Root-herbivore
Guides
Neoscapteriscus
mole crickets
Neoscapteriscus is a genus of two-clawed mole crickets (Gryllotalpidae) containing at least 23 described species. Members are subterranean insects with fossorial forelegs adapted for tunneling. Several species are significant turfgrass and pasture pests in the Americas, including the tawny mole cricket (N. vicinus) and southern mole cricket (N. borellii). The genus was established by Cadena-Castañeda in 2015, separating these species from the related genus Scapteriscus.
Sitona hispidulus
Clover Root Curculio, Clover Weevil
Sitona hispidulus, the clover root curculio, is a weevil species native to Europe that has been introduced to Asia and North America. The larval stage is the most damaging, feeding cryptically underground on root nodules and taproots of legumes, particularly alfalfa and clovers. Adults feed on foliage with minimal damage. The species has been overlooked as a pest for decades but causes chronic issues including reduced stand establishment, shortened stand life, and increased winterkill in forage systems. Population levels are limited by availability of root nodules for early instars and taproot biomass for later instars.
Tipula oleracea
marsh crane fly, common crane fly
Tipula oleracea is a crane fly species native to the Palaearctic region that has been introduced to parts of the Nearctic and Neotropics. Adults are typically greyish with wings 18–28 mm long, and are active in two flight periods: early summer (April–June, peaking May–June) and late summer (August–October). The species is notable for its larval 'leatherjackets' which can reach densities of up to 400 per square meter in agricultural soils, causing damage to crops such as cabbage by feeding on roots and, at night, above-ground plant parts.