Pest
Guides
Cerodontha
Cerodontha is a large genus of leaf-miner flies in the family Agromyzidae, containing at least 280 described species. Larvae feed internally on plant tissues, creating distinctive mines in leaves, stems, or leaf sheaths of grasses, sedges, and other monocots. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with significant diversity in the Nearctic, Palearctic, and Australasian regions. Several species are associated with economically important crops and pasture grasses.
Ceroplastes
wax scales
Ceroplastes is a genus of wax scales in the family Coccidae, comprising more than 130 described species. These insects are characterized by the conspicuous white, waxy coverings they secrete, which protect their soft bodies. Adults are largely sessile and feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Many species are economically significant pests of ornamental plants, fruit trees, and shrubs. The genus exhibits parthenogenesis in many species, with females reproducing without males. Climate change has facilitated the northward expansion of several species from southern regions into previously cooler areas.
Ceropsylla
Ceropsylla is a genus of jumping plant lice (psyllids) in the family Triozidae. The genus includes Ceropsylla sideroxyli, known as the False-Mastic Psylla, which causes severe damage to leaves of the false-mastic tree (Sideroxylon foetidissimum). Psyllids in this genus are small, sap-feeding hemipterans with host-specific relationships to their plant hosts.
Ceropsylla sideroxyli
False-Mastic Psylla
Ceropsylla sideroxyli is a psyllid (jumping plant louse) known for causing severe damage to the leaves of the false-mastic tree (Sideroxylon foetidissimum). The species was described by Riley in 1885 and is placed in the family Triozidae. It is native to the southeastern United States where its host tree occurs.
Ceutorhynchus
Ceutorhynchus is a large genus of true weevils comprising at least 400 described species. The genus is notable for its association with brassicaceous plants, with many species acting as stem miners or seedpod parasites. Several species are significant agricultural pests of oilseed rape, including C. napi, C. pallidactylus, and C. obstrictus. At least one species, C. succinus, is known from Eocene Baltic amber, indicating an ancient evolutionary history.
Chelymorpha
Argus tortoise beetles, tortoise beetles
Chelymorpha is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae, containing more than 70 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. These beetles are characterized by their domed, tortoise-like body form with the elytra and prothorax forming a protective shield that can be drawn down to cover the head and appendages when disturbed. The genus exhibits extensive intraspecific color polymorphism, with some species showing remarkable variation in elytral coloration and maculation patterns. Chelymorpha species are predominantly associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, particularly morning glories (Ipomoea) and bindweeds (Convolvulus), though some species utilize other host plants. The genus has been extensively studied for its Wolbachia endosymbiont infections, color polymorphism maintenance, and larval defensive behaviors including cycloalexy.
Chelymorpha cassidea
Argus tortoise beetle, milkweed tortoise beetle
Chelymorpha cassidea is a large tortoise beetle native to North America and the Caribbean, measuring 9–12 mm in length. Adults display variable coloration from yellow to bright red with black spots, and possess a distinctive ability to extend their red head beyond the pronotum, creating an appearance likened to the mythological figure Argus. Both larvae and adults feed on foliage of Convolvulaceae plants, including morning glory and sweet potato, and are capable of defoliating entire plants. The species overwinters as pupae in soil and emerges in mid-summer.
Chilonini
Chilonini is a tribe of grass moths within the family Crambidae. Members are generally small to medium-sized moths with narrow wings and slender bodies. The tribe includes several economically significant stem-boring pest species, particularly in the genus Chilo, which attack cereal crops including maize, rice, and sugarcane. Chilonini species are distributed across tropical and temperate regions worldwide, with highest diversity in the Old World tropics.
Chinavia hilaris
Green Stink Bug, Green Soldier Bug
Chinavia hilaris, commonly known as the green stink bug, is a native North American pentatomid pest primarily affecting cotton, soybean, and pistachio crops. Adults are bright green with distinctive black bands on the antennae and a pointed spine projecting between the hind legs. The species exhibits a unique seasonal phenology, colonizing woody noncrop hosts such as black cherry and elderberry in spring before dispersing to agricultural crops in mid-to-late season. Unlike the polyphagous southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula), C. hilaris rarely completes development in peanut and shows strong fidelity to cotton. It is susceptible to the microsporidian pathogen Nosema maddoxi and is cross-attracted to pheromones of other stink bug species.
Chlorochroa ligata
conchuela bug, conchuela stink bug
Chlorochroa ligata, commonly known as the conchuela bug, is a stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae. It occurs across North America and Central America, with documented presence in the southwestern United States including New Mexico and Texas. The species is associated with mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and other woody plants, where adults have been observed mating on seedpods. It is recognized as a pest of grain sorghum and other crops, with piercing-sucking mouthparts that damage developing kernels.
Choreutis
Choreutis is a genus of metalmark moths in the family Choreutidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1825. It serves as the type genus for both the family Choreutidae and subfamily Choreutinae. Several species within this genus, particularly Choreutis nemorana (fig-tree skeletonizer) and Choreutis sexfasciella (Banyan Leaf Skeletonizer), have become notable as invasive pests of Ficus species, with documented range expansions into Central and Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region.
Choreutis pariana
apple leaf skeletonizer moth, apple-and-thorn skeletonizer
Choreutis pariana is a small moth in the family Choreutidae, native to Eurasia and introduced to North America in 1917. The species is known for its larval feeding behavior that creates distinctive skeletonized leaves on host plants. Adults have a wingspan of 11–15 mm and typically display brownish coloration with banded wing patterns. The species has experienced significant taxonomic confusion due to multiple historical generic reassignments.
Choristoneura rosaceana
oblique-banded leafroller, rosaceous leaf roller, oblique banded leaf roller
Choristoneura rosaceana is a tortricid moth native to North America that has been accidentally introduced to other parts of the world. The species is a generalist herbivore whose larvae feed on a broad range of woody and herbaceous plants, with documented hosts spanning over 30 plant genera in more than 20 families. Caterpillars construct leaf rolls for shelter and feeding, causing damage to foliage and occasionally fruit. Adults are bivoltine in most of their range, with flight periods in early and late summer.
Chrysaster ostensackenella
A small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, native to eastern North America and recently established as an invasive pest in East Asia, Europe, and Russia. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 4–5 mm. Larvae feed exclusively on Robinia species, creating distinctive blotch mines on leaves. The species has spread rapidly through human-mediated transport of host plants and is expected to expand further in regions where black locust is planted.
Chrysops calvus
Bald Deer Fly
Chrysops calvus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, commonly known as the Bald Deer Fly. It was described by Pechuman and Teskey in 1967. The species belongs to the genus Chrysops, a group of biting flies known for their painful bites and distinctive patterned eyes. Deer flies are recognized as significant biting pests of humans and livestock.
Chrysops lateralis
deer fly
Chrysops lateralis is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae. It belongs to the genus Chrysops, a group of biting flies known for their painful bites to humans and other mammals. The species was described by Wiedemann in 1828. Deer flies in this genus are recognized as significant biting pests in North America.
Chrysops niger
Black Deer Fly
Chrysops niger, commonly known as the black deer fly, is a biting fly in the family Tabanidae. Adults are active from May to September and are associated with marshy habitats. The species is distinguished by its predominantly black body with white hairs and black-barred wings. Larvae develop in damp soil and feed on organic matter.
Cimbex
Elm sawflies, Birch sawflies, Almond leaf wasps
Cimbex is a genus of large, robust sawflies in the family Cimbicidae, distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Adults are among the largest sawflies, with body lengths reaching 20-25 mm, and are frequently mistaken for bees or wasps due to their plump appearance and yellow-and-black coloration. The genus includes notable species such as C. americanus (elm sawfly), C. femoratus (birch sawfly), and C. quadrimaculatus (almond leaf wasp), some of which are significant defoliators of trees. Larvae are caterpillar-like, with seven pairs of prolegs distinguishing them from lepidopteran caterpillars, and possess chemical defense glands. The genus has a fossil record extending from the Eocene to the Miocene.
Cimex
bed bugs, bedbugs
Cimex is a genus of obligate hematophagous insects in the family Cimicidae, commonly known as bed bugs. The genus includes species specialized on different hosts, with C. lectularius (common bed bug) feeding primarily on humans and C. hemipterus (tropical bed bug) occurring in warmer regions. Other species such as C. pipistrelli, C. pilosellus, and C. adjunctus specialize on bats. Bed bugs are wingless, nocturnal parasites that have undergone global resurgence since the late 1990s, likely due to insecticide resistance, changes in pest control practices, and increased international travel.
Cinara pergandei
Globose Pine Aphid
Cinara pergandei is a large aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Globose Pine Aphid. It feeds on coniferous trees, particularly pines, and produces copious amounts of honeydew that attracts wasps and other insects. Like other Cinara species, it has piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for tapping into phloem sap. It is part of a genus containing numerous conifer-feeding aphids, many of which are significant pests in forestry and Christmas tree production.
Clastoptera
spittlebugs
Clastoptera is a genus of spittlebugs in the family Clastopteridae, containing at least 30 described species distributed across North and South America. Members are small, globose insects that produce spittle masses during their nymphal stage. The genus exhibits extreme morphological variability, with individuals varying widely in size, color, and pattern within species, complicating taxonomic classification. Nymphs are phloem-feeders that develop within protective foam masses on host plants, while adults are free-living and mobile.
Clepsis
Garden Tortrix Moth (C. peritana), Banded Ivy Tortrix (C. dumicolana)
Clepsis is a genus of tortricid moths established by Guenée in 1845. The genus includes several economically significant pest species, most notably Clepsis peritana (Garden Tortrix) and Clepsis dumicolana (Banded Ivy Tortrix). Members are characterized by leaf-rolling larval behavior, where caterpillars spin together leaves to create protective shelters. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
Clydonopteron sacculana
Trumpet Vine Moth
Clydonopteron sacculana is a small snout moth (Pyralidae) first described from the Americas in 1800. Adults are active from May to August with a wingspan of 15–25 mm. The species exhibits documented host plant flexibility, with larvae feeding on Campsis radicans seed pods and, in North Carolina populations, internally on Pyrus calleryana fruit.
Cnephasia longana
Long-winged Shade, Omnivorous Leaftier Moth, Strawberry Fruitworm
Cnephasia longana is a small tortricid moth native to western Europe and introduced to western North America. Adults show strong sexual dimorphism in wing coloration. The species is notable for its broad larval diet spanning multiple plant families and its status as a pest of cereal crops. First-instar larvae overwinter in bark crevices before resuming feeding in spring.
Coboldia fuscipes
minute black scavenger fly, oyster mushroom fly
Coboldia fuscipes is a minute scatopsid fly, 2–3 mm in length, widely distributed across the Palearctic region. The species is commonly associated with decomposing organic matter and has become a significant pest in oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivation, particularly in East Asia. Adults are small, dark-colored flies often found on compost heaps and mushroom substrates. Temperature strongly influences its life cycle, with complete development possible in under 19 days at 28°C.
Coccotorus
plum gouger
Coccotorus is a genus of true weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing approximately six described species. The genus is placed in the tribe Anthonomini within the subfamily Curculioninae. Some species are associated with gall formation on host plants. One species, C. beijingensis, has been studied for its complete mitochondrial genome and its phylogenetic relationship to the genus Anthonomus.
Coccotrypes
Coccotrypes is a genus of bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) comprising approximately 130 described species. The genus is notable for its specialized seed-boring habits, with several species developing entirely within seeds or propagules of host plants. Coccotrypes dactyliperda (date stone beetle) and C. rhizophorae are economically significant pests of date palms and mangroves respectively, having achieved cosmopolitan distributions through human-mediated dispersal of host plant material.
Coccotrypes cyperi
seed borer
A small weevil species in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the seed borer. Native to Southeast Asia, it has established cosmopolitan distribution through human-mediated dispersal, particularly via international trade in seeds and plant materials. The species is polyphagous and has been documented from approximately 50 host plant species. It is recognized as an invasive pest in multiple regions including the United States, where it was introduced in the early 1900s through imported bird seeds and avocado seeds.
Coccotrypes dactyliperda
date stone beetle, button beetle, palm seed borer
Coccotrypes dactyliperda is a small scolytine weevil (1.8–2.3 mm) that spends nearly its entire life cycle inside palm seeds, particularly those of date palms (Phoenix dactylifera). Native to Africa and the Middle East, it has achieved cosmopolitan distribution through international trade in dates and horticultural palm seeds. The species is a significant agricultural pest, causing 20–40% yield losses in unprotected date plantations by attacking green, unripe fruit and causing premature fruit drop. It employs a haplodiploid sex-determination system with extensive inbreeding, enabling rapid population growth within individual seeds that can support 70–80 beetles through multiple overlapping generations.
Cochylichroa hospes
Banded Sunflower Moth
A small tortricid moth native to North America, the banded sunflower moth is a significant pest of cultivated sunflowers. Adults are active in mid-summer and are attracted to sunflower heads at twilight for egg-laying. The species was transferred from the genus Cochylis to the redefined genus Cochylichroa in 2019 based on phylogenetic analysis.
Colaspis pini
Pine Colaspis
Colaspis pini, commonly known as the pine colaspis, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. First described by American entomologist Herbert Spencer Barber in 1937, this species is known to feed on pines in the southern United States. It has been documented as an occasional pest of Christmas trees. The species is externally almost identical to Colaspis flavocostata but can be distinguished by the shape of the male aedeagus. Two subspecies are recognized: C. p. pini and C. p. schotti.
Coleophora laticornella
pecan cigar casebearer
Coleophora laticornella, commonly known as the pecan cigar casebearer, is a case-bearing moth in the family Coleophoridae. It is native to North America and has been documented in 263 iNaturalist observations. The species is notable for its economic significance as a pest of pecan and other nut trees.
Coleotechnites thujaella
brown arborvitae leafminer, brown cedar leafminer
Coleotechnites thujaella is a small gelechiid moth commonly known as the brown arborvitae leafminer or brown cedar leafminer. It occurs in northeastern North America, where its larvae feed internally on Thuja foliage. The species is recognized by its distinctive wing pattern of black triangular costal patches and paired black dots on cream-white forewings. Adults have a wingspan of 9–10 mm and are active in a single annual generation.
Colladonus clitellarius
Saddled Leafhopper
Colladonus clitellarius, commonly known as the saddled leafhopper, is a small leafhopper species distinguished by a bright green saddle-shaped marking on its back. It occurs in eastern North America, primarily in forested environments of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The species is a documented vector of Cherry X Disease (eastern X-disease virus) in peaches and cherries, and has been recorded as prey for the wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata.
Comadia redtenbacheri
agave red worm, chinicuil, gusano rojo del maguey
Comadia redtenbacheri is a moth in the family Cossidae, commonly known as the agave red worm or chinicuil. It is a specialist phytophagous species whose larvae bore into Agave plants, particularly the rhizomes. The species has significant cultural and economic importance in Mexico as a traditional food source. Adults are small moths with forewings 12–14 mm in males and 13–16 mm in females. The species has a long, non-uniform life cycle that can exceed one year.
Condylorrhiza vestigialis
Alamo Moth, Brazilian Poplar Moth
A crambid moth native to the Americas, known as the Alamo Moth or Brazilian Poplar Moth. Larvae are specialized feeders on Populus species, making this species a significant pest of poplar and cottonwood plantations in Brazil. Adults exhibit well-documented calling behavior, with virgin females releasing sex pheromones during specific nighttime hours to attract males. The species has been extensively studied for biological control applications, particularly for baculovirus production.
Conophthorus coniperda
white pine cone beetle
Conophthorus coniperda, the white pine cone beetle, is a scolytine weevil that develops entirely within the cones of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). Adults emerge in spring to attack new cones, and larvae feed on cone tissues and seeds, often killing the cone. The species is typically univoltine, though some individuals require two years to complete development. It is a significant economic pest in white pine seed orchards due to seed destruction.
Conotrachelus crataegi
quince curculio, Hawthorn Curculio
Conotrachelus crataegi, commonly known as the quince curculio or hawthorn curculio, is a true weevil (Curculionidae) that infests hawthorn fruits (Crataegus spp.) in North America and Mexico. Adults are attracted to fruit volatiles, and females oviposit into developing fruits where larvae bore through flesh to destroy seeds. The species exhibits overlapping developmental stages with adults active primarily from April to September. It is a significant pest of commercial hawthorn (tejocote) production, causing direct damage through larval feeding and indirect losses via premature fruit abortion.
Conotrachelus nenuphar
Plum Curculio
The plum curculio is a native North American weevil and economically significant pest of stone and pome fruits. It has been documented as a fruit pest since the 18th century and remains a primary challenge for orchard production east of the Rocky Mountains. The species exhibits geographic variation in voltinism, with univoltine populations in northern regions and multivoltine populations in the south.
Conotrachelus retentus
Black Walnut Curculio
Conotrachelus retentus, commonly known as the black walnut curculio, is a true weevil (Curculionidae) native to North America. The species is tightly associated with black walnut (Juglans nigra), with larvae developing inside developing nuts and adults feeding on foliage. Adults exhibit limited dispersal behavior and have been observed to rarely leave their natal tree. The species is considered a pest of walnut production due to damage to nuts and foliage.
Conotrachelus schoofi
Pecan Shoot Curculio
Conotrachelus schoofi is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae that feeds on pecans. Adults cause premature nut drop by feeding on pecan nutlets. Larvae develop within the nuts, completing their growth inside the shuck. The species has one generation per year, with adults emerging in spring and overwintering in diapause.
Contarinia sorghicola
sorghum midge
Contarinia sorghicola, the sorghum midge, is a gall midge and one of the most damaging insect pests of grain and forage sorghum. Adults are small, fragile, orange-red flies with yellow heads, brown antennae and legs, and gray membranous wings. Females lay eggs in flowering sorghum spikelets; larvae feed on developing ovaries, preventing kernel formation and causing empty glumes. The species has a global distribution across tropical and subtropical regions where sorghum is cultivated.
Contarinia virginianiae
chokecherry midge, chokecherry gall midge
Contarinia virginianiae is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces galls on chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). The larvae feed on developing fruit, causing enlargement and hollowing of the fruit into a pear-shaped gall. The species was described by Felt in 1906 and occurs in northern North America where its host plant is native.
Coptoborus
Coptoborus is a genus of ambrosia beetles in the weevil family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae, tribe Xyleborini. These tiny beetles bore into trees and cultivate fungus as food, a behavior characteristic of ambrosia beetles. The genus contains more than 70 described species, with many new species discovered in Central and South America in recent years. Some species are economically significant pests, particularly of balsa trees in Ecuador.
Coptodisca
Coptodisca is a genus of small moths in the family Heliozelidae, established by Walsingham in 1895. Species are leafminers whose larvae feed internally on leaves of woody plants, creating distinctive blotch mines. Several species have become invasive pests in Europe, particularly C. lucifluella and C. juglandiella on walnut (Juglans) and related trees. The genus is native to the Nearctic region with approximately 20 described species.
Coptotermes
Coptotermes is a genus of subterranean termites in the family Rhinotermitidae, containing approximately 71 described species. The genus is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia and includes some of the world's most economically destructive termite pests, notably Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite) and C. gestroi (Asian subterranean termite). A 2013 consensus among 31 termite experts reduced the number of validated species from 69 to 21 based on morphological and molecular evidence, with many historical names suspected to be synonyms. Species in this genus exhibit complex social behaviors including age-based task division and unique nitrogen recycling strategies.
termitepestinvasivestructural-pestsubterraneanRhinotermitidaeHeterotermitidaeeconomic-pesturban-entomologycolonysocial-insectmoltingnitrogen-recyclingexuviaeage-polyethismFormosan-subterranean-termiteAsian-subterranean-termiteSoutheast-Asia-originwood-feedingcellulosegut-protozoalower-termiteevolutionary-transitiontunnelingforagingtrophallaxisproctodeal-trophallaxiscarton-nestAhamitermesparasitechitin-synthesis-inhibitorCSI-baitmolting-site-fidelityinvasive-speciesurban-peststructural-damagequarantineshippingrailroad-tiesmulchHawaiiFloridaLouisianaTaiwanJapanChinaPhilippinesAustraliatemperature-limitationhumidity-requirementcolony-sizeseveral-millionalatesswarmingnematode-associationvertical-transfermorphological-plasticitymolecular-identificationmitochondrial-DNACOII12S-rRNA16S-rRNAconsortium-taxonomytaxonomic-cold-casesynonymyWasmann-1896Coptotermes formosanus
Formosan subterranean termite
Coptotermes formosanus, the Formosan subterranean termite, is a highly destructive invasive termite species native to southern China and Taiwan. It has spread worldwide through human transport, particularly via shipping, and is now established in the southern United States, Hawaii, Japan, and other regions. Colonies can contain millions of individuals with foraging ranges up to 100 meters. The species exhibits complex social behaviors including age-based task division, central nest molting, and nitrogen recycling through exuviae consumption.
Corythaica venusta
Corythaica venusta is a lace bug in the family Tingidae, first described by Champion in 1898. It is one of multiple species in the genus Corythaica, which are predominantly specialist feeders on Solanaceae. The species is native to the Neotropics and has been recorded as a pest on solanaceous crops. Like other tingids, it exhibits characteristic lace-like reticulated forewings and often forms aggregations on host plants.
Corythucha confraterna
sycamore lace bug, Western Sycamore Lace Bug
Corythucha confraterna, commonly known as the sycamore lace bug, is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species is active from spring to autumn, feeding on plant sap and causing leaf stippling, wilting, and premature leaf drop. It has been observed feeding on sycamore, ash, hickory, and mulberry trees. During winter, adults shelter in protected locations near their food sources.
Corythucha cydoniae
hawthorn lace bug
Corythucha cydoniae, commonly known as the hawthorn lace bug, is a native North American lace bug species in the family Tingidae. It is a documented pest of woody rosaceous plants, with principal hosts including hawthorn (Crataegus), serviceberry (Amelanchier), firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea), and cotoneaster. The species has been recorded across much of the United States, Canada, and Central America. Research indicates temperature-dependent development with thermal thresholds around 13-15°C, and reproductive diapause induced by photoperiods shorter than 13:11 (L:D) at 24°C.