Ornamental-pest
Guides
Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli
false oleander scale, fullaway oleander scale, magnolia white scale, mango scale, oleander scale, oyster scale
Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli is an armored scale insect (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) commonly known as false oleander scale. It is a polyphagous pest with a broad global distribution spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Oceania. The species infests numerous ornamental and agricultural plants, with documented hosts including oleander (Nerium oleander), mango (Mangifera indica), magnolia, and various palms. As a member of the armored scales, it produces a protective waxy covering over its body while feeding on plant sap.
Pseudocneorhinus
broad-nosed weevils
Pseudocneorhinus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing approximately 11 described species. The genus is native to East Asia, with several species recorded from Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and the Russian Far East. At least one species, P. bifasciatus (twobanded Japanese weevil), has become established as an invasive pest in North America, where it damages ornamental and landscape plantings. The genus belongs to the tribe Trachyphloeini within the subfamily Entiminae.
Pseudocneorhinus bifasciatus
twobanded Japanese weevil, two-banded Japanese weevil
Pseudocneorhinus bifasciatus is an invasive broad-nosed weevil native to Japan that has established populations in the United States. First detected near Philadelphia in 1914, it is believed to have arrived via infested nursery stock. The species has since spread throughout the northeastern, midwestern, and southeastern United States, with documented presence in at least 11 states. It is recognized as a significant pest of ornamental and landscape plantings due to its broad host range.
Pulvinaria acericola
Cottony Maple Leaf Scale
Pulvinaria acericola, commonly known as the Cottony Maple Leaf Scale, is a soft scale insect (family Coccidae) native to North America. Like other Pulvinaria species, the adult female produces a conspicuous white, cottony ovisac that houses eggs. The species is associated with maple and other woody plants, where nymphs and adults feed on phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Heavy infestations can lead to honeydew accumulation and subsequent sooty mold growth.
Pulvinaria innumerabilis
Cottony Maple Scale
A soft scale insect (family Coccidae) commonly known as the cottony maple scale. Adult females are small, flattened, and brown, approximately 3 mm in length. Mature females produce conspicuous white, cottony ovisacs containing up to 1,500 eggs. The species is frequently found on maple trees, particularly silver maple (Acer saccharinum), but has been recorded on numerous other woody plants. Heavy infestations can cause aesthetic damage and minor physiological stress to host plants, though established trees typically tolerate infestations well.
Pyramidobela angelarum
buddleia budworm moth
Pyramidobela angelarum is a small moth in the family Ethmiidae, commonly known as the buddleia budworm moth. It is currently known only from coastal urban areas of California, where it is likely an introduced species. The moth is associated exclusively with Buddleia, an ornamental plant genus of tropical origin. Adults are active throughout much of the year, from late February to early December.
Pyrausta rubricalis
variable reddish pyrausta moth
Pyrausta rubricalis is a small crambid moth found across North America, with a wingspan of approximately 15 mm. The species shows considerable variation in coloration, contributing to its common name. Adults are active from March through October, suggesting multiple generations per year. The moth is part of the diverse Pyrausta genus, which includes many species associated with flowering plants.
Pyrausta unifascialis
One-banded Pyrausta
A North American crambid moth commonly known as the one-banded pyrausta. Adults are small, colorful moths with distinctive banded patterns. Larvae are creamy-colored caterpillars that feed within flower buds of Monarda species, causing significant damage to developing blossoms. The species has multiple generations per year and is considered a notable pest of ornamental beebalms.
Rhinocapsus vanduzeei
Azalea plant bug
Rhinocapsus vanduzeei, commonly known as the azalea plant bug, is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It is native to North America, with documented records from Canada and several eastern U.S. states including Georgia, New York, and West Virginia. The species is known to feed on azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) as its primary host plant, but has also been observed consuming Lepidopteran eggs, whiteflies, and thrips, suggesting a mixed feeding strategy that includes both plant and animal prey.
Russellaspis pustulans
oleander pit scale, fig pit scale, Akee Fringed Scale
Russellaspis pustulans, commonly known as the oleander pit scale or fig pit scale, is a parthenogenetic scale insect in the family Asterolecaniidae. It is highly polyphagous, feeding on plants across 69 families with documented preference for fig (Ficus carica) and oleander (Nerium oleander). The species is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, completing 2-3 generations annually depending on environmental conditions. It is recognized as a pest of economic importance on fruit trees and ornamental plants, with feeding activity inducing characteristic pitting and galling on host tissues.
Singhiella simplex
Ficus whitefly
Singhiella simplex is an invasive whitefly species in the family Aleyrodidae, native to Asia and now established across multiple continents. It is a specialist pest of Ficus species, causing severe defoliation of ornamental trees and hedges. The species has spread to North America, Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and the Middle East. Its rapid expansion and economic impact on urban landscaping have prompted extensive research into its biology and biological control options.
Spanioneura
Spanioneura is a genus of psyllids (jumping plant-lice) established by Arnold Förster in 1848. Species are primarily European in distribution, though the type species S. fonscolombii has been accidentally introduced to the United States. The genus comprises at least five described species, with S. fonscolombii being the most widely studied due to its economic significance as a pest of boxwood (Buxus species).
Spanioneura buxi
boxwood psyllid
Spanioneura buxi, commonly known as the boxwood psyllid, is a sap-feeding insect in the family Psyllidae that infests boxwood (Buxus species). The species produces distinctive cupped or curled terminal leaves on host plants, caused by nymphal feeding and wax secretion. It has a single generation per year in temperate regions. The insect is considered a minor pest that causes primarily cosmetic damage, with most boxwood plants recovering without permanent injury.
Spanioneura fonscolombii
Spanioneura fonscolombii is a plant-parasitic psyllid specialized on box (Buxus) species. First described from Europe in 1848, it has been accidentally introduced to the United States and represents a pest of ornamental and native boxwoods. The species shows distinctive green coloration with patterned wings and has been documented causing damage to host plants, with some dispute regarding gall formation.
Sphenarches anisodactylus
geranium plume moth, fire-flag plume moth
Sphenarches anisodactylus is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae with a wingspan of approximately 10 mm. It has a remarkably broad distribution spanning tropical and subtropical regions across multiple continents. The species is known to feed on flower buds and flowers of diverse plant families, with larvae recorded from over a dozen host plants including ornamental, agricultural, and wild species. Its common names reflect association with geraniums (Pelargonium) and fire-flag (Thalia geniculata).
Stephanitis
lace bugs
Stephanitis is a genus of lace bugs (family Tingidae) comprising at least 80–90 described species. Members are small, plant-feeding true bugs characterized by reticulated, lace-like forewings. Several species are significant ornamental pests, including the azalea lace bug (S. pyrioides) and andromeda lace bug (S. takeyai), which cause characteristic stippling damage on host foliage. The genus has a broad distribution across Asia, Europe, North America, and other regions, with some species introduced outside their native ranges.
Stephanitis takeyai
Andromeda lace bug
Stephanitis takeyai, the andromeda lace bug, is a small sap-feeding insect native to Japan that has become an invasive pest of ornamental Ericaceae in North America and Europe. It is closely associated with Pieris japonica (Japanese andromeda), its preferred host, but has been documented on multiple genera within Ericaceae including Rhododendron, Vaccinium, and Kalmia. The species exhibits facultative seasonal host alternation in parts of its native range, moving from evergreen Pieris japonica in winter to deciduous Lyonia elliptica in summer when the latter is available.
Synanthedon proxima
dogwood borer
Synanthedon proxima, commonly known as the dogwood borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. It is native to North America and primarily associated with Cornus species. The species is recognized as a significant pest of ornamental dogwoods, particularly in urban and suburban landscapes. Adults exhibit wasp-mimicking appearance typical of the family, with transparent wings and often yellow or orange coloration. Larval stages bore into the stems and trunks of host plants, causing structural damage.
Synanthedon rhododendri
Rhododendron Borer Moth
Synanthedon rhododendri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the rhododendron borer moth. The species is a specialist pest of rhododendrons and related Ericaceae, with larvae boring into stems and crowns of host plants. Adults are diurnal and exhibit wasp-mimicking appearance typical of the family. The species occurs in the Nearctic region.
Synanthedon viburni
Viburnum Clearwing Borer, Arrowwood Borer
A clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae that develops as a borer in viburnum shrubs. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking, with transparent wings and dark bodies. The species is a documented pest of native arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) and European cranberry bush viburnum (V. trilobum), causing crown damage that can kill established plants.
Tarache delecta
Delightful Bird-dropping Moth, Mallow Caterpillar (larval stage)
Tarache delecta, commonly known as the delightful bird-dropping moth, is a noctuid moth in the subfamily Acontiinae. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1858. It is notable as the only member of the Acontiinae known to feed on plants in the genus Hibiscus. The larval stage, referred to as the 'mallow caterpillar,' has been considered a pest of ornamental mallows.
Tarophagus colocasiae
Taro Planthopper
Tarophagus colocasiae is a sap-feeding planthopper in the family Delphacidae, commonly known as the taro planthopper. It is strongly associated with its primary host plant, taro (Colocasia esculenta), and is native to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Pacific islands. The species was first detected in the continental United States in Florida in 2015, representing a recent introduction to North America. Its potential economic impact in new regions remains under evaluation.
Taxodiomyia cupressi
Cypress Twig Gall Midge, Cypress Flower Gall Midge
Taxodiomyia cupressi is a gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induces distinctive twig galls on cypress trees (Taxodium spp.). The species forms spongy, globular galls on new growth that are initially snow-white and turn brown with age. It has been documented in central Illinois and Missouri, with observations on cultivated bald cypress outside its native range. The midge undergoes complete metamorphosis with multiple generations per year, overwintering as larvae within fallen galls.
gall-midgeCecidomyiidaeTaxodiumbald-cypressgall-formerpestDipterainsectphytophagouscomplete-metamorphosismultiple-generationsoverwintering-larvaeornamental-pestriparianwetlandMissouriIllinoiscentral-USAtwig-gallspongy-gallwhite-gallbrown-gallexit-holesynchronized-emergencehost-specificTaxodiomyia-cupressiananassasynonymSchweinitz-1822Osten-Sacken-1878Thyridopteryx 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.
Tingidae
Lace Bugs
Tingidae, commonly known as lace bugs, is a family of minute true bugs (Hemiptera) comprising approximately 2,000 described species worldwide. Adults range from 2–10 mm in body length and are immediately recognizable by their ornate, reticulated forewings and pronotal expansions that create a delicate lace-like appearance. The family exhibits complete phytophagy, with species typically specialized to particular host plants or closely related plant groups. Tingidae undergo hemimetabolous development with five distinct nymphal instars preceding the adult stage. Several species are economically significant as pests of ornamental plants, trees, and agricultural crops, while others have been employed as biological control agents against invasive weeds.
Tinocallis ulmiparvifoliae
elm aphid
Tinocallis ulmiparvifoliae is a small aphid species in the family Aphididae, originally described by Matsumura in 1919. It belongs to the genus Tinocallis, a group of eight species primarily associated with Ulmaceae (elm family). The species is a specialist herbivore feeding on elm foliage. It has been recorded from Europe (Spain, Italy, Great Britain) and the United States.
Toumeyella liriodendri
tuliptree scale
Toumeyella liriodendri, the tuliptree scale, is a soft scale insect (Coccidae) native to North America and specialized on Liriodendron tulipifera (tuliptree or yellow-poplar). This univoltine species overwinters as second-instar nymphs on twigs, matures to adults in spring, and produces eggs that hatch into crawlers in early summer. First-instar nymphs feed on leaf undersides before migrating back to twigs in autumn. Males are unknown; reproduction is presumed parthenogenetic. Heavy infestations cause branch dieback, reduced growth, and honeydew production that supports sooty mold growth. The species has been the subject of recent genomic research, with a 536Mb genome assembly revealing it as an early-diverging soft scale with 17 chromosomes.
Toumeyella pini
Striped Pine Scale
Toumeyella pini, commonly known as the Striped Pine Scale, is a soft scale insect native to North America. It is a significant pest of pine trees, particularly two- and three-needle pine species. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in both morphology and feeding location: females are larger, highly convex, and develop on terminal twigs, while males are smaller, more elongate, and develop on needles. The species secretes copious honeydew, which attracts ants, wasps, bees, and flies, and can lead to sooty mold growth that inhibits photosynthesis. In southern Georgia, it completes three generations per year, with crawler activity peaking in May, mid-July to early August, and late October to early November.
Trioza
psyllids, jumping plant-lice
Trioza is the type genus of psyllids in the family Triozidae, comprising sap-sucking insects with worldwide distribution. Species in this genus exhibit diverse host associations, ranging from agricultural crops to native trees. Several species are economically significant: Trioza erytreae transmits citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing), T. apicalis is a major pest of carrot in northern Europe, and T. brevigenae is an invasive pest of ornamental Ficus in California. The genus is characterized by distinct morphological features and complex life cycles involving seasonal migration between summer hosts and overwintering sites.
Trioza adventicia
syzygium leaf psyllid, lillypilly psyllid, eugenia psyllid
Trioza adventicia is a sap-sucking hemipteran in the family Triozidae that creates pit galls on leaves of Syzygium paniculatum. Native to eastern subcoastal Australia, this species has been introduced to California, southern Australia, and New Zealand where it affects ornamental plantings. For decades it was misidentified as Trioza eugeniae in scientific literature, horticultural resources, and biological control programs until a 2019 taxonomic revision using morphological and DNA barcoding evidence clarified the distinction. The biological control program in the United States unknowingly targeted the correct species despite the nomenclatural confusion.
Trioza brevigenae
Ficus leaf-rolling psyllid
Trioza brevigenae, known as the ficus leaf-rolling psyllid, is an invasive pest of Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan or Indian laurel fig) native to India. It was first detected in California in 2016, representing the first known occurrence outside its native range. The species causes characteristic leaf-roll galls on host foliage, with nymphs developing inside these protected structures. Its invasion pathway and full geographic distribution remain under investigation.
Tupiocoris rhododendri
Tupiocoris rhododendri is a plant-feeding mirid bug native to North America and introduced to parts of Europe. It is strongly associated with rhododendron plants, on which it feeds exclusively. The species is readily identified by its contrasting coloration of black pronotum, brown wings, and yellow legs. It has been documented in the eastern United States and several European countries including Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Wahlgreniella nervata
Strawberry Tree Aphid
Wahlgreniella nervata is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Strawberry Tree Aphid. The species has been documented in Europe and South America, with observations concentrated on cultivated and ornamental plants. It is associated with plants in the genus Arbutus, particularly Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree). The species was first described by Gillette in 1908.
Xylastodoris luteolus
Royal Palm Bug
Xylastodoris luteolus is a thaumastocorid true bug that feeds exclusively on royal palms (Roystonea regia). Adults are golden-yellow, darkening with age; nymphs are pale yellow to orange. The species completes development from egg to adult in approximately 30 days at 80°F, passing through five nymphal instars. Its feeding causes distinctive yellow spots on leaflets that expand into brown necrotic areas, resulting in premature leaf death. No natural enemies have been documented.