Orchard-pest
Guides
Abagrotis orbis
well-marked cutworm, Barnes' climbing cutworm
Abagrotis orbis is a noctuid moth commonly known as the well-marked cutworm or Barnes' climbing cutworm. First described by Grote in 1876, this species occurs across southwestern North America with a notable disjunct population in the southern Great Lakes dune habitats. Adults are active in late summer, and larvae are recognized as orchard pests that feed on flowers of fruit trees.
Aceria caryae
Pecan Leafroll Mite
Aceria caryae, commonly known as the Pecan Leafroll Mite, is an eriophyid mite in the family Eriophyidae. These microscopic, worm-like mites are plant parasites that infest pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and related hickory species (Carya spp.). Eriophyid mites are characterized by their elongated, annulated bodies and reduced number of legs (four legs in adults, compared to eight in most mites). The species causes distinctive leaf rolling symptoms on pecan foliage. As with other eriophyid mites, A. caryae has a short development period of approximately 7–10 days, allowing rapid population buildup under favorable conditions.
Acleris flavivittana
multiform leafroller moth
Acleris flavivittana, commonly known as the multiform leafroller moth, is a small tortricid moth native to eastern North America. The species exhibits year-round adult activity, an unusual trait among temperate moths. Larvae are documented to feed on apple (Malus pumila) and wild black cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), suggesting potential economic significance in orchards.
Acleris variegana
Garden Rose Tortrix, Garden Rose Tortricid, Fruit Tortricid
A small tortricid moth with distinctive wing patterning, recognized as a significant agricultural pest of rosaceous fruit trees. Adults fly nocturnally during late summer and are attracted to light. The species has a broad Palearctic distribution with introduced populations in North America. Larval damage is most severe from the spring generation, which attacks fruit buds, flowers, and developing fruits.
Acrobasis tricolorella
destructive prune worm, tricolored acrobasis moth
Acrobasis tricolorella is a snout moth (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1878. The species occurs in southern Canada and the northern United States. Adults are active from June to October. Larvae feed on buds and fruits of various Rosaceae and related woody plants, and overwinter in the larval stage.
Agrilus sinuatus
sinuate peartree borer, hawthorn jewel beetle
Agrilus sinuatus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China) with introduced or established populations in North America. The species has emerged as a significant pest of rosaceous trees in European orchards and nurseries, particularly pear, quince, and hawthorn. It was historically an occasional pest in the 19th century, became rare during the broad-spectrum insecticide era, then resurged dramatically from 1992–1997 in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, with a major population explosion recorded in Hungary in 2019 causing 40–50% tree mortality in a quince orchard. The species exhibits a two-year life cycle with thermophilic tendencies, showing increased population growth following hot summers.
Ancylis tineana
Rannoch Roller
Ancylis tineana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 11–15 mm. It has a broad distribution across the Palearctic, from southern Sweden through Asia Minor, the Trans-Caucasus, Siberia, and eastern Russia, with introduced populations in North America. In Europe, it produces two generations annually. The species is known to feed on a range of woody plants and can occasionally become a minor pest in orchards.
Anisandrus
Anisandrus is a genus of ambrosia beetles in the subfamily Scolytinae, tribe Xyleborini, comprising approximately 40-41 species distributed primarily across Asia, with some species introduced to Europe and North America. The genus is characterized by a mycangial tuft at the pronotal base used for transporting symbiotic fungi. Several species, including A. maiche and A. dispar, are recognized as economically significant pests of fruit orchards, ornamental trees, and forest ecosystems.
Anisandrus maiche
Anisandrus maiche is an invasive ambrosia beetle native to East Asia that has established populations in North America and Europe. It is a significant pest of stressed trees in orchards, forests, and ornamental settings, boring into wood and cultivating symbiotic fungi in galleries. The species has been recorded in the United States since 2005, in Italy and Switzerland since 2021-2022, and was previously detected in Ukraine and European Russia. Its spread is facilitated by international transport of wood products and an inbreeding mating system that allows single females to establish new populations.
Archips
leafroller moths
Archips is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Archipini, established by Hübner in 1822. The genus contains numerous leafroller moth species whose larvae feed on a variety of woody plants, including oaks, apples, and baldcypress. Several species are economically significant pests in orchards and forests, with known outbreaks causing defoliation damage. The genus has a complex taxonomic history with multiple synonymized generic names.
Archips argyrospila
Fruit-tree Leafroller Moth, Fruittree Leafroller
Archips argyrospila, the fruit-tree leafroller moth, is a tortricid moth native to North America. Adults are active from mid-May to July with a single generation per year. The larvae are polyphagous leaf-rollers that construct silk-bound shelters within rolled or folded leaves. The species is a documented pest of commercial apple and pear orchards, with larvae feeding on foliage of numerous woody plants. Viral pathogens including nucleopolyhedrovirus and granulovirus have been observed infecting field populations at rates up to 25% during outbreak conditions.
Archips xylosteana
variegated golden tortrix, brown oak tortrix
Archips xylosteana is a medium-sized tortricid moth native to the Palearctic region, with a wingspan of 14–23 mm. The species exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism in size, with females typically larger than males. Forewings are broad and roughly rectangular, displaying variable coloration from yellow-brown to pinkish brown with dark reddish-brown markings. This univoltine species is a polyphagous leafroller, with larvae feeding on numerous deciduous trees and shrubs.
Argyresthia
Argents
Argyresthia is a genus of microlepidopteran moths comprising over 200 species, with more than 100 species recognized in the Palearctic region. Adults are exceptionally small, measuring 3.2–6.8 mm from head to wingtip. Most species display white wings with broad, transverse metallic stripes. Larvae are leaf or needle miners, feeding between tissue layers of conifers or broadleaved plants. The genus is the namesake of the family Argyresthiidae, having been elevated from subfamily status within Yponomeutidae.
Argyrotaenia franciscana
orange tortrix, apple skinworm
Argyrotaenia franciscana, commonly known as the orange tortrix or apple skinworm, is a moth in the family Tortricidae. It is native to the Pacific Coast of North America, ranging from California north through Oregon to Washington. The species has forewings measuring 5.6–9.9 mm in length. It produces at least two generations per year, with the potential for additional generations depending on local conditions.
Argyrotaenia quadrifasciana
Four-lined Leafroller Moth, Four-banded Leafroller, Lesser All-green Leafroller
A small tortricid moth native to North America, recognized by the four pale transverse lines on its forewings. Adults are active from May to August, with one generation per year. The species overwinters as a third-instar larva and is associated with orchards and shrubby habitats. Larvae feed on leaves of various woody plants in the rose family.
Argyrotaenia velutinana
Red-banded Leafroller Moth, Redbanded Leafroller
A small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 13–20 mm, found across eastern North America. The caterpillars are highly polyphagous, feeding on leaves and fruits of numerous plants including apple and other fruit trees. Adults are frequently attracted to lights and are active across much of the year. The species is occasionally a pest in orchards.
Atractotomus mali
Atractotomus mali is a zoophytophagous plant bug in the family Miridae, native to Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China) and introduced to North America. First described in 1843, it has become a recognized pest of apple (Malus domestica) in Canadian orchards, particularly in Nova Scotia where it was first documented causing fruit damage in the mid-20th century. The species was first recorded in Quebec in 2014, expanding its known Canadian distribution. Its feeding behavior combines plant and animal matter, though it has been observed causing more damage to fruit than providing predatory benefits in some orchard contexts.
Blastodacna
Blastodacna is a genus of small moths in the family Elachistidae, first described by Wocke in 1876. The genus contains approximately 15 recognized species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region, with the majority of species occurring in the Palearctic. Taxonomic placement of this genus has been disputed, with some authorities historically assigning it to Agonoxenidae or recognizing it as the separate family Blastodacnidae. The genus includes several species associated with fruit trees, notably Blastodacna pyrigalla, which is known as a pest of pear.
Blastodacna atra
Apple Pith Moth
Blastodacna atra, commonly known as the apple pith moth, is a small moth in the family Elachistidae. It is native to most of Europe and has been introduced to North America, where it has been recorded in Massachusetts and Ontario. The species is notable for its larval habit of mining inside the young shoots of apple trees (Malus species), which can cause localized damage to orchards. Adults are active from May through September in western Europe.
Bucculatrix pomifoliella
Apple Skeletonizer Moth
Bucculatrix pomifoliella is a minute moth in the family Bucculatricidae, first described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. It is known from eastern and central North America, with records spanning from the northeastern United States through the Midwest and into western Canada. The species is recognized for its leaf-mining larvae that feed on Rosaceae host plants, including apple (Malus) and various Prunus species.
Callisto denticulella
Garden Apple Slender
Callisto denticulella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. Adults are active from May to June and have a wingspan of approximately 11 mm. The species is notable for its distinctive wing pattern featuring white triangular striae on a brown forewing. Larvae are specialized miners of Malus leaves, with additional records from Crataegus, Cotoneaster, and Pyrus. The species has a broad distribution across Europe, eastern North America, and parts of Russia.
Campylomma
mullein bugs
Campylomma is a genus of plant bugs (family Miridae, tribe Nasocorini) comprising at least 12 recognized species. The genus is best known from detailed studies of C. verbasci, the mullein bug, which exhibits a predator-phytophage feeding strategy and has been investigated for pheromone-based mating disruption in orchard systems. Japanese species have been taxonomically revised, with emphasis on genitalic characters for identification. The genus occurs across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere including North America, Europe, and East Asia.
Campylomma verbasci
mullein bug
Campylomma verbasci, commonly known as the mullein bug, is a plant bug in the family Miridae. It is a predator-phytophage that functions as a biological control agent in orchards, feeding primarily on pear psylla (Psylla pyricola) and European red mite (Panonychus ulmi). The species overwinters as eggs on woody hosts including apple, pear, Rosa spp., and Amelanchier sp., then completes two to four generations annually depending on region. Adults disperse to herbaceous plants, particularly common mullein (Verbascum thapsus), during summer months before returning to orchards in autumn. It has been studied extensively for pheromone-based mating disruption, representing the first documented case of such control in Heteroptera.
Carposina
Carposina is a genus of small moths in the family Carposinidae, containing approximately 100 described species distributed across multiple continents. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, notably Carposina sasakii (peach fruit moth), whose larvae bore into fruits of Rosaceae and Rhamnaceae. Species exhibit internal fruit-feeding habits as larvae and complete metamorphosis with documented digestive tract reconstruction during pupation to accommodate dietary shifts from solid to liquid food.
Choreutis pariana
apple leaf skeletonizer moth, apple-and-thorn skeletonizer
Choreutis pariana is a small moth in the family Choreutidae, native to Eurasia and introduced to North America in 1917. The species is known for its larval feeding behavior that creates distinctive skeletonized leaves on host plants. Adults have a wingspan of 11–15 mm and typically display brownish coloration with banded wing patterns. The species has experienced significant taxonomic confusion due to multiple historical generic reassignments.
Choristoneura rosaceana
oblique-banded leafroller, rosaceous leaf roller, oblique banded leaf roller
Choristoneura rosaceana is a tortricid moth native to North America that has been accidentally introduced to other parts of the world. The species is a generalist herbivore whose larvae feed on a broad range of woody and herbaceous plants, with documented hosts spanning over 30 plant genera in more than 20 families. Caterpillars construct leaf rolls for shelter and feeding, causing damage to foliage and occasionally fruit. Adults are bivoltine in most of their range, with flight periods in early and late summer.
Chymomyza
Chymomyza is a genus of vinegar flies in the family Drosophilidae, containing approximately 60 described species distributed across multiple continents. Species within this genus exhibit diverse ecological specializations, including mycophagy (fungal spore feeding) and exploitation of damaged or parasitized fruits and nuts. Some species, such as C. amoena, have demonstrated invasive potential, establishing populations in Europe from North American origins. The genus is notable for complex male-male combat behaviors involving modified forelegs used as visual signals and physical weapons.
Chymomyza amoena
A Nearctic drosophilid fruit fly native to eastern United States forests. It has established as an invasive species in Europe since its discovery in former Czechoslovakia in 1975, subsequently spreading to Switzerland, Italy, and German border regions. The species exhibits a distinctive ecological strategy: breeding in damaged or parasitized nuts and fruits rather than relying solely on fermenting substrates. This behavioral constancy for interspecies dependency—exploiting substrates pre-conditioned by other insects—has enabled it to occupy a vacant niche in European ecosystems.
Coleophora laticornella
pecan cigar casebearer
Coleophora laticornella, commonly known as the pecan cigar casebearer, is a case-bearing moth in the family Coleophoridae. It is native to North America and has been documented in 263 iNaturalist observations. The species is notable for its economic significance as a pest of pecan and other nut trees.
Conotrachelus nenuphar
Plum Curculio
The plum curculio is a native North American weevil and economically significant pest of stone and pome fruits. It has been documented as a fruit pest since the 18th century and remains a primary challenge for orchard production east of the Rocky Mountains. The species exhibits geographic variation in voltinism, with univoltine populations in northern regions and multivoltine populations in the south.
Coptodisca
Coptodisca is a genus of small moths in the family Heliozelidae, established by Walsingham in 1895. Species are leafminers whose larvae feed internally on leaves of woody plants, creating distinctive blotch mines. Several species have become invasive pests in Europe, particularly C. lucifluella and C. juglandiella on walnut (Juglans) and related trees. The genus is native to the Nearctic region with approximately 20 described species.
Coptotriche malifoliella
Appleleaf Trumpet Miner
A small moth in the family Tischeriidae known for its distinctive larval leaf-mining behavior on apple and hawthorn. The species was described from North America in 1860 and is recognized by the common name Appleleaf Trumpet Miner, referring to the trumpet-shaped mines created by larvae.
Cossula magnifica
pecan carpenterworm moth
Cossula magnifica, commonly known as the pecan carpenterworm moth, is a species of carpenter moth in the family Cossidae. The species is found in the southeastern United States, where its larvae develop as borers in hardwood trees. Adults are active in spring and early summer. The species is of some economic concern due to larval damage to pecan and other Carya species.
Dichomeris ligulella
palmerworm, Palmerworm Moth
Dichomeris ligulella, commonly known as the palmerworm, is a small gelechiid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active from spring through fall with a single generation per year. The species is economically notable as a foliar feeder on several hardwood trees and orchard crops.
Ditula angustiorana
Red-barred Tortrix, Fruit-tree Tortrix, Vine Tortrix, Leaf roller
Ditula angustiorana, the red-barred tortrix, is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 12–18 mm, characterized by ferruginous ochreous forewings with distinctive deep ferruginous markings. The species is polyphagous, with larvae feeding on a wide range of trees and shrubs including apple, pear, cherry, grape, and various conifers. Unusually among moths, females exhibit calling behavior and pheromone production during daylight hours rather than at night. The species has a single primary brood with adults active from May to August, though occasional second broods occur in autumn.
Epiphyas postvittana
light brown apple moth, LBAM, apple leaf roller
Epiphyas postvittana, the light brown apple moth, is a highly polyphagous tortricid moth native to Australia. It has become an invasive agricultural pest in multiple countries including New Zealand, Hawaii, the United Kingdom, and California, where it was first detected in 2006. The species feeds on over 250 plant species across numerous families, with larvae causing damage as leafrolling caterpillars. Its broad host range and high reproductive potential make it a significant threat to horticultural industries worldwide.
Eriophyes mali
apple blister mite
Eriophyes mali is a microscopic eriophyid mite and a significant pest of apple orchards. It overwinters behind bud scales and initiates spring migration when midday temperatures exceed 10°C, developing two generations per growing season. The mite induces characteristic blister-like galls on apple leaves through its feeding activity, reducing yield and fruit quality. Field studies in Ukraine have demonstrated that targeted insecto-acaricide applications can reduce mite populations by 72.9–93.3% and improve orchard productivity.
Eriophyes pyri
pearleaf blister mite, pear leaf blister mite
Eriophyes pyri is a gall-forming eriophyid mite that attacks pear (Pyrus), apple (Malus), and plum (Prunus). Females overwinter beneath upper bud scales, emerging in spring when average daily temperatures exceed 10°C. The mite induces characteristic blister galls on young leaves by feeding on phloem sap, completing three generations per growing season in temperate regions. Population management through targeted pesticide applications can reduce mite numbers by 75–94% and improve fruit yield and quality.
Eulogia ochrifrontella
Broad-banded Eulogia Moth
Eulogia ochrifrontella is a small snout moth and the sole member of its genus. It is commonly known as the broad-banded eulogia moth. The species occurs across much of North America and has been documented from Canada through the eastern and central United States. It is associated with hardwood trees including pecan, oak, and apple.
Grapholita
Grapholita is a large genus of tortrix moths comprising approximately 126 recognized species. Established by Georg Friedrich Treitschke in 1829, it serves as the type genus for the tribe Grapholitini within subfamily Olethreutinae. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, notably the Oriental fruit moth (G. molesta), plum moth (G. funebrana), and Eurasian hemp borer (G. delineana), which infest fruits and reproductive structures of host plants. Species delimitation between Grapholita and the related genus Cydia remains under investigation.
Hemithea aestivaria
Common Emerald
Hemithea aestivaria, the Common Emerald, is a geometrid moth native to Eurasia and accidentally introduced to North America. Its blue-green wing coloration derives from the pigment geoverdin, which is light-sensitive and fades in both living individuals and dried specimens. The species has been sequenced with a 501.7 Mb genome assembly containing 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules and 18,477 protein-coding genes. In its native range it is univoltine, while introduced populations in Japan have been observed to be bivoltine.
Hoplocampini
Hoplocampini is a tribe of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, suborder Symphyta. Members are small to medium-sized sawflies, many of which are associated with rosaceous plants. The tribe includes economically significant species that feed on fruits such as apples, pears, and cherries. Adults are generally inconspicuous, while larvae often cause damage to developing fruits or foliage.
Lygocoris pabulinus
Common Green Capsid
Lygocoris pabulinus is a Holarctic plant bug in the family Miridae, widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a polyphagous herbivore that feeds on numerous herbaceous and woody plants, with documented associations including potato, nettle, apple, and various fruit crops. The species exhibits complex sexual communication involving female-produced pheromones and male vibrational signals. It is recognized as an agricultural pest in orchards and vegetable crops, causing characteristic damage to leaves, buds, and fruits through its piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Lyonetia prunifoliella
Blackthorn Blister Moth
Lyonetia prunifoliella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Lyonetiidae. Adults have a wingspan of 9–10 mm and are active in autumn, overwintering before reappearing in spring. The larvae create distinctive leaf mines on a broad range of host plants in the Rosaceae family, including Prunus, Betula, Crataegus, and Sorbus species. The species is widespread across northern Europe and Asia, with populations also established in North America.
Melanoplus devastator
devastating grasshopper
Melanoplus devastator, the devastating grasshopper, is a medium-sized spur-throated grasshopper endemic to the far western United States, primarily California, with limited occurrence in Oregon and Washington. It is a major agricultural pest known for irruptive population outbreaks that can cause extensive damage to rangeland forage, orchards, and crops. The species exhibits a unique life history among rangeland grasshoppers, with females entering reproductive diapause during summer and resuming egg development in fall triggered by decreasing photoperiod. When populations explode, nymphal bands and adult swarms migrate from depleted foothill rangelands into valley agricultural areas, sometimes traveling 30 miles or more.
Metcalfa pruinosa
Citrus Flatid Planthopper
Metcalfa pruinosa is a polyphagous planthopper native to North America that has become a significant invasive pest across Europe, Asia, and other regions. Adults measure 5.5–8 mm in length and are covered in a distinctive bluish-white waxy coating. The species produces one generation per year, with eggs overwintering in bark crevices. It feeds gregariously on plant sap, excreting honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth and causes direct damage to crops and ornamentals. First described by Thomas Say in 1830, it has spread to over 20 countries and is known to attack more than 300 plant species.
Oecanthus fultoni
snowy tree cricket, thermometer cricket
A North American tree cricket known for its distinctive chirping used in film soundtracks. The species exhibits a temperature-dependent chirp rate that allows temperature estimation. Adults are active from mid-July to mid-November. The species was formally described in 1962 after being confused with O. niveus for nearly two centuries.
Operophtera brumata
Winter Moth
Operophtera brumata, the winter moth, is a geometrid moth native to Europe and the Near East that has been introduced to North America. It is notable among temperate Lepidoptera for adult activity during late fall and early winter. Females are flightless, while males are fully winged. The species is a significant pest of deciduous trees and an important food source for birds such as Blue Tits, which feed their young almost exclusively on winter moth caterpillars. The USA National Phenology Network includes this species in its Pheno Forecast program to aid pest management.
Pandemis
Leafroller moths
Pandemis is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Archipini, commonly known as leafroller moths. The genus comprises approximately 60 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with particular diversity in Eurasia. Several species are recognized as agricultural pests, notably Pandemis cerasana (barred fruit-tree tortrix) and Pandemis pyrusana (Pandemis leafroller), which damage fruit trees and other woody plants. Larvae typically feed on leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs, often rolling or folding leaves for shelter.
Pandemis cerasana
barred fruit-tree tortrix
Pandemis cerasana is a tortricid moth native to northern Eurasia, introduced to North America where it was first recorded in Victoria, British Columbia in 1964. The species is a polyphagous leaf roller whose larvae feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs, with notable damage to fruit trees including cherry, apple, and pear. Adults fly from June to August in western Europe, with two generations per year.
Parornix geminatella
Unspotted Tentiform Leafminer Moth
Parornix geminatella is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. Its larvae create tentiform mines on leaves of Rosaceae trees and shrubs. The species has a broad distribution across eastern North America, extending from Québec to Florida and west to Colorado and Texas.
Phobetron pithecium
Hag Moth, Monkey Slug (larva)
Phobetron pithecium, commonly known as the hag moth, is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae. Its larva, called the monkey slug, is one of the most distinctive caterpillars in North America, bearing nine pairs of curly, hair-covered projections that give it an appearance resembling a shed spider skin or leaf debris. The species occurs across eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast, with adults active primarily in summer. Both larva and adult exhibit notable defensive adaptations: the caterpillar's tubercles can detach without harm to the animal, and adults display sexual dimorphism with males having translucent wings while females are drab brown with yellow leg scales and reportedly mimic bees.
Phyllonorycter crataegella
Apple Blotch Leafminer Moth
Phyllonorycter crataegella is a microlepidopteran in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the apple blotch leafminer moth. It is a significant pest of apple orchards in northeastern North America, where larvae create blotch mines in leaves. The species exhibits a primarily diurnal activity pattern with sex-specific flight timing: males fly intensely in the morning for mating, while females fly in the afternoon and evening for oviposition. It has three generations per year in its core range, with overwintering adults emerging in spring triggered by accumulated degree-days above 5°C.
Phyllonorycter elmaella
western tentiform leafminer
Phyllonorycter elmaella, the western tentiform leafminer, is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae. It is a documented pest of apple (Malus) in commercial orchards across western North America. Larvae create tentiform (blotch-shaped) mines within apple leaves, feeding between the upper and lower epidermis. The species serves as host to a diverse community of parasitoid wasps, with at least 14 species recorded, supporting natural biological control in orchard ecosystems.
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.
Polydrusus
Polydrusus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae, containing dozens of species distributed across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Several species have been introduced to North America and have become established in northern hardwood forests, where some function as polyphagous herbivores with documented impacts on tree crops. The genus is taxonomically complex, with multiple subgenera recognized including Conocetus and Orodrusus, and has been subject to recent revisionary work clarifying species boundaries and synonymies. Polydrusus species are frequently confused with the genus Phyllobius due to superficial morphological similarities, though they are not closely related.
Polydrusus formosus
Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil
Polydrusus formosus is a small broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, native to Europe and introduced to North America. Adults are strikingly metallic green due to dense emerald scales covering the body. The species is a documented pest of fruit trees and ornamental shrubs, feeding on young leaves and blossoms.
Polydrusus impressifrons
Pale Green Weevil, Leaf Weevil
Polydrusus impressifrons is a small broad-nosed weevil native to Europe, introduced to North America in the early 20th century. It is polyphagous on hardwood trees and has been recorded in hybrid hazelnut orchards in Minnesota, where it may damage buds, foliage, and roots. Adults are active from late May to mid-July. The species is smaller, lighter, and has a broader head than the similar P. formosus.
Prionus californicus
California root borer, California prionus
Prionus californicus is a large, sexually dimorphic longhorned beetle native to western North America. Adults emerge from soil in early summer and are active from June through August. Females are larger than males and produce a volatile sex pheromone to attract mates, while males possess more strongly serrated antennae. The species spends most of its life cycle underground as root-feeding larvae, making it a significant pest of orchards, vineyards, and other woody plants.
Pseudexentera
oak olethreutid leafroller, aspen leafroller, apple leafroller
Pseudexentera is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae. Species in this genus are early-season fliers whose larvae function as defoliators of economically important trees. Three species are of particular economic significance: P. spoliana (oak olethreutid leafroller) on oaks, P. oregonana (aspen leafroller) on aspens, and P. mali on apples. Female sex pheromones have been identified for these species and are species-specific, with no cross-attraction occurring between species.
Pseudoedophrys hilleri
Peach Root Weevil
Pseudoedophrys hilleri is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae. Native to Japan, it has been introduced to eastern North America and is now established in multiple U.S. states and the District of Columbia. It is the sole described species in its genus. The common name "Peach Root Weevil" suggests association with peach cultivation, though specific host relationships require verification.
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.
Saperda candida
Round-headed Apple Tree Borer
Saperda candida is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) native to North America. It is a significant pest of trees in the rose family (Rosaceae), particularly apple, pear, hawthorn, and crabapple. The species was described by Fabricius in 1787 and occurs across Canada and the eastern United States. Its larvae are roundheaded borers that tunnel beneath bark and destroy cambium tissue, often killing young or stressed trees.
Spilonota ocellana
bud moth, eye-spotted bud moth
Spilonota ocellana, commonly known as the bud moth or eye-spotted bud moth, is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 12–17 mm. It has a wide distribution spanning the Palearctic realm from North Africa and Europe through Asia to China, Korea, and Japan, with introduced populations in North America and Madeira. The species is univoltine, with adults flying from May to October depending on location. Larvae feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs, and the species is recognized as a pest in apple orchards where it has been studied extensively.
Stigmella
pygmy leaf-mining moths
Stigmella is a large genus of minute moths in the family Nepticulidae, commonly known as pygmy leaf-mining moths. Adults typically measure 2–6 mm in wingspan, making them among the smallest Lepidoptera. The genus is characterized by larvae that feed internally in leaf mines of diverse host plants. Many species exhibit narrow host specificity, with individual species restricted to particular plant genera or families. Stigmella contains hundreds of described species distributed across temperate and tropical regions worldwide.
Stigmella slingerlandella
Slingerland's Plum Leafminer Moth, Plum Leaf Miner
Stigmella slingerlandella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Nepticulidae, commonly known as the plum leaf miner. The species was described by Kearfott in 1908 and named in honor of Mark Vernon Slingerland. It is a specialist leafminer on Prunus species, with larvae creating distinctive mines that begin as narrow linear tunnels before expanding into irregular blotches. The species occurs in eastern North America, where it can be a minor pest of plum and cherry cultivation.
Sympiesis
Sympiesis is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae. Species are primarily ectoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, particularly leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae, though some species attack other caterpillar groups including Hesperiidae (skippers) and Hyblaeidae. Several species have been studied for their potential as biological control agents of agricultural pests. The genus has been documented from North America, Europe, and South Asia.
Synanthedon pyri
Apple Bark Borer
Synanthedon pyri, commonly known as the Apple Bark Borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults are diurnal and exhibit wasp mimicry, with transparent wings and wasp-like coloration. Larvae are wood-borers that infest the bark and cambium of fruit trees, particularly apple (Malus spp.), causing damage to commercial orchards. The species is native to North America and has been documented as a pest of economic concern in apple-growing regions.
Synanthedon scitula
dogwood borer, pecan borer, Dogwood Borer Moth
Synanthedon scitula is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae and a significant pest of woody plants. Larvae tunnel into burrknot tissue and cambium of host trees, causing damage ranging from localized feeding to tree death. The species has one generation per year, with adults active from June through September. It is widely distributed across North America and has been recorded from numerous host species including dogwood, pecan, apple, and many other hardwoods.
Trichoferus
Trichoferus is a genus of long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Wollaston in 1854, containing at least 20 described species. Several species have become economically significant as invasive wood-boring pests, with Trichoferus campestris (velvet longhorned beetle) being particularly well-documented for its worldwide expansion through international trade. The genus includes both native and introduced species with documented associations with living trees, cut wood, and wood packaging material.
Xyleborinus andrewesi
Xyleborinus andrewesi is a small ambrosia beetle in the weevil subfamily Scolytinae. Native to the Old World tropics, it has been widely introduced to the New World. The species is polyphagous and has been recorded from 59 host plants across 29 families. It was synonymized with Xyleborinus mimosae in a 2021 taxonomic revision.
Xylosandrus germanus
black stem borer, alnus ambrosia beetle, black timber bark beetle
Xylosandrus germanus is a tiny ambrosia beetle native to eastern Asia that has become a significant invasive pest in Europe and North America. Females, which are flight-capable and substantially larger than the flightless males, excavate galleries in stressed or recently dead woody plants to cultivate fungal gardens. The species exhibits a quasisocial structure with foundress females performing distinct behavioral roles that shift from gallery construction and brood care to entrance-blocking as the colony matures. Its rapid spread—tens of kilometers per year in some regions—is facilitated by climate change, global timber trade, and an unusual reproductive system where single foundresses can establish populations through sib-mating.
Yponomeuta malinellus
Apple Ermine, apple ermine moth
Yponomeuta malinellus, the apple ermine moth, is a small ermine moth native to Europe and Asia that has become established in North America. It is a specialist pest of Malus (apple) species, with larvae that feed gregariously within silken tents and can cause significant defoliation. The species has been extensively studied as a target for classical biological control, with multiple parasitoid species introduced to manage outbreaks.
Yponomeuta padella
orchard ermine, cherry ermine
Yponomeuta padella is a small ermine moth native to Europe and parts of Asia, now introduced to North America. Adults are active from July to August and are attracted to light. The species is notable for forming part of a cryptic species complex with Y. malinellus, Y. cagnagella, Y. rorella, and Y. evonymella, requiring genital examination or host plant association for reliable identification. Larvae feed on Prunus and Crataegus species, and the moth has demonstrated invasive potential with documented outbreaks causing significant defoliation in introduced and expanded ranges.
Zeuzera pyrina
leopard moth, wood leopard moth
Zeuzera pyrina is a medium-sized wood-boring moth in the family Cossidae, commonly known as the leopard moth or wood leopard moth. Adults are highly distinctive with white wings marked by numerous black spots, giving the species its common name. The larvae are xylophagous pests that tunnel into the wood of fruit trees and other deciduous hosts, causing significant economic damage in orchards worldwide. The species is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, and has been introduced to the northeastern United States.