Pest
Guides
Anthonomus musculus
cranberry weevil
Anthonomus musculus, commonly known as the cranberry weevil, is a small weevil native to North America that is a significant agricultural pest of blueberries and cranberries. Adults are tiny reddish-brown beetles with the characteristic curved snout of weevils. The species has one generation per year, with females depositing eggs in flower buds where larvae develop internally, preventing fruit formation. It ranges from New England to Florida and west of the Rocky Mountains, with notable pest pressure in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Anthonomus quadrigibbus
apple curculio
Anthonomus quadrigibbus, commonly known as the apple curculio, is a small weevil species in the family Curculionidae. It is a fruit-feeding pest native to North America, primarily associated with rosaceous fruit trees and shrubs. Adults feed on developing fruits, causing significant damage, while larvae develop within the fruit, feeding on ovules. The species exhibits tight phenological synchronization with its host plants, with adult emergence and oviposition timed to specific flowering and fruit development stages.
Anthonomus rubi
strawberry blossom weevil, strawberry-blossom weevil
Anthonomus rubi is a small weevil native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa that has become established in North America (first detected in British Columbia, Canada in 2019, then Washington State, USA in 2021). It is a major agricultural pest of strawberry and raspberry, with females laying single eggs in unopened flower buds before severing the stalk, causing bud death and yield losses up to 80% in severe cases. The species has been observed to exhibit prolonged adult activity year-round in protected cultivation systems, with recent documentation of direct fruit feeding behavior in addition to traditional bud damage.
Anthonomus testaceosquamosus
hibiscus bud weevil
Anthonomus testaceosquamosus, commonly known as the hibiscus bud weevil, is a small curculionid weevil native to northeastern Mexico and southern Texas. The species was first detected as an invasive pest in south Florida in May 2017, where it infests China rose hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) in ornamental production systems. It has three larval instars and completes its life cycle only at 27±1°C. The species is now regulated in Florida due to significant economic damage to the hibiscus industry.
Anthrenus coloratus
Asian carpet beetle
Anthrenus coloratus is a small beetle species in the family Dermestidae, commonly known as the Asian carpet beetle. It has been documented as a pest of entomological collections, where it damages dried insect specimens. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and has been introduced to Ecuador.
Anthrenus lepidus
Anthrenus lepidus is a species of carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae. It is a small beetle found in North America, with adults measuring 2-4 mm in length. Like other members of the genus Anthrenus, it is a household pest whose larvae feed on dried animal products including wool, silk, feathers, and keratin-based materials. The species is part of a group of cosmopolitan pests that have spread worldwide through international commerce.
Anthrenus scrophulariae
common carpet beetle, buffalo carpet beetle
Anthrenus scrophulariae is a small dermestid beetle native to the Palaearctic region that has become cosmopolitan through human commerce. Adults feed on pollen and nectar, particularly from white or whitish flowers, while larvae are destructive pests of animal-derived materials including carpets, woolens, furs, and museum specimens. The species is notable for its distinctive patterned elytra with black, orange, and white scales that wear away with age, and for the medical irritation its larval hairs can cause in sensitive individuals.
Anthrenus verbasci
Varied Carpet Beetle
Anthrenus verbasci is a cosmopolitan pest species in the family Dermestidae, commonly known as the varied carpet beetle. Adults are small (2–4 mm), rounded beetles with distinctive patterned elytra bearing bands or spots of brown, black, and white scales. Larvae are covered in dense setae and feed on dried proteinaceous material, causing damage to household items, museum collections, and stored agricultural products. The species exhibits circannual control of its life cycle, with photoperiod serving as the primary zeitgeber for synchronizing pupation and adult emergence in spring. Adults feed on pollen and nectar, particularly from umbelliferous plants (Apiaceae) and Asteraceae, and use both olfaction and vision in host plant selection.
Antigastra catalaunalis
Sesame Leafroller, Sesame Pod-borer, Sesame Webworm, Sesame Capsule Borer, Sesame Leaf Webber
Antigastra catalaunalis is a crambid moth whose larvae are major agricultural pests of sesame (Sesamum indicum). Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, it has spread globally through human-mediated transport and its own migratory capacity. The species has been documented attacking multiple plant families including Scrophulariaceae and Pedaliaceae, though sesame remains its economically significant host. Laboratory studies indicate a complete life cycle of approximately 26.5 days under controlled conditions.
Antispila
shield-bearer moths
Antispila is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Heliozelidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus comprises approximately 50 described species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Larvae feed internally on leaves of host plants, creating distinctive serpentine or blotch mines that terminate in oval cutouts ('shields') used for pupation. Several species are economically significant as pests of grapevines, dogwoods, and ornamental shrubs. Taxonomic revisions using DNA barcoding have resolved longstanding species complexes, particularly among Cornus-feeding species in Europe.
Apamea amputatrix
Yellow-headed Cutworm, Yellow-headed Cutworm Moth
Apamea amputatrix, commonly known as the yellow-headed cutworm, is a noctuid moth native to North America with a range extending to the Arctic. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 40 mm and are active from April to October depending on location. The species is recognized as a cutworm pest, with larvae feeding on a broad range of host plants including vegetable crops. Identification to species level is challenging due to individual variation and overlap with other Apamea species.
Apamea niveivenosa
Snowy-veined Apamea Moth
Apamea niveivenosa, known as the snowy-veined apamea, is a noctuid moth native to northern North America. The species was first described by Grote in 1879. Its larvae are subterranean cutworms that feed on grasses and have been documented as pests of grain crops in interior North America. The species occurs across Canada and extends south to California.
Aphidina
Aphidina is a subtribe of aphids within the family Aphididae, established by Latreille in 1802. It encompasses numerous genera including economically significant and xerophilous species. Members exhibit diverse life cycles, with some species amenable to genetic control methods due to their holocyclic heterogenetic reproduction. The subtribe includes species with specialized host associations, particularly on Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, and Amaranthaceae.
Aphis aurantii
Black Citrus Aphid, Camellia Aphid
Aphis aurantii is an economically significant aphid species known as the Black Citrus Aphid or Camellia Aphid. It is a major pest in commercial tea plantations and gardens in China, where it causes substantial damage to Camellia sinensis. The species exhibits a broad host range across multiple plant families, with documented specialization on Ficus in sympatric populations suggesting ongoing host-associated divergence. Population genetic studies reveal high haplotype diversity across Chinese populations with evidence of recent expansion events and isolation-by-distance patterns.
Aphis nerii
oleander aphid, milkweed aphid, sweet pepper aphid, nerium aphid
Aphis nerii is a cosmopolitan aphid species in the family Aphididae, primarily associated with plants in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), especially milkweeds (Asclepias) and oleander (Nerium oleander). The species exhibits complex reproductive strategies including parthenogenesis and viviparity, with winged and wingless female morphs. It is a significant pest of ornamental plants and a known vector of multiple plant viruses. The species has been introduced widely beyond its native range and is now found in tropical, Mediterranean, and temperate regions globally.
Aphis rubifolii
Blackberry aphid, Raspberry aphid
Aphis rubifolii is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is known to feed on Rubus species, particularly blackberries and raspberries. The species was described by Thomas in 1879. Like other aphids in the genus Aphis, it likely reproduces parthenogenetically during the growing season, though specific life history details for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Aphomia sociella
Bee Moth, Bumble Bee Wax Moth
Aphomia sociella, commonly known as the bee moth or bumble bee wax moth, is a small pyralid moth native to Europe that has become an economically significant pest of bee colonies. The species is notable for its unique dual-modal mating system combining sex pheromones and ultrasonic courtship songs produced by males using specialized tegular tymbals. Females lay eggs in nests of bumblebees, wasps, and occasionally weakened honeybee hives, where larvae feed on nest materials, pollen, honey, and host brood. Infestation levels increase with proximity to commercial apiaries, causing reduced host reproductive output and weakened immune responses in bumblebees.
Aphrophora alni
European alder spittle bug, alder spittlebug
Aphrophora alni is a froghopper in the family Aphrophoridae, commonly known as the European alder spittlebug. It is the most common and widespread of the four Aphrophora species in the UK and one of the larger froghoppers in its range. Adults are distinguished by a pale median keel on the head and pronotum, dark brown coloration, and two pale patches along the costal margin of the forewings. The species is polyphagous, feeding on deciduous trees as adults and herbaceous plants as larvae. Nymphs produce characteristic foam nests ('cuckoo spit') with adhesive properties of biotechnological interest. It has been recorded as a pest on alder and is a potential vector of the bacterial plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa.
Aphrophoridae
True Spittlebugs, Spittlebugs, Froghoppers
Aphrophoridae is a family of true bugs in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as spittlebugs or froghoppers. The family contains at least 160 genera and 990 described species. Nymphs are called spittlebugs and produce characteristic frothy masses for protection, while adults are referred to as froghoppers. Many species are xylem sap feeders and some serve as vectors for plant pathogens, particularly Xylella fastidiosa, which causes diseases including olive quick decline syndrome.
Apinocis deplanatus
sugarcane rootstock weevil
Apinocis deplanatus, commonly known as the sugarcane rootstock weevil, is a sporadic pest of sorghum and sugarcane in the southern United States. The species is associated with dry conditions and fields where johnsongrass is abundant. Adults overwinter beneath plant residues and infest wild grasses in spring before moving to cultivated sorghum. Larval tunneling in stalks near the soil surface causes the most significant damage, often resulting in lodging and secondary pathogen infection. Economic thresholds have not been established, and chemical control is rarely required.
Apolygus lucorum
Apolygus lucorum is a trans-Palearctic mirid bug with a broad distribution across Europe and Asia. It is a polyphagous pest with significant economic impact on cotton and other crops in northern China, where it has become increasingly problematic following changes in agricultural practices. The species exhibits phytozoophagous feeding behavior, consuming both plant sap and small arthropod prey. Adults are small, yellowish-green, and active from summer through autumn.
Archips
leafroller moths
Archips is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Archipini, established by Hübner in 1822. The genus contains numerous leafroller moth species whose larvae feed on a variety of woody plants, including oaks, apples, and baldcypress. Several species are economically significant pests in orchards and forests, with known outbreaks causing defoliation damage. The genus has a complex taxonomic history with multiple synonymized generic names.
Archips
Leafroller moths
Archips is a genus of leafroller moths in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Tortricinae. The genus includes economically significant species whose larvae roll or tie leaves together with silk, feeding within these shelters. Some species are major agricultural and forestry pests, with larvae feeding on a wide range of host plants including trees and shrubs. The genus has been subject to taxonomic confusion, with misidentifications documented in regional faunistic records.
Archips cerasivorana
ugly-nest caterpillar moth
Archips cerasivorana, commonly known as the ugly-nest caterpillar moth, is a tortricid moth species distributed across North America from Alaska to North Carolina. The species is notable for its highly social larval behavior: caterpillars construct large communal silk nests by tying host plant leaves together, and they communicate through trail-following pheromones released from their spinnerets. Adults display distinctive orange forewings with silvery bars and a wingspan of 20–25 mm. The species has one generation per year, with adults active from July to September.
Archips goyerana
baldcypress leafroller, BCLR
Archips goyerana, the baldcypress leafroller, is a tortricid moth native to the Gulf Coast region of the United States. The species has undergone significant range expansion since 1983, spreading from forested wetlands in southern Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi. Larvae are specialized herbivores of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) and have been identified as a serious pest of this tree species, particularly in restoration plantings.
Archips podana
Large Fruit-tree Tortrix
Archips podana is a leafroller moth in the family Tortricidae, first described by Scopoli in 1763. It is notable for exhibiting polymorphism in male genitalia, with four distinct morphs differing in the presence or absence of apical and/or lateral prongs on the phallus. The species is widely distributed across Europe and Asia, and has been introduced to North America. Larvae are polyphagous herbivores on deciduous trees and shrubs, with significant economic impact on fruit crops including apple and pear.
Arge scapularis
elm argid sawfly
Arge scapularis, commonly known as the elm argid sawfly, is a sawfly species in the family Argidae found across North America. It is a specialist herbivore that commonly infests elm trees (Ulmus spp.). The species name 'scapularis' refers to distinctive shoulder blade-like structures on the insect's thorax. As a member of the suborder Symphyta, it lacks the narrow 'wasp waist' characteristic of many other Hymenoptera.
Argyresthia pruniella
cherry fruit moth, cherry blossom tineid
Argyresthia pruniella is a small moth in the family Argyresthiidae, commonly known as the cherry fruit moth or cherry blossom tineid. It is recognized by its distinctive reddish-brown forewings with white markings and narrow, fringed hindwings. The species is considered an agricultural pest due to larval feeding in the shoots of fruit trees. It occurs across Europe, Asia Minor, and North America.
Argyrotaenia ivana
Ivana leafroller moth
Argyrotaenia ivana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 12–16 mm, found in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. Adults are active nearly year-round, and the larvae feed on a broad range of host plants spanning multiple families, including Amaranthaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Convolvulaceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Rosaceae.
Arocatus melanocephalus
elm seed bug
Arocatus melanocephalus, commonly known as the elm seed bug, is a true bug in the family Lygaeidae. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America in the 2000s and has become a notable nuisance pest in urban areas. The species is distinguished by its dark red body, black head, and characteristic M-shaped spot on the pronotum. Adults produce a strong, unpleasant odor reminiscent of bitter almonds from metathoracic scent glands. Unlike many Lygaeinae species, it has limited ability to store cardenolides.
Arrenodes
Arrenodes is a monotypic genus of primitive weevils in the family Brentidae, containing only Arrenodes minutus, the oak timberworm. This species is a significant pest of hardwoods in eastern North America, with larvae boring into the xylem of oak, elm, beech, and poplar trees. Adults are sexually dimorphic, with females possessing long slender mouthparts for oviposition and males having broadened mandibles used for combat and courtship. The species has been introduced to the Maritime Provinces of Canada and is regulated internationally due to its potential to vector oak wilt fungus.
Arrenodes minutus
Oak Timberworm
Arrenodes minutus, commonly known as the oak timberworm, is the sole species in the genus Arrenodes, a primitive weevil genus in the family Brentidae. This wood-boring beetle is a pest of hardwoods in North America, with larvae tunneling through the xylem of wounded or recently felled trees. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism in mouthpart structure: females possess elongated, slender rostra for drilling egg holes into wood, while males have shortened, broadened mandibles used for combat and courtship. The life cycle spans two to four years, with adults active from May through August.
Arrhenopeplus brunneus
Bruner slantfaced grasshopper
Arrhenopeplus brunneus is a medium-sized, colorful grasshopper of the slantfaced subfamily Gomphocerinae, widely distributed in the hills and mountains of the northwestern United States. The species inhabits mixedgrass and bunchgrass prairies, mountain meadows, parklands, and alpine tundra at elevations from 1,600 to 11,100 feet. During population irruptions, it becomes a serious pest of mountain and foothill grasslands, capable of causing considerable damage to range grasses. The species exhibits a two-year life cycle in mountain meadows and northern grasslands, with hatching occurring in June and adults appearing in July or August depending on seasonal temperatures.
Ascalapha odorata
black witch, black witch moth, mariposa de la muerte, duppy bat, mariposa-bruxa, ura, money moth, money bat
The black witch moth (Ascalapha odorata) is a large, bat-shaped nocturnal moth and the largest noctuoid in the continental United States. Females reach wingspans up to 24 cm, while males are smaller at approximately 12 cm. The species ranges from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Brazil and Argentina, with migratory populations reaching as far north as Canada. It holds prominent cultural significance across Latin America and the Caribbean, where it is widely associated with death, misfortune, and spiritual beliefs.
nocturnalmigratoryfolklorepestcaterpillarlarge-mothlegume-feederfruit-feedercultural-significancedeath-omenCaribbeanLatin-AmericaHawaii-introducedmothLepidopteraErebidaeAscalaphaAscalapha-odoratablack-witchblack-witch-mothmariposa-de-la-muerteduppy-batmariposa-bruxauramoney-mothmoney-batPhalaena-odorataLinnaeus-1758largest-noctuoidcontinental-USbat-shapediridescentwhite-bargreen-spotorange-spotcomma-spotnine-spot24-cm-wingspan12-cm-wingspan7-cm-caterpillarAcaciaGymnocladus-dioicusKentucky-coffeetreeSenna-alatacandle-bushmesquiteFicusbananaoverripe-fruitrainforestagricultural-pestMexicoCentral-AmericaSouth-AmericaBrazilArgentinaUnited-StatesCanadaHawaiimigrationspringsummerdeathmisfortunespiritualsoulharbingerlotterymoneyhair-lossduppyghostscrewwormDermatobia-hominismisidentificationSilence-of-the-LambsBuffalo-BillKendrick-LamarTo-Pimp-a-ButterflyThysania-agrippinawhite-witchThysania-zenobiaowl-mothnoctuidErebinaehexapodarthropodinsectanimaleukaryotemetazoaanimaliaarthropodainsectanoctuoideaspeciesacceptedexact-match32867-observationsiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIWikipediaentomologyguidestructuredrecordtaxonconservativeaccurateinformativefactualclarityusefulnessno-speculationno-inferenceno-fabricationno-repetitionunique-contentcautious-languagedirect-sentencesconcrete-statementshigh-completenessmedium-completenesslow-completenessno-inferred-contentnull-for-unsupportedfield-intentstyle-rulesquality-rulesJSON-schemaoutput-formatno-commentaryno-extra-fieldsno-fluffno-fillerno-taxonomy-repetitionno-technical-jargonno-vague-generalizationsno-'like-most-insects'no-'typically-feeds-on-plants'has-been-observedis-known-tosupportedjustifiedexplicitly-justifiedspecies-level-traitshigher-taxaphysical-description-onlyhow-to-distinguishenvironment-conditionsgeographic-range-onlytiming-of-activityfeeding-habitsdevelopmental-stagesnotable-actionsecosystem-roleinteraction-with-humansreason-for-similaritymeaningful-misconceptionsimportant-additional-contextcleardirectconciseusefulreliablesparse-datawell-supportedpartialmost-fieldsAspidiotus destructor
coconut scale, transparent scale, Bourbon scale
Aspidiotus destructor is an armored scale insect (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) known as the coconut scale. It is a globally distributed pest of tropical and subtropical agriculture, causing significant damage to coconut, banana, and numerous other fruit and ornamental plants. The species is notable for its rapid reproduction and the protective waxy test that covers most life stages. It has been the target of extensive biological control efforts, most famously the successful introduction of the lady beetle Cryptognatha nodiceps to Guam in the early 1900s. The species harbors a primary bacterial endosymbiont, Candidatus Uzinura diaspidicola, which may play a role in its biology and potential management.
Aspila molesta
Oriental Fruit Moth
Aspila molesta, commonly known as the Oriental Fruit Moth, is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae. It is a known agricultural pest whose larvae feed on fruit trees. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations, indicating established populations in areas where it occurs.
Aspila prunivora
Lesser Appleworm Moth
Aspila prunivora, commonly known as the Lesser Appleworm Moth, is a small tortricid moth. It is primarily known as a pest of apple and related fruit trees, with larvae feeding internally on developing fruits. The species has been documented at blacklighting events in California, indicating nocturnal adult activity.
Athalia
Tigress Sawflies
Athalia is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as Tigress Sawflies. Species occur across Eurasia, Africa, and North America. Several species are economically significant pests of cruciferous crops, with specialized host associations and distinct life history strategies including diapause adaptations.
Atheloca subrufella
Palm Bud Moth, Coconut Moth
Atheloca subrufella is a small snout moth (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) known as a significant pest of coconut and other palms. Adults have a wingspan of 14–18 mm and brownish coloration. The species occurs in the southeastern United States, Mexico, Caribbean islands, and Brazil. Larvae are specialized feeders on developing palm fruits, causing substantial agricultural damage through gallery formation in the mesocarp and premature fruit shedding.
Atomacera
mallow sawfly, hibiscus sawfly
Atomacera is a genus of sawflies in the family Argidae, commonly known as mallow sawflies or hibiscus sawflies. These insects are herbivorous members of the Hymenoptera, representing a primitive branch of the order that lacks the constricted waist typical of wasps, bees, and ants. The genus contains species that feed on plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae), including ornamental hibiscus, hollyhocks, and marsh-mallow. Despite their caterpillar-like appearance, sawfly larvae are distinct from Lepidoptera larvae in having more pairs of prolegs.
Atomacera decepta
Hibiscus Sawfly, Mallow Sawfly
The hibiscus sawfly (Atomacera decepta) is a herbivorous sawfly in the family Argidae that feeds primarily on members of the mallow family (Malvaceae). Despite its caterpillar-like larvae, it belongs to the Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, and ants) rather than Lepidoptera. The species is known for causing significant defoliation damage to ornamental hibiscus, hollyhocks, and marsh-mallow, though it has not developed a strong preference for economically important crops like cotton or okra.
Atractomerus
Atractomerus is a genus of weevils (Curculionidae) established by Schoenherr in 1833. At least one species, A. pitangae, has been documented as a seed predator of Eugenia involucrata (Rio Grande Cherry) in southern Brazil, causing significant damage to seeds and reducing their viability for propagation. The genus belongs to the hyperdiverse family Curculionidae, though detailed biological information for most species remains limited.
Atractotomus
Atractotomus is a genus of predatory plant bugs in the family Miridae. Species in this genus are primarily found in Europe, with some species established in North America. At least one species, A. mali, exhibits zoophytophagous feeding behavior and has become a recognized pest in apple orchards.
Atrichopogon levis
grass punky
Atrichopogon levis, commonly known as the grass punky, is a biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae. Larvae develop within grass stems, particularly bluegrass (Poa pratensis), feeding on plant juices. Adult females are aggressive blood-feeders on mammals, including humans, causing irritating bites. The complete life cycle from egg to adult takes approximately 3–4 weeks under favorable conditions. The species is a significant nuisance pest in grassy areas and has been recorded from Hawaii.
Attagenus schaefferi
carpet beetle
Attagenus schaefferi is a species of carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae, distributed across North America. It belongs to the subfamily Attageninae and is one of nine Attagenus species recognized north of Mexico. The species was originally described as Megatoma schaeferi by Herbst in 1792. Two subspecies have been recognized: A. s. hypar Beal, 1970 and A. s. spurcus LeConte, 1874. Like other carpet beetles, it is commonly associated with dried animal products and household environments.
Attagenus smirnovi
Brown Carpet Beetle, Vodka Beetle
Attagenus smirnovi is a synanthropic dermestid beetle commonly known as the brown carpet beetle. Native to Africa, it has established populations across Central and Northern Europe through human-mediated dispersal. The species is a significant pest of museum collections and households, feeding on keratin-based materials including wool textiles, carpets, fur, and skin. First described by Rustem Devletovich Zhantiev in 1973, it was named after E.S. Smirnov, who first observed it in Moscow in 1961.
Attagenus unicolor
black carpet beetle
Attagenus unicolor, the black carpet beetle, is a 3–5 millimeter beetle in the family Dermestidae. It is considered the most destructive carpet beetle species in the United States. The larval stage causes damage to household fabrics, furniture, and stored products by feeding on natural fibers and dried animal materials. Adults feed on flower pollen. The species has both economic and minor medical significance due to the irritating hairs of larvae, which can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Aulacaspis
Aulacaspis is a genus of armored scale insects in the family Diaspididae. These small, sap-sucking insects are characterized by their protective waxy coverings, called tests, which shield their soft bodies. The genus includes numerous species, some of which are significant agricultural and horticultural pests. The type species is Aulacaspis rosae. Several species have become invasive outside their native ranges, notably Aulacaspis yasumatsui, which has caused severe damage to cycad populations worldwide.
Aulacaspis yasumatsui
cycad aulacaspis scale, cycad scale, sago palm scale, Asian cycad scale
Aulacaspis yasumatsui is a highly destructive armored scale insect native to Southeast Asia that has become a globally invasive pest of cycads. First described from Thailand in 1977, it was detected in Florida in 1996 and has since spread to numerous countries across six continents, causing widespread mortality of ornamental and native cycad populations. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism in body form and produces multiple generations annually in warm climates, with populations capable of reaching densities that completely encrust host fronds and ultimately kill the plant through depletion of photosynthetic tissue and nonstructural carbohydrates.
Aulocara elliotti
Big-headed Grasshopper, Bigheaded Grasshopper, Elliott Grasshopper
Aulocara elliotti, commonly known as the big-headed grasshopper, is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper native to western North America. It is a significant economic pest of rangeland grasses, often reaching outbreak densities of 20-40 individuals per square yard. The species is notable for its relatively large head, early spring emergence, and destructive feeding behavior that includes both consumption and cutting of grass leaves. It completes one generation annually and is frequently the dominant species in grasshopper assemblages across desert, mixedgrass, shortgrass, and bunchgrass prairies.