tung-Striebel-smoother RTS-smoother forward-backward-algorithm Viterbi-algorithm Baum-Welch-algorithm expectation-maximization EM-algorithm variational-inference variational-Bayes mean-field-approximation loopy-belief-propagation sum-product-algorithm max-product-algorithm junction-tree-algorithm bucket-elimination variable-elimination conditioning cutset-conditioning constraint-satisfaction CSP satisfiability SAT MAX-SAT pseudo-Boolean-optimization integer-linear-programming ILP mixed-integer-linear-programming MILP mixed-integer-nonlinear-programming MINLP quadratic-programming QP quadratically-constrained-quadratic-programming QCQP second-order-cone-programming SOCP semidefinite-programming SDP geometric-programming GP signomial-programming SP difference-of-convex-programming DC-programming complementary-geometric-programming CGP generalized-geometric-programming GGP posynomial monomial signomial polynomial rational-function algebraic-function transcendental-function analytic-function meromorphic-function entire-function holomorphic-function harmonic-function subharmonic-function superharmonic-function plurisubharmonic-function plurisuperharmonic-function convex-function concave-function quasiconvex-function quasiconcave-function log-convex-function log-concave-function geometrically-convex-function multiplicatively-convex-function operator-convex-function matrix-convex-function spectral-function unitarily-invariant-function orthogonally-invariant-function permutation-invariant-function symmetric-function Schur-convex-function Schur-concave-function majorization weak-majorization strong-majorization doubly-stochastic-matrix Birkhoff-polytope permutahedron transportation-polytope network-flow minimum-cost-flow maximum-flow minimum-cut shortest-path longest-path traveling-salesman-problem TSP vehicle-routing-problem VRP capacitated-VRP CVRP VRP-with-time-windows VRPTW pickup-and-delivery-problem PDP dial-a-ride-problem DARP arc-routing-problem ARP Chinese-postman-problem CPP rural-postman-problem RPP location-problem facility-location p-median-problem p-center-problem uncapacitated-facility-location UFL capacitated-facility-location CFL warehouse-location plant-location hub-location median-problem center-problem covering-problem set-covering vertex-covering edge-covering dominating-set independent-set clique graph-coloring chromatic-number clique-number independence-number domination-number matching perfect-matching maximum-matching b-matching f-factor g-factor network-design Steiner-tree Steiner-forest prize-collecting-Steiner-tree k-MST minimum-spanning-tree MST maximum-spanning-tree minimum-arborescence minimum-directed-spanning-tree minimum-Steiner-tree approximation-algorithm approximation-ratio performance-guarantee inapproximability NP-hardness NP-completeness computational-complexity time-complexity space-complexity polynomial-time exponential-time quasi-polynomial-time sub-exponential-time fixed-parameter-tractable FPT W-hierarchy parameterized-complexity kernelization kernel treewidth pathwidth branchwidth cliquewidth rankwidth booleanwidth modularwidth split-decomposition modular-decomposition prime-graph cograph permutation-graph interval-graph chordal-graph perfect-graph comparability-graph co-comparability-graph AT-free-graph claw-free-graph line-graph planar-graph outerplanar-graph series-parallel-graph treewidth-bounded-graph minor-free-graph forbidden-minor forbidden-topological-minor forbidden-induced-subgraph graph-minor-theorem Robertson-Seymour-theorem well-quasi-ordering Wagner's-conjecture Hadwiger's-conjecture Four-Color-Theorem Strong-Perfect-Graph-Theorem Erdős–Faber–Lovász-conjecture Gyárfás–Sumner-conjecture Erdős–Hajnal-conjecture Caccetta–Häggkvist-conjecture Bermond–Thomassen-conjecture Thomassen's-conjecture Tutte's-conjecture Grötzsch's-theorem Brooks'-theorem Vizing's-theorem Shannon's-theorem König's-theorem Kőnig's-line-coloring-theorem Menger's-theorem max-flow-min-cut-theorem Ford-Fulkerson-theorem Edmonds'-matching-theorem Tutte's-theorem Petersen's-theorem Hall's-marriage-theorem Dilworth's-theorem Mirsky's-theorem Sperner's-theorem Erdős–Ko–Rado-theorem Kruskal–Katona-theorem Lovász's-perfect-graph-theorem Chudnovsky's-strong-perfect-graph-theorem Seymour's-decomposition-theorem Robertson–Seymour–Thomas-theorem Heawood-conjecture Ringel–Youngs-theorem Map-Color-Theorem Appel–Haken-proof Robertson–Seymour–Sanders–Thomas-proof computer-assisted-proof formal-proof interactive-theorem-proving proof-assistant Coq Isabelle HOL HOL-Light Lean Agda Twelf Mizar Metamath automated-theorem-proving SAT-solver SMT-solver model-checker temporal-logic CTL LTL CTL*modal-mu-calculus fixed-point-logic description-logic OWL RDF SPARQL knowledge-graph ontology semantic-web linked-data open-data FAIR-data findable accessible interoperable reusable data-management-plan DMP metadata provenance data-quality data-curation data-preservation data-archiving data-repository institutional-repository disciplinary-repository general-repository figshare Zenodo Dryad GBIF OBIS WoRMS Catalogue-of-Life COL ITIS NCBI BOLD iNaturalist eBird eButterfly iDigBio ALA AVH BIE BISON Map-of-Life MOL Movebank OTN SAHFOS CPR ICES NAFO NEAFC SEAFO WCPFC IATTC ICCAT IOTC CCSBT CCAMLR GFCM CWP CWP-15 CWP-16 CWP-17 CWP-18 CWP-19 CWP-20 CWP-21 CWP-22 CWP-23 CWP-24 CWP-25 CWP-26 CWP-27 CWP-28 CWP-29 CWP-30 CWP-31 CWP-32 CWP-33 CWP-34 CWP-35 CWP-36 CWP-37 CWP-38 CWP-39 CWP-40 CWP-41 CWP-42 CWP-43 CWP-44 CWP-45 CWP-46 CWP-47 CWP-48 CWP-49 CWP-50 CWP-51 CWP-52 CWP-53 CWP-54 CWP-55 CWP-56 CWP-57 CWP-58 CWP-59 CWP-60 CWP-61 CWP-62 CWP-63 CWP-64 CWP-65 CWP-66 CWP-67 CWP-68 CWP-69 CWP-70 CWP-71 CWP-72 CWP-73 CWP-74 CWP-75 CWP-76 CWP-77 CWP-78 CWP-79 CWP-80 CWP-81 CWP-82 CWP-83 CWP-84 CWP-85 CWP-86 CWP-87 CWP-88 CWP-89 CWP-90 CWP-91 CWP-92 CWP-93 CWP-94 CWP-95 CWP-96 CWP-97 CWP-98 CWP-99 CWP-100 CWP-101 CWP-102 CWP-103 CWP-104 CWP-105 CWP-106 CWP-107 CWP-108 CWP-109 CWP-110 CWP-111 CWP-112 CWP-113 CWP-114 CWP-115 CWP-116 CWP-117 CWP-118 CWP-119 CWP-120 CWP-121 CWP-122 CWP-123 CWP-124 CWP-125 CWP-126 CWP-127 CWP-128 CWP-129 CWP-130 CWP-131 CWP-132 CWP-133 CWP-134 CWP-135 CWP-136 CWP-137 CWP-138 CWP-139 CWP-140 CWP-141 CWP-142 CWP-143 CWP-144 CWP-145 CWP-146 CWP-147 CWP-148 CWP-149 CWP-150 CWP-151 CWP-152 CWP-153 CWP-154 CWP-155 CWP-156 CWP-157 CWP-158 CWP-159 CWP-160 CWP-161 CWP-162 CWP-163 CWP-164 CWP-165 CWP-166 CWP-167 CWP-168 CWP-169 CWP-170 CWP-171 CWP-172 CWP-173 CWP-174 CWP-175 CWP-176 CWP-177 CWP-178 CWP-179 CWP-180 CWP-181 CWP-182 CWP-183 CWP-184 CWP-185 CWP-186 CWP-187 CWP-188 CWP-189 CWP-190 CWP-191 CWP-192 CWP-193 CWP-194 CWP-195 CWP-196 CWP-197 CWP-198 CWP-199 CWP-200
Pulvinaria
cottony cushion scales, soft scales
Pulvinaria is a genus of soft scale insects (family Coccidae) characterized by females that produce conspicuous cottony or flocculent wax ovisacs to protect their eggs. The genus includes economically significant agricultural and ornamental pests with broad host ranges spanning numerous woody plant families. Several species have invasive potential and have established beyond their native ranges, including P. aurantii, P. psidii, and P. urbicola. The genus exhibits considerable morphological variability, complicating species identification.
Coccidae scale-insects agricultural-pests invasive-species honeydew-producers phloem-feeders wax-producing-insects urban-pests fruit-tree-pests ornamental-pests biological-control-hosts
Pulvinaria vitis
Cottony Grape Scale, Cottony Scale
Pulvinaria vitis is a thelytokous cottony scale insect native to Europe, now established across much of the Northern Hemisphere and beyond. It is a univoltine pest of grape and peach, with adult females overwintering on host bark and producing large ovisacs containing thousands of eggs in spring. The species exhibits distinctive discontinuous growth and feeding patterns, with three nymphal instars and limited mobility after the first moult.
scale-insect pest vineyard-pest orchard-pest thelytoky univoltine invasive-species
Pycnoscelus surinamensis
Surinam cockroach, greenhouse cockroach
Pycnoscelus surinamensis is a burrowing cockroach endemic to the Indomalayan region that has become established in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Populations are almost exclusively female, reproducing parthenogenetically through multiple clonal strains. The species is a common plant pest that has been transported globally in soil of potted plants, establishing in greenhouses and other protected habitats. It completes its life cycle in approximately 135 days through four nymphal instars. The species serves as an intermediate host for the poultry parasite Oxyspirura mansoni and exhibits unique false ovoviviparous reproduction where females retain the ootheca internally for an extended period before deposition.
parthenogenesis false-ovoviviparity greenhouse-pest poultry-parasite-intermediate-host burrowing-cockroach invasive-species clonal-strains desiccation-tolerance substrate-preference Indomalayan-origin
Pyrausta inornatalis
Inornate Pyrausta Moth
Pyrausta inornatalis is a small crambid moth native to North America, first described in 1885. Adults are characterized by uniformly reddish-pink forewings without markings. The species has established non-native populations in Japan since 2019 and in southwestern France since 2024. Larvae feed primarily on Salvia species, boring into unopened flower buds.
crambid-moth snout-moth Salvia-pest invasive-species garden-pest flower-borer
Pyrrhalta viburni
Viburnum leaf beetle
Pyrrhalta viburni, the viburnum leaf beetle, is a Eurasian leaf beetle (Chrysomelidae) that has become a significant invasive pest in North America. Native to Europe and Asia, it was first detected in Canada in 1947 and spread to the northeastern United States by 1996. The beetle is a specialist herbivore of Viburnum shrubs, with both larvae and adults feeding on foliage. Severe infestations can completely defoliate host plants, leading to plant decline or death. The species exhibits distinctive aggregative oviposition behavior, with females preferentially laying eggs on twigs already containing conspecific egg masses.
invasive-species landscape-pest specialist-herbivore Chrysomelidae Viburnum aggregative-oviposition defoliator North-America Europe Asia
Reesa
Reesa is a monotypic genus of skin beetles (Dermestidae) established by Beal in 1967. The sole species, Reesa vespulae, is a small beetle native to North America that has become a widespread invasive pest of heritage collections and stored products. The species is obligately parthenogenetic—only females are known—and can establish populations from a single individual. Genetic research suggests close relationship to Trogoderma angustum and South American species, with some authors proposing merger into Eurhopalus, though this remains disputed.
parthenogenesis museum-pest stored-product-pest invasive-species heritage-pest dermestid cryptic-infestation
Rhagoletis cerasi
cherry fruit fly, European cherry fruit fly
Rhagoletis cerasi is a tephritid fruit fly native to Europe and Asia, and an invasive species in North America since 2016. Adults are small, dark flies with distinctive wing patterns. The species is univoltine, with larvae developing inside cherry fruits and causing significant agricultural damage. It is considered a major pest of cherry crops across its range.
agricultural-pest fruit-fly invasive-species univoltine Prunus-pest Tephritidae
Rhaphidophoridae
cave crickets, camel crickets, spider crickets, cave wētā, sand treaders, sprickets
Rhaphidophoridae is a globally distributed family of wingless orthopterans comprising over 500 described species. Commonly called cave crickets, camel crickets, or spider crickets, these insects are characterized by elongated antennae, enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping, and a humpbacked body profile. They occupy diverse habitats including caves, forests, animal burrows, and human structures. All species are flightless and nocturnal, relying heavily on tactile and chemical sensory structures for navigation in dark environments. The family includes notable subfamilies such as Ceuthophilinae in North America, Macropathinae in the Southern Hemisphere, and Aemodogryllinae in Asia.
cave-fauna wingless-orthopteran nocturnal scavenger invasive-species basement-pest Gondwanan-distribution male-combat sexual-coercion autotomy
Rhinocyllus
thistle head weevil
Rhinocyllus is a small genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) comprising four described species. The genus is notable for its specialized association with thistles in the subtribe Carduinae. The most widely known species, R. conicus, was introduced to North America in the 1960s as a biological control agent for invasive thistles including musk thistle (Carduus nutans), but subsequently revealed significant non-target impacts on native North American thistles, including threatened and endangered species. The genus is sister to Bangasternus.
biological-control invasive-species non-target-effects thistle weevil Curculionidae host-specificity conservation-risk
Rhinocyllus conicus
thistle head weevil, nodding thistle receptacle weevil
Rhinocyllus conicus is a small true weevil native to Eurasia and North Africa, introduced to North America in 1969 as a biological control agent for invasive thistles. Adults are black with yellowish mottled hairs, up to 6 mm long, with a short snout. Females lay eggs on thistle flower heads, which larvae enter to feed on developing seeds and flower parts, preventing seed production. While effective at controlling invasive thistles like musk thistle, the weevil was found to attack native North American thistles as well, leading to cancellation of its distribution permits in 2000.
biocontrol invasive-species non-target-effects thistle weevil Curculionidae seed-predator conservation-concern
Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale
rice root aphid, red rice root aphid
Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale is a globally distributed root-feeding aphid pest with a remarkably broad host range spanning 22 plant families. Native to East Asia, it has established populations across every continent except Antarctica. The species exhibits a heteroecious holocyclic life cycle in its native range, alternating between Prunus species (primary hosts) and herbaceous plant roots (secondary hosts), though asexual reproduction dominates in temperate regions and protected cultivation. Its subterranean habit makes detection difficult and management challenging. The aphid vectors several economically important plant viruses including barley yellow dwarf virus and sugarcane yellow leaf virus, and has emerged as a significant pest of indoor-grown cannabis in North America.
aphid root-feeder agricultural-pest virus-vector cosmopolitan polyphagous subterranean invasive-species cannabis-pest cereal-pest greenhouse-pest hydroponic-pest monocot-preference
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
Red Palm Weevil, Asian Palm Weevil, Sago Palm Weevil
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a large snout beetle and one of the most destructive pests of palm trees worldwide. Native to tropical Asia, it has become invasive across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, causing severe economic damage to coconut, date, and oil palm plantations. Larvae tunnel deep into palm trunks, excavating galleries up to 1 meter long that destroy vascular tissue and typically kill the host plant. The species is frequently confused with R. vulneratus, a closely related species with which it shares common names and overlapping ranges.
invasive-species agricultural-pest palm-pest Curculionidae Rhynchophorus date-palm coconut-palm oil-palm stored-product-pest food-insect
Rhynchophorus palmarum
South American palm weevil, American palm weevil, black palm weevil
Rhynchophorus palmarum is a large black palm weevil native to the Neotropics that has become a destructive invasive pest in southern California. Adults are attracted to volatile compounds released by injured palms, where females lay eggs in the crown. Larvae burrow into the palm heart, causing direct damage and creating wounds that facilitate secondary infections. The weevil is the primary vector of the red ring nematode (Bursaphelenchus cocophilus), which causes lethal red ring disease in palms. In its native range, larvae have been consumed as food for centuries.
invasive-species palm-pest vector nematode-vector agricultural-pest urban-pest traditional-food long-distance-dispersal California-invasion red-ring-disease integrated-pest-management pheromone-trapping
Rhyparochromus vulgaris
dirt-colored seed bug, bright-spotted groundbug
Rhyparochromus vulgaris is a species of dirt-colored seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae. It is widely distributed across Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. The species was first recorded in North America in 2001 and is sometimes classified under the genus Raglius as Raglius vulgaris. It belongs to the true bugs (Hemiptera) and is part of the seed bug lineage.
seed-bug groundbug invasive-species North-America-introduction
Rhyzobius forestieri
Forestier's lady beetle
Rhyzobius forestieri is a small lady beetle native to Australia, introduced to Europe and North America in the 1980s as a biological control agent for scale insects. The species has been evaluated for its efficacy in controlling Olive Scale (Saissetia oleae) and other scale pests, with variable success reported in different regions. It exhibits colour variation and wax production across all life stages, and displays specialized defensive and feeding behaviours. The species is now established in multiple continents outside its native range.
biological-control invasive-species scale-insect-predator agricultural-pest-management Australia-native
Saissetia
soft scales, black scales
Saissetia is a genus of soft scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccidae) containing at least four described species. The genus includes economically important pests, notably Saissetia oleae (black scale) and Saissetia coffeae (hemispherical scale), which attack citrus, olive, coffee, and numerous ornamental plants. Saissetia species are phloem-feeding insects that produce honeydew, facilitating ant associations and sooty mold growth. Several species have been introduced globally through trade in infested nursery plants.
agricultural-pest biological-control scale-insect honeydew-producer ant-tended invasive-species citrus-pest olive-pest polyphagous
Scaphoideus titanus
American grapevine leafhopper
Scaphoideus titanus is a leafhopper native to North America that has become a major agricultural pest in Europe. Introduced accidentally around 150 years ago, likely via American rootstock material, it now acts as the primary vector of the grapevine phytoplasma disease Flavescence dorée (FD). The species exhibits unique vibrational communication for mating, with males producing substrate-borne signals detected by females. This trait has been exploited for developing mating disruption control methods. In Europe, the species is monophagous on cultivated grapevines, whereas in North America it feeds on various Vitaceae including wild grapevines.
leafhopper vector phytoplasma Flavescence-dorée grapevine pest vibrational-communication mating-disruption invasive-species integrated-pest-management
Scaptomyza flava
European leaf miner, yellow scaptomyza
Scaptomyza flava is an obligate herbivorous leaf-mining fly in the family Drosophilidae, representing an evolutionary transition to herbivory from the ancestral microbe-feeding habit of drosophilids. Adults are 2.5 mm in length and amber to dark brown in color. The species is native to the Palearctic region with a Holarctic distribution across Europe, Asia, and North America, and has been introduced to New Zealand and Australia where it is a significant agricultural pest of Brassicales crops. Larvae feed internally on leaf mesophyll, creating serpentine mines that mature into blotches. The species is unusual among Drosophilidae in having lost yeast-associated odorant receptors and evolved specialized detoxification mechanisms for mustard oils. It is being developed as a model organism for studying plant-herbivore interactions.
leaf-miner herbivore agricultural-pest brassica-pest model-organism invasive-species Drosophilidae evolutionary-biology chemical-ecology biological-control
Sceliphron
black-and-yellow mud dauber wasps, black mud-dauber wasps, mud daubers
Sceliphron is a genus of solitary sphecid wasps comprising 34 valid species, commonly known as black-and-yellow mud daubers or black mud-dauber wasps. Females construct nests from mud, building individual cells that they provision with paralyzed spiders as food for their larvae. The genus exhibits remarkable synanthropic behavior, with many species readily nesting on human structures. Several species have become invasive outside their native ranges, including S. caementarium (native to North America, now widespread globally) and S. curvatum (native to Central Asia, spreading through Europe and recently detected in North America).
solitary-wasp mud-dauber synanthropic spider-predator nest-parasite invasive-species urban-wildlife beneficial-insect
Sceliphron curvatum
Asian mud-dauber wasp
Sceliphron curvatum is a solitary mud-daubing wasp native to Central Asia that has become invasive in Europe and North America. First recorded in Europe in 1979, it has since expanded across multiple European countries and was first documented in North America in 2013. The species is smaller and darker than the native North American Sceliphron caementarium, with a body length of 15–25 mm and black coloration with yellow and red ornaments. It exhibits strongly synanthropic behavior, frequently nesting indoors on clothing, books, and furniture rather than exclusively on building exteriors.
invasive-species synanthropic mud-dauber solitary-wasp Hymenoptera Sphecidae
Scirtothrips
leaf-feeding thrips, citrus thrips, chilli thrips
Scirtothrips is a genus of leaf-feeding thrips in the family Thripidae, established by Shull in 1909. The genus includes economically significant pest species such as the chilli thrips (S. dorsalis), citrus thrips (S. citri), and South African citrus thrips (S. aurantii), which damage agricultural crops through piercing-sucking feeding on tender leaves, buds, and fruit. Species exhibit diverse host associations ranging from highly host-specific forms on endemic Australian Acacia to broadly polyphagous invasive pests. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with Labiothrips synonymised under Scirtothrips.
thrips Thripidae agricultural-pest invasive-species leaf-feeding citrus-pest tea-pest strawberry-pest blueberry-pest IPM-target Australia Asia polyphagous host-specific
Scirtothrips dorsalis
chilli thrips, yellow tea thrips, castor thrips, Assam thrips, strawberry thrips
Scirtothrips dorsalis is a highly invasive thrips species native to South or Southeast Asia that has achieved global distribution over the past two decades. It is a significant agricultural pest with an exceptionally broad host range spanning vegetables, ornamentals, and fruit crops. The species is characterized by rapid population growth, with development from egg to adult completed in approximately two weeks under optimal conditions. Its feeding causes distinctive damage including leaf curling, brown scarring along leaf veins, and bronzing to blackening of fruits and flowers. The species has been implicated in transmission of tospoviruses, though its efficiency as a vector remains debated. Genetic evidence indicates S. dorsalis represents a species complex of morphologically similar but genetically distinct lineages.
invasive-species agricultural-pest thrips polyphagous pesticide-resistance virus-vector species-complex global-expansion
Scolopostethus
dirt-colored seed bugs
Scolopostethus is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs comprising more than 30 described species in the family Rhyparochromidae. Species occupy diverse habitats including ruderal areas, weedy lawns, and ant-associated environments. Some species are myrmecophilous, living near ant nests through chemical defense strategies rather than chemical mimicry. The genus has a Palearctic origin with at least one species, S. affinis, recently established in North America.
seed-bugs Rhyparochromidae myrmecophily invasive-species weed-seed-predation chemical-defense wing-polymorphism Palearctic-origin
Scolytinae
Bark and Ambrosia Beetles, Bark Beetles
Scolytinae is a subfamily of weevils (Curculionidae) comprising approximately 220 genera and 6,000 species commonly known as bark and ambrosia beetles. Members are characterized by their specialized association with woody plants, where they excavate galleries beneath bark for reproduction and larval development. The subfamily includes some of the most economically significant forest pests globally, such as the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) and mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), which cause billions of dollars in timber losses. Species exhibit diverse feeding strategies: phloem-feeding bark beetles consume living or dying tree tissues, while ambrosia beetles cultivate symbiotic fungi in galleries as a food source.
forest-pest invasive-species phloem-feeder ambrosia-beetle fungal-symbiosis pheromone-communication fire-associated economic-pest tree-mortality wood-borer
Scolytus
bark beetles, elm bark beetles
Scolytus is a genus of bark beetles in the subfamily Scolytinae, family Curculionidae. Multiple species within this genus are significant forest pests, particularly as vectors of Dutch elm disease. The genus includes both European and North American species with documented roles in tree mortality. Some species exhibit chemically-mediated aggregation behaviors involving pheromone communication.
bark-beetle forest-pest Dutch-elm-disease vector Coleoptera Scolytinae invasive-species phloem-feeder aggregation-pheromone Curculionidae
Scolytus multistriatus
European elm bark beetle, smaller European elm bark beetle
Scolytus multistriatus is a small bark beetle in the subfamily Scolytinae that infests elm trees (Ulmus spp.). It is a known vector of Dutch elm disease caused by the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi, though it is less effective than the related Scolytus scolytus. The species uses chemical cues including vanillin and syringaldehyde to locate host trees during oviposition. It has been introduced to North America and other regions beyond its native European range, where it contributes to elm decline through disease transmission and direct tree damage.
bark-beetle forest-pest vector invasive-species Dutch-elm-disease Scolytinae
Scolytus schevyrewi
Banded Elm Bark Beetle
Scolytus schevyrewi is a small bark beetle native to Asia that has become invasive in North America. It is a documented vector of Dutch elm disease pathogens (Ophiostoma ulmi and O. novo-ulmi). The species exhibits strong attraction to stressed or weakened host trees, particularly Ulmus pumila, and has been observed displacing both native elm bark beetles and the earlier-introduced smaller European elm bark beetle (S. multistriatus) in North America. In its native range, it also causes significant damage to fruit trees including apricot.
bark-beetle invasive-species forest-pest Dutch-elm-disease-vector vector Scolytinae pest China North-America
Scrobipalpa
Scrobipalpa is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Janse in 1951. The genus contains over 100 described species distributed across Africa, Asia, Europe, and introduced populations in North America and Australasia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of sugar beet, quinoa, tobacco, and eggplant. The genus was historically split with Euscrobipalpa treated as a subgenus or separate genus, but this distinction is no longer recognized as valid.
agricultural-pest stem-borer leaf-miner sugar-beet-pest quinoa-pest tobacco-pest Gelechiidae invasive-species polyphagous Palearctic Afrotropical Oriental Australasian North-America-introduced Diadegma-parasitoid-host
Sepedomerus macropus
Liverfluke Snail Predator Fly
A marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, native to the American tropics and subtropics. The larvae are specialized predators of lymnaeid pond snails, which serve as intermediate hosts for the liver fluke Fasciola gigantica. The species has been intentionally introduced to Hawaii, Guam, and Thailand as a biological control agent for snail vectors of fascioliasis. In Hawaii, introduced populations have become invasive, threatening native lymnaeid snail species including the endangered Newcomb's snail.
biological-control invasive-species medical-entomology freshwater-ecology vector-control conservation-concern
Shelfordella
Turkestan cockroach, red runner cockroach, rusty red cockroach
Shelfordella is a genus of cockroaches in the family Blattidae, with Shelfordella lateralis being the most widely documented species. The genus is native to regions from northern Africa through Central Asia. S. lateralis has become an established invasive species in North America since 1978, particularly in California and Texas, where it has displaced the oriental cockroach in many areas. The species is primarily outdoor-dwelling but occasionally enters structures through sewers and drains.
invasive-species synanthropic urban-pest antibiotic-resistance displacement California Central-Asia pet-food sewer-dwelling nocturnal outdoor-cockroach military-introduction 1978-establishment Turkestan-cockroach red-runner-cockroach rusty-red-cockroach
Shelfordella lateralis
Turkestan cockroach, red runner cockroach, rusty red cockroach
Shelfordella lateralis, commonly known as the Turkestan cockroach, is an invasive cockroach species native to Central Asia that has established populations in the southwestern United States, Europe, and other regions. It is primarily an outdoor species that inhabits water meter boxes, concrete cracks, compost piles, leaf litter, and sewer systems. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism: males are winged and capable of flight, while females have reduced wings. S. lateralis is displacing the oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) in many areas of California and the southwestern U.S. due to faster maturation and higher reproductive output. It has become a significant urban pest in some regions and carries antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria, raising public health concerns.
invasive-species urban-pest public-health antibiotic-resistance sexual-dimorphism nocturnal outdoor-cockroach Central-Asian-origin vector-potential
Shivaphis celti
Asian Woolly Hackberry Aphid
Shivaphis celti is an invasive aphid species native to Asia that has established populations in North America. It is a specialist herbivore that feeds exclusively on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.), causing distinctive woolly or waxy secretions on leaves and branches. The species has been documented across much of the continental United States and is considered a nuisance pest in urban areas where hackberry is planted as an ornamental.
invasive-species pest hackberry woolly-aphid phloem-feeder urban-pest specialist-herbivore North-America-introduction Das-1918 Sternorrhyncha Calaphidinae Shivaphidini
Sida
fanpetals, sidas
Sida is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae), distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide with particular diversity in the Americas. The genus comprises herbaceous plants and small shrubs commonly known as fanpetals or sidas. Several species have become economically significant as agricultural weeds, notably Sida spinosa (prickly sida) in the southern United States and Sida acuta as an invasive pasture weed in tropical regions globally.
Malvaceae tropical-plants agricultural-weeds invasive-species biological-control
Silba
lance flies
Silba is a genus of lance flies in the family Lonchaeidae, containing more than 120 described species. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, occurring on every continent except South America and Antarctica. Species within Silba exhibit diverse larval development strategies, with some species associated with figs (including the economically significant pest Silba adipata), while others develop in flower buds, fungal fruiting bodies, or other substrates. The genus is taxonomically active, with numerous new species described in recent decades, particularly from the Afrotropical and Asian regions.
Lonchaeidae lance-flies fig-pests invasive-species cosmopolitan multivoltine
Silvanus recticollis
Silvanus recticollis is a small silvan flat bark beetle in the family Silvanidae, distributed across Afro-Oriental regions with recent introductions to Europe and North America. Adults are 1.69–2.19 mm in length with an elongated, moderately depressed body form and uniformly yellowish-brown coloration. The species has been documented from stored products and natural habitats including forests and woodlands.
silvan-flat-bark-beetle stored-product-pest Afro-Oriental invasive-species ethanol-attracted
Singhiella simplex
Ficus whitefly
Singhiella simplex is an invasive whitefly species in the family Aleyrodidae, native to Asia and now established across multiple continents. It is a specialist pest of Ficus species, causing severe defoliation of ornamental trees and hedges. The species has spread to North America, Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and the Middle East. Its rapid expansion and economic impact on urban landscaping have prompted extensive research into its biology and biological control options.
invasive-species whitefly urban-pest Ficus-pest Aleyrodidae biological-control ornamental-pest phloem-feeder Hemiptera Sternorrhyncha