Minor-pest
Guides
Anavitrinella pampinaria
common gray, North American Common Gray
Anavitrinella pampinaria, commonly known as the common gray or North American Common Gray, is a geometrid moth widespread across North America. Adults are small to medium-sized with muted gray coloration and relatively plain wing patterns. The species is notable for its extended flight season from early spring through autumn and its polyphagous larval stage that feeds on diverse woody and herbaceous plants. Caterpillars are classic "inchworms" with reduced prolegs, typical of the family Geometridae.
Baris strenua
Sunflower root weevil
Baris strenua is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Champion in 1909. It is commonly known as the sunflower root weevil and is recognized as a pest of cultivated sunflowers in North America. The species is native to North America with confirmed records from Manitoba, Canada. Adults feed on sunflower foliage, causing minor damage, while larvae develop on roots and can cause significant wilting and lodging of plants. Despite its potential as a pest, economic thresholds for insecticide application have not been established, and control measures are generally not warranted.
Dargida grammivora
Dargida grammivora is a noctuid moth species in the genus Dargida, which includes wheat head armyworms. The genus Dargida comprises 13 known species whose larvae and moths appear similar in morphology. Dargida grammivora larvae feed on grass hosts, including wheat, and are considered minor agricultural pests in North American wheat-growing regions. The species has been documented in North America with limited observational records.
Dargida tetera
Wheat Head Armyworm
Dargida tetera is a noctuid moth in the genus Dargida, commonly known as a wheat head armyworm. The species is part of a group of 13 similar-looking Dargida species whose larvae feed on wheat heads. It is found in North America and is considered a minor pest of wheat, particularly in the Texas High Plains region. The moth has a wingspan of approximately 1¼ to 1½ inches.
Fallapion occidentale
Black Sunflower Stem Weevil
Fallapion occidentale, commonly known as the black sunflower stem weevil, is a small weevil in the family Brentidae (primitive weevils) that feeds on sunflower plants (Helianthus spp.). Adults are black and approximately 3 mm in length. The species develops internally within sunflower stems and leaf petioles, with larvae feeding on pith tissue. It has been documented in association with the sunflower stem weevil (Cylindrocopturus adspersus) in Texas, though it causes minimal economic damage compared to other sunflower pests. Pupation occurs within the plant, with adults emerging in late summer.
Metamasius mosieri
Florida bromeliad weevil
Metamasius mosieri is a small weevil in the family Dryophthoridae, commonly known as the Florida bromeliad weevil. It feeds on bromeliads but occurs at very low population densities in natural habitats and is considered only an occasional, minor pest on ornamental species. It is native to Florida and Cuba and is frequently confused with the more destructive Mexican bromeliad weevil (Metamasius callizona).
Oberea tripunctata
dogwood twig borer
Oberea tripunctata, commonly known as the dogwood twig borer, is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Adults emerge in early June and feed on dogwood twigs, causing girdling damage. Females lay eggs singly on healthy twigs; larvae bore into twigs and overwinter in stems, with some individuals taking up to two years to complete development. The species is considered a minor pest of flowering dogwood and has been recorded from additional hosts including elm, azalea, viburnum, and various fruit trees.
Pseudosciaphila duplex
Poplar Leafroller Moth, Aspen Leaftier, Spotted Aspen Leafroller
Pseudosciaphila duplex is a tortricid moth native to North America, commonly known as the poplar leafroller moth or aspen leaftier. Adults are active during summer months and possess a wingspan of 20–25 mm. The species is notable for its larval association with deciduous trees in the genera Populus, Betula, and Salix, where larvae feed on leaves.
Rivellia coquilletti
Rivellia coquilletti is a species of signal fly in the family Platystomatidae, first described by Hendel in 1914. Signal flies in this genus are associated with leguminous plants, with larvae feeding on nitrogen-fixing root nodules. The species is closely related to R. quadrifasciata and R. colei, with which it shares sympatric distributions in parts of North America. Adult signal flies are recognized by their characteristic wing-waving behavior used for intraspecific communication.
Suleima
Suleima is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, established by Heinrich in 1923. The genus contains seven described species distributed in North America. Suleima helianthana, commonly known as the sunflower bud moth, is the best-known species due to its association with cultivated sunflowers and, more recently, sunchoke. Most species remain poorly studied with limited ecological data available.
Trogoderma anthrenoides
Trogoderma anthrenoides is a stored-product pest beetle in the family Dermestidae. Laboratory studies indicate it develops between 17.5-37.5°C at 70% relative humidity, with optimal egg production at 27.5°C. The species has been assessed as having only minor pest potential compared to more damaging relatives like T. granarium. Some larvae enter facultative diapause under adverse conditions. The species has been recorded in North America, Oceania, and Colombia.
Vitisiella brevicauda
Grape Tumid Gallmaker Midge
Vitisiella brevicauda, the Grape Tumid Gallmaker Midge, is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces characteristic tumor-like galls on grape (Vitis) leaves and stems. The species was described by Felt in 1908 and is primarily known from eastern North America. It is a minor pest in vineyards, where gall formation can reduce photosynthetic capacity and aesthetic value of grape foliage.