Pest
Guides
Pyrausta
Mint Moths
Pyrausta is a speciose genus of crambid moths commonly known as mint moths. Larvae of various species feed on diverse host plants including mints (Mentha), monardas, Prunella vulgaris, and other herbaceous plants. Several species are significant agricultural or horticultural pests, notably Pyrausta nubilalis (European corn borer), a major pest of maize with a nearly worldwide distribution. The genus exhibits considerable variation in host specialization, with some species restricted to single host genera while others are polyphagous.
Pyrausta phoenicealis
perilla leaf moth, Phoenician pyrausta moth
Pyrausta phoenicealis is a crambid moth with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution across the Americas, Africa, Australia, and Asia. It is a documented agricultural pest, particularly in South Korea where it damages Perilla (shiso) crops. Larvae feed on plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and related Asteraceae, binding leaves with silk to form protective shelters. The species is frequently confused with Pyrausta panopealis due to morphological similarity, but genetic analysis reveals approximately 4.62% COI divergence between them.
Pyrausta signatalis
Raspberry Pyrausta Moth
Pyrausta signatalis, commonly known as the raspberry pyrausta moth, is a small crambid moth native to North America. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1866. Adults are noted for their attractive coloration, while larvae are significant pests of Monarda species (bee balms), feeding destructively within developing flower buds and foliage. The moth has multiple generations per year and is particularly problematic in gardens where these popular ornamental and pollinator-supporting plants are grown.
Resseliella clavula
Dogwood Club Gall Midge, Dogwood Clubgall Midge
Resseliella clavula is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive club-shaped galls on flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). The species is known to alter host plant reproduction and architecture, causing infested trees to produce more flowers but fewer fruits. Galled branches exhibit increased branching and shortened internodes compared to ungalled branches.
Reticulitermes flavipes
Eastern Subterranean Termite
Reticulitermes flavipes, the eastern subterranean termite, is the most common and economically significant termite species in North America. Colonies are large, ranging from 20,000 to 5 million workers, with a primary queen producing 5,000–10,000 eggs annually. The species exhibits complex caste differentiation including workers, soldiers, and multiple reproductive forms. Native to the southeastern United States, it has become invasive in Europe, South America, and other regions through human transport.
Reticulitermes hesperus
western subterranean termite
A subterranean termite species native to the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from British Columbia to Southern California. Recent molecular studies indicate this name may represent a species complex rather than a single biological species, with spring-swarming populations in California now recognized as distinct from fall-winter swarming populations (described as R. rusti). Colonies are eusocial with queens, workers, soldiers, and winged reproductives. This species is a significant structural pest in its native range.
Reticulitermes tibialis
Arid-land Subterranean Termite, Arid Land Subterranean Termite
Reticulitermes tibialis, commonly known as the arid-land subterranean termite, is a native North American termite species adapted to dry environments. It is distinguished from congeneric species primarily by its habitat preferences and genetic characteristics, as morphological differences are minimal. The species occurs across the western and north-central United States, where it serves as an important decomposer of cellulose in arid ecosystems. Unlike some other Reticulitermes species, it causes relatively limited structural damage due to its preference for areas with low human population density.
Rhagoletis completa
Walnut Husk Fly
Rhagoletis completa, the walnut husk fly, is a tephritid fruit fly native to central North America and now established in Europe. It is the most economically significant pest of walnut (Juglans regia) production, causing yield losses up to 80% through larval feeding on husk tissue. Adults emerge over a prolonged period from mid-May to October and are distinguished by a dark triangular wing pattern and yellowish-white scutellum. The species has one generation per year, with larvae pupating in soil and a small proportion entering prolonged dormancy.
Rhagoletis fausta
black cherry fruit fly, black-bodied cherry fruit fly
Rhagoletis fausta is a tephritid fruit fly native to North America, commonly known as the black cherry fruit fly. The species was first described in 1877 and later transferred to the genus Rhagoletis in 1899. It is a documented pest of cherry trees, with both cultivated and wild cherries recorded as hosts. Research in California has established its distribution patterns and seasonal phenology, and it serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Diachasma muliebre.
Rhagoletis indifferens
Western Cherry Fruit Fly, Western Cherry Fruitfly
Rhagoletis indifferens, the western cherry fruit fly, is a specialist tephritid fruit fly native to western North America and a major pest of cultivated sweet and sour cherries. Adults are slightly smaller than a housefly with distinctive white abdominal stripes and patterned wings. The species exhibits obligate winter diapause as pupae in soil and has been introduced to Switzerland. Climate change poses a threat due to its diapause requirements.
Rhagoletis juglandis
walnut husk fly, black walnut fly
Rhagoletis juglandis is a univoltine tephritid fruit fly that infests walnut husks, primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults emerge in mid to late summer and feed on dew and plant sap. Females deposit eggs in batches beneath the husk surface of developing walnuts; larvae tunnel into the inner husk and feed for 3–5 weeks before pupating in soil. The species exhibits distinctive courtship behavior including male low-frequency wing vibration with infrasound, and engages in superparasitism—reusing infested hosts even when uninfested fruits are available. It is a pest of cultivated walnuts and has been introduced to Europe.
Rhagoletis mendax
blueberry maggot, blueberry maggot fly
Rhagoletis mendax, commonly known as the blueberry maggot, is a tephritid fruit fly native to eastern North America and a major pest of cultivated and wild blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) and related Ericaceae. The species completes a univoltine life cycle in most regions, with adults emerging in spring or summer to oviposit in ripening berries; larvae feed internally, destroying fruit marketability. It is closely related to the apple maggot (R. pomonella), with which it is reproductively isolated primarily through host-specific chemical cues despite morphological similarity and laboratory interfertility. Management relies on degree-day predictive models, monitoring with baited sticky traps, and targeted insecticide applications.
Rhagoletis ribicola
Rhagoletis ribicola is a tephritid fruit fly described by Doane in 1898. The species is known to infest gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) and redcurrant (R. rubrum). It has been documented in western North America, with records from Canada and the United States.
Rhopalapion
Rhopalapion is a genus of brentid weevils characterized by an elongate body, elongate antennal club, and strong sexual dimorphism in rostrum length, with females possessing a noticeably longer rostrum. The genus is strictly associated with Malvaceae host plants in the genus Alcea. Two species are currently recognized: the widespread and rapidly expanding R. longirostre (hollyhock weevil), and the more geographically restricted R. celatum from the Turanian Region. R. longirostre has undergone dramatic range expansion since the 1960s from central Asia across Europe to North America, attributed to climate change response and anthropogenic dispersal.
Rhopalapion longirostre
Hollyhock Weevil
Rhopalapion longirostre is a weevil species commonly known as the Hollyhock Weevil, native to central Asia and now distributed across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. It is strongly associated with hollyhock plants (Alcea species), on which it completes its entire life cycle. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in rostrum length, with females possessing elongated rostra for oviposition. Since the 1960s, it has undergone rapid range expansion attributed to climate change and anthropogenic dispersal.
Rhopalomyia grossulariae
Gooseberry Gall Midge
Rhopalomyia grossulariae, commonly known as the gooseberry gall midge, is a gall-inducing fly in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species was described by Felt in 1911 and is associated with gooseberry plants (Ribes spp.). Like other members of its genus, it induces gall formation on host plants. The species has been recorded in parts of Europe, with confirmed presence in Great Britain.
Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae
waterlily aphid, water lily aphid
Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae, the waterlily aphid, is a cosmopolitan, host-alternating aphid species with a unique ability to thrive in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. It is a significant agricultural pest that damages crops through direct herbivory and as a vector for plant viruses, particularly affecting Prunus spp. fruits and various aquatic plants. The species exhibits complex life history traits including rapid population growth (intrinsic rate of increase 0.315 day⁻¹, doubling time 2.2 days) and strong host preferences among aquatic vegetation.
Rhopobota naevana
holly tortrix moth, holly leaf tier, blackheaded fireworm
Rhopobota naevana is a small tortricid moth with a broad Palearctic distribution extending to North America. Adults fly in mid-summer and are characterized by grey forewings with complex dark markings and a metallic-edged ocellus. The species is economically significant as a pest of Vaccinium crops, particularly cranberries and blueberries, where larvae feed on foliage and fruit.
Rhyacionia buoliana
pine shoot moth, European Pine Shoot Moth
Rhyacionia buoliana is a tortricid moth known as the pine shoot moth. Native to North Africa, North Asia, and Europe, it has become invasive in North and South America. The species is a significant pest of pine trees, with larvae feeding on shoots of Pinus species. Adults are active during summer months in temperate regions.
Rhyacionia duplana
summer shoot moth, Elgin shoot moth
A small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 14–18 mm, Rhyacionia duplana is known for larval damage to young pine trees. Adults emerge in early spring, with flight beginning in March in warmer regions and April elsewhere. The species has a broad distribution across northern and central Europe through eastern Russia to East Asia, with subspecies recognized in Europe and Japan.
Rhyacionia neomexicana
Southwestern pine tip moth
Rhyacionia neomexicana is a tortricid moth whose larvae are significant pests of southwestern pines. The species completes one generation annually, with larvae tunneling into pine shoots to feed, causing characteristic tip dieback. Adults emerge in spring and lay eggs on new pine growth. The species specifically targets ponderosa pine seedlings and saplings, where infestations reduce both height and radial growth.
Rhyacionia zozana
Ponderosa Pine Tip Moth
Rhyacionia zozana is a tortricid moth commonly known as the ponderosa pine tip moth. The species is a specialist herbivore of ponderosa pine, with larvae feeding on terminal shoots. It serves as host to a diverse community of parasitoids, with documented parasitism rates averaging 47% in California and Oregon populations. Males locate females using pheromone cues, a behavior that has been successfully disrupted using aerially applied synthetic pheromone for population management.
Rhynchophorini
Rhynchophorini is the largest tribe within the weevil subfamily Dryophthorinae. Members are characterized by a pygidium (the seventh abdominal tergite) that remains exposed and is not covered by the elytra. The tribe includes some of the largest weevils in the subfamily, notably significant agricultural pests such as grain weevils (Sitophilus) and palm weevils (Rhynchophorus). Historically, this group was treated as a distinct subfamily, Rhynchophorinae, within the family Dryophthoridae.
Rhynchophorus cruentatus
Palmetto Weevil
Rhynchophorus cruentatus, commonly known as the palmetto weevil, is the largest weevil in North America and the only palm weevil species native to the continental United States. Native to Florida, it has expanded its range west to southern Texas and north to South Carolina. The species is a significant pest of palms, particularly targeting stressed or transplanted trees. Larvae bore into palm crowns and trunks, often killing the host before damage becomes externally visible. The complete life cycle from egg to adult takes approximately 84 days.
Romaleidae
lubber grasshoppers, lubbers
Romaleidae, commonly known as lubber grasshoppers, are a family of large, flightless or short-winged grasshoppers found in the Americas. The family includes some of the largest and most robust grasshoppers in North America, with adults often exceeding 50 mm in length and displaying striking color patterns. The common name "lubber" derives from nautical slang for a clumsy person, referencing their slow, deliberate movements and inability to fly. The family comprises two subfamilies, Bactrophorinae and Romaleinae, with the latter containing the well-known genus Romalea. Many species exhibit aposematic coloration as nymphs and adults, advertising their chemical defenses against predators.
Rupela
Rupela is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Schoenobiinae. The genus contains species associated with grass hosts, including the well-studied white rice borer Rupela albinella, a significant pest of rice crops in South America. Research on this species has focused on diapause termination triggered by precipitation and oviposition behavior on rice plants.
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.
Saccharosydne saccharivora
West Indian Canefly, West Indian Sugarcane Fulgorid
Saccharosydne saccharivora is a delphacid planthopper and major pest of sugarcane with a 6½–7 week life cycle. It has been documented as a vector of sugarcane yellow leaf phytoplasma, the first confirmed phytoplasma transmission by this species. Population dynamics in Jamaica showed epidemic versus endemic patterns, with generation segregation and synchronization occurring in epidemic areas due to parasitoid pressure. Outbreaks require plant cane under favorable climatic and agricultural conditions.
Saperda calcarata
Poplar Borer
Saperda calcarata, commonly known as the poplar borer, is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) first described by Thomas Say in 1824. The species is native to North America, occurring in Canada and the United States. Larvae are significant pests of balsam poplar and related Populus species, tunneling at the junction of the root and stem where they cause structural damage that can girdle and kill trees. The species exhibits a two-year life cycle in western Canada and possesses a recognized variety, Saperda calcarata var. adspersa, distinguished by coloration differences between sexes.
Saperda candida
Round-headed Apple Tree Borer
Saperda candida is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) native to North America. It is a significant pest of trees in the rose family (Rosaceae), particularly apple, pear, hawthorn, and crabapple. The species was described by Fabricius in 1787 and occurs across Canada and the eastern United States. Its larvae are roundheaded borers that tunnel beneath bark and destroy cambium tissue, often killing young or stressed trees.
Sarucallis
crape myrtle aphid
Sarucallis is a monotypic genus of aphids in the family Aphididae. The sole described species, Sarucallis kahawaluokalani, is commonly known as the crape myrtle aphid. Adults measure 1.2 to 1.8 millimeters in body length. The genus is native to Asia and has become widely distributed globally through the ornamental plant trade, tracking the spread of its host plant, crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.).
Sarucallis kahawaluokalani
Crapemyrtle Aphid
Sarucallis kahawaluokalani, the crapemyrtle aphid, is a specialist phloem-feeding pest native to Southeast Asia and first described from Hawaii in 1907. It has spread globally through the ornamental plant trade, closely tracking the distribution of its host plant Lagerstroemia spp. The species exhibits complex life cycle alternation between asexual summer generations and sexual autumn generations producing overwintering eggs. Heavy infestations cause aesthetic and physiological damage through honeydew production and associated sooty mold growth.
Scantius aegyptius
Mediterranean red bug
Scantius aegyptius, commonly known as the Mediterranean red bug, is a ground-dwelling true bug in the family Pyrrhocoridae. It is recognized by its striking red and black aposematic coloration. The species is native to the Mediterranean region and has established invasive populations in North America, particularly in California since 2009. It feeds primarily on seeds and seed pods of plants in the family Malvaceae.
Scaphoideus titanus
American grapevine leafhopper
Scaphoideus titanus is a leafhopper native to North America that has become a major agricultural pest in Europe. Introduced accidentally around 150 years ago, likely via American rootstock material, it now acts as the primary vector of the grapevine phytoplasma disease Flavescence dorée (FD). The species exhibits unique vibrational communication for mating, with males producing substrate-borne signals detected by females. This trait has been exploited for developing mating disruption control methods. In Europe, the species is monophagous on cultivated grapevines, whereas in North America it feeds on various Vitaceae including wild grapevines.
Schistocerca nitens
vagrant grasshopper, gray bird grasshopper
Schistocerca nitens is a large grasshopper native to southern North America, closely related to the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria). Adults are sexually dimorphic in size, with females reaching 60–70 mm and males 40–50 mm. The species exhibits mottled gray, brown, and yellow coloration with a distinctive stripe running from head to thorax. Unlike true locusts, it does not undergo phase polymorphism, though dense populations can occur through favorable conditions rather than behavioral transformation. The species has become invasive in Hawaii, where it caused severe vegetation damage on Nīhoa in 2004.
Schizaphis
Grass Aphids, Greenbug
Schizaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, superfamily Aphidoidea. Originally distributed in the Palaearctic region, several species have been introduced worldwide. The genus contains more than 40 recognized species, with Schizaphis graminum (greenbug) being the most economically significant. Species in this genus are primarily associated with grasses and cereal crops, exhibiting varying degrees of host specificity from monophagy to polyphagy.
Schizaphis graminum
greenbug, wheat aphid, common wheat-louse
Schizaphis graminum, commonly known as the greenbug or wheat aphid, is a small aphid species in the family Aphididae. Native to the Palaearctic region, it has been introduced worldwide and is a significant pest of cereal crops, particularly wheat and sorghum. The species exhibits wing dimorphism, with wingless forms predominating early in the season and winged forms developing under crowded conditions to disperse to new hosts. It causes direct damage through feeding and toxin injection, and indirect damage as a vector of multiple plant viruses.
Sciaphilus
Sciaphilus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae, tribe Sciaphilini. The genus contains at least two described species: Sciaphilus asperatus and S. costulatus. Species are distributed across Europe, Northern America, and parts of Asia. The best-studied species, S. asperatus, is wingless, parthenogenetic, and polyphagous.
Sciaridae
dark-winged fungus gnats, black fungus gnats
Sciaridae are a family of small, dark-colored flies commonly known as dark-winged fungus gnats. Adults range from 1–11 mm in length, typically under 5 mm. The family is among the least studied of the large Diptera families due to small size and taxonomic difficulty. Approximately 1,700 species are described globally, with an estimated 20,000 species awaiting discovery, primarily in tropical regions. Larvae develop in moist, decaying organic matter and play significant roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling.
Scobicia
horned powder-post beetles
Scobicia is a genus of wood-boring beetles in the family Bostrichidae, containing approximately 11 described species. Members are small beetles, with adults of at least one species measuring 3.3–4.5 mm in length. The genus is placed in the tribe Xyloperthini and is distributed across southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. At least some species are pests of dead or felled timber, creating extensive tunnel systems in stored wood.
Scobicia chevrieri
horned powder-post beetle
Scobicia chevrieri is a small wood-boring beetle in the family Bostrichidae. Adults measure 3.3–4.5 mm in length and 1.2–1.5 mm in width. The species is a pest of cut and stored wood, creating galleries that cause severe interior deterioration of branches. It has been recorded across the Mediterranean region, North Africa, the Middle East, and introduced to North America.
Scobicia declivis
lead cable borer, short-circuit beetle, leadcable borer
Scobicia declivis is a horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as the lead cable borer or short-circuit beetle. The species is notable for its ability to bore through lead sheathing on telecommunications cables, causing electrical shorts by allowing moisture to reach copper wires. It has been documented in North America and Oceania. The beetle is classified among insects that tolerate or thrive on toxic materials.
Scolytus mali
larger shothole borer, apple bark beetle, large fruit bark beetle
Scolytus mali is a bark beetle native to Europe that has become invasive in North America. It is commonly known as the larger shothole borer or apple bark beetle, reflecting its association with fruit trees. The species exhibits brief maturation feeding on living but weakened apple trees before aggregating for breeding in response to female-produced pheromones. Both sexes possess a well-developed gular-prosternal stridulatory apparatus and produce characteristic double chirps through head movement, with distinct acoustic differences between stress and attraction signals.
Scolytus rugulosus
shothole borer, fruit tree bark beetle, apple tree beetle
Scolytus rugulosus is a bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the shothole borer or apple tree beetle. The species is native to Europe and has been introduced to the Americas and North Asia. It is a pest of stone and pome fruit trees in the family Rosaceae, where it tunnels beneath the bark to complete its life cycle.
Scolytus schevyrewi
Banded Elm Bark Beetle
Scolytus schevyrewi is a small bark beetle native to Asia that has become invasive in North America. It is a documented vector of Dutch elm disease pathogens (Ophiostoma ulmi and O. novo-ulmi). The species exhibits strong attraction to stressed or weakened host trees, particularly Ulmus pumila, and has been observed displacing both native elm bark beetles and the earlier-introduced smaller European elm bark beetle (S. multistriatus) in North America. In its native range, it also causes significant damage to fruit trees including apricot.
Scrobipalpa atriplicella
goosefoot groundling moth
Scrobipalpa atriplicella is a small gelechiid moth native to Eurasia, now established as an introduced species in North America. Adults have a wingspan of 10–14 mm and exhibit two generations per year. The species has emerged as a significant agricultural pest on quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) in both Europe and North America, where larval feeding on seeds and foliage can cause complete crop loss. Originally associated with wild Chenopodiaceae including Chenopodium album and Atriplex species, its host range has expanded to include cultivated crops.
Scudderia
Scudder's Bush Katydids, bush katydids
Scudderia is a genus of bush katydids in the subfamily Phaneropterinae, established by Stål in 1873. Species in this genus are medium-sized insects, 30–40 mm in length, with a transcontinental distribution across North America. They are herbivorous, feeding on flowers as nymphs and woody deciduous plants as adults. Several species are economically significant as pests in citrus orchards and stone fruit production, particularly Scudderia furcata, the fork-tailed bush katydid. Males produce species-specific calling songs using file-and-scraper structures on their forewings, and species identification typically requires examination of the male supra-anal plate morphology.
Scyphophorus
agave weevils, sisal weevils
Scyphophorus is a genus of snout and bark beetles in the subfamily Dryophthorinae, comprising approximately seven described species. The genus is best known for Scyphophorus acupunctatus, commonly called the agave weevil or sisal weevil, which is a major pest of agave crops worldwide. Species in this genus are native to the Americas but have been introduced to multiple continents through global plant trade. The genus is characterized by its association with plants in the families Asparagaceae (Agavoideae) and Asparagaceae (Nolinoideae, formerly Dracaenaceae).
Scyphophorus acupunctatus
agave weevil, sisal weevil, picudo del agave
Scyphophorus acupunctatus is a specialized weevil native to Central and North America that has become a globally significant pest of agaves and related plants. Adults bore into agave stalks and rosettes, creating entry points for pathogenic bacteria and fungi that ultimately kill the host plant. The species has established invasive populations across Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America, facilitated by the international trade of ornamental agaves. Its economic impact is particularly severe on Agave tequilana, threatening the tequila industry, and on wild agave populations important for mezcal production and ecosystem stability.
Selenothrips
red-banded thrips (for S. rubrocinctus)
Selenothrips is a genus of thrips in the family Thripidae, established by Heinrich Hugo Karny in 1911. The genus contains at least two described species: S. rubrocinctus (Giard, 1901), commonly known as the red-banded thrips or cacao thrips, and S. glabratus Priesner, 1927. S. rubrocinctus is a polyphagous pest with broad tropical and subtropical distribution, known to attack cacao, cashew, mango, avocado, and other crops. Research on this species has focused on its feeding behavior in relation to plant water-stress and amino acid availability.