Soybean-pest
Guides
Achyra
Achyra is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1849. The genus belongs to the subfamily Pyraustinae and contains species that are primarily known as agricultural pests. The most widely documented species, Achyra rantalis (garden webworm), feeds on soybean foliage and other plants, with larvae that produce protective silk webs. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light and have been documented at blacklighting events in North America.
Anticarsia gemmatalis
Velvetbean Caterpillar, Velvetbean Moth, Velvetbean Caterpillar Moth
Anticarsia gemmatalis is a tropical moth whose larvae are among the most significant lepidopteran pests of soybean throughout the Americas. The species undergoes annual northward migration from tropical overwintering areas, reaching as far north as Wisconsin in the United States. Larvae feed on foliage of leguminous crops, with velvet bean, soybean, and peanut being primary hosts. The species has been studied in spaceflight experiments, where moths reared in microgravity exhibited altered flight behavior compared to earth-reared individuals.
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.
Caliothrips
bean thrips, banded thrips
Caliothrips is a genus of thrips in the family Thripidae, subfamily Panchaetothripinae, established by Daniel in 1904. Species in this genus are phytophagous, typically associated with plant leaves, and several are recognized as agricultural pests. The genus includes notable species such as C. phaseoli (bean thrips) and C. fasciatus (North American bean thrips), which feed on legumes and other crops. Adults are characterized by distinct wing banding patterns and small size (~1 mm). Some species have been intercepted in international trade, particularly in navel oranges, triggering quarantine concerns.
Caliothrips cinctipennis
bean thrips
Caliothrips cinctipennis is a minute phytophagous thrips in the family Thripidae, commonly known as bean thrips. Adults measure approximately 1 mm in length and are distinguished by black-and-white banded forewings. The species is a documented pest of soybean (Glycine max) and has been recorded in both North and South America. Populations can increase rapidly under dry conditions due to a short life cycle of approximately two weeks from egg to egg.
Cerotoma
bean leaf beetles
Cerotoma is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) containing approximately seven described species distributed across North America and the Neotropics. The genus is best known for Cerotoma trifurcata, commonly called the bean leaf beetle, a significant agricultural pest of soybean and common bean. Adults feed on foliage and pods, while larvae feed on roots and root nodules. The genus exhibits strong host associations with leguminous plants.
Cerotoma ruficornis
bean leaf beetle
Cerotoma ruficornis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the bean leaf beetle. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: C. r. ruficornis and C. r. sexpunctata. The species is associated with soybean agriculture and has been studied alongside the related C. trifurcata as a pest of legume crops.
Cerotoma trifurcata
Bean Leaf Beetle
Cerotoma trifurcata, commonly known as the bean leaf beetle, is a chrysomelid beetle native to North America and a significant agricultural pest of soybean and other leguminous crops. Adults overwinter in sheltered woodland edges and fence rows, migrating to soybean fields in spring to feed and reproduce. The species has been documented as a vector of Bean Pod Mottle Virus (Comoviridae), transmitting the pathogen between plants during feeding. Its life cycle includes soil-dwelling larval stages that feed on root nodules, potentially affecting nitrogen fixation in host plants.
Chinavia
Green Stink Bugs
Chinavia is a diverse genus of green stink bugs comprising over 80 species distributed across the Afrotropical, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. Species within this genus are polyphagous and include significant agricultural pests, notably Chinavia hilaris (the green stink bug), which damages cotton, soybean, and other crops in North America. The genus is characterized by green coloration retained after death, medium body size (9–19 mm), and membership in the tribe Nezarini. Several species have become subjects of integrated pest management research due to their economic impact on row crops and orchard systems.
Chinavia pensylvanica
Pennsylvania stink bug
Chinavia pensylvanica is a stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae, native to North America. It is one of several Chinavia species that feed on cultivated crops and wild plants. The species has been documented in soybean and corn fields in the Midwestern United States, where it contributes to emerging stink bug pest problems in regional agriculture.
Chrysodeixis
Chrysodeixis is a genus of owlet moths (family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae) described by Jacob Hübner in 1821. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly Chrysodeixis includens (soybean looper) and C. chalcites (tomato looper), which cause defoliation damage to legume and solanaceous crops. Larvae are characterized by having three pairs of prolegs and a distinctive looping locomotion.
Colaspis crinicornis
Colaspis crinicornis is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, native to the Great Plains of the United States. It was described by Schaeffer in 1933. Historically not considered a pest, its populations have increased substantially in corn and soybean fields in southeastern Nebraska over the past decade. The species has a univoltine life cycle, overwintering as larvae in soil and emerging as adults in summer. Adults feed on above-ground foliage while larvae feed on below-ground plant portions.
Colaspis crinicornis
grape colaspis
Colaspis sp-near-crinicornis, commonly known as grape colaspis, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is recognized as an early-season pest of soybean in the southern United States. The species has been documented in economic entomology studies evaluating neonicotinoid seed treatments for pest management.
Colaspis favosa
grape colaspis
Colaspis favosa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Eumolpinae. It is native to North America and occurs primarily along the Atlantic and Gulf coastal regions of the United States. The species has been documented as an early-season pest of soybean in the southern United States, where it is commonly known as the grape colaspis. It is one of several Colaspis species associated with agricultural crops.
Colaspis melaina
Grape colaspis
Colaspis melaina is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the grape colaspis. It is recognized as an early-season pest of soybeans in the southern United States, particularly in the lower Mississippi Valley region including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The species is one of several Colaspis beetles associated with agricultural crops, and its larvae feed on plant roots while adults feed on foliage.
Crocidosema
Crocidosema is a genus of tortrix moths in the family Tortricidae, tribe Eucosmini, subfamily Olethreutinae. The genus contains approximately 29 described species, distributed primarily in the Southern Hemisphere with particular abundance in the Neotropics. Some species occur in other regions, including the Hawaiian Islands. The genus includes both agricultural pests and species used in biological control.
Dectes
Dectes stem borer
Dectes is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae) established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852. The genus contains three recognized species: Dectes nigripilus, Dectes sayi, and Dectes texanus. The most economically significant species is D. texanus, commonly known as the Dectes stem borer or soybean stem borer, which has become an important agricultural pest of soybean and sunflower crops in the central and eastern United States. Larvae tunnel into plant stems and girdle the base before overwintering, causing lodging and yield losses. D. sayi is also associated with soybean and sunflower but prefers common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) as a primary host.
Dectes texanus
Dectes stem borer, Texas prick, soybean stem borer
Dectes texanus is a native North American longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) that has emerged as a significant agricultural pest of soybeans and sunflowers in the Midwestern and Great Plains regions of the United States. Adults are characterized by antennae longer than their bodies and a pale gray coloration. Larvae tunnel inside plant stems from July through October, then girdle the stem base internally before overwintering, causing pre-harvest lodging and yield losses. The species has expanded its range and pest status dramatically since the 1980s, correlating with increased soybean acreage and adoption of no-till farming practices. Originally associated with wild hosts including ragweed and cocklebur, it colonized cultivated soybeans approximately 50 years ago.
Elasmopalpus lignosella
lesser cornstalk borer
Elasmopalpus lignosella, commonly known as the lesser cornstalk borer, is a moth species whose larvae are pests of young agricultural crops including sorghum, corn, peanuts, and soybeans. The species is widely distributed, with records from North America, Europe, and Hawaii. Larvae bore into stems near ground level, causing wilting, lodging, and plant death. Infestations are more severe during hot, dry conditions and in sandy soils. While capable of significant damage in soybeans and other crops, damaging infestations in sorghum are rare.
Epicauta pensylvanica
black blister beetle, black aster bug
Epicauta pensylvanica is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the black blister beetle or black aster bug. The species is characterized by its predominantly black coloration and is known to contain the defensive compound cantharidin, which can cause skin blistering upon contact. Adults are typically found on flowers of plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae). The species occurs across North America and has been documented as a pest of soybean foliage in agricultural settings.
Euplectrus comstockii
Euplectrus comstockii is an ectoparasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae that parasitizes larval Lepidoptera. Adult females inject venom containing a developmental arrestant that arrests host molting and metamorphosis, maintaining the host in a suitable state for parasitoid offspring development. The species has been studied extensively for its host-parasitoid interactions, venom biochemistry, and potential use in biological control programs. Developmental timing varies with temperature: at 24°C and 72.8% relative humidity, the egg stage lasts approximately 1.75 days, larval stage 5.0 days, prepupa 0.95 days, and pupa 5.5 days.
Euschistus egglestoni
Euschistus egglestoni is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, genus Euschistus. The genus Euschistus comprises brown stink bugs, a group of related species that are agricultural pests of soybean and other crops. Members of this genus are characterized by their predominantly brown coloration and relatively small size compared to other stink bug pests. Like other Euschistus species, E. egglestoni likely shares the general biology of brown stink bugs, though specific details for this species are poorly documented.
Euschistus politus
Euschistus politus is a brown stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, found in North America. In southern Illinois, it has been observed to have one generation per year, with adults overwintering and emerging in spring. Both nymphs and adults feed on developing seeds of various plants, including soybeans. The species develops through five nymphal instars before reaching adulthood.
Euschistus quadrator
quadrate stink bug
Euschistus quadrator is a stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae, first described by Rolston in 1874. It belongs to the brown stink bug group (Euschistus spp.), which are recognized agricultural pests in soybean and other legume crops. The species occurs across Central America and North America, where it feeds on plant juices using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Like other Euschistus species, it has been observed to cause pod and seed damage in soybeans, though specific damage thresholds for this species have not been independently quantified.
Euschistus servus euschistoides
brown stink bug
Euschistus servus euschistoides is a subspecies of brown stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. It is a nominal phytophage documented to exhibit facultative predatory behavior on caterpillars. The subspecies occurs in North America and is part of the Euschistus servus species complex, which includes agricultural pests of soybean and other crops. Observations in central New York State confirmed predation on Pieris rapae larvae.
Euschistus variolarius
one-spotted stink bug, onespotted stink bug
Euschistus variolarius, commonly known as the one-spotted stink bug, is a Nearctic species of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae. It is a phytophagous insect that feeds primarily on seeds and developing fruits of various plants, including legumes, grasses, and agricultural crops such as soybean and alfalfa. The species produces one generation per year in northern parts of its range, with adults overwintering in ground debris and emerging in spring to reproduce. While historically considered a minor pest, it has become increasingly recognized as an emerging pest in Midwestern soybean and corn production.
Hexacladia
Hexacladia is a genus of gregarious endoparasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, subfamily Encyrtinae. Species develop as endoparasitoids within adult heteropteran bugs, primarily in the family Pentatomidae (stink bugs), with some records from Coreidae and Scutelleridae. Multiple parasitoid individuals typically emerge from a single host. The genus has been documented as a biological control agent of agricultural pest stink bugs in South America, including species that attack soybean and rice crops. Seven species are recorded from South America, with H. smithii being the most widely reported.
Hypena scabra
Green Cloverworm Moth, Black Snout, Green Cloverworm
Hypena scabra, commonly known as the green cloverworm moth or black snout, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is an abundant species across much of North America east of the Rocky Mountains, with multiple generations per year. The larvae are significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybeans and other legumes, though they feed on a wide variety of plants. Adults are active from early spring through late fall, or year-round in warmer regions.
Hypnoidus
wireworms
Hypnoidus is a genus of click beetles (family Elateridae) whose soil-dwelling larval stages are known as wireworms. Species in this genus are found across Eurasia and North America, with several species recognized as agricultural pests. The genus includes economically significant species such as Hypnoidus bicolor and Hypnoidus abbreviatus, which damage crop roots in the Canadian Prairies.
Hypnoidus bicolor
Bicolour Click Beetle
Hypnoidus bicolor is a click beetle species (Elateridae) found throughout the Canadian Prairies and other parts of the Holarctic region. The species exists as a potential cryptic species complex, with two genetically distinct clades (>4.66% COX1 sequence divergence) identified in prairie populations. Larvae are soil-dwelling wireworms that can damage soybean and other crops, though they are smaller and less destructive than related pest species such as Limonius californicus and Hypnoidus abbreviatus. Population genetic studies indicate uneven gene flow among populations with low regional genetic structuring, and evidence of range expansion coinciding with intensive agricultural practices.
Iridopsis humaria
small purplish gray
Iridopsis humaria, commonly known as the small purplish gray, is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6584. Larvae of this species have been documented feeding on soybean (Glycine max) as a favored host plant. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are known for their distinctive 'inching' locomotion characteristic of geometrid caterpillars.
Lamprosema
Lamprosema is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, described by Jacob Hübner in 1823. The genus contains approximately 80 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. Several species are documented as agricultural pests, particularly on leguminous crops. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some species transferred to other genera over time.
Leptomeraporus
Leptomeraporus is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae. A Brazilian study documented Leptomeraporus sp. as a parasitoid of the soybean stem miner fly Melanagromyza sojae, marking the first record of this genus in South America. The specimens were identified as likely representing an undescribed species. Members of this genus are known or suspected to act as primary parasitoids of dipteran larvae and may exhibit secondary parasitism on other Hymenoptera.
Megacopta
Megacopta is a genus of true bugs in the family Plataspidae, containing at least 25 described species distributed across Asia. The genus is best known for Megacopta cribraria, the kudzu bug, which became an invasive pest in North America after its accidental introduction to Georgia in 2009. Members of this genus are phytophagous, with many species associated with leguminous plants. Several Megacopta species possess obligate bacterial gut symbionts that are essential for normal development and are transmitted via symbiont capsules deposited on egg masses.
Megacopta cribraria
kudzu bug, bean plataspid, globular stink bug, lablab bug
Megacopta cribraria is a plataspid shield bug native to South and East Asia that has become a significant invasive pest in the southeastern United States since its discovery in Georgia in 2009. The species exhibits a specialized symbiotic relationship with gut bacteria, particularly Candidatus Ishikawella capsulata, which enables it to feed on leguminous plants. North American populations descend from Japanese lineages and possess microbiomes that facilitate soybean infestation, distinguishing them from some Asian populations. The bug is notable for its strong aggregation behavior, attraction to white surfaces, and defensive secretion that causes odor, skin irritation, and staining.
Myochrous
Myochrous is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae, containing over 50 described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. The generic name derives from Ancient Greek words meaning 'mouse' and 'color'. Several species are agricultural pests, including Myochrous denticollis (southern corn leaf beetle), Myochrous melancholicus (banana pest), and Myochrous armatus (emerging soybean pest in Brazil). The genus was formerly placed in tribe Adoxini but is now classified in Eumolpini.
Neohydatothrips variabilis
soybean thrips
Neohydatothrips variabilis, commonly known as the soybean thrips, is a phytophagous thrips species in the family Thripidae and the most efficient known vector of Soybean Vein Necrosis Orthotospovirus (SVNV). The species has been documented in Central America and North America, with populations prevalent across all soybean-growing states in the United States. Research indicates that SVNV infection enhances vector fitness by increasing survival, longevity, and reproductive parameters while decreasing population doubling time. The species reproduces through sexual reproduction with arrhenotoky, producing haploid males from unfertilized eggs.
Nezara
Green Vegetable Bugs
Nezara is a genus of plant-feeding stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae, established by Amyot and Serville in 1843. The genus contains approximately 20 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The most economically significant species is Nezara viridula (Linnaeus, 1758), commonly known as the southern green stink bug or green vegetable bug, which is a major agricultural pest of legumes, cotton, and numerous other crops. Several species have been documented as pests of soybean and other economically important crops in South America, with N. viridula being particularly problematic due to its cosmopolitan distribution and polyphagous feeding habits.
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.
Odontota horni
soybean leafminer
Odontota horni is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the soybean leafminer. It is found across a broad swath of eastern and central North America, with records from 28 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The species is associated with leguminous host plants, including several Desmodium species, Tephrosia virginiana, and Glycine max (soybean), which gives it its common name.
Piezodorus
Piezodorus is a genus of shield bugs in the family Pentatomidae, distributed across multiple continents. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, particularly Piezodorus guildinii (redbanded stink bug), which causes substantial damage to soybean and other legume crops in the Americas. Species in this genus exhibit typical pentatomid morphology with shield-shaped bodies and are associated primarily with leguminous host plants.
Piezodorus guildinii
Red-banded Stink Bug, Redbanded Stink Bug, Small Green Stink Bug, Alfalfa Bug
Piezodorus guildinii, commonly known as the red-banded stink bug, is a pentatomid stink bug native to the Neotropics that has become a significant agricultural pest in the southern United States since around 2000. It is smaller and more agile than other stink bug pests, with documented resistance to multiple insecticide classes. The species causes substantial economic damage to soybean and other legume crops through sap feeding on seeds, pods, flowers, stems, and leaves, and has been linked to delayed maturity syndrome in soybeans.
Plataspidae
shield bugs, kudzu bugs, plataspid bugs
Plataspidae is a family of shield bugs in the suborder Heteroptera, native to the Old World and primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. Members are characterized by a greatly enlarged scutellum that covers most or all of the abdomen and wings. The family includes the economically significant pest Megacopta cribraria (kudzu bug), which was introduced to North America in 2009 and has become a major pest of soybean in the southeastern United States. Most species feed on plants, particularly legumes, though some exhibit broader host ranges.
Plusiina
Plusiina is a subtribe within the subfamily Plusiinae of the moth family Noctuidae. Members are commonly known as loopers or semiloopers due to their distinctive larval locomotion. The subtribe includes economically significant agricultural pests such as Rachiplusia nu and Chrysodeixis includens, which cause defoliation damage to soybean and other crops. Larvae are characterized by having three pairs of prolegs and a looping gait, distinguishing them from true geometrid loopers which possess only two pairs.
Plusiinae
Plusiine Looper Moths, Looper Moths
Plusiinae is a subfamily of moths within Noctuidae, commonly known as plusiine looper moths. The group is characterized by larvae with three pairs of prolegs that move with a distinctive looping gait. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybean and other legumes. The subfamily is relatively small compared to other noctuid groups, and its taxonomic status may be elevated to family rank pending resolution of Noctuidae paraphyly.
Rachiplusia
sunflower looper (R. nu)
Rachiplusia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae, containing at least four species distributed across the Americas. The most economically significant species is Rachiplusia nu, known as the sunflower looper or "oruga medidora del girasol," which has emerged as a major pest of soybean and sunflower in South America. Larvae of this genus are characterized by the looping locomotion typical of Plusiinae, resulting from having only three pairs of prolegs. The genus was revised taxonomically by Barbut in 2008, clarifying species boundaries and distributions.
Rhyssomatus
Rhyssomatus is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) containing at least 180 described species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybean and other leguminous crops. Several species have been intensively studied due to their economic impact, including R. nigerrimus (Mexican soybean weevil), R. subtilis (black soybean weevil in Argentina), and R. lineaticollis (milkweed stem weevil in North America). Species exhibit diverse life histories ranging from monophagous specialists to oligophagous generalists on legumes.
Rhyssomatus suspected-new
A suspected new species in the weevil genus Rhyssomatus, family Curculionidae. The genus Rhyssomatus contains several economically significant agricultural pests, most notably R. subtilis (the "black weevil" or "picudo negro") which is a major pest of soybean in Tucumán Province, Argentina, and R. nigerrimus, the soybean weevil of Mexico. Members of this genus are characterized by their association with leguminous crops, particularly soybean and dry beans, with larvae typically developing within pods or stems and adults feeding on foliage. The suspected-new designation indicates this taxon has been observed but not yet formally described or fully characterized.
Rivellia quadrifasciata
soybean nodule fly
Rivellia quadrifasciata, commonly known as the soybean nodule fly, is a signal fly in the family Platystomatidae. The species is native to eastern North America, where it originally fed on tick trefoil (Desmodium spp.) before adapting to cultivated legumes. Larvae feed on nitrogen-fixing root nodules of host plants, including soybean, cowpea, and common bean. Despite this feeding habit, the species causes only minor economic damage due to the compensatory growth abilities of soybean. Adults are characterized by their distinctive wing-waving behavior, which gives the family its common name.
Spodoptera albula
Gray-streaked Armyworm Moth, Unbarred Spodoptera Moth, Gray-streaked Armyworm
Spodoptera albula is a noctuid moth distributed from the southern United States through South America. The adult has a wingspan of 33–35 mm. Larvae are polyphagous but show a preference for Amaranthus species, and have been documented as a minor pest of soybean in Brazil. The species is one of several Spodoptera armyworms affecting agricultural crops in the Americas, though it remains less economically significant than congeners such as S. eridania or S. cosmioides.