Pest
Guides
Corythucha gossypii
cotton lace bug, bean lace bug
Corythucha gossypii is a lace bug in the family Tingidae, commonly known as the cotton lace bug or bean lace bug. It is a recognized pest of cotton and castor bean (Ricinus communis), with documented feeding damage causing chlorosis and premature leaf drop. Laboratory studies indicate temperature-dependent development, with optimal development occurring at 25-28°C and oviposition inhibited at 20°C. The species has been reported from multiple host plants including cotton and at least 23 other plant species.
Corythucha marmorata
Chrysanthemum Lace Bug
Corythucha marmorata is a small lace bug (Hemiptera: Tingidae) native to North and Central America that has become invasive in East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. Adults measure 2.77–3.28 mm and display a brown-white marbled coloration with the reticulated wings characteristic of the family. The species is a phytophagous pest specializing on Asteraceae, with documented hosts including Helianthus tuberosus, Solidago canadensis, and numerous weedy asters. It overwinters as adults, showing chill-susceptible cold hardiness with female adults demonstrating greater supercooling capacity than males.
Corythucha morrilli
Morrill Lace Bug
Corythucha morrilli, commonly known as the Morrill lace bug, is a species of true bug in the family Tingidae. It has a remarkably broad distribution spanning Australia, the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and Oceania, suggesting either high dispersal capability or human-mediated spread. Like other lace bugs, it is a sap-feeding insect that uses its piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant cell contents.
Cosmopolites sordidus
banana root borer, banana borer, banana weevil
Cosmopolites sordidus is a serious pest of banana cultivation with cosmopolitan distribution throughout banana-growing regions worldwide. Adults are approximately 11 mm long with glossy greyish-black to dark brown coloration. The species is considered the most damaging insect pest of bananas, with larvae burrowing into stems and corms causing plant weakening, lodging, and yield reduction. The complete life cycle takes 30–40 days.
Cossinae
carpenter moths, goat moths
Cossinae is the nominate subfamily of Cossidae, comprising carpenter or goat moths. Larvae of several species are significant wood-boring pests, including the carpenterworm (Prionoxystus robiniae) and goat moth (Cossus cossus). In Chile, caterpillars of Chilecomadia moorei are commercially harvested as fishing bait and terrarium pet food under the trade name 'butterworms'. The subfamily has undergone recent taxonomic revision, with Cossulinae separated from Cossinae, though this was not universally accepted initially.
Cossula magnifica
pecan carpenterworm moth
Cossula magnifica, commonly known as the pecan carpenterworm moth, is a species of carpenter moth in the family Cossidae. The species is found in the southeastern United States, where its larvae develop as borers in hardwood trees. Adults are active in spring and early summer. The species is of some economic concern due to larval damage to pecan and other Carya species.
Crambus
sod webworm moth, crambid snout moth
Crambus is a genus of approximately 155 species of crambid moths distributed globally. Adults are small snout moths with elongated labial palps, while larvae are known as sod webworms—significant pests of turfgrass and pasture grasses. The genus exhibits considerable variation in life history strategies, with some species bivoltine and others univoltine. Larval feeding damage is most pronounced during drought conditions and in closely mown turf.
Craponius
minute seed weevils
Craponius is a genus of minute seed weevils in the beetle family Curculionidae, established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. The genus contains at least three described species, including Craponius inaequalis, commonly known as the grape curculio, which is a recognized agricultural pest. Members of this genus are small weevils associated with seeds of various plants.
Crioceris asparagi
Common Asparagus Beetle
Crioceris asparagi, the common asparagus beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Native to Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Siberia, it has been introduced to North America where it is a significant pest of cultivated asparagus. Both adults and larvae feed externally on leaves and stems of Asparagus species. The beetle is notable for its distinctive appearance: metallic blue-black with cream or yellow spots on red-bordered elytra, and for its specialized egg attachment mechanism that allows eggs to adhere to the anti-adhesive crystalline waxy surface of host plants.
Crocidosema aporema
bean shoot moth
Crocidosema aporema is a Neotropical tortricid moth and significant agricultural pest of legumes, particularly soybean, in the southern cone of South America. The species originated in Central America and has spread throughout South America, where it causes economic damage by larval feeding on vegetative plant parts, flowers, and developing seeds. Adults are nocturnal, with females exhibiting characteristic calling behavior during the scotophase to attract mates. The species is monoandrous and has been subject to increasing study due to its pest status and the need for integrated pest management strategies.
Crypticerya
fluted scales, channeled mealybugs
Crypticerya is a genus of giant scale insects in the family Monophlebidae, comprising 28 described species as of 2024. All species are native to the Americas. The genus was established by Cockerell in 1895 as a subgenus of Icerya, elevated to genus rank in 1899, synonymized in 1926, and revived in 2008. Species in this genus are commonly known as "fluted scales" or "channeled mealybugs" due to the longitudinal grooves or channels present on the ovisacs of species that produce them. Many species are significant agricultural and urban pests.
Crypticerya genistae
Genista Giant Scale Insect, fluted scale, channeled mealybug
Crypticerya genistae is a giant scale insect in the tribe Iceryini, native to South America and accidentally introduced to Florida by 2005, the Cayman Islands by 2006, Ecuador, and Peru. Adult females produce a distinctive large white fluted ovisac measuring 17–19 mm. The species has been recorded on at least eleven host plant species, primarily in the family Fabaceae, and appears to prefer herbaceous plants and shrubs over trees. It is considered an invasive pest in urban green areas and poses potential phytosanitary risks to agricultural crops including Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea).
Cryptorhynchus
hidden snout weevils
Cryptorhynchus is a genus of hidden snout weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing at least 480 described species. The genus name derives from Greek roots meaning 'hidden' and 'snout,' referring to the concealed rostrum characteristic of these beetles. The genus includes economically significant species such as Cryptorhynchus lapathi, the poplar-and-willow borer, which is a major pest of Salix and Populus species in North America and elsewhere.
Cryptorhynchus lapathi
Poplar-and-Willow Borer, Poplar and Willow Borer, Willow Borer, Osier Weevil, Willow Weevil
Cryptorhynchus lapathi is a Eurasian-origin weevil (Curculionidae) introduced to North America, now established as a significant pest of willow (Salix) and poplar (Populus) species. Larvae bore into stems, creating infection courts for pathogens and causing structural weakening that leads to stem breakage. The species has expanded its range considerably in British Columbia since its first detection in 1923, with prevalence linked to thermal regimes—areas with more months above 10°C show higher attack rates. Climate modeling predicts continued northward range expansion and increased suitable habitat area through 2100.
Ctenolepisma longicaudatum
gray silverfish, long-tailed silverfish, paper silverfish
Ctenolepisma longicaudatum is a synanthropic silverfish species first described from South Africa in 1905, now distributed worldwide in human dwellings. It has become a significant indoor pest in Europe since the early 2000s, particularly in newly constructed buildings with stable climates. The species damages cellulose-based materials including books, documents, and textiles, and can survive extended periods without food.
Curculio sayi
small chestnut weevil, lesser chestnut weevil
Curculio sayi is a true weevil (family Curculionidae) known as the small or lesser chestnut weevil. It is a highly host-specific pest of chestnuts in the genus Castanea, feeding and ovipositing exclusively on chestnut and chinquapin species. The species was historically a major pest of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) before the chestnut blight, with infestation rates of 50-75% considered normal. It has resurged as a significant pest with the restoration of blight-resistant chestnut plantings. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism in body size and rostrum length, with females being larger and possessing longer snouts adapted for penetrating chestnut burrs.
Cyclocephala borealis
Northern Masked Chafer
Cyclocephala borealis is a scarab beetle native to North America and a significant pest of turfgrass and cereal crops. Adults are small, dull yellow-brown beetles with darker facial markings and hairy wing covers. The species has a one-year life cycle with adults emerging in mid-June. Unlike many scarab beetles, adults do not feed; all damage is caused by root-feeding larvae (white grubs). The species is recognized as edible to humans.
Cydalima perspectalis
box tree moth, box tree caterpillar
Cydalima perspectalis, commonly known as the box tree moth, is a highly invasive pest moth native to East Asia. First described in 1859, it has spread rapidly across Europe since 2006 and was detected in North America in 2018. The species is a specialist herbivore of boxwood (Buxus spp.), with larvae capable of causing severe defoliation and plant mortality. Multiple generations per year and efficient dispersal via horticultural trade have facilitated its global expansion.
Cydia caryana
Hickory Shuckworm Moth
Cydia caryana, the hickory shuckworm moth, is a tortricid moth native to North America and a significant pest of pecan and hickory crops. Larvae tunnel within the shucks of developing nuts, disrupting nutrient and water flow to kernels. The species completes multiple generations annually and overwinters as mature larvae in old shucks. It is subject to biological control by parasitoid wasps, particularly Calliephialtes grapholithae.
Cydia latiferreana
Filbertworm Moth
Cydia latiferreana, the filbertworm moth, is a small tortricid moth (wingspan approximately 18 mm) found across most of North America. Adults are active from July to October, with timing varying by location. The species is a significant agricultural pest, particularly of hazelnut orchards in the Pacific Northwest, and also infests acorns of multiple oak species. Larvae develop inside nuts, reducing germination success and crop viability.
Cydia nigricana
Pea Moth
Cydia nigricana, commonly known as the pea moth, is a small tortricid moth native to Europe and introduced to North America. The species is a significant agricultural pest whose larvae develop inside pea pods, feeding on developing seeds. Adults emerge from overwintering cocoons in early summer and are monitored using pheromone traps for integrated pest management. The species exhibits strong male response to synthetic sex pheromone, with peak flight activity occurring in late afternoon and evening hours.
Cydia pomonella
Codling Moth
Cydia pomonella is a tortricid moth and major global pest of apple and pear orchards. The caterpillar, commonly known as the 'worm in the apple,' bores into fruit and prevents normal development, causing premature ripening and crop loss. Adults are attracted to pheromone traps with limited plume reach, requiring multiple traps for reliable monitoring. The species has been detected via environmental DNA in yard waste shipments, highlighting its potential for human-mediated dispersal.
Cyladini
Cyladini is a tribe of weevils in the family Brentidae, subfamily Apioninae. The tribe includes economically significant pests of sweet potato, particularly the sweetpotato weevil (Cylas formicarius), which causes substantial damage to storage roots in tropical and subtropical production regions. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with Convolvulaceae host plants and their status as specialized root-feeding pests.
pestagriculturesweet-potatoConvolvulaceaeintegrated-pest-managementCylas-formicariustropical-agriculturesubtropical-agricultureroot-feeding-weevilstorage-root-damageeconomic-pestbiological-controlcrop-protectionsoutheastern-United-Statesglobal-food-securitylow-input-farmingdrought-tolerant-cropnematode-interactionsBeauveria-bassianaentomopathogenic-nematodesresistant-varietiescrop-rotationcover-cropsIPMBrentidaeApioninaeColeopteraInsectaHexapodaArthropodaAnimaliaClaire-SchloemerAuburn-UniversityUniversity-of-Wisconsin-MadisonJournal-of-Integrated-Pest-ManagementScott-GrahamKathy-LawrenceCovingtonBonitaBeauregardOrleansguava-root-knot-nematoderoot-knot-nematodewirewormcucumber-beetleflea-beetlePurpureocillium-lilacinumbiopesticidegreen-bridge-effectmustardglucosinolatepeanutbahiagrasssandy-soildrought-adaptationbiofuelanimal-feednutritional-valuefood-securitysustainable-agricultureenvironmental-impactmicrobial-controlfungal-pathogenentomopathogenic-fungusbiological-nematicidenematode-egg-parasitismpest-managementagricultural-entomologycrop-lossyield-reductionroot-qualitymarketabilityintegrated-managementcultural-controlselective-chemical-useproductivitynatural-processesversatilityglobal-cultivationtropical-regionssubtropical-regionssoutheastern-U.S.domestic-productionrevenueacreageharvestfarminggrowerbreedingresearchcultivar-developmentevolving-threatspest-pressuresoil-healthfield-preparationwinter-habitatinsect-habitatparasitisminfestationdamagelosschallengedefensearsenalbattlewarresilienceadaptationinnovationstrategysustainabilitylivelihoodnourishmentfood-productionagricultural-researchentomologyplant-protectioncrop-sciencehorticultureroot-croptuberstorage-organfeeding-injurygallingcracked-rootsstunted-growthwater-uptakenutrient-uptakepathogen-interactionexacerbated-damagevariety-selectionhardy-varietyrobust-performancehigh-yieldnematode-resistancepest-resistancevulnerabilityspreading-pestpopulation-reductionsoil-improvementspring-plantingtoxic-compoundnatural-propertymicrobial-productformulationapplicationevaluationmaximizationpotentialurgencygrowing-threatcomprehensive-strategybalanceenablementessential-cropsecuritydefiancedifficult-conditionsmenacing-pestsformidable-threatsproduction-continuationface-to-facethreatdiseaseresilient-cropgrowing-conditionsmenacestorysurfacebeneathrelentlessadversaryfavorconditionpowerfulfoetinyparasiteattackformationdiminishabilityresultunattractiveworsematterinteractionsignificantdevastatingruininflictfurthercompromisegrapplethankfullyfarmerbeginselecthardywithstandtraditionalgaintractionvulnerablehighlightneedcontinuebreedeffortdevelopcapableopposeevolveaftersturdyculturalmanagementrotationcovercroppinglinetakeyearoffgrowrotatenon-hostproveeffectivereducepopulationbreathelifeimprovehealthsuppressprepareexamplecontaincompoundcallbreakdownreleasesubstancewaryproviderepresentmethodharnesshelpwinsporefungusinfectkilltypetapdifferentmicroscopicanimalparasitizeplususecombatattentioneggaidfightminimizeimpactdespiteadvancequestionremainrequiremaximizeparticularlyurgentposekeyenhanceapproachintegratepracticecontrolselectivechemicalenablenaturalprocessnutritionalvalueessentialcropglobalfoodregionsupportmillionaddresspressureinnovativesustainableensurelivemanyformidableproductionalthoughcomefaceresilientabledefydifficultreadmorejournalintegratedClaireSchloemerPh.D.studentconductearnmasterdegreeemailsharelinkfriendopennewwindowprintFacebookLinkedInBlueskyMastodonXRedditThreadsrelateddiscoverfromtodaysubscribegetlatestpostsendyourCylasformicariussweetpotatosweetpotatoweevilphotocourtesyshowherecucumberbeetleroot-knotnematodeharmU.S.guidedetailvarietyoptionbeloveddelicioustastebenefitbrightcolorrankseventhmostimportantworldtropicalsubtropicalareaaroundservefeedsourcegoodpicklow-inputstylewelladaptedsandysoildroughtUnitedStates2022over130,000acregeneratenearly600southeasternleaddomesticAuburnUniversityweatherarticlepublishMarchcolleagueScottGrahamKathyLawrencevariousamongplant-parasiticspecificallyrootsystemcausegallplantwaternutrientstuntedgrowthyieldcrackmakeinteractpathogenexacerbateinsectknowstorage7annualsouthernfleaqualityleaveeconomicownresistancebettermeanwhilenewerhighrobustperformancehoweverresistguavaspeciesspreadnextseasonwinterfieldspringtoxicgreenbridgeeffecthabitatfeedersymptominfectionbiologicalpropertymicrobeBeauveriabassianaagentformulateenvironmentallyfriendlyproducteasyapplysimilarlybeneficialentomopathogenicnematicidePurpureocilliumlilacinumsolutionenvironmentalresistantnematode-resistantcultivarcomprehensivecultivationWisconsin-MadisoncschloemerwisceduCylas formicarius
Sweet Potato Weevil
Cylas formicarius is a globally significant pest of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), causing 30-100% yield losses in over 80 countries. The species exhibits a highly cryptic lifestyle: larvae feed internally within vines and tubers, making chemical control ineffective once infestation occurs. Adults are nocturnal and migratory, with sexual dimorphism in antennae structure. The weevil has been designated a quarantine pest worldwide due to its economic impact on food security and agricultural trade.
Cylindrocopturus eatoni
pine reproduction weevil
A weevil species in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the pine reproduction weevil. Adults are black with dense grayish scales and are capable fliers, though they frequently hop when disturbed. The species is a documented pest of young ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Jeffrey pine (P. jeffreyi), attacking reproductive structures and bark. It has been observed in Oregon and is associated with coniferous forest habitats.
Cyrtacanthacridinae
Bird Grasshoppers, bird locusts, criquets voyageurs, Knarrschrecken
Cyrtacanthacridinae is a subfamily of short-horned grasshoppers (Acrididae) commonly known as bird grasshoppers or bird locusts. The subfamily includes some of the world's most economically important locust species, including the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) and the red locust (Nomadacris septemfasciata), which undergo density-dependent phase polyphenism. Members are characterized by a prominent peg or tubercle between the forelegs. The subfamily has a worldwide distribution concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions.
Dacne picta
Dacne picta is a small beetle in the family Erotylidae (pleasing fungus beetles). It has been documented as a major pest of cultivated shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes), with laboratory studies demonstrating chemotactic behavioral responses to host odors from all growing stages of the mushroom. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, Oceania, and Southern Asia.
Datana major
azalea caterpillar, major datana
Datana major is a moth in the family Notodontidae, commonly known as the azalea caterpillar or major datana. The species ranges across the eastern and central United States, from Maryland south to Florida and west to Kansas and Arkansas. Adults are active from June to August, with one generation per year in most of the range and a partial second generation in southern areas. The larvae are notable pests of azaleas and related ornamental plants.
Deporaus
leaf and bud weevils, leaf-rolling weevils
Deporaus is a genus of leaf and bud weevils in the family Attelabidae, containing over 200 described species. Species in this genus exhibit characteristic leaf-rolling behavior, where females cut and roll leaf blades to create protective structures for egg laying and larval development. The genus shows considerable host plant diversity, with species associated with temperate deciduous trees (birch, hornbeam, hazel) and tropical/subtropical fruit trees (mango, cashew). Larvae typically develop within leaf rolls or excavated leaf cavities, then pupate in soil.
Dermestes frischii
Fringed Larder Beetle
Dermestes frischii is a hide beetle in the family Dermestidae, 6–9.5 mm long, black to dark brown with yellowish-white hairs on the pronotum sides. It is a significant pest of stored animal products including dried meat, fish, cheese, fur, and leather, and also damages wood, cork, and plaster when seeking pupation sites. The species is widely used in forensic entomology to estimate post-mortem intervals, particularly for corpses in hot, dry conditions where it colonizes remains during advanced decay stages. Males are distinguished from females by a tuft of black-brown hairs on the fourth abdominal sternite.
Desmia funeralis
grape leaffolder, grape leaf-folder
Desmia funeralis, commonly known as the grape leaffolder, is a moth in the family Crambidae. It is a minor pest of grape vineyards across the United States, with larvae that feed on grape leaves, causing characteristic leaf folding or rolling damage. The species is widely distributed from the southern United States through California, extending north to the northeastern states and southeastern Canada. Severe outbreaks have occurred in localized areas, particularly when natural parasitoid populations fail to control moth numbers.
Diaphania
Diaphania is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, containing approximately 30-40 species distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, with some species extending into temperate North America. Several species are significant agricultural pests of cucurbit crops, including the melonworm (D. hyalinata), pickleworm (D. nitidalis), and cucumber moth (D. indica). These species are characterized by distinctive translucent wing patches and rapid larval development on cucurbitaceous hosts.
Diaphania indica
cucumber moth, cotton caterpillar, leaf roller
Diaphania indica is a widespread moth species occurring primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, native to southern Asia. It is a significant agricultural pest of cucurbitaceous crops, with larvae feeding on leaves, stems, and fruits of host plants. The species has been documented on multiple continents and is subject to biological control efforts using parasitoid wasps. Laboratory studies have established detailed demographic parameters and life cycle duration.
Diapheromeridae
Common Walking Stick Insects
Diapheromeridae is a family of stick insects within the order Phasmatodea. As of 2025, its exact position within Euphasmatodea remains unresolved (incertae sedis), not assigned to any known superfamily. The family contains two subfamilies: Diapheromerinae and Palophinae. Some species are notably large, with Paraphanocles keratosqueleton exceeding 30 cm in length. Members of this family are phytophagous and exhibit cryptic stick-like morphology typical of the order.
Diaspidiotus liquidambaris
Sweetgum Scale
Diaspidiotus liquidambaris is a scale insect in the family Diaspididae, commonly known as the Sweetgum Scale. It is a specialized feeder on sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) and related species. As a member of the armored scales, it produces a protective waxy covering over its body. The species was first described by Kotinsky in 1903 under the basionym Chemnaspidiotus liquidambaris. It occurs in the United States, where it can be a minor pest of ornamental and forest trees.
Diatraea crambidoides
southern cornstalk borer moth, southern corn stalk borer
Diatraea crambidoides is a moth in the family Crambidae whose larvae are significant agricultural pests of corn, sorghum, and sugarcane. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1880 and occurs in eastern North America from Alabama and northern Florida to Ohio and Maryland. Adults are straw-colored to dull white with wingspans of 15–40 mm. The species has two generations per year, with larvae boring into stalks and damaging internodes, reducing crop yield. It has been evaluated as a target for biological control using the parasitoid wasp Aprostocetus esurus.
Diceroprocta
Scrub Cicadas
Diceroprocta is a genus of scrub cicadas in the family Cicadidae, comprising at least 60 described species. The genus originated in Mexico, where it exhibits the highest genetic diversity. Many species were historically misassigned to the related genus Tibicen. Diceroprocta species are distributed across the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America, with 21 species occurring in the United States and Canada. They are commonly associated with mesquite, willow, and other woody vegetation in arid and semi-arid regions.
Diclidophlebia
Diclidophlebia is a pantropical genus of psyllids (jumping plant-lice) established by Crawford in 1920. The genus contains approximately 25 described species distributed across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Multiple species are documented crop and forestry pests, with known associations to hosts in Melastomataceae, Sterculiaceae, Irvingiaceae, and other plant families. Some species have been investigated as potential biological control agents for invasive plants.
Dinapate
giant palm borer
Dinapate is a genus of beetles in the family Bostrichidae, native to North America. The genus includes Dinapate wrightii, known as the giant palm borer, which has been documented as a pest of native desert palms in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Records indicate association with palm oases in arid regions.
Dinapate wrightii
Giant Palm Borer
Dinapate wrightii, the Giant Palm Borer, is the largest species in the beetle family Bostrichidae, reaching approximately 5 cm in length. Adults are non-feeding and live about two weeks. The species is native to extreme southern California and Baja California Sur, Mexico, with most records from the Coachella Valley. It is a pest of fan palms, particularly Washingtonia species.
Dinoderinae
Dinoderinae is a subfamily of wood-boring beetles within the family Bostrichidae, established by C. G. Thomson in 1863. The subfamily contains five to seven genera of beetles that live in wood, with some species recognized as pests of stored wood-based products and other stored goods. Members are characterized by their association with woody substrates and their economic significance in certain contexts.
Dinoderus minutus
bamboo borer, bamboo powderpost beetle
Dinoderus minutus is a small wood-boring beetle in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as the bamboo borer or bamboo powderpost beetle. Native to Asia, it has become a globally distributed pest of bamboo products through international trade. The species is attracted to the internal starch content of bamboo and is considered one of the most damaging pests of the bamboo industry, capable of causing significant economic losses in storage and finished products. It has established populations across multiple continents including Europe, Africa, North America, South America, and Oceania.
Dioryctria zimmermani
Zimmerman pine moth
Dioryctria zimmermani, the Zimmerman pine moth, is a conifer-feeding moth in the family Pyralidae. It is a significant pest of pine trees in the midwestern and northeastern United States and southern Canada. The species has one generation per year, with adults emerging in late August and eggs hatching through mid-September. Larvae bore into pine bark and cones, causing damage to host trees.
Dissosteira
Dissosteira is a genus of bandwinged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing four recognized species distributed across North America. Members are medium to large in size, typically 1 to 1.5 inches in length, with slender bodies and distinctive wing patterns. The genus is characterized by a high median pronotal crest deeply cut by one sulcus. The most widely known species is Dissosteira carolina, the Carolina Grasshopper, noted for its black hindwings with yellow margins and its habit of flying over bare ground.
Dissosteira longipennis
High Plains Locust, High Plains Grasshopper
Dissosteira longipennis is a large band-winged grasshopper native to the shortgrass prairie of western North America. During the 1930s, it formed massive swarms causing extensive crop and rangeland damage, but has not swarmed since and is now considered very rare. It is one of two North American locust species, the other being the extinct Rocky Mountain locust (Melanoplus spretus). The species persists in small, localized populations in favorable habitats.
Drepanaphis acerifoliae
painted maple aphid
Drepanaphis acerifoliae, commonly known as the painted maple aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is one of 16 species in the genus Drepanaphis, all native to North America. This species has the broadest geographic range among its congeners and is the only member of the genus known to have been introduced to Europe, where it has established populations in the Mediterranean region and beyond. Climate modeling suggests potential for further northward expansion in both North America and Europe over the coming decades.
Drepanosiphum
sycamore aphids, maple aphids
A genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, primarily associated with maple trees (Acer). Species include economically significant pests such as the sycamore aphid (D. platanoidis), which has been extensively studied for its complex life cycle involving wing dimorphism, seasonal polyphenism, and host-dependent reproductive strategies. The genus exhibits sophisticated flight behavior correlated with body size and wing loading, and serves as a model system for studying aphid population dynamics and predator-prey interactions.
Drosophila
small fruit flies, pomace flies, vinegar flies, wine flies
Drosophila is a genus of small flies in the family Drosophilidae containing over 1,500 described species. The genus exhibits exceptional diversity in appearance, behavior, and breeding habitat, with species ranging from 2–4 mm to larger than a house fly. Drosophila melanogaster is one of the most extensively studied model organisms in genetics and developmental biology. The genus is distinguished from true fruit flies (Tephritidae) by morphology and ecology. Hawaiian Drosophila represent a major adaptive radiation with over 800 species.
Dysaphis
Dysaphis is a genus of aphids comprising over 100 species distributed across Europe, North America, and Australia. Species within this genus are primarily associated with dicotyledonous host plants, though some have been recorded on monocots. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly Dysaphis plantaginea (rosy apple aphid), which infests apple orchards. Like other aphids, Dysaphis species maintain an obligate nutritional symbiosis with the bacterium Buchnera, which enables them to subsist on phloem sap by synthesizing essential amino acids.
Eburia quadrigeminata
Ivory-marked Beetle, Ivory-marked Borer
Eburia quadrigeminata is a North American longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Adults range from 12–25 mm in length and are attracted to ethanol-based baits, often captured in bait traps in substantial numbers. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from the eastern United States westward to Oklahoma. Larvae develop in sound, non-decaying hardwood, including timber.