Pecan-pest
Guides
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.
Calliephialtes grapholithae
Calliephialtes grapholithae is an ichneumonid parasitoid wasp that primarily parasitizes concealed lepidopteran larvae. Its most extensively documented host is Cydia caryana (Tortricidae), a key pest of pecan orchards in Mexico and the southern United States. The species has been recorded from pecan-growing regions in Coahuila and Tamaulipas, Mexico, and from Kansas, USA. A potential additional host association involves Chalcoela iphitalis (Crambidae), a moth whose larvae prey on paper wasp larvae within nests; this relationship requires independent confirmation.
Clastoptera achatina
pecan spittlebug
Clastoptera achatina is a spittlebug species in the family Clastopteridae, commonly known as the pecan spittlebug. It is found in North America and has a documented association with pecan trees. The species produces the characteristic frothy spittle mass that gives spittlebugs their common name.
Euschistus tristigmus tristigmus
dusky stink bug
Euschistus tristigmus tristigmus is a Nearctic subspecies of brown stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. It is a member of the ictericus species group, characterized by distinctive male genitalia morphology. Adults exhibit seasonal dimorphism and are active from March through November, with nymphs present June through October. The subspecies is associated with pecan orchards and other woody habitats, showing a pronounced preference for upper canopy levels compared to ground-dwelling congeners.
Larisa subsolana
Dark-based Larisa Moth
Larisa subsolana is a species of tortricid moth and the sole member of the monotypic genus Larisa. It occurs across a broad range of eastern and central North America. The larvae feed specifically on Carya illinoensis (pecan). The species was described by Miller in 1978.
Melanocallis
Melanocallis is a genus of aphids (Aphididae: Calaphidinae) established by Oestlund in 1923. The genus includes species associated with pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and related hickories. Melanocallis caryaefoliae, the black pecan aphid, is the best-known species and a documented pest of commercial pecan orchards.
Monellia
Blackmargined aphid, Yellow pecan aphid
Monellia is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, native to North America. The genus includes notable pecan pest species, particularly Monellia caryella (blackmargined aphid) and Monellia costalis (yellow pecan aphid). These aphids feed on phloem sap from pecan and hickory trees, causing direct damage through sap removal and indirect damage via honeydew production that supports sooty mold growth. The genus is subject to significant biological control pressure from diverse natural enemy communities including lacewings, lady beetles, parasitoid wasps, and entomopathogenic fungi.
Monellia caryella
Blackmargined Pecan Aphid, Black Margined Aphid
Monellia caryella, commonly known as the blackmargined pecan aphid, is a small sap-feeding insect and significant pest of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) orchards in North America. Adults are distinguished by a prominent black stripe along the outer margin of their wings, which are held flat over the body. Populations typically increase from June to August, then decline after approximately three weeks; outbreaks on most cultivars usually subside without causing measurable damage, though the 'Cheyenne' cultivar is notably susceptible. The species is subject to substantial mortality from entomopathogenic fungi, particularly during autumn when environmental conditions favor fungal growth.
Monelliopsis
yellow pecan aphid
Monelliopsis is a genus of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the subfamily Calaphidinae, established by Richards in 1965. The genus contains species that are specialized feeders on pecan (Carya illinoinensis), with Monelliopsis pecanis being the most economically significant species. These aphids are known as 'yellow pecan aphids' and are important pests of commercial pecan production in North America. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts and produce honeydew, which supports sooty mold growth. The genus is distinguished from the related Monellia by morphological and behavioral characteristics.
Neosteingelia texana
Giant Pecan Scale
Neosteingelia texana, commonly known as the Giant Pecan Scale, is a species of scale insect in the family Margarodidae. It is a member of the order Hemiptera, placing it among the true bugs with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species was described by Morrison in 1927 and is native to North America, with records from the United States and Middle America. Scale insects in this family are typically sessile as adults, with reduced mobility and specialized adaptations for feeding on plant vascular tissues.
Oedemasia leptinoides
black-blotched schizura, black-blotched prominent
Oedemasia leptinoides is a moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864. It was transferred from the genus Schizura to Oedemasia in 2021 based on molecular and morphological research. The species is known for caterpillars that engage in girdling behavior on host plants. It is found in North America.
Oncideres cingulata
twig girdler, Eastern Twig Girdler
Oncideres cingulata, commonly known as the twig girdler, is a cerambycid beetle notable for its distinctive reproductive behavior where adult females girdle twigs of host trees to create larval habitat. The beetle is brownish-gray, 13–16 mm in length, with antennae 13–25 mm long. Adults are active in late summer and fall, and females cut through bark and wood of small branches (6–12.7 mm diameter) before laying eggs in the severed portion. Larvae develop within the fallen girdled twigs, feeding on woody tissue, and complete a single yearly generation. The species is economically significant as a pest of pecan plantations and other hardwood trees.
Phylloxera caryaefallax
pecan leaf phylloxera
Phylloxera caryaefallax, commonly known as the pecan leaf phylloxera, is a small, soft-bodied, gall-forming insect closely related to aphids. It is a significant pest of pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis), causing distinctive galls to form exclusively on leaf tissue. Unlike the related pecan phylloxera (Phylloxera devastatrix), which attacks shoots and nuts and causes more severe economic damage, this species is generally less destructive though heavy infestations can cause defoliation. The insect has a complex life cycle involving multiple generations per season and overwinters as eggs protected within the bodies of deceased females.
Phylloxera caryaefoliae
pecan leaf phylloxera
Phylloxera caryaefoliae is a tiny, soft-bodied, gall-forming insect closely related to aphids that infests pecan trees. It produces conspicuous galls exclusively on leaf tissue, distinguishing it from the more damaging pecan phylloxera (P. devastatrix) which attacks shoots and nuts. While extensive infestations may cause some defoliation, this species is generally less economically significant than shoot-attacking phylloxerans. The insect has a complex life cycle involving multiple generations and both winged and wingless forms.
Phylloxera caryaemagna
pecan phylloxera
Phylloxera caryaemagna, commonly known as the pecan phylloxera, is a tiny, soft-bodied insect closely related to aphids and a significant pest of pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis). This species is considered the most damaging of the two primary phylloxera species attacking pecans, as it attacks shoots and developing nuts rather than just leaves. The insect induces the formation of galls on new growth through chemical secretions that stimulate abnormal plant tissue development. Widespread infestations can reduce current-year yield, impair tree vitality, and curtail subsequent production. Management requires precisely timed insecticide applications targeting the vulnerable nymph stage before gall formation encloses and protects the insects.
Phylloxera caryaescissa
pecan leaf phylloxera, hickory phylloxeran
Phylloxera caryaescissa is a tiny, soft-bodied insect closely related to aphids that forms galls on hickory and pecan leaves. The species survives winter as eggs in bark crevices, with nymphs emerging during spring bud break to feed on new growth. Unlike the more destructive pecan phylloxera (Phylloxera devastatrix), this species attacks leaf tissue only and does not damage shoots or nuts. Extensive infestations may cause some defoliation but typically do not significantly reduce yield.
Phylloxera notabilis
Pecan Leaf Phylloxera
Phylloxera notabilis is a gall-forming insect in the family Phylloxeridae, closely related to aphids. It is a significant pest of pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis), forming characteristic galls on leaf tissue. The species has host-associated populations on both pecan and water hickory (Carya aquatica), with documented differences in bacterial diversity between these populations. Unlike the more destructive pecan phylloxera (Phylloxera devastatrix), which attacks shoots and nuts, P. notabilis primarily damages leaves and may cause defoliation in heavy infestations.