Ornamental-pests
Guides
Anomala
Pale and Green Leaf Chafers, Shining Leaf Chafers
Anomala is a large genus of scarab beetles containing at least 1,200 described species, commonly known as shining leaf chafers or pale and green leaf chafers. Members are recognized by their metallic or iridescent coloration and compact, oval body shape. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, most notably the Oriental beetle (Anomala orientalis), which was introduced to North America before 1920 and has become established from Maine to the Carolinas and westward. Larvae of many species are root-feeding white grubs that damage turfgrass and ornamental plants.
Coccidae
soft scales, wax scales, tortoise scales
Coccidae is a family of scale insects in the superfamily Coccoidea, commonly known as soft scales, wax scales, or tortoise scales. The family contains over 1,100 species in 171 genera worldwide. Females are typically flat with elongated oval bodies and smooth integument often covered with wax; they may possess legs in some genera but not in others. Males may be winged or wingless. Coccidae are distinguished from armored scales (Diaspididae) by their soft, waxy covering rather than a hard, separable scale. Many species are economically important agricultural and horticultural pests.
Psylla
jumping plant lice, psyllids
Psylla is the type genus of the family Psyllidae, comprising small sap-sucking insects commonly known as jumping plant lice or psyllids. The genus contains at least 110 described species, each typically associated with specific host plants. Psylla species are phloem-feeders that use piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant sap. While some species in related genera such as Cacopsylla are significant agricultural pests, Psylla itself includes species with more restricted host ranges, including Psylla alni on alders, Psylla betulae on birches, and Psylla buxi on boxwood. The genus is distinguished from similar taxa by morphological features and host associations.
Pulvinaria
cottony cushion scales, soft scales
Pulvinaria is a genus of soft scale insects (family Coccidae) characterized by females that produce conspicuous cottony or flocculent wax ovisacs to protect their eggs. The genus includes economically significant agricultural and ornamental pests with broad host ranges spanning numerous woody plant families. Several species have invasive potential and have established beyond their native ranges, including P. aurantii, P. psidii, and P. urbicola. The genus exhibits considerable morphological variability, complicating species identification.
Tingini
lace bugs
Tingini is the largest tribe of lace bugs (family Tingidae), comprising at least 250 genera and approximately 2,400 described species. Members are characterized by their distinctive reticulated, lace-like forewings and flattened body form. The tribe represents the most diverse lineage within Tingidae, with species distributed across multiple continents.
Toumeyella
tortoise scales, pine tortoise scales
Toumeyella is a genus of soft scale insects (family Coccidae) commonly known as tortoise scales. These sedentary, sap-feeding insects infest conifers and broadleaf trees, with females protected by a waxy, shell-like covering. Several species are significant forest and ornamental pests, including T. liriodendri (tuliptree scale) and T. pini (striped pine scale). The genus is characterized by phloem-feeding habits, honeydew production, and frequent mutualistic associations with ants.