Polyphagous
Guides
Acanalonia conica
Green Cone-headed Planthopper
Acanalonia conica is a planthopper species native to North America that has established invasive populations across Europe since its first detection in Italy in 2003. Adults are bright green with a distinctive conical head and red eyes, while nymphs are brown with white waxy filaments. The species is univoltine, highly polyphagous, and produces abundant honeydew. In Europe, it has been observed forming denser populations than in its native range and is considered a potential agricultural pest.
Acanthoscelides obtectus
Bean Weevil, Bean Bruchid, Dry Bean Weevil
Acanthoscelides obtectus is a small bruchid beetle and major pest of stored legume seeds, particularly common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Native to mountainous regions of northern South America, it has spread globally through grain shipments and now occurs on every continent except Antarctica. The species is notable for its ability to infest seeds both in the field and in storage, with larvae developing entirely within seeds while adults feed on pollen. Its economic impact stems from reduced seed quality, germination failure, and contamination of legume products.
Acharia extensa
Acharia extensa is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae. It occurs in Mexico and the southern United States, with records from southern Florida. The larvae feed on a documented range of host plants including Inga species, oaks (Quercus), Byrsonima crassifolia, and coffee (Coffea arabica). Like other members of the genus Acharia, the larvae likely possess stinging spines characteristic of the family.
Acleris celiana
Celiana's Acleris
Acleris celiana, commonly known as Celiana's Acleris, is a small tortricid moth native to North America. Adults are active across a broad seasonal range from March through November. The species exhibits polyphagous larval feeding on woody plants in three genera: Prunus, Betula, and Salix.
Acleris minuta
Yellow-headed Fireworm, Lesser Apple Leaf-folder
Acleris minuta is a small tortricid moth native to eastern North America, commonly known as the yellow-headed fireworm or lesser apple leaf-folder. The species is recognized by its forewing length of 6.5–9.5 mm and its multivoltine life cycle with up to three generations annually. Adults are active primarily from June through August, with some individuals recorded in October. The larvae are polyphagous leaf-feeders on a range of woody and ericaceous plants, including economically significant hosts such as apple, pear, and cranberry.
Acleris nigrolinea
Black-lined Acleris
Acleris nigrolinea is a tortricid moth native to North America, commonly known as the Black-lined Acleris. The species exhibits broad geographic distribution across Canada and the United States. Adults are active nearly year-round in suitable climates. Larvae feed on a diverse range of woody plants including birch, cherry, poplar, fir, pine, and willow.
Acronicta fragilis
Fragile Dagger, fragile dagger moth
Acronicta fragilis, commonly known as the fragile dagger moth, is a small noctuid moth native to North America. First described by Guenée in 1852, it ranges from Newfoundland south to Florida and west across Canada. The species is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut. Adults are active in early summer, with larvae feeding on several deciduous tree species.
Aethes smeathmanniana
Smeathmann's Aethes Moth
A small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 12–19 mm. Adults are active from May to August. The species has a trans-Atlantic distribution, occurring across Europe, Asia Minor, and eastern North America. Larvae develop within seeds of various plants, particularly composites.
Agnorisma badinodis
Pale-banded Dart, Spotted-sided Cutworm
Agnorisma badinodis is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 36 mm. It occurs in southern Canada and the eastern United States, with one generation annually. Larvae feed on a broad range of herbaceous plants and crops.
Agrotis gladiaria
Swordsman Dart, Claybacked Cutworm
Agrotis gladiaria is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Swordsman Dart or Claybacked Cutworm. The species is distributed across eastern North America, from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States. Adults are active in autumn, with larvae feeding on a broad range of agricultural and wild plants. The larval stage functions as a cutworm, severing plant stems at or near the soil surface.
Agrotis malefida
Rascal Dart, Palesided Cutworm
Agrotis malefida, commonly known as the rascal dart or palesided cutworm, is a noctuid moth species distributed across the southern United States and throughout the Neotropics from Mexico to Argentina and Chile. The species exhibits notable seasonal variation in adult emergence, appearing in late January in northern portions of its range while flying year-round in southern regions. Larvae are significant agricultural pests, feeding on a broad range of broad-leaved herbaceous plants and causing damage to major crops including corn, cotton, and various vegetables.
Agrotis venerabilis
dusky cutworm, Venerable Dart
Agrotis venerabilis, commonly known as the dusky cutworm or Venerable Dart, is a noctuid moth species first described by Francis Walker in 1857. The species has a broad transcontinental distribution across North America, ranging from central Canada to Mexico. Adults are active from August to September in temperate regions, with an extended season in the Neotropics beginning as early as March. The larvae are agricultural pests known as cutworms that feed on a variety of cultivated crops and weeds.
Agrotis vetusta
Old Man Dart, Spotted-legged Cutworm, Muted Dart (for subspecies A. v. mutata)
Agrotis vetusta is a medium-sized noctuid moth commonly known as the Old Man Dart or Spotted-legged Cutworm. Adults have a wingspan of 35–42 mm and are active from August to September. The species is notable for its broad North American distribution spanning from southern Alaska to Nova Scotia and southward into Mexico. Larvae are polyphagous cutworms that feed on forbs, vegetables, and row crops, occasionally causing agricultural damage. Three subspecies are recognized, with A. v. mutata restricted to western populations.
Agrotis volubilis
Voluble Dart, Voluble Dart Moth
Agrotis volubilis, the voluble dart moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Leon F. Harvey in 1874. It has a broad distribution across North America, ranging from Newfoundland to British Columbia in Canada and from Maine to Florida west to the Pacific Coast in the United States. The species is univoltine, with adults active from May to July. Larvae are generalist feeders on a variety of herbaceous plants including agricultural crops.
Aleurodicus dugesii
giant whitefly, spiralling whitefly
Aleurodicus dugesii, commonly known as the giant whitefly, is a polyphagous pest of horticultural crops native to the Americas and invasive in Asia. It produces distinctive long wax filaments during the nymph stage that resemble a beard. Population densities can exceed 1,900 individuals per leaf on preferred hosts, causing severe defoliation and plant damage. The species serves as host for several introduced parasitoids used in biological control programs.
Alnetoidia
Alnetoidia is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. The genus was established by Dlabola in 1958 and contains at least two recognized species: Alnetoidia alneti and Alnetoidia awla. Species are distributed in Europe and Japan. Alnetoidia alneti has been documented as polyphagous, exhibiting morphological variation associated with different host plants.
Alnetoidia alneti
A small leafhopper in the subfamily Typhlocybinae, Alnetoidia alneti exhibits documented morphological variation associated with different host plants. It is considered polyphagous, feeding on multiple plant species rather than being restricted to a single host. The species has been studied using multivariate morphometric approaches to quantify host-associated phenotypic plasticity or local adaptation. It belongs to the tribe Erythroneurini, a diverse group of leafhoppers commonly found in the Palearctic region.
Amorbia concavana
Amorbia concavana is a tortricid moth species distributed from Panama through Mexico and Cuba, with recent establishment in southern Florida. Forewing length ranges from 7.5–8.6 mm. The larvae are polyphagous, feeding on multiple plant genera including Inga, Phaseolus, Mimosa, and Hammelia.
Amorbia cuneanum
Western Avocado Leafroller Moth
Amorbia cuneanum, known as the western avocado leafroller moth, is a tortricid moth ranging from Baja California, Mexico, to southwestern Canada. It is a polyphagous species whose larvae feed on diverse woody plants including avocado, citrus, and various native shrubs and trees. Adults are active year-round with two generations annually. The species is of economic concern due to larval damage to avocado and citrus crops.
Amorbia emigratella
Mexican leaf-roller
Amorbia emigratella, commonly known as the Mexican leaf-roller, is a tortricid moth native to the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. It was first described from Hawaii in 1910 by August Busck, where it has become established on all major islands. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in forewing length and undergoes multiple generations annually. Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a broad range of cultivated and wild plants.
Amphipyra tragopoginis
Mouse Moth
Amphipyra tragopoginis, the Mouse Moth, is a widespread noctuid moth with a Holarctic distribution. The species has undergone significant population decline in the UK, dropping over 80% between 1970 and 2016. Its genome has been sequenced, revealing an 806 Mb assembly with 13,359 protein-coding genes. The species is notable for its unusual flight behavior and attraction to sugary baits rather than light.
Anavitrinella pampinaria
common gray, North American Common Gray
Anavitrinella pampinaria, commonly known as the common gray or North American Common Gray, is a geometrid moth widespread across North America. Adults are small to medium-sized with muted gray coloration and relatively plain wing patterns. The species is notable for its extended flight season from early spring through autumn and its polyphagous larval stage that feeds on diverse woody and herbaceous plants. Caterpillars are classic "inchworms" with reduced prolegs, typical of the family Geometridae.
Anoplophora
longhorn beetles, long-horned beetles
Anoplophora is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) native to Asia, containing over 50 species. Most species are large, colorful beetles with distinctive markings that have made them popular among collectors and subjects of artwork. The genus includes several economically significant pests, most notably the Asian longhorned beetle (A. glabripennis) and the citrus longhorned beetle (A. chinensis), which have been introduced to North America and Europe where they threaten urban, ornamental, and forest trees.
Anoplophora glabripennis
Asian longhorned beetle, starry sky beetle, sky beetle, ALB
Anoplophora glabripennis, commonly known as the Asian longhorned beetle or starry sky beetle, is a highly polyphagous wood-boring beetle native to eastern China, Japan, and Korea. It has become a devastating invasive pest in North America and Europe, where it attacks and kills a broad range of hardwood trees. The beetle was first detected in the United States in Brooklyn, New York in 1996, likely arriving via solid wood packaging material. Eradication efforts have focused on tree removal and destruction, though biocontrol methods including entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes have been studied as potential management tools.
Antheraea polyphemus
Polyphemus moth, Polyphemus silk moth
A large North American silk moth with tan to brown coloration and distinctive purplish eyespots on the hindwings, named after the cyclops Polyphemus from Greek mythology. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and do not feed, living less than one week. The species produces silk cocoons and has been used in hybridization experiments with other silk moths. Two broods typically emerge annually across most of its range.
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 spiraecola
Spirea aphid, green citrus aphid, apple aphid
Aphis spiraecola is a polyphagous aphid species described by Edith Marion Patch in 1914. It is a significant agricultural pest of citrus, apples, and numerous ornamental plants across temperate and tropical regions worldwide. The species exhibits remarkable host flexibility, colonizing over 65 plant genera across more than 20 families. It reproduces primarily through parthenogenesis across most of its range, with holocyclic populations producing sexual morphs on primary hosts Spiraea and Citrus. The species has displaced native Aphis pomi in some regions and is considered invasive in many areas where it has been introduced.
Aphrophora alni
European alder spittle bug, alder spittlebug
Aphrophora alni is a froghopper in the family Aphrophoridae, commonly known as the European alder spittlebug. It is the most common and widespread of the four Aphrophora species in the UK and one of the larger froghoppers in its range. Adults are distinguished by a pale median keel on the head and pronotum, dark brown coloration, and two pale patches along the costal margin of the forewings. The species is polyphagous, feeding on deciduous trees as adults and herbaceous plants as larvae. Nymphs produce characteristic foam nests ('cuckoo spit') with adhesive properties of biotechnological interest. It has been recorded as a pest on alder and is a potential vector of the bacterial plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa.
Apolygus lucorum
Apolygus lucorum is a trans-Palearctic mirid bug with a broad distribution across Europe and Asia. It is a polyphagous pest with significant economic impact on cotton and other crops in northern China, where it has become increasingly problematic following changes in agricultural practices. The species exhibits phytozoophagous feeding behavior, consuming both plant sap and small arthropod prey. Adults are small, yellowish-green, and active from summer through autumn.
Araecerus
coffee bean weevil (A. fasciculatus)
Araecerus is a genus of fungus weevils in the family Anthribidae, containing several species including the economically significant coffee bean weevil. The genus includes both described species and multiple undescribed species discovered in Papua New Guinea. Species within this genus are primarily associated with seeds and fruits, with some exhibiting broad polyphagy on stored agricultural products.
Araecerus fasciculatus
Coffee Bean Weevil
Araecerus fasciculatus, commonly known as the coffee bean weevil, is a polyphagous stored product pest in the family Anthribidae. Adults measure 3–5 mm with a dome-shaped, dark-brown body mottled with light and dark pubescence. The species has been documented on over 100 host plants including coffee, maize, cassava, nutmeg, dried fruits, and various nuts. It completes its life cycle inside seeds and stored products, with development times varying from 29 to 57 days depending on humidity and temperature. Through international trade, it has achieved cosmopolitan distribution in tropical and subtropical regions and is considered economically significant due to damage and contamination of stored commodities.
Archips argyrospila
Fruit-tree Leafroller Moth, Fruittree Leafroller
Archips argyrospila, the fruit-tree leafroller moth, is a tortricid moth native to North America. Adults are active from mid-May to July with a single generation per year. The larvae are polyphagous leaf-rollers that construct silk-bound shelters within rolled or folded leaves. The species is a documented pest of commercial apple and pear orchards, with larvae feeding on foliage of numerous woody plants. Viral pathogens including nucleopolyhedrovirus and granulovirus have been observed infecting field populations at rates up to 25% during outbreak conditions.
Archips fuscocupreanus
exotic leafroller moth, apple tortrix
Archips fuscocupreanus is a leafroller moth in the family Tortricidae, native to East Asia (China, South Korea, Japan, and eastern Russia). It is an introduced species in the northeastern United States, where it has established populations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington. The species is a generalist herbivore with larvae feeding on numerous woody and herbaceous plants across multiple families. Adults are active in summer, with flight periods recorded from June to July in China.
Archips xylosteana
variegated golden tortrix, brown oak tortrix
Archips xylosteana is a medium-sized tortricid moth native to the Palearctic region, with a wingspan of 14–23 mm. The species exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism in size, with females typically larger than males. Forewings are broad and roughly rectangular, displaying variable coloration from yellow-brown to pinkish brown with dark reddish-brown markings. This univoltine species is a polyphagous leafroller, with larvae feeding on numerous deciduous trees and shrubs.
Argyrotaenia ivana
Ivana leafroller moth
Argyrotaenia ivana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 12–16 mm, found in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. Adults are active nearly year-round, and the larvae feed on a broad range of host plants spanning multiple families, including Amaranthaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Convolvulaceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Rosaceae.
Argyrotaenia mariana
gray-banded leafroller moth
Argyrotaenia mariana is a small tortricid moth known as the gray-banded leafroller moth. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active from spring through summer. Larvae feed on a diverse array of woody plants including maples, birches, oaks, apples, and blueberries. The species was first described by Fernald in 1882 under the name Lophoderus mariana.
Argyrotaenia velutinana
Red-banded Leafroller Moth, Redbanded Leafroller
A small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 13–20 mm, found across eastern North America. The caterpillars are highly polyphagous, feeding on leaves and fruits of numerous plants including apple and other fruit trees. Adults are frequently attracted to lights and are active across much of the year. The species is occasionally a pest in orchards.
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.
Autographa californica
Alfalfa Looper
Autographa californica, the alfalfa looper, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae. It is a widespread agricultural pest in western North America, recognized by its looping larval locomotion and broad polyphagy. The species was first described by Adolph Speyer in 1875. Adults are medium-sized nocturnal moths with wingspans of 36–42 mm, flying from July to October. Larvae are notable for having prolegs on abdominal segments 5 and 6 but lacking them on segments 3 and 4, producing the characteristic looping gait.
Autographa precationis
Common Looper Moth
Autographa precationis, the Common Looper Moth, is a Noctuid moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 30–38 mm and are active from April through October, producing three or more generations annually. The species has expanded its host range to include cultivated soybeans, though with lower feeding efficiency than the closely related soybean looper. Larvae are bright green with distinctive black false eyespots on the head and possess 21–23 crochets per proleg.
Autoplusia egena
Bean Looper, Bean Leafskeletonizer
Autoplusia egena, commonly known as the Bean Looper or Bean Leafskeletonizer, is a noctuid moth species described by Guenée in 1852. It is widely distributed across the Americas, ranging from California and the southeastern United States through the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The subspecies Autoplusia egena galapagensis is endemic to the Galápagos Islands. The larvae are polyphagous and feed on numerous plant families, with documented records from at least nine families including Fabaceae (soybean and common bean).
Barynotus
Barynotus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (Curculionidae: Entiminae) comprising 25 species distributed primarily in the Palaearctic region. These are relatively large weevils with predominantly nocturnal activity patterns. The genus exhibits diverse reproductive strategies, with some species being amphigonic and others parthenogenetic.
Besma quercivoraria
Oak Besma, Oak Besma Moth
Besma quercivoraria, the oak besma, is a North American geometrid moth with two generations per year. Adults are sexually dimorphic and active from spring through summer, with timing varying by latitude. The species is notable for its broad host plant range among deciduous trees and conifers.
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.
Brachystola magna
Plains Lubber Grasshopper, Western Lubber Grasshopper, Homesteader
Brachystola magna is one of the largest grasshoppers in North America, a flightless species inhabiting the Great Plains from the Canadian border to central Mexico. Adults reach 4–6 cm in length, with females substantially larger and heavier than males. The species exhibits a two-year life cycle, with eggs overwintering twice before hatching. Though primarily herbivorous, adults display notable omnivory including scavenging and predation on other insects. The species has historical scientific significance as the subject of Walter Sutton's pioneering work on reduction division and chromosome theory.
Cacoecimorpha
carnation tortrix moths
Cacoecimorpha is a monotypic moth genus in the family Tortricidae, established by Obraztsov in 1954. The genus contains a single species, Cacoecimorpha pronubana, commonly known as the carnation tortrix. This species is a highly polyphagous pest of horticultural and agricultural significance, native to the Mediterranean region but now widespread across Europe, North Africa, and introduced to North America. The genus is classified within the tribe Archipini of the subfamily Tortricinae.
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.
Carynota marmorata
marbled treehopper
Carynota marmorata, commonly known as the marbled treehopper, is a Nearctic treehopper species first described by Thomas Say in 1830. It is characterized by a moderately elevated, rounded pronotum with distinctive mottled coloration. The species feeds on multiple tree genera including alder, birch, hazelnut, cottonwood, and oak. It occurs in the midwestern and eastern United States and eastern Canada.
Centrodora
Centrodora is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Aphelinidae, comprising approximately 60 described species. The genus is notable for being the most polyphagous within Aphelinidae, with species attacking eggs of insects across multiple orders including Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, and Hymenoptera, as well as pupae of Diptera and nymphs of Hemiptera. Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for crop and forest pests, including C. darwini and C. scolytivorae. The genus exhibits considerable morphological diversity, with some species groups potentially warranting elevation to separate genera.
Ceratitis
Mediterranean fruit flies
Ceratitis is a genus of tephritid fruit flies comprising approximately 80 species, with Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit fly) being the most economically significant and widely studied. The genus is organized into six subgenera: Acropteromma, Ceratalaspis, Ceratitis, Hoplolophomyia, Pardalaspis, and Pterandrus. Multiple Ceratitis species are major agricultural pests, particularly in Africa, the Mediterranean region, and areas where they have been introduced. The genus has been extensively studied for sterile insect technique applications, with C. capitata serving as a model organism for biological control research.