Solanaceae
Guides
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.
Amastris lycioda
A treehopper in the family Membracidae, first described by Ball in 1933. The species name 'lycioda' reflects its documented association with plants in the genus Lycium. The first Texas record was published in 2024, establishing a specific host plant relationship with Lycium berlandieri.
Anthonomus eugenii
Pepper Weevil
Anthonomus eugenii, the pepper weevil, is a small curculionid beetle and major agricultural pest of cultivated peppers (Capsicum spp.). Native to Mexico, it has spread throughout Central America, the Caribbean, the southern United States, and has been intercepted in more northern regions including Canada and Europe through imported infested fruit. The species completes its entire immature development within pepper fruits, making it particularly difficult to control with conventional insecticides. Females exhibit host-marking behavior, depositing pheromones that deter subsequent oviposition by conspecifics.
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.
Calligrapha diversa
Calligrapha diversa is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Carl Stål in 1859. It belongs to the C. argus species group, characterized by distinctive elytral patterning including a single spot enclosed by humeral lunule and a complete arcuate band laterally confluent with a subsutural stripe. The species has one of the largest geographic ranges in its group, extending from the southwestern United States through Central America to northern South America. It has been recorded feeding on plants in the families Malvaceae and Solanaceae.
Chloridea subflexa
Subflexus Straw Moth
Chloridea subflexa is a noctuid moth first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It is the sibling species of the tobacco budworm (Chloridea virescens), from which it is distinguished by host plant specialization. The species is notably rare compared to its widespread congener and feeds exclusively on ground cherry (Physalis spp., Solanaceae). It has been recorded across a broad geographic range from the United States through the Antilles to Argentina.
Corythaica venusta
Corythaica venusta is a lace bug in the family Tingidae, first described by Champion in 1898. It is one of multiple species in the genus Corythaica, which are predominantly specialist feeders on Solanaceae. The species is native to the Neotropics and has been recorded as a pest on solanaceous crops. Like other tingids, it exhibits characteristic lace-like reticulated forewings and often forms aggregations on host plants.
Dicyphini
Dicyphini is a tribe of plant bugs in the subfamily Bryocorinae (family Miridae). Members are predominantly zoophytophagous, combining predation on agricultural pests with facultative plant feeding. Several species are commercially used as biological control agents in greenhouse vegetable production, particularly for whiteflies and lepidopteran pests on tomato and other Solanaceae crops. The tribe includes subtribes Dicyphina, Monaloniina, and Odoniellina, with genera such as Dicyphus, Macrolophus, Nesidiocoris, and Engytatus.
Epilachna
leaf-eating lady beetles, bean beetles
Epilachna is a genus of leaf-eating lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, comprising approximately 300 species primarily distributed in the Western Hemisphere. Unlike the predominantly predatory members of Coccinellidae, Epilachna species are phytophagous, feeding on plant foliage rather than other insects. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the Mexican bean beetle (E. varivestis) and the squash lady beetle. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some species historically placed in Epilachna now assigned to related genera such as Henosepilachna.
Epilachninae
leaf-feeding lady beetles, phytophagous lady beetles
Epilachninae is a subfamily of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) distinguished from other coccinellids by their herbivorous diet. Adults superficially resemble predatory lady beetles but feed exclusively on plant material, making several species significant agricultural pests. The subfamily comprises approximately 16% of described Coccinellidae species. Larvae are covered with bands of spiny projections, unlike the smooth larvae of predatory coccinellids. Many species are monophagous or narrowly oligophagous, feeding on specific host plants within Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and other families. Some species, particularly in the genus Henosepilachna, have been introduced to new regions where they have become invasive pests of solanaceous crops.
Epitrix
Hairy Flea Beetles
Epitrix is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Alticini) containing 162 described species with worldwide distribution across all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Many species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of Solanaceae crops including potato, tomato, eggplant, and tobacco. Several species have been inadvertently introduced between continents, establishing populations in new regions and becoming subjects of quarantine concern.
Epitrix brevis
Epitrix brevis is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to North America and recently detected as an invasive species in Europe. First recorded in Italy in 2024, it feeds on solanaceous plants including economically important crops. In its native range, it is not considered a major pest, but its establishment in Europe raises concerns for agricultural impacts due to favorable conditions and potential lack of natural enemies.
Epitrix fasciata
banded epitrix, Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle
Epitrix fasciata is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Commonly known as the banded epitrix or Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle, this species has a notably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. The species is associated with economically significant host plants including potato, tobacco, tomato, and eggplant.
Gargaphia solani
eggplant lace bug
Gargaphia solani is a subsocial lace bug in the family Tingidae, described by Heidemann in 1914 after emerging as a pest of eggplant in Norfolk, Virginia. It is the first species in its family in which maternal care was discovered. Females guard circular egg masses on leaf undersides and defend nymphs against predators, a behavior essential for offspring survival given heavy predation pressure. Development from egg to adult takes approximately 20 days, with nymphs passing through five instars. The species is a significant agricultural pest of solanaceous crops and has been extensively studied for its reproductive trade-offs and the evolution of parental care.
Isophrictis similiella
Isophrictis similiella is a small gelechiid moth described by V.T. Chambers in 1872. It is known from scattered localities across central and eastern North America. The species has a wingspan of approximately 11 mm. Larvae are documented to bore into the receptacles of Solanum carolinense (Carolina horsenettle) and the flowerheads of Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan).
Keiferia glochinella
eggplant leafminer moth
Keiferia glochinella, known as the eggplant leafminer moth, is a small gelechiid moth native to the southwestern United States. Adults are grayish with variable mottling. The species is notable for its larval leaf-mining behavior on Solanum carolinense. Misidentifications have led to false records outside its confirmed western range.
Lasioptera solani
gall midge
A small gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. Adults display distinctive black, gray, and white coloration. The genus Lasioptera is known for inducing galls on host plants, though specific details for this species remain limited. The species epithet 'solani' suggests an association with Solanaceae plants.
Lema trivittata
three-lined lema beetle, three-lined potato beetle
A leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, recognized by its bright orange thorax, yellow legs, and three black longitudinal stripes on yellow elytra. Adults and larvae feed on plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), including potato, jimsonweed, and bittersweet nightshade. The species has evolved physiological tolerance to tropane alkaloids, toxic compounds produced by its host plants. Native to Central and North America, with introduced populations in Australia.
Leptinotarsa defecta
Twoline Satansbos Leaf Beetle
Leptinotarsa defecta is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, closely related to the notorious Colorado potato beetle (L. decemlineata). Unlike its congener, L. defecta is not a major agricultural pest and has been observed feeding on Solanum species in Florida. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, Middle America, and Africa, though detailed natural history information remains sparse.
Leptinotarsa haldemani
Haldeman's green potato beetle
Leptinotarsa haldemani, commonly known as Haldeman's green potato beetle, is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is named after 19th-century American entomologist Samuel Stehman Haldeman. The species is distinguished by its glossy metallic green elytra, black head, and black appendages. It feeds primarily on wild Solanaceae species and is occasionally found on cultivated potatoes.
Leptinotarsa texana
Texas potato beetle
Leptinotarsa texana, commonly known as the Texas potato beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium). The species has been documented as a host for the parasitoid wasp Edovum puttleri, which has been studied for biological control of the related Colorado potato beetle. Its host range includes multiple Solanum species, with field studies showing feeding on silverleaf nightshade and eggplant but not on potato.
Manduca
hornworms, hawkmoths, sphinx moths
Manduca is a genus of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) established by Jacob Hübner in 1807. The genus contains approximately 70 species distributed primarily in the Americas. Several species, notably Manduca sexta (tobacco hornworm) and M. quinquemaculata (tomato hornworm), are extensively studied as model organisms in biological research due to their large size and ease of laboratory rearing. The larvae, commonly called hornworms, are significant agricultural pests of solanaceous crops.
Manduca quinquemaculatus
Five-spotted Hawk Moth, Tomato Hornworm
Manduca quinquemaculatus, commonly known as the five-spotted hawk moth or tomato hornworm, is a large sphinx moth whose caterpillar is a significant agricultural pest. The adult moth has a wingspan up to 5 inches (12 cm) and is a strong flier active at night. The larval stage feeds primarily on tomatoes and other Solanaceae plants, causing extensive defoliation when populations are high. The species is closely related to and often confused with the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta).
Melinaea lilis
Mimic Tigerwing
Melinaea lilis is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as the Mimic Tigerwing. It belongs to the tribe Ithomiini, a group of neotropical butterflies known for their unpalatability to predators and participation in Müllerian mimicry rings. The species was originally described as Mechanitis lilis by Doubleday in 1847. It is one of approximately 12 species in the genus Melinaea, which are distributed across Central and South America.
Micrutalis
Micrutalis is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, containing at least 30 described species distributed throughout the Americas. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized treehoppers characterized by their distinctive pronotal morphology. Several species have been documented as vectors of plant pathogens, including Micrutalis malleifera, which transmits Pseudo-Curly Top Virus. The genus exhibits host plant associations primarily with herbaceous plants, including species in Solanaceae.
Phthorimaea operculella
potato tuber moth, tobacco splitworm
Phthorimaea operculella, commonly known as the potato tuber moth or tobacco splitworm, is a gelechiid moth and major agricultural pest of Solanaceae crops worldwide. The species is oligophagous, feeding primarily on potato tubers and foliage, but also attacks tomato, tobacco, eggplant, and pepper plants. Larval mining of tubers and leaves causes substantial economic damage, rendering potatoes unmarketable. The species has achieved near-global distribution, particularly in subtropical, tropical, and Mediterranean climates, and is subject to extensive integrated pest management efforts including biological control, cultural practices, and chemical interventions.
Rhectocraspeda
eggplant webworm moth
Rhectocraspeda is a genus of snout moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was described by Warren in 1892 and currently contains one recognized species, Rhectocraspeda periusalis, commonly known as the eggplant webworm moth. The genus is considered a synonym of Psara in some taxonomic databases, though this classification remains disputed. Members of this genus are associated with agricultural crops, particularly Solanaceae.
Symmetrischema capsica
pepper flowerbud moth
Symmetrischema capsica, commonly known as the pepper flowerbud moth, is a small gelechiid moth described by Bradley and Povolný in 1965. The species is native to the Americas, ranging from the southeastern United States through Mexico to the Caribbean and West Indies. It is a specialist herbivore whose larvae develop within the flower buds of plants in the nightshade family.
Symmetrischema tangolias
South American potato tuber moth, Andean potato tuber moth, tomato stemborer
Symmetrischema tangolias is a gelechiid moth native to the Andean region of South America that has become a globally significant agricultural pest. The species infests solanaceous crops, particularly potatoes and tomatoes, with larvae burrowing into stems, leaves, petioles, and tubers. It has established invasive populations in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Chile. The species is adapted to cooler temperatures than the related potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella, with optimal development occurring between 14–17°C.
Trichobaris
flower weevils
Trichobaris is a genus of flower weevils in the family Curculionidae, comprising 8–13 described species distributed from the southwestern United States through Mexico. These weevils are specialized herbivores associated with plants in the family Solanaceae, particularly the genus Datura, with which they likely coevolved. Several species are notable agricultural pests, including T. mucorea (tobacco stalk borer) and T. trinotata (potato stalk borer), which also feed on cultivated solanaceous crops. Research on this genus has contributed to understanding host-herbivore coevolution, chemical ecology of host selection, and the decoupling of maternal oviposition cues from larval performance.
Zonosemata vittigera
silverleaf nightshade fruit fly
Zonosemata vittigera is a species of tephritid fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, native to North America. It is known primarily as a specialist herbivore associated with silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium), a weedy Solanaceous plant. The species has been studied for its potential role in biological control of this invasive plant. Like other tephritids, it likely exhibits characteristic wing patterning and larval development within host plant tissues.