Parasitoid-host
Guides
Mythimna sequax
wheat armyworm
Mythimna sequax, commonly known as the wheat armyworm, is a noctuid moth species whose larvae are significant agricultural pests of wheat and other cereals. Native to the Americas, it has become established in southern Brazil where it causes substantial damage to winter wheat crops. The species exhibits nocturnal larval behavior, sheltering under soil debris during daylight hours. Climate change research indicates its voltinism (number of generations per year) is sensitive to temperature increases, with nonlinear phenological models providing more accurate predictions than traditional degree-day approaches.
Myzocallis walshii
Black-bordered oak aphid
Myzocallis walshii is a North American aphid species that has established in Europe as an invasive pest of American red oak (Quercus rubra). Native parasitoids in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula have adapted to this introduced aphid. The species has been recorded across much of North America and has spread to at least 15 European countries.
Naryciinae
Naryciinae is a subfamily of bagworm moths (Psychidae) characterized by monandrous females that mate only once. Females are immobile and wingless, while males are short-lived, non-feeding, and capable of multiple copulations. Several species exhibit parthenogenetic reproduction, including *Dahlica fennicella* and *D. triquetrella*. The subfamily serves as host for a diverse parasitoid wasp complex in northern European populations.
Neodiprion nanulus
Red Pine Sawfly
Neodiprion nanulus, commonly known as the Red Pine Sawfly, is a conifer-feeding sawfly in the family Diprionidae. It is a specialist herbivore associated with red pine (Pinus resinosa). The species has been documented in the Maritime Provinces of Canada, with an isolated infestation studied near Fredericton, New Brunswick. Like other members of the genus, it likely undergoes larval development in gregarious groups and overwinters in cocoons in the duff beneath host trees.
Neodiprion virginianus
Neodiprion virginianus is a conifer sawfly (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) that feeds on jack pine (Pinus banksiana). It is part of a species complex with variable taxonomy. The species has been documented causing localized defoliation outbreaks in northeastern North America, with populations capable of sudden collapse. Larvae are gregarious folivores that consume pine needles.
Neolasioptera lathami
Neolasioptera lathami is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 1971. The species is associated with goldenrod (Solidago) host plants, where it induces stem galls. It has been documented in 745 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate public awareness and detectability. As a member of Neolasioptera, it belongs to a genus of gall midges specialized on asteraceous plants.
Neotibicen canicularis
dog-day cicada, dog-day harvestfly, heatbug, Northern Dog-day Cicada
Neotibicen canicularis is an annual cicada species found across much of North America, commonly known as the dog-day cicada or dog-day harvestfly. Unlike periodical cicadas that emerge in synchronized broods every 13 or 17 years, this species appears every summer, though individuals require several years to develop underground. Adults are active during the hot midsummer period traditionally called the "dog days." The species has been documented as a host for multiple flesh fly parasitoids in the family Sarcophagidae, including several first-record associations.
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Neuroterus is a genus of gall wasps in the family Cynipidae that induce galls on oak species. The genus was first described by Theodor Hartig in 1840. Some species, notably N. saltatorius, produce distinctive 'jumping galls' that detach from the host plant and move along the ground due to larval activity within. Like other oak gall wasps, Neuroterus species exhibit complex life cycles with alternating sexual and asexual (agamic) generations, with each generation typically inducing galls on different parts of the host plant.
Neuroterus quercusbatatus
Oak potato gall, Potato gall wasp
Neuroterus quercusbatatus is a cynipid gall wasp that induces distinctive potato-shaped galls on oak leaves. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving alternating generations between leaf galls and other oak tissues. As a member of the diverse Neuroterus genus, it contributes to the remarkable gall-forming diversity associated with North American oaks. The species has been documented through hundreds of observations, indicating it is relatively common and widespread in suitable habitat.
Neuroterus quercusminutissimus
Neuroterus quercusminutissimus is a species of cynipid gall wasp in the genus Neuroterus. The species was described by Ashmead in 1885 and is associated with oak trees (Quercus species), as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other Neuroterus species, it induces the formation of galls on oak tissue. The genus Neuroterus contains approximately 50-60 species, many of which are known for their complex life cycles involving alternating generations that produce different gall types on oak leaves or other plant parts.
Neuroterus quercusverrucarum
oak flake gall wasp
Neuroterus quercusverrucarum is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae that induces distinctive galls on oak leaves. First described by Osten Sacken in 1861, this species is part of the diverse Neuroterus genus, which includes many oak-associated gall wasps with complex life cycles often involving alternating sexual and asexual generations. The species creates characteristic leaf galls that serve as both food source and protective nursery for developing larvae. Like other cynipid wasps, N. quercusverrucarum exhibits intricate ecological relationships with its oak hosts and associated parasitoid communities.
Neuroterus washingtonensis
Neuroterus washingtonensis is a North American cynipid gall wasp first described by Beutenmüller in 1913. It is known to induce galls on oak (Quercus) species and has been documented as a host for the introduced parasitoid wasp Bootanomyia dorsalis on the Pacific coast of North America. The species is part of the diverse Neuroterus genus, which includes gall-forming wasps known for complex life cycles often involving alternating generations on different oak tissues.
Norape
Norape is a genus of moths in the family Megalopygidae, commonly known as flannel moths. The genus was established by Francis Walker in 1855 and contains approximately 60 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Caterpillars of at least some species, including N. ovina (white flannel moth), possess urticating hairs that deliver painful stings upon contact with human skin. The genus is part of the subfamily Trosiinae within the Megalopygidae family.
Nylanderia flavipes
Yellow-footed Ant
Nylanderia flavipes is a small ant species in the subfamily Formicinae, native to Asia and introduced to the Nearctic region including the United States. It was previously classified under the genus Paratrechina before taxonomic revision. The species serves as a documented host for the parasitoid wasp Gollumiella buffingtoni, with workers showing unusual tolerance and active assistance toward the parasitoid's development. It is one of at least five introduced Nylanderia species established in the Nearctic region.
Ocyptamus
Ocyptamus is a large and diverse genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising over 200 species, predominantly distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus is not monophyletic and is paraphyletic with respect to Eosalpingogaster and Toxomerus; several subgenera have been elevated to full generic status (Hybobathus, Pelecinobaccha, Orphnabaccha, Pseudoscaeva). Many species await formal description, while others are likely to be synonymized upon further study.
Ocyptamus gastrostactus
Spotted Hover Fly
Ocyptamus gastrostactus is a predatory hover fly in the family Syrphidae. Its larvae are specialized predators of aphids, with documented predation on Sarucallis kahawaluokalani on Lagerstroemia indica in Panama. The species serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Pachyneuron albutius, which parasitizes its pupae. It is widely distributed across Brazil and has been recorded in Panama.
Oecanthus nigricornis
black-horned tree cricket, common tree cricket
Oecanthus nigricornis, commonly known as the black-horned tree cricket, is a species of tree cricket in the subfamily Oecanthinae found across North America. Males produce a distinctive courtship song using modified forewings and offer nutritional glandular secretions from a metanotal gland as nuptial gifts during mating. The species has been documented as a host for the parasitoid fly Stylogaster neglecta, with juvenile parasitism rates varying considerably across its range.
Okanagana
Okanagana is a genus of cicadas comprising approximately 60 described species, primarily distributed in western North America. Species in this genus are generally arid- or cold-adapted, with most occurring in western U.S. states and Canada. The genus includes notable exceptions such as O. viridis, which inhabits temperate deciduous forests of the southeastern United States. Okanagana species are characterized by their acoustic communication, with males producing species-specific calling songs. Several species have been studied as hosts for specialized parasitoids, including the sarcophagid fly Emblemasoma auditrix, which locates hosts through phonotaxis to male calling songs.
Okanagana rimosa
Say's cicada
Okanagana rimosa, commonly known as Say's cicada, is a North American cicada species notable for being the host of specialized parasitoid flies that locate singing males by sound. Males produce acoustic calling songs that attract the parasitoid fly Emblemasoma auditrix, which deposits larvae into the sound-producing timbal organ. The species is also susceptible to the fungal pathogen Massospora levispora. Two subspecies are recognized: O. r. rimosa and O. r. ohioensis.
Ophiomyia vockerothi
A small leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1986. Like other members of Ophiomyia, the larvae likely feed internally within plant tissues, creating distinctive mines. The species is named in honor of Canadian entomologist John R. Vockeroth.
Opsius stactogalus
tamarix leafhopper
Opsius stactogalus, commonly known as the tamarix leafhopper, is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae. It is strongly associated with Tamarix plants and serves as a host for the parasitoid fly Tomosvaryella frontata (Diptera: Pipunculidae). The species occurs in Europe, Africa, and the Azores.
Ornidia
jewel flies
Ornidia is a small genus of metallic hoverflies (Syrphidae) native to the New World. Species range from 2.3–4.2 mm in body length and display distinctive metallic coloration. Ornidia obesa, the most widespread species, has been introduced to the Pacific, Asia, and Africa through human commerce. The genus comprises four described species.
Oscinella
frit flies
Oscinella is a genus of small flies in the family Chloropidae, commonly known as frit flies. The genus contains multiple species, several of which are significant agricultural pests of cereal crops and pasture grasses. The most economically important species is O. frit, which attacks oats, wheat, and other cereals. Species within the genus exhibit distinct flight behaviors and host plant preferences, with some being migratory and others sedentary.
Oxydia
Oxydia is a genus of geometrid moths in the family Geometridae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1857. Species in this genus are distributed across the Americas, with several species recognized as forest pests of economic importance. The genus includes defoliator species that attack conifers, eucalyptus, and other woody plants. Larvae are commonly known as loopers or measuring worms due to their characteristic looping gait.
Oxydia vesulia
spurge spanworm moth
Oxydia vesulia is a geometrid moth with broad distribution across the Americas. In Brazil, it is a secondary pest of eucalyptus plantations, causing economic damage during population outbreaks. The species has been evaluated as a potential biological control agent for Brazilian peppertree but was rejected due to its wide host range spanning multiple plant families. It serves as host for the parasitoid Tetrastichus howardi, which has been investigated for integrated pest management.
Pachymerus
Pachymerus is a genus of seed beetles in the subfamily Bruchinae (formerly Bruchidae), family Chrysomelidae. Species in this genus are specialized seed predators of palms (Arecaceae), with documented associations including Syagrus coronata (licuri palm), Syagrus romanzoffiana (queen palm), and babassu palms (Orbinya spp.). The genus has been studied for its tritrophic interactions with parasitoid wasps, particularly Heterospilus species, and its role in palm seed predation in Neotropical ecosystems.
Pachypsylla celtidisasterisca
Hackberry Star Gall Psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisasterisca is a species of hackberry psyllid native to North America, known for inducing distinctive star-shaped galls on hackberry leaves. Adults emerge in fall and seek shelter to overwinter, becoming a nuisance when they aggregate on building exteriors. The species is one of approximately seven Pachypsylla species associated with hackberry, each producing characteristic gall morphologies that serve as the primary identification cue.
Pachypsylla celtidisgemma
Hackberry Gemma Psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisgemma is a hackberry psyllid species that induces distinct galls on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.). Adults are small, cicada-like insects measuring 3.5–4.5 mm, with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species produces "gemma galls"—irregular, wart-like growths on hackberry leaves that house developing nymphs. Like other hackberry psyllids, it has a single generation per year and overwinters as adults in concealed locations.
Pachypsylla celtidisinteneris
Hackberry Blister Gall Psyllid
A tiny psyllid species that induces blister galls on hackberry leaves. Adults overwinter in concealed locations and emerge in fall, sometimes becoming nuisance pests when they congregate on building exteriors. The species is one of approximately seven hackberry psyllid species in North America, each producing distinct gall morphologies.
Pachypsylla celtidismamma
hackberry nipplegall maker, hackberry psylla
A plant-parasitic hemipteran that induces distinctive nipple-shaped galls on hackberry (Celtis) leaves. Adults are 3.5–4.5 mm long, resembling tiny cicadas. The species overwinters as adults in concealed locations and emerges in fall to seek hibernation sites, sometimes becoming a nuisance pest on building exteriors. Nymphs develop within galls, progressing through five instars before emerging as adults.
Pachypsylla celtidisumbilicus
Hackberry Disc Gall Psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisumbilicus is a species of hackberry psyllid that produces distinctive disc-shaped galls on hackberry leaves (Celtis spp.). Adults emerge in fall and seek shelter to overwinter, often becoming household nuisances when they congregate on building exteriors. The species is one of at least seven Pachypsylla species associated with hackberry in North America, each producing a characteristic gall morphology.
psyllidgall-formerhackberryCeltisSternorrhynchapestnuisanceoverwinteringparasitoid-hostdisc-gallbutton-gallNorth-Americaornamental-pestseasonal-emergencejumping-plant-louseAphalaridaePsylloideaHemipteraInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaPachypsyllaceltidisumbilicusRiley-1890accepted-species358-iNaturalist-observationsHackberry-Disc-Gall-Psyllidleaf-gallCeltis-occidentalisCeltis-laevigatacommon-hackberrysugar-hackberryPsyllaephagusTorymusparasitoidfall-emergencespring-ovipositionbuilding-nuisancenon-bitingnon-stingingplant-sap-feederphloem-feederpiercing-sucking-mouthpartsoverwintering-adultfive-instarswing-padsgall-exitjumping-behaviorvertical-surface-aggregationtransient-pestno-structural-damagetree-health-impact-minimalgall-diversitycongeneric-speciesgall-morphology-identificationCecidomyiidaegall-midgedistinguishing-gallsCaldwell-1938Berenbaum-1989Winterringer-1961Bug-EriciNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeEncyrtidaeTorymidaebiological-controlhost-recordnew-host-record-potentialgall-rearingColorado-SpringsLeavenworth-KansasNorth-American-distributionhackberry-rangeornamental-treeurban-pestsuburban-pestseasonal-nuisancefall-insectautumn-insectspring-insectleaf-unfoldingbud-breakprecise-oviposition-timinggall-inductionplant-insect-interactionherbivorephytophagousspecialist-feedermonophagousoligophagousCeltis-specialistjumping-plant-licePsyllidaePsyllomorphatrue-bugHexapodaEukaryotaspeciesacceptedRiley1890358-observationsno-Wikipedia-summaryGBIF-exact-matchCatalogue-of-Life-acceptedtaxonentomologyinsect-guidestructured-recordfactualconservativeinformativenon-repetitivecautious-languageno-inferenceno-fabricationhigh-qualitymedium-completenessno-inferred-contentPachypsylla celtidisvesicula
hackberry blistergall psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisvesicula, commonly called the hackberry blistergall psyllid, is a species of aphalarid psyllid native to North America. The nymphs induce distinctive blister-like galls on the leaves of various hackberry species (Celtis spp.), within which they develop through five instars before emerging as adults. Adults strongly resemble the related hackberry nipplegall psyllid (Pachypsylla celtidismamma) but can be distinguished by the gall type their nymphs produce. Like other hackberry psyllids, adults overwinter in concealed locations and can become a temporary nuisance when they aggregate on building exteriors in fall.
Pachypsylla cohabitans
Pachypsylla cohabitans is a species of hackberry psyllid described in 2001. Like other members of the genus Pachypsylla, it induces galls on hackberry trees (Celtis species). The species name 'cohabitans' suggests an association with shared or communal gall structures, distinguishing it from other Pachypsylla species that typically form individual galls. It belongs to the family Aphalaridae, a group of sap-feeding insects commonly known as jumping plant lice.
Paraidemona
mimic grasshopper
Paraidemona is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Brunner von Wattenwyl in 1893. The genus contains approximately nine described species distributed primarily in North America. One species, P. mimica, is commonly known as the mimic grasshopper. Members of this genus have been documented as prey for the parasitoid wasp Prionyx thomae.
Paraidemona latifurcula
Paraidemona latifurcula is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hebard in 1918. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae and tribe Dactylotini. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from Texas. It has been documented as a host for the parasitoid wasp Prionyx thomae.
Paraidemona nuttingi
Paraidemona nuttingi is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described in 1989. It is known from North America, with distribution records from Texas. The species has been documented as prey for the parasitoid wasp Prionyx thomae.
Paralobesia
Paralobesia is a genus of small tortricid moths described by Obraztsov in 1953. The genus is primarily Nearctic in distribution, with approximately 40 described species, many of which were described recently by Royals and Gilligan in 2018-2019. The most economically significant species is Paralobesia viteana, the grape berry moth, a major pest of cultivated grapes in eastern North America. Host associations within the genus range from monophagous to polyphagous, including grapevines (Vitis), orchids (Cypripedium), larch (Larix), and hemlock (Tsuga).
Paraphlepsius maculellus
Paraphlepsius maculellus is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species was described by Osborn in 1915. It is one of several Paraphlepsius species known to serve as prey for the crabronid wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata. Observations of this species remain sparse, with limited distributional records from the northeastern United States.
Paraphlepsius micronotatus
A leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. Recorded as prey of the crabronid wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata. Known from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Parcoblatta pennsylvanica
Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach, Pennsylvanian cockroach
Parcoblatta pennsylvanica, commonly known as the Pennsylvania wood cockroach, is a native North American cockroach species found in eastern and central regions of the continent. Unlike many cockroach pests, this species is primarily associated with outdoor woodland habitats and is not considered a significant household pest. The species is notable as a favored host for the parasitoid wasp Ampulex canaliculata, which uses it as prey for its larvae. Adults are attracted to light and may occasionally enter structures, but do not establish indoor populations.
Parcoblatta virginica
Virginia wood cockroach
Parcoblatta virginica, the Virginia wood cockroach, is a small woodland cockroach species measuring approximately 10 mm as an adult. It is native to deciduous forest habitats in eastern North America, where it inhabits leaf litter and decaying wood. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism in wing development and coloration. Unlike many cockroach species, it is not a household pest and cannot survive indoors due to low humidity requirements.
Paropsis atomaria
Dotted Paropsine Leaf Beetle
Paropsis atomaria is a leaf beetle in the subfamily Chrysomelinae, native to eastern Australia. The species name 'atomaria' refers to its speckled or freckled appearance. It has become an economically significant pest of Eucalyptus plantations in Queensland and New South Wales, and has been introduced to the west coast of North America. Females produce up to 600 eggs, deposited at leaf or twig tips. The species typically completes two generations per summer across most of its range.
Periploca
Periploca is a genus of small moths in the family Cosmopterigidae. The genus was established by Braun in 1919. Larvae of at least one species, Periploca ceanothiella, have been documented as hosts for the ichneumonid parasitoid wasp Calliephialtes grapholithae.
Phaneroptera nana
Mediterranean katydid, southern sickle bush-cricket
Phaneroptera nana is a small katydid native to mainland Europe, the Near East, and North Africa. It has established invasive populations in California (first recorded 1952), Oregon (since 2015), and South America, likely spreading via shipping. The species inhabits sunny, dry environments with shrubs and low tree branches. Adults are active primarily in summer and fall.
Philanthus gibbosus
Hump-backed Beewolf, Beewolf
Philanthus gibbosus, commonly known as the hump-backed beewolf, is a solitary bee-hunting wasp and the most common and widespread member of its genus in North America. Females construct underground burrows in sandy soils and provision them with paralyzed bees as food for their larvae. The species exhibits a bivoltine life cycle with two generations per year, and shows a tendency toward temporary communal nesting behavior unusual for solitary wasps.
Phloeosinus dentatus
eastern juniper bark beetle, crenulate bark beetle
Phloeosinus dentatus is a bark beetle (Scolytinae) in the weevil family Curculionidae, commonly known as the eastern juniper bark beetle. It is native to North America and primarily associated with red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). The species serves as an important alternate host for hymenopterous parasitoids that also attack economically significant bark beetles, including the southern pine beetle and Ips spp.
Phyllocnistinae
Phyllocnistinae is a subfamily of leaf-mining moths within Gracillariidae. The group contains the genus Phyllocnistis, whose larvae are specialized serpentine leaf miners that feed between the upper and lower surfaces of host plant leaves. Members occur in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with some species achieving pest status on economically important crops.
Phyllonorycter apparella
Aspen Leaf Blotch Miner, Aspen Leaf Blotch Miner Moth
A small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae with a wingspan of 8.5–10 mm. Larvae create blotch mines on aspen and related poplar species, with each mine housing a single larva. The species has one generation per year and is found across most of Europe, Turkey, and North America.
Phyllonorycter blancardella
spotted tentiform leafminer, apple leafminer moth
Phyllonorycter blancardella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, widely distributed across Europe and North America. The species is a significant pest of apple orchards, where larvae create distinctive spotted tentiform mines in leaves. Adults are tiny with variable forewing coloration, often orange or tawny with blackish scaling. The species has two to three generations per year in temperate regions and is subject to complex parasitoid communities that influence its population dynamics.
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.