Invasive-species
Guides
Larinus carlinae
Canada thistle bud weevil, thistle bud weevil, Canada thistle stem weevil
A small weevil native to Europe and western Asia introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive thistles. Adults emerge in spring and feed on developing thistle buds with their elongated snouts. Females drill into flower buds to deposit eggs; larvae hatch and consume reproductive tissues, destroying seeds and preventing plant reproduction. Populations can reduce target thistle species by 90% or more within a decade of establishment. The species has been observed feeding on native North American thistles, raising conservation concerns for endemic species.
Larinus turbinatus
Turbine Cylindrical Weevil
Larinus turbinatus is a true weevil in the family Curculionidae, native to the western Palaearctic. The species name refers to its cone-shaped snout. It is oligophagous on thistles, particularly Carduus and Cirsium species. Females lay eggs in flower buds, and larvae develop within the flower head, typically resulting in one surviving larva per flower due to intraspecific competition. The species has been introduced to the United States.
Lasioderma haemorrhoidale
Lasioderma haemorrhoidale is a small beetle in the family Anobiidae (formerly placed in Ptinidae). It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been unintentionally introduced to other areas. The species is known to feed on seed heads of Malta starthistle (Centaurea melitensis), though it has proven ineffective as a biological control agent for this plant. It is one of several stored product pest species in the genus Lasioderma.
Lasius emarginatus
ManhattAnt, Central European Bicolored Ant
Lasius emarginatus is a small formicine ant native to western Eurasia that has become a notable invasive species in North America. First discovered in New York City in 2011, it earned the nickname "ManhattAnt" and has since become one of the most common ants in the city, spreading at approximately 2 km per year into New Jersey and Long Island. Workers are distinguished by their reddish-brown thorax contrasting with darker brown head and abdomen. The species is increasingly reported as an indoor pest and forms mutualisms with honeydew-producing insects on street trees. Unlike many invasive ants, it does not display supercolonial behavior.
Latrodectus geometricus
Brown Widow, Brown Button Spider, Grey Widow, Brown Black Widow, House Button Spider, Geometric Button Spider
Latrodectus geometricus, commonly known as the brown widow, is a widow spider in the family Theridiidae native to Africa with a cosmopolitan distribution due to human-mediated introduction. It is smaller and lighter in color than black widow species, with distinctive black-and-white geometric patterns on the dorsal abdomen and an orange-yellow hourglass marking ventrally. The species is notable for its highly aggressive behavior toward native black widow spiders in invaded ranges, actively seeking out and killing them rather than competing for resources. While possessing neurotoxic venom, its bites are significantly less dangerous to humans than those of black widows due to lower venom delivery.
Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Colorado potato beetle, Colorado beetle, ten-striped spearman, ten-lined potato beetle, potato bug
Leptinotarsa decemlineata is a major agricultural pest of potato and other solanaceous crops, causing approximately half a billion dollars in annual crop losses globally. Native to Mexico and originally associated with buffalo bur (Solanum rostratum), it shifted to potato as a host around 1860 and subsequently expanded its range across North America, Europe, and Asia. The species is notorious for its rapid evolution of resistance to insecticides, making it a model organism for studying pesticide resistance and integrated pest management strategies. Both larvae and adults feed on foliage, with the fourth instar consuming the most plant material.
Leptocybe
blue gum chalcid wasp, eucalyptus gall wasp
Leptocybe is a monotypic genus of gall wasps in the family Eulophidae, containing the single species L. invasa. Native to Queensland, Australia, this genus has become globally significant as an invasive pest of Eucalyptus plantations. The wasp induces spherical galls on leaf buds and young tissues of multiple Eucalyptus species, causing substantial economic damage to forestry operations worldwide. The genus is characterized by extremely small body size, thelytokous parthenogenetic reproduction, and rapid population expansion in introduced ranges.
Leptocybe invasa
blue gum chalcid wasp, eucalyptus gall wasp, Eucalyptus Stem Gall Wasp
Leptocybe invasa is a gall-forming chalcid wasp native to Queensland, Australia, and the sole species in the monotypic genus Leptocybe. It is a globally significant invasive pest of Eucalyptus plantations, having spread to Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific region. The wasp induces spherical galls on leaf buds, midribs, and petioles, impairing tree growth and productivity. Populations reproduce primarily through thelytokous parthenogenesis, with males being rare, enabling rapid population establishment in new regions.
Leptoglossus
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
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nchanmoss-bugarchaeorrhynchanfulgoromorphancicadomorphanmembracoidtreehopperleafhopperplanthopperpsyllidjumping-plant-lousewhiteflyaleyrodidscale-insectcoccoidmealybugaphidadelgidphylloxeransternorrhynchanthysanopteranthripspsocopteranbarklousebooklousephthirapteranlousesucking-lousechewing-lousemallophagananoplurandermapteranearwigblattodeancockroachtermiteisopteranmantodeanmantidphasmidstick-insectleaf-insectorthopterangrasshopperlocustkatydidcricketmole-cricketpygmy-mole-cricketcamel-cricketcave-cricketwetaensiferancaeliferangryllotalpidmyrmecophilidtettigoniidgryllidacrididpamphagidpneumoridlentulidtristirideumastacidproscopiidtridactylidtetrigidgrouse-locustpygmy-grasshopperplecopteranstoneflyembiopteranwebspinnerzorapteranangel-insectdictyopteranLeptoglossus occidentalis
Western Conifer Seed Bug, WCSB
Leptoglossus occidentalis, commonly known as the Western Conifer Seed Bug, is a leaf-footed bug native to western North America that has undergone dramatic range expansion. Originally confined to the Pacific coast region from California to British Columbia, it began spreading eastward in the 1950s, reaching the Atlantic coast by the 1990s. The species has also become invasive in Europe (first detected in Italy in 1999), Asia, South America, and elsewhere. Adults are notable for their loud, droning flight and tendency to seek shelter indoors during autumn, where they become nuisance pests. They feed on conifer seeds and developing cones, particularly of pines, and can cause significant damage in seed orchards.
Lepyronia coleoptrata
European spittlebug
Lepyronia coleoptrata is a spittlebug species in the family Aphrophoridae, native to Europe and Asia and introduced to northeast North America. Adults measure 5.1–7.8 mm and are pale brown with dark wing membranes. The species has one generation per year, with eggs hibernating under bark and larvae emerging in late April to early May. Nymphs produce characteristic foam masses while feeding on plant sap, primarily on lavender and other crops.
Lernaea
anchor worms
Lernaea is a genus of parasitic copepod crustaceans commonly called anchor worms, exclusively parasitic on freshwater fishes. Females burrow into fish flesh and transform into unsegmented, wormlike forms with egg sacs visible externally, while males are free-swimming and short-lived. The genus is widely distributed globally and causes significant disease in aquaculture and wild fish populations. Multiple species exist, with Lernaea cyprinacea being the most studied and economically important.
Lernaea cyprinacea
anchor worm, fish louse
Lernaea cyprinacea is a parasitic copepod commonly known as the anchor worm, a significant pest in freshwater aquaculture worldwide. Native to Eurasia, it has been introduced to multiple continents including North America and South America. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism with females becoming permanently attached to fish hosts while males are free-living and short-lived. It causes substantial economic damage through direct parasitism, reduced fish growth, and secondary infections.
Lernaeidae
anchorworms
Lernaeidae is a family of parasitic copepods in the order Cyclopoida, commonly known as anchorworms. The family contains approximately 131 species across 20 genera, all of which are obligate ectoparasites of freshwater fishes. Species in this family are characterized by elongated bodies, often with anchor-like holdfast structures used for attachment to host tissues. The most widely distributed and economically significant species is Lernaea cyprinacea, which has been introduced globally and causes substantial damage in aquaculture systems.
Leucoma salicis
White Satin Moth, Satin Moth
Leucoma salicis is a medium-sized moth native to the Palearctic, introduced to North America in the 1920s where it became an invasive pest. Adults are distinguished by pure white wings with a silky sheen, held tent-like over the body, contrasting with striking black-and-white banded legs. Larvae feed on Salix and Populus species and can cause severe defoliation damage. The species is univoltine in most of its range, with adults active in June through August.
Linepithema
Linepithema is a genus of small ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, comprising approximately 20 described species. The genus is native to the Neotropics, ranging from northern Mexico through the Caribbean to northern Argentina, with species occurring from sea level to 4,000 meters elevation in the Andes. Two species, L. humile (the Argentine ant) and L. iniquum, have been introduced globally through human activity. L. humile is among the most successful invasive ant species worldwide, forming massive supercolonies in Mediterranean-type climates.
Linepithema humile
Argentine ant
Linepithema humile, the Argentine ant, is a highly invasive species native to northern Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and southern Brazil. It has become established in Mediterranean climate regions worldwide through human-mediated dispersal. The species forms expansive supercolonies through unicolonial organization, where neighboring colonies cooperate rather than compete. This structure enables rapid population growth and displacement of native ant species. L. humile is considered one of the most ecologically damaging invasive ants globally.
Lipoptena
deer ked, louse fly, ked fly
Lipoptena is a genus of louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) comprising approximately 30 described species of obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites primarily associated with deer and other cervids. Adults are initially winged but shed their wings upon locating a host, becoming permanently attached and resembling ticks in appearance. Several species have expanded their ranges through human-mediated transport of hosts, with L. cervi (European deer ked) now invasive in northeastern North America. Members of this genus are increasingly recognized as nuisance pests for hunters and outdoor recreationists, and as potential vectors of bacterial pathogens including Bartonella species.
Lipoptena cervi
Deer Ked, Deer Fly, European Deer Ked
Lipoptena cervi is a blood-feeding ectoparasitic fly in the family Hippoboscidae, commonly known as the deer ked or European deer ked. Native to Eurasia, it has been introduced to North America and is now invasive in the northeastern United States. Adults are initially winged but shed their wings after locating a host, becoming permanently attached to cervid mammals. The species is a significant nuisance to hunters, hikers, and deer processors due to its persistent biting behavior and apparent resistance to common insect repellents.
Liposthenes glechomae
Glechoma gall wasp
Liposthenes glechomae is a gall wasp in the family Cynipidae that induces galls on its host plant Glechoma hederacea (ground ivy). The species is native to Europe and Northern Asia but has been introduced to North America, where both the wasp and its host plant are considered invasive. Research on this species has contributed to understanding gall induction mechanisms in cynipid wasps.
Liriomyza
Liriomyza leaf-mining flies
Liriomyza is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae comprising at least 410 described species. The genus is distributed worldwide with particularly notable diversity in the Neotropical region. Larvae feed internally within plant leaves, creating distinctive serpentine or blotch mines that impair photosynthesis. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the pea leafminer (L. huidobrensis) and vegetable leafminer (L. sativae), which have become invasive in multiple continents. The genus exhibits considerable variation in host plant specificity, with some species highly polyphagous and others restricted to particular plant families.
Liriomyza sativae
vegetable leaf miner, vegetable leafminer
Liriomyza sativae, the vegetable leafminer, is a polyphagous leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. Native to the Neotropics, it has become a widespread invasive pest of vegetable crops globally. Larvae feed internally on leaf mesophyll, creating characteristic serpentine mines that reduce photosynthetic capacity. The species is notable for its broad host range spanning multiple plant families, rapid generation time, and competitive interactions with congeners mediated by temperature.
Liriomyza trifolii
American serpentine leafminer, celery leafminer
Liriomyza trifolii is a small leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, native to the Caribbean and southeastern United States. It has become a globally distributed invasive pest of greenhouse and vegetable crops, recognized as one of the three most damaging leafminer species worldwide. The species is highly polyphagous, feeding on numerous ornamental and vegetable plants including chrysanthemums, celery, and tomatoes. Its spread has been facilitated by insecticide resistance and international trade in plant material.
Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus
Rice Water Weevil
Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, the rice water weevil, is a major agricultural pest of rice and the most destructive invertebrate pest of California rice. Native to the southeastern United States, it has spread invasively to Asia since 1976 and Europe since 2004, with populations establishing in California for over 50 years. The species exhibits a unique reproductive strategy: most populations reproduce sexually, but a small percentage in the native range reproduces by triploid parthenogenesis, facilitating rapid range expansion. Adults feed on rice leaves and sheaths, while aquatic larvae feed on roots, causing yield losses up to 25-30% in severe infestations.
Lobesia
Lobesia is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae. The genus includes several species, with Lobesia botrana (European grapevine moth) being the most economically significant and well-studied. Species in this genus are primarily associated with feeding on grapevines and related plants, with larvae causing damage to fruits and inflorescences. Some species have been documented as invasive pests in viticulture regions outside their native ranges.
Lobesia botrana
European grapevine moth, European grape worm
Lobesia botrana is a tortricid moth native to Southern Italy, now distributed across Southern Europe, North Africa, Anatolia, the Caucasus, and introduced to Japan, Chile, Argentina, and briefly California (2009–2016). It is a major vineyard pest whose larvae feed internally on grape berries, causing direct damage and facilitating secondary fungal infections. The species has two to three generations per year in Europe, with pupae overwintering in silken cocoons.
Lonchaeidae
Lance Flies
Lonchaeidae, commonly known as lance flies, is a family of acalyptrate dipteran flies comprising approximately 611 described species across 10 genera. These small, robust flies are characterized by blue-black or metallic bodies and are predominantly associated with wooded habitats worldwide. The family exhibits diverse larval ecology, with most species being phytophagous on damaged plant tissues, though coprophagous, mycophagous, saprophagous, and predatory habits are also documented. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of figs, cassava, and conifer seeds, while others develop in bark beetle tunnels, decaying wood, or fungal fruiting bodies.
Lopholeucaspis japonica
Japanese maple scale
Lopholeucaspis japonica is an invasive scale insect in the family Diaspididae, first described by Cockerell in 1897. Native to Asia, it has established populations across multiple continents including North America, Europe, and Australia. The species feeds on woody plants and has been documented on diverse hosts including crapemyrtle, pomegranate, citrus, and various ornamental shrubs. Its invasion has prompted detection efforts and biological control research, particularly regarding associated parasitoid wasps.
Loxosceles rufescens
Mediterranean recluse spider, violin spider, brown spider
Loxosceles rufescens is a globally invasive recluse spider native to the Mediterranean region. It has established populations across six continents through human-mediated dispersal, often in synanthropic environments. The species is medically significant due to cytotoxic venom containing phospholipases D that can cause loxoscelism—characterized by dermonecrosis, hemolysis, and potential systemic complications. Despite its fearsome reputation, bites are defensive and relatively uncommon even where populations are established.
Lucilia
greenbottle flies, green bottle flies
Lucilia is a genus of blow flies in the family Calliphoridae, commonly known as greenbottle flies for their metallic green coloration. Species in this genus are among the most frequently encountered carrion-associated flies worldwide and hold significant importance in forensic entomology, medical maggot therapy, and veterinary contexts. The genus includes species with cosmopolitan distributions due to human commerce, notably Lucilia sericata and Lucilia cuprina. Larvae are obligate scavengers of decomposing organic matter, with some species capable of causing myiasis in living hosts.
Lucilia bufonivora
toadfly
Lucilia bufonivora, commonly known as the toadfly, is a blow fly whose larvae are obligate parasitoids of amphibians. Adults feed on pollen and nectar. The species was historically considered Palearctic but is now established in North America, where it causes myiasis in anurans. Larvae typically enter through the nostrils of toads, eventually consuming eyes, brain, and other tissues, leading to host death.
Lycorma delicatula
Spotted Lanternfly
Lycorma delicatula, commonly known as the spotted lanternfly, is a planthopper native to China and Southeast Asia that has become a globally significant invasive pest. First detected in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014, it has since spread to over 20 states and the District of Columbia, primarily through human-assisted transport of egg masses. The species feeds on phloem sap from more than 100 plant species, with a strong preference for Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and causes severe economic damage to vineyards, orchards, and hardwood industries through direct feeding and secondary effects of honeydew secretion.
Lyctoxylon dentatum
Oriental Powderpost Beetle
Lyctoxylon dentatum is a powderpost beetle in the family Bostrichidae, first described by Francis Polkinghorne Pascoe in 1866. Native to Asia, it has been introduced to multiple continents including Europe, East Africa, North America, and Australia. As a woodboring beetle, it develops within wood and can cause damage to timber products. The species is commonly known as the Oriental Powderpost Beetle.
Lyctus carbonarius
southern lyctus beetle
Lyctus carbonarius is a wood-boring beetle in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as the southern lyctus beetle. It is a serious pest of hardwoods, particularly ash, hickory, oak, maple, and mahogany. The species has been introduced to multiple continents through international timber trade and can infest finished wood products in homes, including flooring, furniture, and structural timbers. Infestations often begin before construction of wood articles and can remain undetected until adult emergence holes appear.
Lygus hesperus
Western Tarnished Plant Bug
Lygus hesperus is a significant agricultural pest in western North America, causing extensive damage to cotton, strawberries, alfalfa seed, and other crops. In California alone, annual losses exceed $30 million in cotton and $40 million in strawberries. Adults overwinter in reproductive diapause triggered by short day lengths, resuming activity when conditions improve. The species has been the subject of extensive research on sampling methods, biological control, and insecticide resistance.
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rugulipennis
European Tarnished Plant Bug
Lygus rugulipennis is a small plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the European tarnished plant bug. It is a widespread polyphagous pest with an exceptionally broad host range, documented on over 400 plant species across 57 families. The species is native to the Palaearctic region but has been introduced to North America. It is economically significant as a pest of alfalfa, clover, potato, cereals, sugar beet, and various other crops, causing damage through feeding on plant tissues.
Lymantria dispar
spongy moth, gypsy moth
Lymantria dispar is a forest-defoliating moth native to Europe and Asia, now invasive across multiple continents including North America. The species is notable for pronounced sexual dimorphism in adults and variable flight capability among subspecies—females of the European subspecies (L. d. dispar) are flightless, while Asian subspecies possess flight-capable females. Larvae are polyphagous and have been documented feeding on over 500 plant species. The species ranks among the world's most destructive invasive forest pests, with documented outbreaks exceeding 2.5 million caterpillars per hectare.
Macrohomotoma
Macrohomotoma is a genus of psyllids in the family Homotomidae, established by Kuwayama in 1908. The genus contains approximately 15 described species of plant-parasitic hemipterans. Best-known species include Macrohomotoma gladiata, a significant pest of ornamental Ficus trees that has expanded from its native Asian range to become invasive in the Mediterranean region and elsewhere. The genus is characterized by association with Ficus host plants and production of conspicuous waxy secretions.
Macrohomotoma gladiata
Curtain Fig Psyllid
Macrohomotoma gladiata is an invasive Asian psyllid that has established populations across the Mediterranean Basin and California, where it infests ornamental Ficus microcarpa. Nymphs feed on young tissues, producing dense white waxy secretions and honeydew that promotes sooty mould growth and causes twig dieback. The species has a likely bivoltine life cycle with possible partial third generation; young nymphs overwinter under stipules without development, resuming growth in spring. Natural enemies include a Psyllaephagus parasitoid that can achieve high parasitism rates, and the predatory bug Anthocoris nemoralis.
Macromia illinoiensis
swift river cruiser, Illinois river cruiser
Macromia illinoiensis, commonly known as the swift river cruiser or Illinois river cruiser, is a dragonfly species in the family Macromiidae. The aquatic larval stage has been extensively studied due to its interactions with the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), which frequently colonizes larval bodies. Research demonstrates that zebra mussel attachment impairs larval foraging behavior, reducing prey capture efficiency and altering burying behavior. Mussel colonization creates a positive feedback loop where colonized larvae bury more shallowly, increasing further colonization risk. These effects are density-dependent and reversible when mussels are lost, typically at molting. The species' life cycle spans aquatic and terrestrial habitats, making population impacts from mussel colonization potentially significant for ecosystem dynamics.
Macromia illinoiensis illinoiensis
Illinois River Cruiser
A subspecies of river cruiser dragonfly whose larvae are frequently colonized by invasive zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). Larvae exhibit burying behavior in substrates and employ both sit-and-wait ambush and active sprawling foraging strategies. Research indicates zebra mussel attachment negatively affects prey capture rates and alters burying depth, with behavioral changes reversing upon natural mussel loss at molting.
Macrosaccus
Macrosaccus is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Davis & De Prins in 2011. The genus currently contains six recognized species, all of which are leaf miners on Fabaceae (legume family) host plants. The generic name derives from Greek μακρο- (long) and σάκκος (bag), referring to the elongate saccus in male genitalia. Several species have become economically significant as agricultural pests, particularly M. morrisella, which recently expanded from native forest legumes to soybean.
Macrosaccus robiniella
Black Locust Leafminer
A small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, native to North America and invasive in Europe since 1983. Adults have a wingspan of 5.5–6.5 mm. Larvae are highly specialized miners of black locust (Robinia) leaves, producing distinctive blotch mines. Recent research has documented unexpected behavioral plasticity, with larvae capable of producing four distinct mine types that vary in position and appearance.
Maladera formosae
Asiatic garden beetle
Maladera formosae, the Asiatic garden beetle, is an invasive scarab beetle native to East Asia that was introduced to North America in 1921. It has become a significant agricultural pest, particularly in the Great Lakes region where it damages field corn, soybeans, and commercial mint. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with soil-dwelling larvae that feed on plant roots and nocturnal adults that consume foliage and flowers. Both life stages cause economically important damage, with larvae responsible for early-season crop losses and adults defoliating ornamental and crop plants.
Matsucoccidae
pine bast scales, pine needle scales
Matsucoccidae is a family of scale insects (Hemiptera) comprising over 40 described species in at least 2 genera. The family was historically classified within Margarodidae but was elevated to family status based on distinct morphological and biological characteristics. Members are specialized feeders on conifers in the genus Pinus, with several species serving as economically significant forest pests. The family exhibits complex life cycles involving winged males and sessile females, and produces sex pheromones that function as kairomones attracting diverse predatory insects.
Mayetiola
Mayetiola is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae. The genus includes approximately 15 described species, with Mayetiola destructor (the Hessian fly) being the most economically significant. Most species in this genus are associated with cereal crops and grasses. Unlike many other cecidomyiids, M. destructor does not form galls. The genus exhibits a distinctive developmental feature: chromosome elimination during early embryogenesis, where germ-line nuclei retain the full chromosome complement while somatic nuclei eliminate approximately 32 chromosomes.
Mayetiola destructor
Hessian fly, barley midge
The Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) is a major pest of wheat and other cereal crops. Adults are small, mosquito-like flies with dark wings, black thorax, and dark red abdomen. Females deposit eggs in clusters on wheat leaf surfaces; larvae feed on stem tissue, causing stunting, lodging, and reduced grain yield. Unlike most Cecidomyiidae, this species does not form galls. Native to Asia, it has spread globally and was one of the earliest documented invasive species in North America, first reported in 1779.
Meconema thalassinum
Oak Bush-cricket, Drumming Katydid
Meconema thalassinum is a small, pale green arboreal bush-cricket in the family Tettigoniidae. Native to Europe, it is the only native arboreal Orthopteran species in the UK and has been introduced to North America within the last 75 years. Males attract females through a unique non-stridulatory method: drumming their hind limbs against leaves to produce vibrations. Unlike most bush-crickets, this species is carnivorous, feeding on invertebrate prey.
Megabruchidius
Megabruchidius is a genus of seed beetles in the subfamily Bruchinae (Chrysomelidae), established by Borowiec in 1984. The genus comprises Asian species that have become invasive in Europe, North America, South America, and South Africa. At least two species are well-documented: M. dorsalis and M. tonkineus, both specialized feeders on seeds of Gleditsia (honey locusts) and related Caesalpinioideae legumes. These beetles complete their entire larval development inside seeds, emerging as adults through exit holes. The genus has attracted significant research attention due to its economic impact as a pest of ornamental and forestry trees, its expanding host range in introduced regions, and its potential use as a biological control agent for invasive honey locust.
Megabruchidius dorsalis
honey locust seed beetle, Asian seed beetle
Megabruchidius dorsalis is an invasive seed beetle (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) native to Asia that has established populations across Europe and North America. The species is oligophagous on Caesalpinioideae seeds, primarily developing within pods of Gleditsia species. Adults exhibit freeze-avoidant cold tolerance strategy with supercooling points around -10°C. The beetle has demonstrated host range expansion in its introduced range, colonizing North American Gymnocladus dioica in addition to its native Asian Gleditsia hosts.