Parasitoid-host
Guides
Gypsonoma aceriana
poplar shoot-borer, Rosy Cloaked Shoot
Gypsonoma aceriana is a small tortricid moth whose larvae bore into poplar and maple shoots, causing economic damage in plantations and nurseries. Native to Europe, it ranges eastward through Russia to Turkey, Iraq, and North Africa. The species has been introduced to Japan, where it exhibits two to three generations annually. It is a significant pest of ornamental poplars, with older larvae destroying terminal shoots and causing bushy, unmarketable growth in young trees.
Halysidota
tussock moths
Halysidota is a genus of arctiine tussock moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1819. The genus contains approximately 40 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with records from the United States through Central and South America to the Caribbean. Several species are well-known, including Halysidota tessellaris (pale tiger moth or banded tussock moth) and Halysidota harrisii (sycamore tussock moth). The genus has been subject to ongoing taxonomic revision, with new species and subspecies described as recently as 2017.
Harpalus rufipes
strawberry seed beetle
Harpalus rufipes is a trans-palearctic ground beetle commonly known as the strawberry seed beetle. Adults are active from April through November in temperate regions. The species functions as a significant weed seed predator in agricultural ecosystems, with larvae and adults feeding on seeds of various grasses and agricultural crops. It has been widely studied as a biological control agent for weed management and serves as a host for multiple parasites including the braconid wasp Microctonus caudatus and the gregarine protozoan Clitellocephalus ophoni.
Hemileuca oliviae
Range Caterpillar, Range Caterpillar Moth
Hemileuca oliviae, the range caterpillar, is a day-flying saturniid moth native to grasslands of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species is notable for periodic population outbreaks that can cause significant damage to rangeland vegetation, impacting forage availability for livestock. Its distribution is restricted to open grassland habitats due to predation pressure from woodland rodents on eggs and pupae. The moth has been studied extensively for its ecological interactions, including host plant relationships, water physiology, and natural enemy complexes.
pestrangelandgrasslandoutbreakrodent-predationparasitoid-hostday-flying-mothSaturniidaeHemileucasouthwestern-USChihuahuaNew-Mexicolivestock-forage-competitionintegrated-pest-managementAnastatus-semiflaviduscondensed-tannin-responsewater-physiologyPeromyscus-trueipinyon-mouse-predationpopulation-cyclesMONA-number-7729Hodges-number-7729Hogna frondicola
Forest Wolf Spider
Hogna frondicola is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, commonly known as the Forest Wolf Spider. It is found throughout the United States and Canada, with confirmed records from Alberta and British Columbia. The species is one of several Hogna species known to serve as hosts for the spider wasp Anoplius aethiops, which paralyzes and provisions its burrows with these spiders.
Homoeosoma electellum
American sunflower moth, sunflower moth, head moth
Homoeosoma electellum, commonly called the American sunflower moth or sunflower moth, is a small pyralid moth native to North America and also present in South America. It is the most economically significant pest of cultivated sunflowers in major production regions including Texas, Nebraska, California, and the Canadian Prairie Provinces. The species does not overwinter in Canada; adults migrate northward annually from southern populations. Females are strongly attracted to blooming sunflower heads, where they deposit eggs on or near the florets.
Hypera postica
Alfalfa Weevil
Hypera postica, the alfalfa weevil, is a small curculionid beetle native to Europe and a major pest of alfalfa in North America following accidental introductions. Adults measure 4–5.5 mm and are brown with a dark mid-dorsal stripe; larvae are yellowish-green with a black head and white dorsal stripe, reaching about 1 cm before pupation. The species causes significant economic damage through larval skeletonization of alfalfa foliage, with yield reductions up to 15%. Multiple biological control agents, particularly parasitoid wasps in the genus Bathyplectes, have been introduced to manage populations.
Hyphantria cunea
Fall Webworm, Fall Webworm Moth, American White Moth
The fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) is a moth native to North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico. It is best known for its larval stage, in which caterpillars construct large silken webs on the terminal branches of host trees during late summer and fall. The species exhibits two color races that vary geographically: white moths with black-headed caterpillars predominate in northern populations, while spotted moths with red-headed caterpillars are more common in the south. Accidentally introduced to Hungary in the 1940s, it has become a destructive invasive pest across Europe and Asia, particularly in China where it is known as the 'North American White Moth.'
defoliatorweb-forming-caterpillarinvasive-speciesnative-pestpolyphagousfreeze-avoiderthermoregulationbiological-control-targethazelnut-pestmulberry-pesturban-pestornamental-pestforest-pestagricultural-pestgregarious-larvaesilken-webNorth-American-nativeEuropean-invasiveAsian-invasiveviral-biocontrolparasitoid-hosthyperparasitismIdiocerus
Idiocerus is a large genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Lewis in 1834. The genus is taxonomically challenging, with many species exhibiting similar morphology that complicates identification. Species are predominantly associated with woody host plants, particularly poplars (Populus) and willows (Salix), though some species have been documented as pests of mango (Mangifera indica) in India. The genus has a broad distribution across the Holarctic region, with numerous species in both Europe and North America.
Iridopsis
Iridopsis is a genus of geometrid moths (family Geometridae) established by Warren in 1894. The genus contains approximately 20 described species distributed across the Americas. Several species are economically significant as defoliators of trees, including eucalyptus pests in Brazil and native tree feeders in Chile. Host plant associations vary among species, with some showing narrow specificity and others broader feeding ranges.
Isochnus sequensi
Isochnus sequensi is a flea-weevil (Curculionidae: Rhamphini) that creates leaf mines on Salix fragilis (crack willow). The species has been documented as a host for multiple eulophid parasitoid wasps in northwestern Russia. It belongs to a genus of small weevils associated with willow and poplar species.
Japanagromyza
Japanagromyza is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae, comprising more than 80 described species. Species occur across the Oriental, Afrotropical, Neotropical, and Palaearctic regions. Larvae are internal feeders, with documented habits including leaf-mining and seed-feeding on diverse host plants. Several species are recognized as pests of economically or ecologically significant plants, including orchids and legumes.
Laemophloeus
Laemophloeus is the type genus of the family Laemophloeidae, containing 28 valid species following modern taxonomic revision. Species are moderate to large for the family (2–4 mm). The genus occurs in the Palaearctic and Nearctic realms, extending into tropical regions of the New World. Several species are significant pests of stored grain and cereal products.
Lambdina fervidaria
curve-lined looper, spring hemlock looper, curved-lined looper moth
Lambdina fervidaria is a geometrid moth found in eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 27 mm and are active from May to August. The species has two recognized subspecies with slightly different host plant preferences. Larvae feed on hardwood trees including oaks and ashes, while the subspecies L. f. athasaria specializes on conifers such as balsam fir, spruce, and eastern hemlock.
Lambdina pultaria
southern oak looper
Lambdina pultaria, the southern oak looper, is a geometrid moth found in North America. The species belongs to the genus Lambdina, which includes several oak-feeding loopers. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6889. The larva is a documented host for the ichneumonid parasitoid wasp Coccygomimus sanguinipes.
Lamprosema
Lamprosema is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, described by Jacob Hübner in 1823. The genus contains approximately 80 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. Several species are documented as agricultural pests, particularly on leguminous crops. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some species transferred to other genera over time.
Lasiosina
Lasiosina is a genus of small flies in the family Chloropidae, established by Becker in 1910. Members of this genus are distributed across Europe and the Nearctic region, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. At least one species, Lasiosina devitata, has been documented as a host for parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae.
Lasius neoniger
turfgrass ant, Labour day ant, cornfield ant, nuisance ant
Lasius neoniger is a small ant species native to North America, most abundant in the eastern United States and Canada. It is notable for its polydomous colony structure with multiple nest entrances, strong worker fidelity to specific entrances, and seasonal territorial expansion correlated with foraging activity. The species is a known host for the parasitoid wasp Pseudometagea schwarzii and has been documented engaging in competitive confrontations with imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta).
Lepidosaphes
armored scale insects
Lepidosaphes is a large genus of armored scale insects (Diaspididae) with at least 190 described species distributed worldwide. Species in this genus are phytophagous pests of woody plants, particularly fruit trees and ornamentals. Several species, including L. beckii and L. ulmi, are significant agricultural pests. Members of this genus are hosts for various parasitoids, notably species of Aphytis (Aphelinidae), which are used in biological control programs.
Leptinotarsa texana
Texas potato beetle
Leptinotarsa texana, commonly known as the Texas potato beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium). The species has been documented as a host for the parasitoid wasp Edovum puttleri, which has been studied for biological control of the related Colorado potato beetle. Its host range includes multiple Solanum species, with field studies showing feeding on silverleaf nightshade and eggplant but not on potato.
Leptoglossus
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
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nchanmoss-bugarchaeorrhynchanfulgoromorphancicadomorphanmembracoidtreehopperleafhopperplanthopperpsyllidjumping-plant-lousewhiteflyaleyrodidscale-insectcoccoidmealybugaphidadelgidphylloxeransternorrhynchanthysanopteranthripspsocopteranbarklousebooklousephthirapteranlousesucking-lousechewing-lousemallophagananoplurandermapteranearwigblattodeancockroachtermiteisopteranmantodeanmantidphasmidstick-insectleaf-insectorthopterangrasshopperlocustkatydidcricketmole-cricketpygmy-mole-cricketcamel-cricketcave-cricketwetaensiferancaeliferangryllotalpidmyrmecophilidtettigoniidgryllidacrididpamphagidpneumoridlentulidtristirideumastacidproscopiidtridactylidtetrigidgrouse-locustpygmy-grasshopperplecopteranstoneflyembiopteranwebspinnerzorapteranangel-insectdictyopteranLeucania
wainscot moths
Leucania is a genus of noctuid moths established by Ochsenheimer in 1816, commonly known as wainscot moths. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing venation with veins 8 and 9 anastomosing to form an areole, and vein 7 arising from its terminal end. Several species have been studied as agricultural pests, particularly Leucania loreyi and Leucania separata, which have been documented as hosts for braconid parasitoids. The genus has a broad geographic distribution with numerous species worldwide.
Leucania senescens
cutworm, dart moth
Leucania senescens is a noctuid moth (family Noctuidae) described by Möschler in 1890. Originally known from North America, it was first recorded in Brazil in 2019, where larvae have been observed feeding on maize silk in both Bt and conventional varieties. The species has been documented at 13 localities in Brazil through systematic surveys and is associated with agricultural systems containing grass crops. It is part of a complex of herbivorous insects associated with maize agroecosystems and serves as a host for braconid and tachinid parasitoids.
Leucanthiza dircella
Leucanthiza dircella is a microlepidopteran species in the family Gracillariidae. It is the sole known leafminer of Dirca palustris (leatherwood), with larvae forming mines in the leaves of this host plant. The species has been documented across northeastern North America and California, with a univoltine life cycle in northern Michigan. Multiple parasitoid wasp species in the families Braconidae and Eulophidae attack this moth.
Leucauge
Orchard Spiders, Orchard Orbweavers, Long-jawed Orb Weavers
Leucauge is a genus of long-jawed orb-weaving spiders in the family Tetragnathidae, comprising over 170 species with pantropical distribution. The genus was established by Adam White in 1841 based on a specimen collected by Charles Darwin. Leucauge spiders are characterized by their distinctive silver, black, yellow, and green coloration, horizontal or slanted orb webs, and two rows of long, slender curved hairs on the femurs of the fourth leg. The genus underwent significant taxonomic revision in 2010 to resolve historical confusion surrounding the type species.
Leucauge argyra
Leucauge argyra is a colonial orb-weaving spider in the family Tetragnathidae, found from the United States through Brazil and the Caribbean. It constructs individual orb webs within a shared framework of support lines maintained by the colony. The species exhibits size stratification in colonies, with larger adults occupying higher web positions and smaller juveniles in lower positions. It is notably the host of the parasitoid wasp Hymenoepimecis argyraphaga.
Limnoporus
pondskaters
Limnoporus is a Holarctic genus of water striders (family Gerridae) comprising six extant species and one extinct species known from fossils. Species occur across northern North America and Eurasia, with notable hybridization between sympatric species in western Canada. The genus exhibits variation in body size, wing polymorphism, and habitat preferences that have been studied in phylogenetic and evolutionary contexts.
Limnoporus dissortis
Kayak Pond Skater
Limnoporus dissortis is a water strider species in the family Gerridae, distributed across western North America. It belongs to the L. dissortis species group, characterized by smaller body size relative to congeners. The species hybridizes extensively with L. notabilis in zones of sympatry across western Canada, producing complex spatial and temporal patterns of introgressive hybridization. Its eggs serve as hosts for the parasitoid wasp Tiphodytes gerriphagus.
Lindenius
Lindenius is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae containing 63 known species, predominantly distributed in the Palearctic with some Nearctic representatives. Species exhibit diverse prey specialization: L. pygmaeus armatus hunts chalcid wasps (primarily Pteromalidae), while L. albilabris preys on paralyzed spiders. Nests are excavated in sandy or loess soils, with burrows containing multiple cells provisioned with prey items. Adults are active from late May to late July and visit flowers for nectar.
Liriomyza
Liriomyza leaf-mining flies
Liriomyza is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae comprising at least 410 described species. The genus is distributed worldwide with particularly notable diversity in the Neotropical region. Larvae feed internally within plant leaves, creating distinctive serpentine or blotch mines that impair photosynthesis. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the pea leafminer (L. huidobrensis) and vegetable leafminer (L. sativae), which have become invasive in multiple continents. The genus exhibits considerable variation in host plant specificity, with some species highly polyphagous and others restricted to particular plant families.
Liriomyza commelinae
Liriomyza commelinae is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, first described by Frost in 1931. The species is associated with Commelina plants (dayflowers) and has been studied primarily for its role in supporting parasitoid populations that also attack the economically important pest Liriomyza huidobrensis. Research indicates it experiences high mortality rates (over 96%) from parasitoids, predatory ants, and competition-related factors. Its distribution includes Florida, the broader Neotropical region, and parts of Brazil.
Lithacodes fasciola
yellow-shouldered slug, ochre-winged hag moth
Lithacodes fasciola is a small slug moth in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as the yellow-shouldered slug or ochre-winged hag moth. The species exhibits distinctive larval and adult morphology, with caterpillars showing bright yellow-green coloration with striping and adults displaying characteristic wing patterns. It has a broad distribution across eastern North America with variable voltinism depending on latitude. The larvae feed on a wide range of deciduous trees and shrubs.
Liturgusa maya
Mayan Lichen Mantis
Liturgusa maya is a Neotropical bark mantis species first described in 1894. It inhabits tree trunks and branches in tropical forests, exhibiting exceptional speed and flattened body morphology adapted for crypsis among bark, moss, and lichen. The species has demonstrated notable geographic expansion through human-mediated introduction, with established non-native populations in Florida (USA) and the Galápagos Islands. In its native range, it has been documented as a frequent inhabitant of cacao agroecosystems in Peru. The species is parthenogenetic in at least some introduced populations.
Lobiopa insularis
strawberry sap beetle
Lobiopa insularis is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, widely distributed across the Americas from North America through Central America to South America and the Caribbean. It is a significant agricultural pest of strawberry and other soft fruits, causing direct feeding damage and indirect losses through fungal dispersal. The species has been extensively studied for its biology, life history, and control options, including biological control using parasitoids and entomopathogenic nematodes.
agricultural-pestsap-beetlestrawberry-pestbiological-controlNitidulidaefrugivoroussexual-dimorphismmate-guardingparasitoid-hostentomopathogenic-nematode-hostpolyphagousfungal-dispersal-agentoverwintering-adultlong-lived-adulthigh-fecunditysoil-ovipositionripening-fruit-attractionintegrated-pest-managementBrazilArgentinaAmericas-distributionLochmaeus manteo
Variable Oakleaf Caterpillar Moth
Lochmaeus manteo is a moth in the family Notodontidae, commonly known as the variable oakleaf caterpillar moth. It occurs in eastern North America, where adults are active from April through October. The species is a late-season defoliator of deciduous trees, with larvae feeding primarily on Quercus (oak) species. While larval feeding can cause noticeable canopy damage and produce abundant frass, single defoliation events rarely cause significant long-term harm to tree health.
Lophocampa maculata
spotted tussock moth, yellow-spotted tussock moth, mottled tiger, spotted halisidota
Lophocampa maculata is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the spotted tussock moth despite not being a true tussock moth (family Lymantriidae). The species was first described by Harris in 1841. Adults fly from May to July with one generation per year. The caterpillar is notable for its distinctive coloration: black at both ends with a yellow or orange middle section marked with black spots in some populations. The species is found across Canada, the western United States, and southward in the Appalachians to South Carolina and Kentucky.
Loxomorpha flavidissimalis
Cactus Webworm
Loxomorpha flavidissimalis, commonly known as the Cactus Webworm, is a moth species in the family Crambidae. First described by Grote in 1878, it is distributed across the southern United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and has been introduced to Australia. The species is notable for its specialized association with Opuntia cacti, with larvae feeding internally on host tissues. It has potential economic significance as a pest of cultivated cactus crops.
Loxostege commixtalis
alfalfa webworm
Loxostege commixtalis, commonly known as the alfalfa webworm, is a crambid moth species described by Francis Walker in 1866. The species has a transcontinental distribution spanning the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. In North America, it ranges from the Atlantic provinces to the Yukon, while in Europe it occurs in Fennoscandia, Estonia, and northern Russia. Recent records document its first occurrence in the Eastern Palearctic (South-Eastern Transbaikalia and Amur Uplands). The species is a documented host for the parasitoid wasp Bracon vulgaris. Its larvae feed on succulent plants including alfalfa and sugar beet.
Loxostege ephippialis
Loxostege ephippialis is a small moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Johan Wilhelm Zetterstedt in 1839. It exhibits a Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern Europe and North America. The species is known to be a significant host for the mason wasp Euodynerus annulatus, which provisions its nests with paralyzed caterpillars of this moth. Adults are active during early summer in both European and North American populations.
Macrodiplosis qoruca
Oak Vein Pocket Gall Midge
Macrodiplosis qoruca is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, known for inducing pocket-like galls on oak leaf veins. The species is widely distributed in North America and has been documented through over 1,300 observations. Adults are small, delicate flies typical of the family. The specific epithet 'qoruca' derives from the Cherokee word for oak.
Macrophya
Macrophya is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae. The genus contains numerous species distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America, with particularly high diversity in China. Several species have been documented as pests of woody plants, including Macrophya satoi, which damages Japanese ash (Fraxinus japonica). The larvae of many species feed on foliage of trees and shrubs. Some species have had their genomes sequenced, including M. alboannulata and M. annulata.
Macrosaccus coursetiae
Macrosaccus coursetiae is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, described from Arizona in 2017. It is the sixth species in the genus Macrosaccus. The larvae are leaf miners that feed inside the leaves of Coursetia glandulosa (Fabaceae). The parasitoid wasp Chrysocharis walleyi (Eulophidae) has been reared from its leaf mines.
Manduca
hornworms, hawkmoths, sphinx moths
Manduca is a genus of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) established by Jacob Hübner in 1807. The genus contains approximately 70 species distributed primarily in the Americas. Several species, notably Manduca sexta (tobacco hornworm) and M. quinquemaculata (tomato hornworm), are extensively studied as model organisms in biological research due to their large size and ease of laboratory rearing. The larvae, commonly called hornworms, are significant agricultural pests of solanaceous crops.
Manduca sexta
Carolina sphinx moth, tobacco hawk moth, tobacco hornworm, Goliath worm
Manduca sexta is a large sphinx moth native to the Americas, widely recognized as both a significant agricultural pest and a premier model organism in biological research. The species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism in adults and undergoes complete metamorphosis through five larval instars. Larvae are notable for their ability to sequester and metabolize nicotine from tobacco plants, using it as a chemical defense against predators. The species has been extensively studied in neurobiology, developmental biology, and immunology due to its large size, short life cycle, and accessible nervous system.
Melanolophia
Melanolophia is a genus of geometrid moths established by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. Species within this genus are commonly referred to as forest loopers, reflecting their woodland habitat associations and the characteristic looping movement of their larvae. Some species, particularly Melanolophia imitata, occur in large numbers and attract attention due to their abundance, though they show limited migratory behavior. At least one species, Melanolophia consimilaria, has been documented as a defoliator of eucalyptus in Brazil.
Melitara
Pricklypear Borers
Melitara is a genus of snout moths (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) established by Francis Walker in 1863. Species in this genus are specialist herbivores of cacti, particularly Opuntia species, with larvae that bore into cactus pads and stems. The genus is taxonomically contentious, with some sources treating it as a synonym of Zophodia while others retain it as valid. Melitara species serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, and have been studied in the context of biological control of invasive cacti and as potential competitors to the invasive South American cactus moth Cactoblastis cactorum.
Meskea
Meskea is a genus of moths in the family Thyrididae, subfamily Siculodinae. Species in this genus are gall-forming herbivores whose larvae develop within stem galls on host plants in the family Malvaceae. The genus includes at least two documented species: Meskea horor, a potential biological control agent studied for its impact on weedy Sida species, and Meskea dyspteraria, which has been recorded as a host for the parasitoid wasp Calliephialtes grapholithae. Adult moths are crepuscular or nocturnal in habit.
Metallus
leaf-mining sawflies
Metallus is a genus of leaf-mining sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae. Species are distributed across Europe and North America. The genus is characterized by larvae that create blotch mines on Rubus leaves. Metallus pumilus, the best-documented species, is oligophagous on Rubus species with two generations per year.
Micropholcus
cellar spiders
Micropholcus is a genus of cellar spiders (Pholcidae) characterized by long legs and relatively fragile bodies. It is one of only two pholcid genera with both Old and New World distributions, though morphological and ecological differences exist between geographic groups. The genus currently contains at least 29 species, with major taxonomic revisions in 2014 (transfers from Leptopholcus) and 2024 (description of twelve new Old World species). The type species M. fauroti has a pantropical distribution and has been introduced globally.
Monema
slug moths, cup moths
Monema is a genus of medium-sized yellowish moths in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as slug moths or cup moths. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed across East and Southeast Asia. Members are notable for their larval morphology: caterpillars are flattened, legless in appearance, and move using suckers and liquefied silk lubricant in a wave-like motion resembling slugs. The genus includes significant forestry pests, particularly Monema flavescens, which has been introduced to North America.