Polyphagous
Guides
Micrutalis calva
Honeylocust Treehopper
Micrutalis calva is a North American treehopper species in the family Membracidae, commonly known as the Honeylocust Treehopper. It is a polyphagous herbivore that feeds on numerous plant species across diverse families. Unlike many treehoppers that specialize on woody hosts, this species is restricted to herbaceous plants. Nymphs have been specifically observed on Vernonia flowers.
Monema flavescens
Oriental moth
Monema flavescens is a medium-sized moth in the family Limacodidae (slug moths or cup moths), native to East Asia. Adults exhibit yellowish coloration typical of the genus, with males having a wingspan of 30–32 mm and females 35–39 mm. The larvae are polyphagous defoliators of broadleaf trees, bearing urticating spines that can affect human health. The species has one to two generations per year depending on region, with adults active from late June to August. It has been introduced to Massachusetts, USA, and is considered a potential quarantine pest for Europe.
Monophlebidae
giant scales, monophlebids
Monophlebidae is a family of scale insects commonly known as giant scales or monophlebids. The family was first recognized as separate from Margarodidae by Maskell in 1880 based on morphological differences. Members are characterized by large body size among scale insects, with some species reaching 35 mm in length. The family is morphologically diverse but appears to be monophyletic. Many species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of woody plants including citrus.
Morrisonia latex
Fluid Arches
A noctuid moth native to eastern and central North America, commonly known as the Fluid Arches. Adults are active in late spring and early summer. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Larvae are polyphagous on deciduous trees and shrubs, with documented feeding on maples, birches, oaks, and other woody plants.
Myllocerus
oriental broad-nosed weevils, ash weevils, grey weevils, Sri Lankan weevils
Myllocerus is a large genus of oriental broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, comprising at least 330 described species. Species within this genus are predominantly distributed across the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions, with several species recognized as significant agricultural pests. Notable pest species include Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus (Sri Lankan weevil), M. maculosus (cotton grey weevil), and M. viridanus (ash weevil), which attack diverse crop plants including cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruit trees. The genus exhibits typical weevil morphology with broad rostrums and root-feeding larval stages combined with foliage-feeding adults.
Myllocerus undecimpustulatus
Sri Lanka weevil, yellow-headed ravenous weevil
Myllocerus undecimpustulatus is an oriental broad-nosed weevil (Curculionidae: Entiminae) native to Sri Lanka and the Indian subcontinent. It is a polyphagous pest with a wide host range that has established invasive populations in Florida, USA, since at least 2000. The species exhibits distinctive sexual behavior including female abdominal rocking as a mate-strength test and prolonged copulatory guarding by males. It shows seasonal variation in cold tolerance and feeding activity, with winter-collected adults consuming more leaf material after cold exposure than summer-collected individuals.
Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus
Sri Lankan weevil
Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus, the Sri Lankan weevil, is a polyphagous curculionid pest native to Sri Lanka that has spread to India, Pakistan, and the United States. It was first identified in Florida in 2000 on Citrus species and has since established populations in the state. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism with females typically larger than males. Research has documented its cold tolerance limitations, mating behavior involving female abdominal rocking and prolonged copulatory guarding, and susceptibility to certain biopesticides.
Nathrius brevipennis
Nathrius brevipennis is a small longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) native to the Palearctic region that has become cosmopolitan through human-mediated transport in timber and wood packaging. Adults measure 4–7 mm in length. The species is polyphagous on dead twigs of broadleaved trees, with documented hosts spanning at least 15 genera including Alnus, Rosa, Fraxinus, Corylus, Ficus, Castanea, Salix, Juglans, Quercus, Morus, Cornus, Ceratonia, Pistacia, Ziziphus, Robinia, and Ostrya. Its invasive spread has led to first records in Australia and other regions outside its native range.
Nemoria mimosaria
White-fringed Emerald, Flanged Looper
Nemoria mimosaria is a small emerald moth in the family Geometridae, known by the common names white-fringed emerald and flanged looper. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1858. It occurs across much of eastern and central North America, with larvae feeding on a diverse range of woody plants including both deciduous and coniferous trees. Adults are active in early summer and are recognized by their distinctive green coloration with white fringes on the wings.
Neofidia longipes
Neofidia longipes is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, found in eastern North America. It has been documented feeding on a diverse range of host plants including American holly (Ilex opaca), willows (Salix), soybeans, and several members of the grape family (Vitaceae). The species is morphologically similar to Neofidia rileyorum, with females of the two species being indistinguishable without associated males. Both species occur sympatrically along portions of the Appalachian Mountains and in parts of Ohio and Alabama.
Nezara viridula
Southern Green Stink Bug, Southern Green Shield Bug, Green Vegetable Bug
Nezara viridula is a cosmopolitan, shield-shaped stink bug and major agricultural pest of leguminous crops, particularly soybeans, beans, and peas. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it has spread worldwide through human trade and strong flight capability. The species exhibits complex behaviors including aggregation, maternal guarding of egg masses, and vibrational communication for mate location. In temperate zones, adults enter winter diapause with a reversible color change from green to brown or russet.
Nipaecoccus
Nipaecoccus is a genus of mealybugs in the family Pseudococcidae. The genus includes several economically important pest species, most notably Nipaecoccus viridis (hibiscus mealybug or lebbeck mealybug) and Nipaecoccus nipae (coconut mealybug). Species in this genus are characterized by their white, powdery wax covering and polyphagous feeding habits on a wide range of host plants including citrus, palms, ornamentals, and various fruit and row crops. Nipaecoccus viridis has emerged as a significant invasive pest in Florida since 2009, with documented impacts on citrus, blueberries, hemp, and ornamental plants.
Odontocorynus umbellae
Daisy Flower Weevil
A small flower-feeding weevil, 3–5 mm in length, with brown or black coloration. The species is distinguished by a rostrum that curves heavily at the base but becomes nearly straight near the apex. Adults are active during the growing season and feed on flowers of several plant families.
Ogdoconta cinereola
Common Pinkband, Common Pinkband Moth
Ogdoconta cinereola is a small noctuid moth commonly known as the Common Pinkband Moth. It is distinguished by the pinkish suffusion on the forewing subterminal region, which gives the species its common name. The species is broadly distributed across eastern, central, and southwestern North America, with adults active from spring through fall depending on latitude. Larvae feed on a diverse range of plant families.
Omiodes indicata
bean-leaf webworm moth, soybean leaf folder
Omiodes indicata is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of approximately 20 mm. It is a significant agricultural pest of leguminous crops across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The species is multivoltine with overlapping generations, causing damage throughout the year.
Opogona sacchari
banana moth, sugar-cane moth
Opogona sacchari is a tineid moth native to humid tropical and subtropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar and Indian Ocean islands. It has become established in glasshouses and tropical agriculture worldwide, causing damage to bananas, pineapples, sugarcane, and numerous ornamental plants. The species exhibits thermal sensitivity, with development optimal at 25°C and complete mortality above 30°C.
Ortheziidae
ensign scales, ortheziids
Ortheziidae is a family of scale insects (Hemiptera) commonly known as ensign scales, comprising 20 genera and 198 species. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution with species richness concentrated in the Neotropical and Nearctic regions; representation is sparse in Australasia and the Far East. Members are distinguished by their mobile adult females, six legs, and prominent waxy secretions. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests.
Osbornellus
Osbornellus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, containing at least 100 described species. The genus is divided into four subgenera, with the nominate subgenus Osbornellus (s. str.) distributed primarily in the Nearctic and Neotropical realms. Some species have been introduced to the Palearctic region through human activity, with the first European records documented in Switzerland in 2016. Species in this genus are generally small, active insects that feed on plant sap.
Otiorhynchus singularis
Clay-coloured Weevil
Otiorhynchus singularis, the clay-coloured weevil, is a European native weevil that has been introduced to North America and the Azores. Adults feed on buds, shoots, and leaves of various woody plants, with documented damage to conifers, fruit bushes, and hops. The species is parthenogenetic, with females producing viable eggs without mating. It is primarily nocturnal and can be a significant pest in horticultural and forestry settings.
Otiorhynchus sulcatus
black vine weevil, vine weevil, strawberry weevil, cyclamen weevil
Otiorhynchus sulcatus is a parthenogenetic weevil native to the Palearctic region that has become a globally significant horticultural pest. Adults are flightless, nocturnal, and feed on foliage, producing characteristic notching damage along leaf margins. Larvae develop belowground, feeding on roots, corms, and rhizomes, causing severe plant damage or death. The species reproduces exclusively through thelytokous parthenogenesis; males are absent from all populations. Adults exhibit strong visual and thigmotactic preferences for refuge selection, favoring dark colors (black, blue), tall silhouettes, and basal entrance openings.
Oxycarenus hyalinipennis
cotton seed bug
Oxycarenus hyalinipennis, commonly known as the cotton seed bug, is a small seed-feeding true bug in the family Oxycarenidae. It is a polyphagous pest of Malvaceae, with Gossypium (cotton) as its preferred host. The species is native to the Mediterranean region and Africa but has expanded its range to the Caribbean in recent decades. It completes three to four generations per year under favorable conditions.
Panchaetothripinae
Panchaetothripinae is a subfamily of thrips within Thripidae, first described by Bagnall in 1912. It comprises approximately 144 species across 43 genera globally, though earlier estimates cited 11 genera and more than 50 species. Members are predominantly associated with plant leaves and include several economically significant pest species. The subfamily has been consistently recovered as monophyletic in phylogenetic analyses. Notable genera include Heliothrips, Caliothrips, Selenothrips, and Hercinothrips, with species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Pandemis cerasana
barred fruit-tree tortrix
Pandemis cerasana is a tortricid moth native to northern Eurasia, introduced to North America where it was first recorded in Victoria, British Columbia in 1964. The species is a polyphagous leaf roller whose larvae feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs, with notable damage to fruit trees including cherry, apple, and pear. Adults fly from June to August in western Europe, with two generations per year.
Pandemis heparana
dark fruit-tree tortrix, apple brown tortrix
Pandemis heparana is a tortricid moth with a wingspan of 16–24 mm, recognized by its variable brown forewings with reticulate patterning and dark transverse bands. The species is bivoltine, with adults active from late May to mid-September in western Europe. Larvae develop within rolled leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs, and are considered agricultural pests of apple and pear orchards.
Pandemis lamprosana
Woodgrain Leafroller Moth
Pandemis lamprosana, known as the woodgrain leafroller moth, is a tortricid moth native to northeastern North America. Adults are active in late summer with a single annual generation. The species is recognized by its forewing pattern and moderate size. Larvae are polyphagous leaf feeders on numerous deciduous tree species.
Paraleyrodes
nesting whiteflies, Bondar's nesting whitefly (for P. bondari), fig whitefly (for P. minei)
Paraleyrodes is a genus of whiteflies in the subfamily Aleurodicinae, commonly known as nesting whiteflies due to the woolly wax nests constructed by females around egg masses. The genus includes economically significant invasive species such as P. bondari (Bondar's nesting whitefly) and P. minei, which are pests of coconut, citrus, fig, avocado, and ornamental plants. Species in this genus are characterized by distinctive waxy secretions, sessile nymphal stages, and polyphagous feeding habits on woody plants.
whiteflyinvasive-pestagricultural-pestornamental-pestAleurodicinaecoconut-pestcitrus-pestfig-pestavocado-pestwoolly-wax-nestspolyphagousphloem-feederhoneydew-producersooty-moldFlorida-pestCalifornia-pestIndia-pestBangladesh-pestCroatia-pestGreece-pestnatural-enemiesbiological-controlintegrated-pest-managementPatania silicalis
Herbivorous Patania Moth, Herbivorous Pleuroptya Moth
Patania silicalis is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of 24–26 mm, found across the Neotropics and into the eastern United States. First described by Guenée in 1854, it has undergone multiple generic reassignments and is also known under the synonym Pleuroptya silicalis. The species is notable for its broad host plant range, feeding on at least seven plant species across five families.
Peridroma saucia
Variegated Cutworm, Pearly Underwing, False Black Cutworm Moth
Peridroma saucia is a highly polyphagous noctuid moth with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution across temperate and subtropical regions. The species is a significant agricultural pest, with larvae feeding on numerous crop plants including vegetables, fruits, and field crops. Adults are migratory, moving northward in spring and returning south in autumn, with 2–4 generations per year depending on latitude. Recent research has documented its role as a nocturnal pollinator of apple and other crops, revealing ecological functions beyond its pest status.
Perimede erransella
Gray Perimede Moth
Perimede erransella is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1874. It occurs across eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf Coast. The species has a wingspan of approximately 12 mm and is active year-round as an adult. Larvae are known to feed on a diverse range of woody host plants including tulip tree, hickory, oak, bald cypress, and elm.
Peripsocus subfasciatus
Peripsocus subfasciatus is a barklouse species in the family Peripsocidae, found across Europe, the Azores, and North and South America. Adults are either black or brown in coloration. The species has been recorded feeding on a diverse range of woody plants including both conifers and broadleaf trees.
Petrusa epilepsis
Sea Grape Flatid
Petrusa epilepsis, commonly known as the Sea Grape Flatid, is a planthopper in the family Flatidae native to the Caribbean region. Adults are covered in a distinctive frosty, white waxy coating and hold their wings in a tent-like posture characteristic of the subfamily Flatinae. The species feeds on multiple host plants including seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera), coffee, coco-plum, jasmine, and black mangrove, and has been recorded as a pest causing direct feeding damage and promoting sooty mold growth through honeydew excretion. Originally described from Puerto Rico, it has been documented across the West Indies and has been detected in Florida, raising concerns about its potential to become an invasive pest in mainland tropical and subtropical regions.
Phenacoccus aceris
apple mealybug, maple mealybug
Phenacoccus aceris, commonly known as the apple mealybug or maple mealybug, is a widespread polyphagous mealybug species in the family Pseudococcidae. Native to Europe, it has become established across the Holarctic region including North America and Asia. The species is a significant agricultural and horticultural pest, feeding on phloem sap of numerous host plants including apple, maple, grapevine, ash, and prickly ash. Recent molecular and morphological studies have revealed that P. aceris represents a species complex containing multiple cryptic species, with taxonomic confusion arising from co-occurring putative species that cannot be reliably separated by host-plant associations alone. The species is also an important vector of grapevine viruses, transmitting six ampeloviruses and two vitiviruses.
Phobetron
hag moth, monkey slug
Phobetron is a genus of slug caterpillar moths in the family Limacodidae, containing at least four described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. The genus is notable for its distinctive caterpillars, commonly called "monkey slugs" or "hag moths," which possess stinging urticating spines concealed beneath a cloak of hair-like setae. These caterpillars are polyphagous and feed on a wide range of woody and herbaceous plants. The genus includes the well-known species Phobetron pithecium, whose caterpillar is frequently encountered in eastern North America.
Phragmatobia fuliginosa
Ruby Tiger, Ruby Tiger Moth
Phragmatobia fuliginosa, the Ruby Tiger, is a moth in the subfamily Arctiinae of family Erebidae. It has a wingspan of 35–45 mm and is distinguished by dark reddish-brown forewings with a blackish comma-shaped spot and bright carmine to rose-red hindwings. The species is widely distributed across the Palearctic and into northern North America, with multiple recognized subspecies including the North American P. f. rubricosa. It exhibits geographic variation in generation time: univoltine in northern regions with adults flying in June, and bivoltine in southern Britain with adults appearing April–June and again August–September.
Phymatopus hectoides
Orange-Lined Ghost Moth
Phymatopus hectoides is a small ghost moth in the family Hepialidae, described by Boisduval in 1868. It occurs in the western United States, where adults are active in late spring and summer. The larvae are known to feed on a diverse range of host plants, boring into shoots and roots.
Placosternus difficilis
Mesquite Borer
Placosternus difficilis is a wood-boring longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Adults exhibit Batesian mimicry, resembling black and yellow wasps. The species is strongly associated with mesquite trees (Prosopis spp.), though it has been recorded from multiple host plants and is considered polyphagous. Adults feed on nectar and pollen. The species ranges from the southwestern United States through Mexico and into Central America and the Caribbean.
Plagiognathus arbustorum
Common Nettle Flower Bug
Plagiognathus arbustorum is a small plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the Common Nettle Flower Bug. It is a widespread species found across the Nearctic and Palearctic realms, including most of Europe, Siberia, Central Asia, and parts of North America. Adults are active from July to October and are polyphagous, feeding primarily on herbaceous plants across multiple families.
Plagiognathus chrysanthemi
trefoil plant bug
Plagiognathus chrysanthemi, commonly known as the trefoil plant bug, is a small mirid bug native to the Palearctic region that has become established in North America as an adventive species. It is highly polyphagous, feeding on herbaceous plants across multiple families, with documented damage to agricultural crops including birdsfoot trefoil. The species has been identified as a pest of forage legumes in Ontario, Canada.
Planococcus citri
citrus mealybug
Planococcus citri, the citrus mealybug, is a highly polyphagous pest native to Asia that has established populations worldwide through human-mediated transport. Adult females are approximately 3 mm long, wingless, and covered in white wax with marginal filaments; males are slightly larger with functional wings. The species reproduces sexually with multiple generations per year, producing ovisacs containing up to 20 eggs. It feeds on phloem sap from over 200 host plant species across 82 families, causing direct damage through sap removal and indirect damage via honeydew secretion and sooty mold growth. It is also a known vector of Cacao swollen shoot virus. The species is difficult to distinguish morphologically from the vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus), requiring microscopic examination of pore and duct arrangements or molecular methods for accurate identification.
Platynota stultana
Omnivorous Leafroller, Omnivorous Leafroller Moth
Platynota stultana, the omnivorous leafroller, is a highly polyphagous tortricid moth native to northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It has become an established invasive pest in Hawaii, Spain, Italy, and multiple other European countries. Adults are small with wingspans around 14 mm and are active year-round in warm climates. The species completes four to six generations annually in California and produces severe economic damage in vineyards, greenhouses, and nursery operations. Larval feeding on grape berries causes skin breakage that leads to fungal rot and crop losses up to 80%.
Polydrusus
Polydrusus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae, containing dozens of species distributed across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Several species have been introduced to North America and have become established in northern hardwood forests, where some function as polyphagous herbivores with documented impacts on tree crops. The genus is taxonomically complex, with multiple subgenera recognized including Conocetus and Orodrusus, and has been subject to recent revisionary work clarifying species boundaries and synonymies. Polydrusus species are frequently confused with the genus Phyllobius due to superficial morphological similarities, though they are not closely related.
Polydrusus impressifrons
Pale Green Weevil, Leaf Weevil
Polydrusus impressifrons is a small broad-nosed weevil native to Europe, introduced to North America in the early 20th century. It is polyphagous on hardwood trees and has been recorded in hybrid hazelnut orchards in Minnesota, where it may damage buds, foliage, and roots. Adults are active from late May to mid-July. The species is smaller, lighter, and has a broader head than the similar P. formosus.
Polyphagotarsonemus latus
Broad Mite, Yellow Tea Mite, Citrus Silver Mite
Polyphagotarsonemus latus, commonly known as the broad mite, is a microscopic tarsonemid mite with a cosmopolitan distribution and an exceptionally broad host range spanning over 60 plant families. First described from mango in a Washington, D.C. greenhouse in 1904, it has become a significant agricultural pest affecting crops including cotton, soybean, peppers, strawberries, blackberries, citrus, tea, coffee, and increasingly, cannabis and hemp. The mite feeds on young, tender plant tissues, causing characteristic damage including leaf stunting, twisting, and distortion that resembles auxin herbicide injury. It thrives in greenhouse environments and tropical to subtropical climates, with development occurring between 10–36°C at high humidity. Management relies on acaricides and biological control using predatory mites such as Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus californicus, and A. orientalis.
Popillia japonica
Japanese Beetle
Popillia japonica is a scarab beetle native to Japan that has become one of the most destructive invasive pests in North America since its accidental introduction to New Jersey in 1916. Adults feed on foliage, flowers, and fruits of over 300 plant species, while larvae (grubs) damage roots of turf grasses and other plants. The species has established populations throughout the eastern United States and Canada, with recent expansions into the Midwest and detections in western states. Climate modeling predicts continued northward range expansion.
Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli
false oleander scale, fullaway oleander scale, magnolia white scale, mango scale, oleander scale, oyster scale
Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli is an armored scale insect (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) commonly known as false oleander scale. It is a polyphagous pest with a broad global distribution spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Oceania. The species infests numerous ornamental and agricultural plants, with documented hosts including oleander (Nerium oleander), mango (Mangifera indica), magnolia, and various palms. As a member of the armored scales, it produces a protective waxy covering over its body while feeding on plant sap.
Pyrausta phoenicealis
perilla leaf moth, Phoenician pyrausta moth
Pyrausta phoenicealis is a crambid moth with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution across the Americas, Africa, Australia, and Asia. It is a documented agricultural pest, particularly in South Korea where it damages Perilla (shiso) crops. Larvae feed on plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and related Asteraceae, binding leaves with silk to form protective shelters. The species is frequently confused with Pyrausta panopealis due to morphological similarity, but genetic analysis reveals approximately 4.62% COI divergence between them.
Pyrrhia cilisca
Bordered Sallow, American Bordered Sallow
Pyrrhia cilisca is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of 32–40 mm. Adults are active from May to October across eastern and central North America. The species was formerly split into North American (Pyrrhia adela) and Palearctic populations, but these are now synonymized.
Reuterella helvimacula
Reuterella helvimacula is a species of barklouse in the family Elipsocidae, first described by Enderlein in 1901. It is characterized by brownish-orange coloration and has been documented across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. The species is associated with a broad range of deciduous and coniferous trees.
Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae
waterlily aphid, water lily aphid
Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae, the waterlily aphid, is a cosmopolitan, host-alternating aphid species with a unique ability to thrive in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. It is a significant agricultural pest that damages crops through direct herbivory and as a vector for plant viruses, particularly affecting Prunus spp. fruits and various aquatic plants. The species exhibits complex life history traits including rapid population growth (intrinsic rate of increase 0.315 day⁻¹, doubling time 2.2 days) and strong host preferences among aquatic vegetation.
Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale
rice root aphid, red rice root aphid
Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale is a globally distributed root-feeding aphid pest with a remarkably broad host range spanning 22 plant families. Native to East Asia, it has established populations across every continent except Antarctica. The species exhibits a heteroecious holocyclic life cycle in its native range, alternating between Prunus species (primary hosts) and herbaceous plant roots (secondary hosts), though asexual reproduction dominates in temperate regions and protected cultivation. Its subterranean habit makes detection difficult and management challenging. The aphid vectors several economically important plant viruses including barley yellow dwarf virus and sugarcane yellow leaf virus, and has emerged as a significant pest of indoor-grown cannabis in North America.