Olive-pest
Guides
Cheiropachus
Cheiropachus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, first described by Westwood in 1829. Species within this genus are known to parasitize bark beetles (Scolytidae), with C. quadrum being the most studied species due to its role as a biological control agent of olive bark beetles in southern Europe. The genus occurs in Europe and North America, with at least ten recognized species.
Closterotomus
Closterotomus is a genus of plant bugs (Miridae) in the subfamily Mirinae, established by Fieber in 1858. The genus contains at least 34 species distributed across the Palearctic and North America. Several species are agricultural pests, notably C. trivialis on olive and citrus in Mediterranean regions and C. norvegicus (potato capsid) on lucerne, clover, and potato. Members are phytophagous, feeding primarily on flowers, buds, and unripe fruit.
Euphyllura
olive psyllids, olive psylla
Euphyllura is a genus of plant-feeding psyllids (Hemiptera: Liviidae) established by Arnold Förster in 1848. Species are primarily associated with olive (Olea europaea) and related host plants in the Oleaceae. The genus is predominantly Palaearctic in distribution, with most species occurring in southern Europe and Asia, though records extend to southern Africa and western North America. Several species are economically significant pests of olive cultivation, including E. olivina, E. phillyreae, and E. straminea, which damage developing inflorescences and fruits. The genus exhibits typical psyllid biology with temperature-dependent reproduction and seasonal diapause strategies.
Palpita
Palpita Moths
Palpita is a genus of crambid moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus includes numerous species distributed across multiple continents, with several species recognized as significant agricultural pests. Notable pest species include Palpita forficifera and Palpita unionalis, which are major pests of olive trees in Brazil, Uruguay, and the Mediterranean region. Other species such as Palpita (Diaphania) indica feed on cucurbits, while Palpita flegia feeds on Cascabela thevetia. The genus is taxonomically complex, with members of the genus Stemorrhages appearing very similar in appearance.
Phloeotribus
Phloeotribus is a genus of crenulate bark beetles in the family Curculionidae, comprising at least 150 described species. Species within this genus exhibit diverse host associations, with some specializing on olive (Olea europaea), others on stone fruits (Prunus spp.), and some on broom (Cytisus scoparius). The genus includes economically significant pests such as Phloeotribus scarabaeoides, which damages olive trees through feeding and breeding gallery construction. Reproductive systems vary among species, with both monogynous and bigynous mating systems documented.
Praydidae
false ermine moths
Praydidae is a family of small moths in the superfamily Yponomeutoidea, elevated from subfamily rank in 2013 based on molecular evidence. The family includes the economically significant genus Prays, notably Prays oleae (olive moth), a major agricultural pest of olive trees. Members are characterized by their association with woody plants and, in some species, distinct multivoltine life cycles with generation-specific feeding habits.
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.