Phloem-feeder
Guides
Acanalonia
cone-headed planthoppers
Acanalonia is a genus of planthoppers in the family Acanaloniidae, containing the majority of species within that family. Species are generally small, mostly green, and feed on woody and semi-woody plants. Several species have become invasive in Europe, including A. conica, which has established populations in multiple countries.
Acanaloniidae
Acanaloniid Planthoppers, Cone-headed Planthoppers
Acanaloniidae is a family of planthoppers in the superfamily Fulgoroidea, sometimes treated as a subfamily (Acanaloniinae) within Issidae. The family comprises approximately 7 genera including Acanalonia, Batusa, Chlorochara, and Philatis. Members are characterized by their distinctive cone-headed appearance and reticulate forewing venation. Several species have been introduced to Europe, including Acanalonia conica and Acanalonia bivittata, where they represent the first Nearctic representatives of this family.
Acanthococcus
felt scales, bark scales
Acanthococcus is a genus of felt scales (family Eriococcidae), sap-feeding insects in the order Hemiptera. These small, sessile insects form white, felt-like coverings on host plant bark and are significant pests of ornamental and agricultural plants. The most economically important species is Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (crapemyrtle bark scale), an invasive pest in the United States since 2004 that infests crapemyrtles and other plants. Acanthococcus species exhibit incomplete metamorphosis, with females producing ovisacs containing hundreds of eggs. Their feeding causes branch dieback, reduced flowering, and honeydew accumulation that supports sooty mold growth.
Acanthococcus azaleae
Azalea Bark Scale
Acanthococcus azaleae, commonly known as the azalea bark scale, is a felt scale insect in the family Eriococcidae. It is native to Asia and has been introduced to North America, Europe, and other regions through global trade. The species feeds on azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) and related ericaceous plants, forming white, felt-like coverings on bark. It was initially confused with the invasive crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae), which was first identified in Texas in 2004 and later determined to be a distinct species. The azalea bark scale produces honeydew that supports sooty mold growth and can cause branch dieback in heavy infestations.
Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae
crapemyrtle bark scale, CMBS
Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae, commonly called crapemyrtle bark scale or CMBS, is an invasive felt scale insect native to East Asia. First detected in the United States near Dallas, Texas in 2004, it has since spread to at least 17 states across the Southeast and Middle Atlantic regions. This phloem-feeding pest primarily infests crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.), forming distinctive white, felt-like coverings on trunks and branches. Heavy infestations cause branch dieback, reduce flowering, and promote black sooty mold growth through honeydew excretion. The scale has also been confirmed on alternative hosts including American beautyberry, pomegranate, apple, and spirea.
Acericerus
Acericerus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Eurymelinae, tribe Idiocerini. The genus was established by Dlabola in 1974 and is recorded from parts of northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Like other idiocerine leafhoppers, members of this genus are associated with woody host plants. The genus contains multiple species, though detailed species-level taxonomy and biology remain incompletely documented.
Acizzia jamatonica
Acizzia jamatonica is a psyllid species (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) native to Asia that has established populations in Europe and North America. It is associated with Albizia species, particularly Albizia julibrissin. The species was first described by Kuwayama in 1908 from Japan and has since been detected as a non-native introduction in multiple countries.
Aconophora compressa
lantana bug, lantana treehopper, lantana stemsucking treehopper, lantana sap-sucking bug
Aconophora compressa is a treehopper (family Membracidae) native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. It was introduced to Australia in 1995 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species is brown, up to 8 mm long, with a thorn-shaped body and produces copious honeydew. It has been documented to attack non-target plants, particularly fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum) in Australia, leading to its discontinuation as a biocontrol agent after 2001. It was also rejected for use in South Africa due to unacceptable risks to indigenous Lippia species.
treehopperbiological-controlinvasive-species-managementMembracidaephloem-feedermaternal-caregregarioushoneydew-producernon-target-effectsLantana-camaraMexicoAustraliaSouth-AfricaVerbenaceaeCitharexylum-spinosumLippiaAloysia-citrodorathermal-tolerancestem-suckingsap-feedingegg-guardinginstarsnymphal-developmentweed-biocontrolhost-range-expansionecological-risk-assessmentbiosecurityWalker-1851AconophoriniMembracinaeHemipteraAuchenorrhynchaCicadomorphaMembracoideaAcutalini
Acutalini is a tribe of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, containing approximately 26 described species distributed from Canada to Brazil and Peru. Members are characterized by distinctive forewing venation including separate R, M, and Cu veins near the wing base, presence of R2+3 as a distinct branch, and R4+5 confluent with M distad of the M fork. Nymphs are cryptic, solitary, and not ant-attended, with unique morphological features including paired scoli on thoracic and abdominal segments. Adults are primarily Neotropical, with many species associated with forest canopy habitats.
Acuticauda
Acuticauda is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Hille Ris Lambers in 1956. The genus belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini and is part of the diverse aphid fauna within the order Hemiptera. As with other aphid genera, species within Acuticauda are likely phloem-feeding insects, though specific ecological details for the genus as a whole remain poorly documented in available sources.
Adelges
Adelges is a genus of conifer-feeding insects in the family Adelgidae, closely related to aphids. Members of this genus are small, sap-sucking insects that infest various fir (Abies) and hemlock (Tsuga) species. Several species are significant forest pests, notably Adelges tsugae (hemlock woolly adelgid), which has caused extensive mortality of eastern hemlock forests in North America, and Adelges piceae (balsam woolly adelgid), a pest of balsam and Fraser firs. The genus exhibits complex life cycles often involving parthenogenetic reproduction and alternating generations between winged and wingless forms.
Adelges cooleyi
Cooley spruce gall adelgid, Douglas fir adelgid, gall adelgid
Adelges cooleyi is a gall-forming adelgid native to western North America, specifically the Rocky Mountains and Cascade Mountains. It is a host-alternating species with a complex life cycle involving two primary hosts: spruce (Picea) species as primary hosts and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) as the secondary host. On spruce, the adelgid induces the formation of distinctive pineapple-shaped galls at branch terminals. On Douglas fir, it produces white, cottony wax masses containing eggs but causes less conspicuous injury. The species has two generations per year and exhibits morphological dimorphism: progredientes migrate to current-year needles while sistentes settle on older needles.
Adelges piceae
Balsam Woolly Adelgid, Balsam Woolly Aphid
Adelges piceae is a small, wingless, sap-sucking insect native to Europe that has become a destructive invasive pest of fir trees (Abies spp.) in North America. Introduced to the United States around 1900, it has killed millions of trees across the continent. The species produces distinctive white, woolly wax secretions that protect adults and eggs. It is particularly damaging to balsam fir and Fraser fir, causing gouting, reduced growth, and tree mortality.
Agrilus bilineatus
two-lined chestnut borer, twolined chestnut borer
Agrilus bilineatus is a metallic wood-boring beetle native to eastern North America that attacks oak trees (Quercus spp.) and chestnut (Castanea spp.). Unlike most Agrilus species that develop in dead twigs and branches, it is a trunk borer of living trees and represents a significant forest pest. Adults emerge from June through September with peak activity in late June to July. The species has been introduced to Turkey, where it poses an emerging threat to European oak and chestnut species.
Aleurocanthus
Aleurocanthus is a genus of whiteflies in the family Aleyrodidae, established by Quaintance & Baker in 1914. Species in this genus are significant agricultural pests, particularly of citrus and other cultivated crops. The genus includes notable species such as the orange spiny whitefly (A. spiniferus) and the citrus blackfly (A. woglumi), both of which have been subjects of extensive biological control programs due to their economic impact. The genus is characterized by distinctive spiny or ornamented puparial cases and exhibits sexual dimorphism in some species.
Aleurochiton forbesii
Maple whitefly
Aleurochiton forbesii is a whitefly species native to eastern North America that specializes on maple trees (Acer spp.) as its primary host. The species produces two broods annually, with distinctive seasonal differences in puparial appearance. Unlike its European congener Aleurochiton aceris, it rarely reaches population densities that cause significant host damage. The species has been documented as a host for the parasitoid wasp Amitus aleurodinis.
Aleurodicinae
whiteflies
Aleurodicinae is a subfamily of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae: Hemiptera) distinguished by morphological features of the pupal case, including the arrangement of setae and pore structures. The subfamily contains over 40 species in Belize alone, with substantial diversity throughout the Neotropical region. Members are phloem-feeders on vascular plants, with some species established as invasive pests in introduced ranges including the western Palaearctic, Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Canary Islands. At least one genus secretes distinctive blue-iridescent wax.
Aleurodicus
whiteflies, spiraling whiteflies, rugose spiraling whitefly (for A. rugioperculatus), giant whitefly (for A. dugesii)
Aleurodicus is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) comprising at least 30 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Several species are significant agricultural and ornamental pests, including the invasive rugose spiraling whitefly (A. rugioperculatus) and the spiraling whitefly (A. dispersus). The genus is characterized by distinctive wax-producing capabilities and puparial morphology used extensively in taxonomic identification.
Aleuroplatus gelatinosus
Aleuroplatus gelatinosus is a species of whitefly (family Aleyrodidae) described by Cockerell in 1898. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive puparial morphology. The species has been documented in California and the northwestern region of Mexico. Like other whiteflies, it is presumed to feed on plant phloem, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Aleuropleurocelus
Aleuropleurocelus is a genus of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae) in the suborder Sternorrhyncha. The genus includes species that are phytophagous pests of woody plants. One undescribed species close to A. acaudatus has been documented as a significant pest of native Mexican avocados (Persea americana) in southern Coahuila, where it is subject to substantial natural parasitism by aphelinid wasps.
Aleurothrixus floccosus
woolly whitefly
Aleurothrixus floccosus, commonly known as the woolly whitefly, is a sap-feeding insect in the family Aleyrodidae. Native to the Neotropics, it has spread globally and become a significant agricultural pest, particularly of citrus. The species is distinguished by the dense, woolly wax filaments produced by its nymphs, which cover the colonies and give the insect its common name. It reproduces year-round in suitable climates, with overlapping generations. Biological control using parasitoid wasps, especially Cales noacki, has been widely implemented as chemical control is often ineffective due to the protective waxy covering.
Aleurotrachelus
Aleurotrachelus is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) established by Quaintance & Baker in 1914. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests. Aleurotrachelus socialis is a major pest of cassava in South America, causing yield losses up to 79% through direct feeding and sooty mold promotion. Aleurotrachelus trachoides, known as the solanum or pepper whitefly, attacks Solanaceae crops including tomato, eggplant, chili, and sweet potato across tropical and subtropical regions. Aleurotrachelus atratus infests palms, particularly coconut, and has spread to islands in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Species in this genus are characterized by distinct puparial morphology used in taxonomic identification.
Allokermes
oak kermes scales
Allokermes is a genus of gall-like kermes scale insects in the family Kermesidae, native to the United States and specialized on oak trees (Quercus spp.). Females are relatively large (4–5 mm), round, and mottled brown, while males are tiny (1 mm), white, and oval. The genus includes economically significant pests that cause branch dieback, reduced growth, and occasional tree mortality. At least two species are well-documented: A. kingii in the southeastern and eastern United States, and A. galliformis in the eastern United States and Colorado.
Allygianus varius
Allygianus varius is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Beamer in 1938. It belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae and tribe Athysanini. The species is known from California. As a member of the Auchenorrhyncha, it is a phloem-feeding insect.
Alniphagus
Alniphagus is a genus of crenulate bark beetles in the family Curculionidae, comprising approximately eight described species. The genus is notable for containing hardwood-killing bark beetles, particularly Alniphagus aspericollis (the alder bark beetle), which is capable of killing live alder trees—a rarity among bark beetles, as most tree-killing species in this group specialize on conifers. Species in this genus breed in the subcortical tissues of alder trees (genus Alnus) and have been documented from western North America, Africa, and Eurasia.
Amastris
Amastris is a genus of treehoppers (family Membracidae) in the tribe Amastrini, established by Stål in 1862. Members of this genus are characterized by their distinctive pronotal expansions, a hallmark trait of treehoppers. The genus serves as the type genus for the tribe Amastrini. Species within Amastris are found primarily in the Neotropical region.
Amphorophora
Berry Aphids
Amphorophora is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by George Bowdler Buckton in 1876. The genus contains approximately 27 species, predominantly distributed in the Nearctic region with presence in Eurasia and North America. Species within this genus are significant agricultural pests of Rubus crops, particularly raspberries and blackberries. Several species, including A. idaei and A. agathonica, are major vectors of plant viruses affecting commercial berry production.
Anasa tristis
Squash Bug
Anasa tristis is a significant agricultural pest native to North America, specializing in cucurbit crops including squash, pumpkins, and zucchini. Adults are greyish-brown, flattened insects approximately 1.5 cm long with distinctive alternating brown and gold spots along the abdominal margin. The species is a phloem-feeding sap sucker that physically damages plant xylem and leaves, causing wilting, darkening, and death. It also vectors the bacterial pathogen Serratia marcescens, which causes cucurbit yellow vine disease—a condition particularly prevalent in Oklahoma and Texas but spreading to other regions. When disturbed, adults emit an unpleasant odor.
Antonina
Antonina is a genus of mealybugs (family Pseudococcidae) within the order Hemiptera. Members of this genus are scale insects that feed on plant sap. The genus is known to be parasitized by encyrtid wasps, including species in the genus Anagyrus. Antonina species are part of the diverse assemblage of mealybugs that inhabit various host plants across their geographic range.
Aonidiella
Aonidiella is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) containing approximately 30 described species. Several species, notably A. aurantii (California red scale) and A. citrina (yellow scale), are significant agricultural pests of citrus and other fruit crops. The genus exhibits a global distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions where host plants occur.
Aphalara
jumping plant lice, psyllids
Aphalara is a genus of jumping plant lice (psyllids) in the family Aphalaridae and tribe Aphalarini. The genus contains approximately 37 recognized valid species distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. Many species are specialized herbivores of Polygonaceae, particularly Polygonum and Rumex, with some groups showing strict host associations. The genus includes A. itadori, a widely studied biological control agent for invasive knotweeds (Reynoutria/Fallopia spp.) in Europe and North America. Species exhibit diverse biologies including gall induction on host plants and vibrational communication during mate search.
Aphalaroida californica
Aphalaroida californica is a species of jumping plant louse (psyllid) in the family Psyllidae, described by Tuthill in 1939. The specific epithet "californica" indicates its association with California. As a member of Sternorrhyncha, it is a phloem-feeding insect. Very little published information exists on its biology, host associations, or ecology.
Aphididae
Aphids
Aphididae is a very large family of sap-sucking insects in the order Hemiptera, containing several thousand described species. Members are soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects commonly known as aphids. The family includes the majority of plant virus vectors among insects, with approximately 200 known vector species. Many species are significant agricultural pests, causing direct damage through feeding and indirect damage through virus transmission.
Aphis
Aphis is a large genus of aphids in the family Aphididae containing at least 400–600 species. The genus includes numerous significant agricultural pests, notably the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines), cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii), and apple aphid (Aphis pomi). Many species form mutualistic associations with ants (myrmecophily), exchanging honeydew for protection. Species identification within the genus often requires examination of morphological characters such as siphunculi and cauda structure.
Aphis glycines
Soybean Aphid
Aphis glycines, the soybean aphid, is a small (1–2 mm) invasive pest native to Asia that was first detected in North America in Wisconsin in 2000. It has since become established throughout the north-central United States, where it causes significant economic damage to soybean crops. The species reproduces rapidly and can develop extremely high densities on soybean foliage, with yield losses of up to 40% documented in heavily infested fields. Research has shown that aphid infestation can also increase plant susceptibility to other pests such as soybean cyst nematode.
Aphis gossypii
cotton aphid, melon aphid, melon and cotton aphid, greenfly
Aphis gossypii is a small sap-sucking aphid and significant agricultural pest with a global distribution. It infests crops in at least three plant families, particularly Cucurbitaceae, Rutaceae, and Malvaceae, causing direct damage through feeding and indirect damage as a vector of plant viruses. The species exhibits complex life cycle strategies including both holocyclic (sexual) and anholocyclic (asexual) reproduction depending on geographic location and climate. It has developed resistance to multiple insecticide classes, complicating management efforts.
Aphis maculatae
Spotted Poplar Aphid
Aphis maculatae, commonly known as the Spotted Poplar Aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. First described by Oestlund in 1887, this small sap-sucking insect belongs to the large genus Aphis, which contains numerous agricultural and horticultural pest species. Like other aphids, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant phloem.
Aphis nasturtii
Buckthorn Aphid, Buckthorn-Potato Aphid
Aphis nasturtii is a cosmopolitan aphid species known primarily as a pest of agricultural crops, particularly potatoes, sunflowers, lettuce, and beets. It is a phloem-feeding insect that extracts plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species is of significant economic concern due to its direct feeding damage and its role as a vector for at least 15 plant viruses. Common names reflect its association with buckthorn (likely a primary or overwintering host) and potato (a major agricultural host).
Aphrophora
spittlebugs, conifer spittlebugs
Aphrophora is a genus of spittlebugs (family Aphrophoridae) comprising at least 80 described species. Nymphs produce characteristic frothy spittle masses on host plants for protection and moisture regulation. The genus includes species associated with conifers and broadleaved plants, with documented host relationships including Pinus and Salix species. Adults are often attracted to lights at night.
Appendiseta robiniae
Black Locust Aphid
Appendiseta robiniae, the black locust aphid, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Appendiseta. Native to North America, it has become established as an alien species in Europe, where it has adapted successfully to local conditions. In Poland, studies documented up to 11 generations per season on its host plant Robinia pseudoacacia, with females of the second and third generations showing highest fertility. The species exhibits rapid population growth capability due to its biological predispositions.
Arytainilla spartiophila
Broom psyllid
Arytainilla spartiophila is a psyllid (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) introduced as a biological control agent for invasive Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius). It feeds on phloem sap of its host plant and has been subject to post-establishment host specificity studies to assess safety and efficacy. The species is native to Europe and has been introduced to other regions for biocontrol purposes.
Aspidiotus
Aspidiotus is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) comprising over 100 described species. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably Aspidiotus destructor (coconut scale) and Aspidiotus nerii (oleander scale), which infest palms, fruit crops, and ornamental plants across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The genus is characterized by the hard, protective scale covering secreted by females. Species within Aspidiotus serve as hosts for specialized bacterial endosymbionts, particularly Candidatus Uzinura diaspidicola, which play roles in host nutrition and potentially influence invasive success.
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.
Aulacorthum solani
Foxglove aphid, Glasshouse-potato aphid
Aulacorthum solani is a globally distributed agricultural pest aphid with one of the broadest host ranges of any aphid species, feeding on both dicots and monocots. It is a phloem-feeding hemipteran that causes direct feeding damage including stunted growth, leaf discoloration, and deformation, and serves as a vector for plant viruses. The species exhibits temperature-dependent development and reproduction, with optimal performance between 12.5–20°C and survival possible from 5–27.5°C. Both winged and wingless morphs occur, with parthenogenesis used for colony maintenance in laboratory settings.
Bactericera
psyllid bugs, jumping plant lice
Bactericera is a genus of psyllid bugs (family Triozidae) established by Auguste Puton in 1876. The genus is predominantly distributed in the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, with 24 recognized species in North America north of Mexico. Members are small phloem-feeding insects commonly known as "jumping plant lice." The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, most notably Bactericera cockerelli (potato/tomato psyllid), which transmits the bacterial pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' causing zebra chip disease in potatoes.
Bactericera antennata
Rudbeckia Triozid
Bactericera antennata is a psyllid species in the family Triozidae, commonly known as the Rudbeckia Triozid. It is a small, plant-feeding insect in the order Hemiptera, related to aphids and whiteflies. The species is distributed across much of North America with records from numerous U.S. states and Canadian provinces. As with most psyllids, it feeds by penetrating plant phloem and sucking sap.
Bactericera arbolensis
Bactericera arbolensis is a small psyllid species first described from Arboles, Colorado in 1910. It is associated with Shepherdia species (buffaloberry), particularly Silver Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) and Canadian Buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis). The species is poorly known, with few literature records from Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. A 2014 observation from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado suggested potential wing morphology variation or possible undescribed related species, highlighting the need for further study.
Bactericera athenae
Bactericera athenae is a species of psyllid in the family Triozidae, first described by Crawford in 1914. Like other members of the genus Bactericera, it is a small phloem-feeding insect commonly known as a "jumping plant louse." The genus Bactericera contains approximately 24 described species in North America north of Mexico, many of which are poorly known and associated with specific host plants.
Bactericera cockerelli
potato psyllid, tomato psyllid, tomato/potato psyllid
Bactericera cockerelli, commonly known as the potato psyllid or tomato psyllid, is a phloem-feeding insect native to southern North America. It is a major agricultural pest of solanaceous crops, particularly potatoes and tomatoes, causing direct feeding damage and transmitting the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, which causes zebra chip disease in potatoes and psyllid yellows in other hosts. The species has expanded its range northward and has been introduced to New Zealand, where it causes significant economic damage to protected and outdoor crops.
Bactericera dorsalis
Bactericera dorsalis is a species of psyllid, commonly known as a jumping plant louse, in the family Triozidae. First described by Crawford in 1914 as Kuwayama dorsalis, this small phloem-feeding insect belongs to a genus containing approximately 24 species in North America north of Mexico. Like other psyllids, it feeds by penetrating plant phloem and sucking sap. The species is poorly known compared to economically important relatives such as the potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli).