Ipm
Guides
Euborellia annulata
ring-legged earwig
Euborellia annulata is a predatory earwig species in the family Anisolabididae, originally described by Fabricius in 1793. It has been extensively studied as a biological control agent, particularly for lepidopteran pests in corn agroecosystems. The species exhibits five nymphal instars, sexual dimorphism in forceps size and predatory behavior, and is known for its aggressive predation on soft-bodied insect larvae and eggs.
Phylloxera deplanata
pecan leaf phylloxera, pecan phylloxera
Phylloxera deplanata is a tiny, soft-bodied insect in the family Phylloxeridae, closely related to aphids. It is a significant pest of pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis), causing the formation of galls on leaves, shoots, and nuts. The species overwinters as eggs in bark crevices and emerges in spring to feed on new growth, inducing abnormal plant tissue development. Unlike the pecan leaf phylloxera (which forms galls on leaves only), this species attacks shoots and nuts, making it more economically damaging. Heavy infestations can reduce yield, impair tree vitality, and diminish subsequent production.
Podisus
spined soldier bugs, predatory stink bugs
Podisus is a genus of predatory stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae containing approximately 17-20 described species. The genus is best known for the spined soldier bug (Podisus maculiventris), a native North American predator widely used in biological control programs. Species in this genus are generalist predators that feed on diverse arthropod prey, with documented predation on over 70 insect species including major agricultural pests. They possess distinctive spiny projections on the shoulders and have been extensively studied for their potential in integrated pest management.
Thyanta custator accerra
Redshouldered stink bug, Red-shouldered stink bug
Thyanta custator accerra is a subspecies of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae, commonly known as the redshouldered stink bug. It is an agricultural pest of increasing concern in soybean and corn production across the Midwestern United States. Adults are recognized by a distinctive reddish band across the thorax-abdomen junction. The species feeds on developing fruits and seeds using piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing yield loss and quality reduction in affected crops.
Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis
Evergreen Bagworm Moth, Eastern Bagworm, Common Bagworm, Common Basket Worm, North American Bagworm
Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis, the evergreen bagworm moth, is a polyphagous pest species in the family Psychidae. Larvae construct distinctive silken bags decorated with plant fragments, which they carry throughout their development. Males emerge as winged adults with nearly scale-free, transparent wings—reflected in the genus name derived from Greek thyris (window) and ptera (wing). Females remain wingless and never leave their bags, releasing sex pheromones to attract mates. The species exhibits remarkable sexual dimorphism in both morphology and behavior, with males and females showing differential stratification on host trees and distinct pupation heights.