Pest
Guides
Selenothrips rubrocinctus
redbanded thrips, cacao thrips, red-banded thrips
Selenothrips rubrocinctus is a small thrips species known as the redbanded thrips, recognized by the distinctive red banding on its dark body. It is a polyphagous pest with a near pan-tropical distribution, first described from the West Indies though possibly originating in northern South America. The species is economically significant as a pest of cacao, mango, cashew, and various ornamental trees, causing leaf silvering, distortion, and fruit damage through sap-feeding. Populations exhibit seasonal dynamics tied to host plant water stress and nutritional status, with peaks typically occurring during dry seasons.
Sesiidae
Clearwing Moths
Sesiidae, known as clearwing moths, is a family of diurnal moths in the order Lepidoptera comprising 165 genera and over 1,500 species. The family is distinguished by Batesian mimicry of Hymenoptera, with transparent wing areas created by reduced scaling, elongated bodies, and wasp-like coloration and flight behavior. Most species are tropical, though significant diversity occurs in the Holarctic region including over 100 European species. Larvae are concealed borers in wood, stems, or roots, with some species causing serious economic damage to fruit trees, timber, and crops.
Sesiinae
clearwing moths
The Sesiinae are a subfamily of clearwing moths within the family Sesiidae, established by Boisduval in 1828. Members are characterized by reduced wing scaling that creates transparent areas, mimicking wasps or hornets in appearance. The subfamily includes multiple tribes, notably Synanthedonini, which contains genera such as Carmenta, Tipulamima, and Macrotarsipodes. Species occur across multiple continents with documented host associations including Clerodendrum paniculatum (Lamiaceae) and Ipomoea batatas (Convolvulaceae).
Setomorpha rutella
Tropical Tobacco Moth
Setomorpha rutella is a tineid moth commonly known as the tropical tobacco moth. It has been widely distributed through commerce across warmer regions of Africa, Eurasia, Malaysia, Australia, Pacific islands, and the Americas. The species is notable as an intermediate host for the nematode parasite Tetrameres mohtedai, which infects fowl.
Shivaphis
Shivaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, subfamily Calaphidinae, described by Das in 1918. The genus includes species associated with trees in the family Cannabaceae, particularly Celtis (hackberries) and Pteroceltis. The most widely documented species, S. celti, is known as the Asian woolly hackberry aphid and has been introduced to North America. Species in this genus are characterized by their woolly wax secretions and specific host associations with woody plants.
Shivaphis celti
Asian Woolly Hackberry Aphid
Shivaphis celti is an invasive aphid species native to Asia that has established populations in North America. It is a specialist herbivore that feeds exclusively on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.), causing distinctive woolly or waxy secretions on leaves and branches. The species has been documented across much of the continental United States and is considered a nuisance pest in urban areas where hackberry is planted as an ornamental.
Singhiella
ficus whitefly
Singhiella is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) containing species that are significant pests of Ficus plants. The most economically important species, Singhiella simplex (the ficus whitefly), has become invasive across multiple continents, causing severe defoliation of ornamental Ficus hedges and trees. The genus is distinguished by puparial characteristics used in whitefly taxonomy, including color, shape, and wax placement.
Sinoxylon
Sinoxylon is a genus of wood-boring beetles in the family Bostrichidae, with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. Species in this genus are associated with diverse host plants including bamboo, rubber, cassava, and allspice. Several species have been introduced to new regions through international trade in wood packaging materials, with documented establishment in Greece and Brazil.
Sinoxylon anale
horned powder-post beetle, auger beetle
Sinoxylon anale is a wood-boring beetle in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as horned powder-post beetles or auger beetles. The species has a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Australia, North America, Southern Asia, and Europe. It develops in dead or dying woody material and has been recorded as a pest in agricultural and nursery settings. Recent studies have documented its establishment in Brazil and first record in Greece, with expanding host associations including allspice, jabuticaba, and various native and exotic woody plants.
Sinoxylon ceratoniae
horned powder-post beetle
Sinoxylon ceratoniae is a species of horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae. It is distributed across Africa, Europe, and Northern Asia (excluding China). The species belongs to a group of wood-boring beetles known for their ability to damage seasoned timber and wooden products. As a member of the genus Sinoxylon, it possesses characteristic horn-like projections on the pronotum.
Siphanta
Siphanta is a genus of planthoppers in the family Flatidae, characterized by distinct morphological features of the head and thorax. Most species are native to Australia, with some introduced to other regions. Members are herbivorous, with at least one species known to be polyphagous and economically significant as a pest of agricultural and ornamental plants.
Sitochroa palealis
carrot seed moth
Sitochroa palealis, known as the carrot seed moth, is a crambid moth native to Europe that was first reported in the United States in 2002. The species has a wingspan of 26–34 mm and is active during summer months. Its larvae specialize on umbelliferous plants, including cultivated carrot and fennel.
Sitona cylindricollis
sweetclover weevil
Sitona cylindricollis, the sweetclover weevil, is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae. It is a documented agricultural pest of sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) and alfalfa/lucerne (Medicago sativa). Adults feed on above-ground foliage, causing defoliation damage that is most severe during late summer critical periods. Larvae feed on root nodules and root tissue underground. The species exhibits temperature- and light-dependent dispersal flight behavior, with peak flight activity occurring in morning hours when ambient temperatures reach threshold levels.
Sitonini
Sitonini is a tribe of broad-nosed weevils (Curculionidae: Entiminae) with a Holarctic distribution. Members are specialized feeders on Fabaceae, with adults consuming leaves and larvae feeding on root nodules. The tribe includes economically significant pests, particularly in the genera Sitona and Charagmus, which damage lupin and other legume crops in Europe.
Smicronyx fulvus
Red Sunflower Seed Weevil
Smicronyx fulvus, commonly known as the red sunflower seed weevil, is a small seed-feeding weevil in the family Curculionidae. Adults are 2.5–3 mm long and reddish-brown in color. The species is a significant pest of cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in North America, with larvae developing inside developing achenes and reducing seed oil content by approximately 30% per larva. It has a univoltine life cycle with adults present throughout the growing season.
Smynthurodes
Smynthurodes is a genus of gall-forming aphids in the family Aphididae. The genus includes at least one well-documented species, Smynthurodes betae, which induces galls on host plants. Gall formation in this genus appears to be constrained by host plant phenology rather than active site selection by colonizing aphids. The genus has been recorded from parts of northern Europe.
Solenopsis invicta
Red Imported Fire Ant, RIFA
Solenopsis invicta is a highly invasive ant species native to South America that has spread to multiple continents, causing significant ecological and economic damage. It forms large, aggressive colonies that dominate disturbed habitats and displace native ant species through competition and predation. The species exhibits flexible colony reproduction through both nuptial flights and colony budding, with some populations containing multiple queens. Its painful sting and tendency to swarm when disturbed make it a serious public health and agricultural pest.
Sophonia
Sophonia is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Evacanthinae. Species in this genus are native to Asia and have been introduced to multiple regions including Hawaii, the continental United States, and Europe. At least one species, Sophonia rufofascia, has become an established pest in Hawaii since its detection in 1987. The genus is characterized by features typical of the Evacanthinae subfamily.
Sphenophorus
billbugs
Sphenophorus is a large genus of weevils commonly known as billbugs, containing approximately 278 species. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of turfgrass, corn, and orchardgrass. The genus is taxonomically challenging due to morphological similarity among species, especially at larval stages. Research has focused on developing molecular identification tools to distinguish species and understand their variable seasonal biology across regions.
Sphenophorus aequalis ochreus
clay-colored billbug
Sphenophorus aequalis ochreus is a subspecies of the clay-colored billbug, a weevil in the family Curculionidae. Billbugs are significant turfgrass and agricultural pests whose larvae bore into plant stems, roots, and crowns. This subspecies has been documented in association with saltmarsh bulrush stands near alkaline lake margins in New Mexico, where adults were observed walking, mating, and burrowing into soil at the base of plants. The species complex presents identification challenges due to morphological similarities among related billbug taxa.
Sphenophorus chittendeni
Sphenophorus chittendeni is a species of billbug weevil in the family Dryophthoridae, described by Blatchley and Leng in 1916. The species belongs to a genus of economically important weevils that damage various crops through larval feeding on plant roots and crowns. Like other Sphenophorus species, it likely exhibits the typical billbug life cycle involving stem-boring larvae and root-feeding development stages, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Sphenophorus cicatristriatus
Rocky Mountain billbug, Denver billbug
Sphenophorus cicatristriatus, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain billbug or Denver billbug, is a weevil species in the family Dryophthoridae. It is one of the largest billbug species affecting turfgrass in North America, with adults measuring 10–12 mm in length. The species occurs in the western United States and Canada, particularly in the Rocky Mountain region and Intermountain West. Like other billbugs, it damages turfgrass through larval feeding on roots and crowns, as well as adult feeding on leaves. It is considered a significant pest of turfgrass in its range.
Sphenophorus venatus confluens
Sphenophorus venatus confluens is a subspecies of billbug weevil in the family Curculionidae. It has been identified as a pest of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), with its biology and life history documented as a newly recognized agricultural pest species. Like other billbugs in the genus Sphenophorus, it is part of a complex of weevil species that feed within grasses and can cause significant damage to turf and forage crops.
Sphenophorus venatus vestitus
Hunting Billbug
Sphenophorus venatus vestitus, commonly known as the hunting billbug, is a subspecies of weevil in the family Curculionidae. It is a significant pest of zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) and other turfgrass systems. Adults are medium-sized weevils, measuring 7-9 mm in length, and can be distinguished from related billbug species by size and morphological features. The species has a documented distribution across North America, Middle America, and parts of Europe including Spain and Corsica.
Spilonota
Bud moths
Spilonota is a globally distributed genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae. The genus contains approximately 35 described species, with members recorded across Europe, Asia, North America, and other regions. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of fruit trees. The most extensively studied species, Spilonota ocellana (eye-spotted bud moth), is a well-documented pest of apple and other rosaceous crops.
Spilonota ocellana
bud moth, eye-spotted bud moth
Spilonota ocellana, commonly known as the bud moth or eye-spotted bud moth, is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 12–17 mm. It has a wide distribution spanning the Palearctic realm from North Africa and Europe through Asia to China, Korea, and Japan, with introduced populations in North America and Madeira. The species is univoltine, with adults flying from May to October depending on location. Larvae feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs, and the species is recognized as a pest in apple orchards where it has been studied extensively.
Spodoptera frugiperda
Fall Armyworm, Fall Armyworm Moth
Spodoptera frugiperda, commonly known as the fall armyworm, is a migratory moth species native to the Americas that has become a devastating invasive pest across Africa and Asia. The larvae are polyphagous, feeding on more than 80 plant species including maize, sorghum, cotton, and soybean. Economic damage from this species has been severe, with estimated losses of $2.5–6.3 billion annually in affected African countries. The species cannot overwinter in temperate regions, reinvading northern areas annually through long-distance migration.
Spodoptera latifascia
velvet armyworm, lateral-lined armyworm, garden armyworm
Spodoptera latifascia is a noctuid moth native to Central America and the Antilles, extending into North America from Texas to Florida. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 42 mm and are active from March to October depending on location. The species was originally described by Walker in 1856 as Prodenia latifascia. Spodoptera cosmioides, a South American species formerly considered synonymous with S. latifascia, has been reinstated as a valid species.
Stegasta bosqueella
Red-necked Peanutworm Moth, Rednecked Peanutworm
Stegasta bosqueella is a gelechiid moth whose larvae are significant pests of peanut crops, particularly in South and Central America. The species has also been documented in North America from Alabama to Virginia. Adults are small moths attracted to light, while larvae feed concealed within closed peanut leaflets, producing distinctive symmetrical damage patterns upon leaf expansion. The species has been successfully managed using attract-and-kill strategies targeting adults.
Stelidota coenosa
Stelidota coenosa is a small beetle in the family Nitidulidae, commonly known as sap beetles. It feeds on fermenting plant sap, overripe fruit, and other decaying organic matter. The species occurs across North America and is frequently encountered in agricultural settings, particularly where fruit crops are present. It is one of several Stelidota species that can be challenging to distinguish without close examination.
Stenotus binotatus
Two-spotted Grass Bug, Timothy Plant Bug, Two-spotted Plant Bug, Slender Crop Mirid
Stenotus binotatus is a grass-feeding mirid bug native to the Palearctic that has become established in temperate regions worldwide, including North America and New Zealand. Adults measure 6–7 mm and show sexual dimorphism in coloration: males are yellow with dark pronotal and forewing markings, while females are greenish-yellow with paler markings. The species is a documented pest of cereal crops, particularly wheat, where its feeding causes distinctive grain collapse and sticky dough problems due to gluten-degrading enzymes.
Stephanitis
lace bugs
Stephanitis is a genus of lace bugs (family Tingidae) comprising at least 80–90 described species. Members are small, plant-feeding true bugs characterized by reticulated, lace-like forewings. Several species are significant ornamental pests, including the azalea lace bug (S. pyrioides) and andromeda lace bug (S. takeyai), which cause characteristic stippling damage on host foliage. The genus has a broad distribution across Asia, Europe, North America, and other regions, with some species introduced outside their native ranges.
Stephanitis pyrioides
Azalea Lace Bug
Stephanitis pyrioides, the azalea lace bug, is an invasive pest native to the East Palaearctic that has spread globally. It is a specialist feeder on Rhododendron species, particularly azaleas, causing characteristic white stippling damage to leaves through mesophyll feeding. The species undergoes multiple generations annually in temperate regions and has become a significant pest of ornamental horticulture.
Stephanitis takeyai
Andromeda lace bug
Stephanitis takeyai, the andromeda lace bug, is a small sap-feeding insect native to Japan that has become an invasive pest of ornamental Ericaceae in North America and Europe. It is closely associated with Pieris japonica (Japanese andromeda), its preferred host, but has been documented on multiple genera within Ericaceae including Rhododendron, Vaccinium, and Kalmia. The species exhibits facultative seasonal host alternation in parts of its native range, moving from evergreen Pieris japonica in winter to deciduous Lyonia elliptica in summer when the latter is available.
Steremnius carinatus
conifer seedling weevil
Steremnius carinatus, commonly known as the conifer seedling weevil, is a pest of coniferous seedlings in coastal British Columbia. Adults emerge from stumps and slash approximately two years after logging and girdle young seedlings near the root collar. The species was formerly considered a scavenger but is now recognized as a significant reforestation pest. Adults are unusually long-lived, surviving three or more winters and producing broods annually.
Sternochetus
Sternochetus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Cryptorhynchinae. The genus contains at least three described species, including Sternochetus mangiferae (mango seed weevil), Sternochetus frigidus (mango pulp weevil), and Sternochetus olivieri. These species are economically significant pests of mango (Mangifera indica) and related species. Adults are compact weevils with a characteristic habit of pressing their legs to their body and fitting their beak into a ventral groove when disturbed. The genus was established by Pierce in 1917, with some species previously described under Curculio.
Sternochetus mangiferae
mango seed weevil, mango stone weevil, mango weevil
A compact weevil in the subfamily Cryptorhynchinae, Sternochetus mangiferae is a significant pest of mango (Mangifera indica). Adults measure 7.5–9.5 mm in length and 4 mm in width. The species completes its entire immature development inside mango seeds, with larvae and pupae developing within the fruit. Adults are weak fliers and typically remain near fallen fruit; new infestations spread primarily through human transport of infested fruit.
Stigmella juglandifoliella
Pecan serpentine leafminer
Stigmella juglandifoliella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Nepticulidae, commonly known as the pecan serpentine leafminer. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae create serpentine mines in the leaves of pecan (Carya illinoinensis). It is currently known from a restricted range in the eastern United States.
Stigmella microtheriella
Hazel leaf miner moth, Hazel Leafminer Moth
Stigmella microtheriella is a minute leaf-mining moth in the family Nepticulidae, with a wingspan of only 3–4 mm. The species is native to Europe and Asia, and was introduced to New Zealand from Britain between 1850 and 1860, likely via imported hazel trees. Its larvae create distinctive narrow, angular mines in the leaves of hazel (Corylus species) and hornbeams (Carpinus species). Adults are parthenogenetic and fly in May and August.
Strategus
Ox Beetles
Strategus is a genus of rhinoceros beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as ox beetles. The genus is widespread in the Americas, ranging from Kansas southward through South America. Species in this genus are notable for their large size and prominent horns, particularly in males. Some species, such as S. aloeus, are significant agricultural pests of oil palm plantations in Latin America, where they reproduce in decomposing organic matter from replanting operations.
Strategus aloeus
ox beetle, Aloeus ox beetle
Strategus aloeus is a large rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, native to the Americas. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism and male polymorphism, with "major" males possessing three prominent thoracic horns resembling Triceratops, while "minor" males have reduced horns and females bear only a small horn used for digging. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights. The species has been documented as a significant pest of young oil palm crops in Latin America, where population dynamics are strongly influenced by plantation management practices.
Strepsicrates
Strepsicrates is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, tribe Eucosmini, established by Meyrick in 1888. Species within this genus are distributed across multiple continents including Asia, Australia, the Americas, and Africa. Several species are economically significant as pests of forestry and agricultural crops, particularly those feeding on Eucalyptus, Cordia, and Myrica species. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with some species historically transferred between Strepsicrates and the related genus Stictea.
Striacosta albicosta
Western Bean Cutworm, Western Bean Cutworm Moth
Striacosta albicosta, the western bean cutworm, is a noctuid moth and sole member of its genus. Historically restricted to the western Great Plains of the United States, it has undergone substantial eastward range expansion since 2000, now occurring throughout the U.S. Corn Belt and into Canada and Mexico. It is a significant agricultural pest of corn and dry beans, with larvae feeding on reproductive structures and causing yield losses up to 40% in corn. The species has developed resistance to Cry1F Bt protein, complicating management in transgenic crops.
Sufetula diminutalis
Sufetula diminutalis is a small snout moth in the subfamily Lathrotelinae. It was described by Francis Walker in 1866 from Honduras and has since spread to Florida, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and more recently to Europe. The species is notable for its root-boring larvae that feed on palms.
Supella
brown-banded cockroaches
Supella is a genus of small, synanthropic cockroaches in the family Ectobiidae, with the brown-banded cockroach (S. longipalpa) being the most widespread and well-known species. Native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, the genus has achieved cosmopolitan distribution through human-mediated transport. Members of this genus are distinguished by transverse pale bands across the wings and abdomen, pronounced sexual dimorphism in wing development, and a preference for warm, dry indoor environments. The type species S. longipalpa is a significant public health pest that completes its entire life cycle within human-built structures.
Symmetrischema tangolias
South American potato tuber moth, Andean potato tuber moth, tomato stemborer
Symmetrischema tangolias is a gelechiid moth native to the Andean region of South America that has become a globally significant agricultural pest. The species infests solanaceous crops, particularly potatoes and tomatoes, with larvae burrowing into stems, leaves, petioles, and tubers. It has established invasive populations in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Chile. The species is adapted to cooler temperatures than the related potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella, with optimal development occurring between 14–17°C.
Synanthedon acerrubri
Maple Clearwing Moth, Red Maple Borer
Synanthedon acerrubri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the maple clearwing moth or red maple borer. The species is a wood-boring pest of maple trees in eastern North America. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking in appearance, with transparent wings and banded abdomens. Larvae tunnel into the trunks and branches of host trees, causing structural damage.
Synanthedon bibionipennis
Strawberry Crown Moth
Synanthedon bibionipennis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the strawberry crown moth. Adults are active from April to August and are diurnal. The species has one generation per year. Larvae are borers that feed internally on the crowns and roots of various rosaceous plants.
Synanthedon exitiosa
peachtree borer, Peachtree Borer Moth
Synanthedon exitiosa, commonly known as the peachtree borer, is a clearwing moth native to North America and a significant pest of stone fruit trees. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in both size and wing appearance. Larvae bore into the trunks and root crowns of Prunus species, feeding on cambium and phloem tissue, often causing tree death. Adult females use semiochemical cues, including compounds from larval gum frass, to locate suitable oviposition sites.
Synanthedon fatifera
Arrowwood Clearwing Moth
A clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Arrowwood Clearwing Moth. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking, with predominantly dark coloration and pale markings. The species is known for boring into the crowns of Viburnum shrubs, where larval feeding can cause significant damage to host plants. It occurs across the northern Great Plains and adjacent regions of North America.