Pest
Guides
Autosticha kyotensis
Kyoto moth
A small moth in the family Autostichidae, originally described from Japan in 1931. It has established populations in the southeastern United States as an introduced species. The species is known to feed on specific host plants in both its native and introduced ranges.
Bactrocera oleae
olive fruit fly, olive fly, δάκος της ελιάς
Bactrocera oleae is a tephritid fruit fly and the most destructive pest of olive cultivation worldwide. Larvae feed exclusively on olive fruits (Olea europaea), causing direct damage to pulp and oil quality. Annual crop losses can reach 30% without control, and exceed 90% in severe infestations. The species is monophagous on olives and has developed resistance to multiple insecticide classes, driving research into alternative management strategies including sterile insect technique and biological control.
Baeoalitriozus diospyri
Persimmon Psyllid
Baeoalitriozus diospyri, commonly known as the persimmon psyllid, is a hemipteran insect in the family Triozidae. It is found in the United States and Mexico, where it feeds on persimmon species including Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki), ornamental varieties, and native persimmons. The species was originally described as Psylla diospyri by Ashmead in 1881.
Baliosus nervosus
Basswood Leafminer, basswood leaf miner
Baliosus nervosus is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the basswood leafminer. It is native to North America and has been recorded from eastern Canada including New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The species is associated with basswood (Tilia spp.) as its primary host, with adults skeletonizing leaf surfaces and larvae creating leaf mines. It has also been observed mining soybean leaves.
Banisia myrsusalis
sapodilla borer, sapota midrib folder
Banisia myrsusalis is a small moth in the family Thyrididae, described by Francis Walker in 1859. It is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions including the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The species is known for its association with sapodilla and related trees, where larvae fold leaf midribs and mine tissues. Adults are distinguished by greyish-brown wings with linear dark striations and yellow costal margins.
Blastobasidae
Blastobasid Moths
Blastobasidae is a family of small moths in the superfamily Gelechioidea, containing approximately 30 genera and hundreds of species distributed worldwide. Adults are generally slender, reddish-brown moths with wingspans of 12–24 mm, lacking conspicuous markings. Larvae feed on dead organic matter, though some species are pests of stored products or cultivated crops. The family's taxonomy remains unstable, with relationships among genera poorly resolved and various arrangements placing Blastobasidae as a subfamily of Coleophoridae or including Symmocidae within it.
Blattellinae
wood cockroaches
Blattellinae is a subfamily of Ectobiidae containing approximately 70 genera. It includes the globally distributed German cockroach (Blattella germanica), a major household pest, as well as several endangered species such as those in Hololeptoblatta and Miriamrothschildia. The subfamily exhibits diverse ecological adaptations, with members occupying habitats ranging from wetlands and grasslands to caves and human dwellings.
Blattoidea
Typical Cockroaches and Termites
Blattoidea is a superfamily within the order Blattodea encompassing cockroaches and termites. It comprises approximately 17 families and over 4,100 described species. The superfamily includes two major epifamilies: Blattoidae (typical cockroaches), Cryptocercoidae (brown-hooded cockroaches), and Termitoidae (termites). Molecular phylogenetic studies have clarified relationships among major lineages, though subfamilial classifications remain under revision.
Blepharidopterus chlorionis
Honeylocust plant bug, Honey Locust Plant Bug
Blepharidopterus chlorionis, commonly known as the honeylocust plant bug, is a mirid bug and significant pest of honey locust trees (Gleditsia triacanthos). Nymphs and adults feed on expanding leaf tissues using piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing leaves to crinkle, twist, cup, and become stunted. Damage is most severe in spring when new foliage emerges, though trees often produce a second flush of leaves in summer that masks early injury. The species completes one generation per year, with eggs overwintering in twigs and hatching when buds break in spring.
Blissus insularis
Southern Chinch Bug
Blissus insularis, the southern chinch bug, is a true bug in the family Blissidae that is a major pest of St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum). It is native to North America and has been introduced to Oceania, including Hawaii. The species harbors specialized midgut crypts that host dense populations of Burkholderia bacterial symbionts, which are essential for host fitness and development. It is economically significant as a turfgrass pest, causing damage through piercing-sucking feeding that leads to yellowing and death of grass patches.
Boopedon nubilum
ebony grasshopper, black-males grasshopper, plains boopie
Boopedon nubilum is a large slant-faced grasshopper inhabiting western North American grasslands. Males are strikingly black with functional wings, while females are large, pale brown, and typically flightless. The species is a specialized grass feeder with documented food preferences that vary geographically. At high densities, it becomes a significant pest of rangeland forage, particularly in the southern mixedgrass and desert prairies of Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas.
Brachycaudus
Short-tailed Aphids
Brachycaudus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, commonly known as short-tailed aphids. The genus contains approximately 43 species distributed worldwide, including significant agricultural pests such as B. helichrysi (peach leaf curl aphid) and B. rumexicolens. Species in this genus exhibit remarkable evolutionary lability in life cycle strategies, with transitions occurring between monoecy on woody hosts, heteroecy (host alternation), and monoecy on herbaceous plants. This flexibility contradicts the traditional assumption that aphids cannot regain primary woody hosts once lost.
Brachycaudus helichrysi
leaf curl plum aphid, leaf-curling plum aphid, peach leaf curl aphid
Brachycaudus helichrysi is a small aphid species first described by Kaltenbach in 1843. Molecular studies have revealed it comprises two cryptic sibling lineages, B. helichrysi H1 and H2, which are morphologically indistinguishable but genetically divergent and differ in life cycle strategies. H1 follows a typical heteroecious cycle with sexual reproduction on plum trees, while H2 consists largely of obligate asexual superclones with some sexual populations on peach trees in India.
Brachyplatys subaeneus
black bean bug
Brachyplatys subaeneus, commonly known as the black bean bug, is a shield bug in the family Plataspidae native to Asia. It has established invasive populations in the Western Hemisphere, first detected in Panama in 2012 and subsequently reported from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, and Florida (USA). The species is a significant agricultural pest with a strong preference for legume crops, though it feeds on multiple plant families. Genetic studies have identified three distinct lineages within its native range and traced invasive populations to specific source regions.
Brachystola
grassland lubbers
Brachystola is a genus of large, flightless grassland lubber grasshoppers in the family Romaleidae, distributed across the western United States and Mexico. Members are among the largest grasshoppers in North America, with robust bodies, short non-functional wings, and striking coloration. The genus includes six recognized species, with Brachystola magna (plains lubber grasshopper) being the most studied due to its use in early genetic research and its status as an occasional agricultural pest.
Brassicogethes aeneus
common pollen beetle, rape pollen beetle, rape blossom beetle
Brassicogethes aeneus is a small pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae and a major pest of oilseed rape (canola) and other Brassica crops across Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. Adults are 2–3 mm long, metallic black with greenish reflections, while larvae reach 3 mm and are white with brown sclerotized plates. The species causes significant economic damage through adult feeding and oviposition in flower buds, which can lead to bud abortion and yield losses up to 80% in spring oilseed rape. It was previously classified under the genus Meligethes. Populations show low genetic structure across Europe, indicating substantial gene flow, and are subject to biological control by hymenopteran parasitoids.
Bruchus rufimanus
Broadbean Weevil, Broad Bean Beetle, Broad Bean Seed Beetle
Bruchus rufimanus is a univoltine leaf beetle and major agricultural pest of faba beans (Vicia faba). Adults feed on pollen and nectar, particularly from Fabaceae, while larvae develop inside seeds where they are protected from control measures. The species exhibits precise phenological synchrony with its host plant, with adult colonization timed to crop flowering. Sexual maturation is triggered by photoperiod and pollen consumption, with females becoming reproductive after ingesting faba bean pollen. Overwintering occurs as dormant adults in protected sites or as larvae/pupae within stored seeds.
Bruneria
slant-faced grasshoppers
Bruneria is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the subfamily Gomphocerinae, native to northwestern North America. The genus contains at least three described species: Bruneria brunnea (Bruner slant-faced grasshopper), Bruneria shastana (Shasta slant-faced grasshopper), and Bruneria yukonensis (Yukon slant-faced grasshopper). These grasshoppers inhabit mountain meadows, mixedgrass prairies, and alpine tundra at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 11,100 feet. The best-studied species, B. brunnea, is primarily a grass-feeder that can become a serious pest during population irruptions.
Bruneria brunnea
Bruner slant-faced grasshopper, Bruner's Grasshopper
Bruneria brunnea is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper native to western North America. It inhabits mountain meadows, mixedgrass prairies, and alpine tundra at elevations from 1,600 to 11,100 feet. The species is a specialized grass and sedge feeder that becomes a serious rangeland pest during population irruptions. It has been documented to reach densities of 15 adults per square yard and contributed to a historic outbreak covering 2,000 square miles in British Columbia in 1920.
Bucculatrix quadrigemina
A small moth in the family Bucculatricidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1918. Known from California, where larvae mine leaves of Althaea rosea (hollyhock). Adults fly from January through June and again in October. The species exhibits typical bucculatricid biology: early instars are leaf miners, later instars feed externally creating holes, and pupation occurs in a white cocoon.
Bucculatrix thurberiella
Cotton Leaf Perforator
Bucculatrix thurberiella, commonly known as the cotton leaf perforator, is a minute moth in the family Bucculatricidae. The species was described by August Busck in 1914. Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, it has been introduced to Hawaii. Adults have a wingspan of 7–9 mm. Larvae are leaf miners that feed internally within host plant foliage.
Byturidae
fruitworms, fruitworm beetles
Byturidae is a small family of cleroid beetles comprising over 15 described species in two subfamilies. The family is primarily distributed in the Holarctic region and Southeast Asia. Larvae of some genera, particularly Byturus, are significant agricultural pests of Rubus fruits (raspberries and blackberries), while others feed on catkins. Adults feed on developing leaves, flowers, and pollen. The family includes two subfamilies: Platydascillinae (Southeast Asia) and Byturinae (Holarctic).
Byturus unicolor
raspberry fruitworm, western raspberry fruitworm, fruitworm beetle
Byturus unicolor is a small fruitworm beetle in the family Byturidae. Adults measure 4–5 mm and are yellowish-brown in color. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It is commonly known as the raspberry fruitworm due to its association with raspberry plants.
Cacoecimorpha pronubana
Carnation Tortrix, Carnation Leaf-roller
Cacoecimorpha pronubana is a highly polyphagous tortricid moth of Mediterranean origin, now widespread across Europe, North Africa, and introduced to North America and South Africa. The sole species in its genus, it is a significant pest of ornamental plants and horticultural crops. Larvae feed on foliage, flowers, and fruits, rolling leaves with silken webbing to create concealed feeding shelters. The species exhibits complex transgenerational responses to host plant changes, with parental diet affecting offspring development and reproduction.
Cactoblastis
Cactoblastis is a genus of snout moths (Pyralidae) described by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1901. The genus contains five described species native to South America, with C. cactorum being the most extensively studied due to its historical role as a biological control agent. Larvae are specialized internal feeders on cactus cladodes, and the genus is notable for complex collective behaviors in neonate caterpillars. C. cactorum was famously introduced to Australia in 1925 to control invasive prickly pear cacti, achieving significant success, though later spreading to threaten native Opuntia species in other regions.
LepidopteraPyralidaebiological-controlOpuntiacactus-mothherbivorysocial-behaviorinvasive-speciesclassical-biological-controlSouth-AmericaAustraliaFloridaneonate-aggregationegg-stickinternal-feedermeristem-feedermandibular-gland-markingtrail-followingcontagious-distributionpopulation-regulationhost-specificityecosystem-impacthistorical-ecologypestconservation-concernCadra figulilella
raisin moth
Cadra figulilella, the raisin moth, is a globally distributed pest of dried and ripening fruits in the family Pyralidae. First identified as a pest of Muscat raisins in California in 1928, it has since spread to tropical and Mediterranean climates worldwide. The species is economically significant due to larval damage to dates, raisins, figs, and other fruits both on the tree and in storage. Adults are short-lived and nocturnal, with females laying an average of 160 eggs that hatch into larvae capable of causing up to 90% fruit infestation in severe cases.
Caelifera
Grasshoppers, Locusts, and Allies, Short-horned Grasshoppers
Caelifera is a suborder of Orthoptera comprising approximately 12,000 described species across 2,400 genera, including grasshoppers, ground-hoppers (Tetrigoidea), and pygmy mole crickets (Tridactyloidea). The group is distinguished from the other orthopteran suborder Ensifera by short antennae, enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping, and a stout, chisel-like ovipositor (the source of its Latin name meaning 'chisel-bearing'). Caelifera represents one of the oldest lineages of chewing herbivorous insects, with fossil records extending to the latest Permian. The suborder is divided into two infraorders: Tridactylidea (pygmy mole crickets and extinct relatives) and Acrididea (grasshoppers and ground-hoppers).
Caliroa cerasi
pear slug, cherry slug, cherry slimy sawfly
Caliroa cerasi, commonly known as the pear slug or cherry slug, is a sawfly (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) whose larvae are significant pests of stone and pome fruit trees. The species exhibits a complex life cycle with bivoltine and univoltine generations, and populations can shift between deuterotokous (producing both sexes) and thelytokous (female-only) parthenogenesis during outbreak cycles. Native to Europe, it has spread to multiple continents including North America, Asia, and Australasia. While capable of causing serious defoliation, it is generally considered a secondary pest in intensive orchards due to susceptibility to insecticides.
Callidiellum rufipenne
Japanese Cedar Longhorned Beetle
Callidiellum rufipenne is a small longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) native to East Asia, commonly known as the Japanese Cedar Longhorned Beetle. It is a wood-boring pest of conifers in the Cupressaceae and Pinaceae families. The species has been introduced to multiple regions outside its native range, including eastern North America, Europe, and Oceania, where it has established populations. It is of economic concern due to damage to ornamental and timber conifers.
Calliprora
Calliprora is a genus of gelechiid moths in the subfamily Thiotrichinae, established by Meyrick in 1914. The genus contains approximately 12 described species, primarily Neotropical in distribution. One species, C. leucaenae, has been documented as a significant pest of Leucaena leucocephala in Florida, where larvae function as blotch-miners and leaf-tiers. The genus was transferred to Thiotrichinae based on distinctive genital morphology including anellus lobes and sternum VIII characteristics.
Calophya schini
Peppertree Psyllid
Calophya schini is a small psyllid in the family Calophyidae, specialized on Schinus molle (Peruvian peppertree). Adults are approximately 2 mm in length with orange to pale yellow or green coloration and hyaline wings. The species is endemic to Central America but has been introduced widely through human cultivation of its host plant, now occurring in the United States, New Zealand, and other regions. Nymphs cause distinctive dimples on leaves and can produce severe leaf malformations when abundant.
Caloptilia
leaf cone moths, leaf blotch miner moths
Caloptilia is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as leaf cone moths or leaf blotch miner moths. Larvae are leaf miners that typically feed internally on leaf tissue during early instars, then later instars roll or fold leaves into protective cones or shelters where they complete development and pupate. The genus contains numerous species, many of which are host-specific to particular tree or shrub genera. Several species have become economically significant as pests of ornamental and horticultural plants, including Caloptilia fraxinella on ash trees and Caloptilia azaleella on azaleas.
Caloptilia azaleella
Azalea Leafminer Moth, azalea leaf miner
Caloptilia azaleella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the azalea leaf miner. Native to Japan, it has been introduced globally through the horticultural trade of azalea plants and is now established in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae mine and roll leaves of Rhododendron species. It is frequently encountered in gardens, greenhouses, and sheltered urban plantings.
Caloptilia porphyretica
blueberry leafminer
Caloptilia porphyretica is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the blueberry leafminer. It is documented from North Carolina and New Jersey, where it is recognized as a frequent pest in commercial highbush blueberry operations. The species produces at least three generations annually. Larvae are leaf miners, feeding internally on leaf tissue of host plants.
Calpodes ethlius
Brazilian Skipper, Larger Canna Leafroller, Canna Skipper
Calpodes ethlius is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the Brazilian skipper or canna skipper. It is notable for its broad Neotropical distribution, ranging from the southern United States through Central America to Argentina. The species is strongly associated with Canna plants, whose leaves its larvae roll into protective shelters. Adults feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, with specific preferences varying by region.
Calycomyza
Calycomyza is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae, containing approximately 90 described species. Larvae feed internally within leaf tissue, creating distinctive serpentine or blotch mines. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Nearctic, Neotropical, Palearctic, Oriental, and Afrotropical regions. Several species have been documented as agricultural pests or biological control agents for invasive plants.
Cameraria caryaefoliella
Pecan Leafminer Moth
Cameraria caryaefoliella is a microlepidopteran leafminer moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species is known from eastern North America, with records from Ontario and Quebec in Canada and multiple states across the eastern and central United States. Larvae feed internally within leaf tissue, creating characteristic mines. Adults are active across multiple generations annually.
Camnula pellucida
Clear-winged Grasshopper, Clearwinged Grasshopper, Warrior Grasshopper
Camnula pellucida, the clear-winged grasshopper, is a medium-sized band-winged grasshopper native to North America. It is a significant agricultural pest, particularly destructive to small grains and rangeland grasses. The species exhibits dramatic population fluctuations, remaining scarce for years before irrupting to densities exceeding 20 adults per square yard across thousands of square miles. Adults possess distinctive transparent hindwings and mottled forewings. The species is notable for its migratory behavior, with nymphs marching in cohesive bands and adults forming flying swarms.
Camponotus atriceps
Tropical Carpenter Ant
Camponotus atriceps is a large carpenter ant species endemic to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Central and South America. In the Amazon region, it has been documented attacking colonies of stingless bees (Melipona flavolineata and M. fasciculata), destroying hives and consuming brood when food resources are scarce. The species occupies diverse moist forested habitats from sea level to 2,290 meters elevation. Research in Brazil has demonstrated that empty hive 'trap boxes' can attract these ants, providing a non-chemical control method for managed bee colonies. Workers of this species have been shown to bioaccumulate heavy metals, indicating potential use as environmental contamination indicators.
Carcina
oak long-horned flat-body moths
Carcina is a small genus of micromoths in the family Peleopodidae, containing four species distributed across Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. The genus is notable for its members' distinctive appearance: pastel pink or purple wings with yellow markings and exceptionally long antennae relative to body size. The most widespread species, C. quercana, serves as host for the specialized parasitoid wasp Venanides carcinae. A recently described species, C. ingridmariae, was discovered in 2025 after being misidentified as C. quercana for over a century, representing a rare case of overlooked colorful European moth diversity.
Carmenta
clearwing moth
Carmenta is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, characterized by transparent or partially transparent wings resulting from reduced wing scaling. The genus contains approximately 100 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropics, with some species extending into North America. Members are diurnal and often wasp-mimicking in appearance. Several species are economically significant as pests of agricultural crops, including C. theobromae which has shifted from native cacao to become a major pest of guava in Colombia.
Carphoborus bicornis
Carphoborus bicornis is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Wood in 1986. The genus Carphoborus comprises bark beetles associated with coniferous trees. This species is recorded from North America. Very little published information exists regarding its specific biology or ecology.
bark-beetleweevilconifer-associatedNorth-AmericascolytinaeCurculionidaeColeopterainsectbeetleforest-pestwood-boring-beetleScolytiniCarphoborusbicornisWood-19861986provisionally-acceptedacceptedexact-matchAnimaliaArthropodaInsectaCarphoborus-bicornistaxonomyclassificationconiferforestwood-boringpesteukaryotahexapodapolyphagacucujiformiacurculionoideaCarpophilus hemipterus
dried-fruit beetle
Carpophilus hemipterus is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae known as the dried-fruit beetle. It is a cosmopolitan pest of ripening and dried fruits, with documented infestations on dates, litchi, mango, guava, papaya, and stone fruits. The species exhibits strong aggregation behavior mediated by pheromones and shows phototactic flight responses that transition readily to vegetative orientation upon encountering food odors. It completes multiple generations per season in warm climates, with population peaks correlating with temperature and humidity optima. Both adults and larvae cause direct damage to fruits and can vector microorganisms associated with fermentation and aflatoxin production.
Carposina fernaldana
Currant Fruitworm Moth
Carposina fernaldana is a small moth in the family Carposinidae, described by August Busck in 1907. The species is named in honor of Charles H. Fernald. It occurs in eastern North America from Quebec southward along the Mississippi drainage to Missouri. The larvae feed internally in fruits of hawthorn (Crataegus) and currant/gooseberry (Ribes) species.
Carposinoidea
fruitworm moths, copromorphoid moths
Carposinoidea is a superfamily of small to medium-sized moths (10–50 mm wingspan) commonly known as fruitworm moths. The group was historically divided into two families (Carposinidae and Copromorphidae), though this division has been questioned by some authorities. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae are associated with a variety of host plants including gymnosperms and dicots, with some species considered agricultural pests.
Carulaspis
Carulaspis is a genus of armored scale insects in the family Diaspididae, comprising six recognized species. The genus is associated with coniferous hosts in the orders Pinidae and Magnoliidae, particularly junipers (Juniperus spp.). Carulaspis juniperi is a documented pest causing significant damage to ornamental and landscape juniper plantings, including growth reduction, needle chlorosis, and branch death. Species occur in Europe and have been introduced to other regions including New Zealand.
Cenopis mesospila
White-tailed Fruitworm, White-tailed Fruitworm Moth
A tortricid moth of eastern North America, historically classified under Sparganothis but now placed in Cenopis. Adults are small moths with distinctive patterning. The common name references both the adult's appearance and its larval association with fruit.
Cephisus
spittlebug, froghopper
Cephisus is a genus of spittlebugs in the family Aphrophoridae, distinguished by producing exceptionally large frothy masses during the nymphal stage. Nymphs create these protective bubbles by siphoning air through a tubelike canal beneath the abdomen and mixing it with excreted plant fluids. The genus is the sole New World representative of the tribe Ptyelini, which has a broader distribution in Africa. Some species, notably C. siccifolia, can reach pest status on economically important plants including eucalyptus.
Cephus
stem sawflies
Cephus is a genus of stem sawflies in the family Cephidae, first described by Latreille in 1802. Members are found in Europe and North America. These insects are notable for their cylindrical, wasp-like bodies and their habit of boring into grass stems.
Cephus pygmaeus
European wheat stem sawfly, wheat stem sawfly
Cephus pygmaeus is a stem sawfly in the family Cephidae, widely distributed across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, with introduced populations in North America. Adults are small, wasp-like insects that emerge in early spring and are active during wheat stem elongation. Larvae develop inside wheat stems, causing significant agricultural damage by tunneling and cutting stems. The species is a major pest of wheat and other cereal crops, with infestations reaching over 50% in some regions.