Sternorrhyncha
Guides
Abstrusomyzus phloxae
Abstrusomyzus phloxae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, originally described as Phorodon phloxae by Sampson in 1939. It belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini, a group characterized by long siphunculi. The specific epithet suggests an association with plants in the genus Phlox.
Acanthococcus
felt scales, bark scales
Acanthococcus is a genus of felt scales (family Eriococcidae), sap-feeding insects in the order Hemiptera. These small, sessile insects form white, felt-like coverings on host plant bark and are significant pests of ornamental and agricultural plants. The most economically important species is Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (crapemyrtle bark scale), an invasive pest in the United States since 2004 that infests crapemyrtles and other plants. Acanthococcus species exhibit incomplete metamorphosis, with females producing ovisacs containing hundreds of eggs. Their feeding causes branch dieback, reduced flowering, and honeydew accumulation that supports sooty mold growth.
Acanthococcus azaleae
Azalea Bark Scale
Acanthococcus azaleae, commonly known as the azalea bark scale, is a felt scale insect in the family Eriococcidae. It is native to Asia and has been introduced to North America, Europe, and other regions through global trade. The species feeds on azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) and related ericaceous plants, forming white, felt-like coverings on bark. It was initially confused with the invasive crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae), which was first identified in Texas in 2004 and later determined to be a distinct species. The azalea bark scale produces honeydew that supports sooty mold growth and can cause branch dieback in heavy infestations.
Acizzia hakeae
A psyllid species in the family Psyllidae, originally described as Psylla hakeae by Tuthill in 1952. The specific epithet 'hakeae' indicates an association with Hakea, a genus of Australian shrubs. The species has been recorded in Australia and New Zealand.
Acuticauda
Acuticauda is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Hille Ris Lambers in 1956. The genus belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini and is part of the diverse aphid fauna within the order Hemiptera. As with other aphid genera, species within Acuticauda are likely phloem-feeding insects, though specific ecological details for the genus as a whole remain poorly documented in available sources.
Acuticauda solidaginifoliae
Goldenrod Leaf-fold Aphid
Acuticauda solidaginifoliae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Williams in 1911. It is commonly known as the Goldenrod Leaf-fold Aphid, indicating an association with goldenrod plants (Solidago species). The specific epithet 'solidaginifoliae' directly references this host relationship. Like other aphids in the genus Acuticauda, it likely possesses the characteristic elongated cauda that gives the genus its name.
Acyrthosiphon pisum
Pea aphid, green dolphin, pea louse, clover louse
Acyrthosiphon pisum, the pea aphid, is a sap-sucking hemipteran and major agricultural pest of legume crops worldwide. It is notable as the first hemimetabolous insect with a fully sequenced genome and serves as a model organism for studying aphid biology, endosymbiosis, polyphenism, and asexual reproduction. The species exhibits complex polyphenism with multiple morphs including winged and wingless parthenogenetic females, sexual males and females, and green or red/pink color morphs. Its survival depends entirely on the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola, which provides essential amino acids lacking in its phloem sap diet.
Adelges cooleyi
Cooley spruce gall adelgid, Douglas fir adelgid, gall adelgid
Adelges cooleyi is a gall-forming adelgid native to western North America, specifically the Rocky Mountains and Cascade Mountains. It is a host-alternating species with a complex life cycle involving two primary hosts: spruce (Picea) species as primary hosts and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) as the secondary host. On spruce, the adelgid induces the formation of distinctive pineapple-shaped galls at branch terminals. On Douglas fir, it produces white, cottony wax masses containing eggs but causes less conspicuous injury. The species has two generations per year and exhibits morphological dimorphism: progredientes migrate to current-year needles while sistentes settle on older needles.
Adelgidae
adelgids, woolly conifer aphids, pine aphids, spruce aphids
Adelgidae is a small family of sap-sucking insects in the order Hemiptera, closely related to aphids. Members are commonly known as "woolly conifer aphids" due to their waxy secretions and exclusive association with conifer hosts in the family Pinaceae. The family includes some of the most destructive invasive forest pests in North America, notably the hemlock woolly adelgid (*Adelges tsugae*) and balsam woolly adelgid (*A. piceae*), which have caused widespread tree mortality. Adelgids exhibit complex, multigeneration life cycles that may include cyclical parthenogenesis, host alternation, and polymorphism.
Aleuroplatus
Aleuroplatus is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) established by Quaintance & Baker in 1914. Whiteflies in this genus are small, sap-feeding insects with powdery wax-covered wings. The genus has accumulated over 1,700 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate documentation of its species in the field.
Aleuroplatus gelatinosus
Aleuroplatus gelatinosus is a species of whitefly (family Aleyrodidae) described by Cockerell in 1898. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive puparial morphology. The species has been documented in California and the northwestern region of Mexico. Like other whiteflies, it is presumed to feed on plant phloem, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Aleuropleurocelus
Aleuropleurocelus is a genus of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae) in the suborder Sternorrhyncha. The genus includes species that are phytophagous pests of woody plants. One undescribed species close to A. acaudatus has been documented as a significant pest of native Mexican avocados (Persea americana) in southern Coahuila, where it is subject to substantial natural parasitism by aphelinid wasps.
Aleurothrixus
woolly whiteflies
Aleurothrixus is a genus of whiteflies (family Aleyrodidae) containing approximately 20 described species. The most economically significant species is A. floccosus (woolly whitefly), a major pest of citrus and other crops across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Several species in the genus have been documented as agricultural pests, with extensive research focused on their biological control using parasitoid wasps.
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.
Aleyrodinae
whiteflies
Aleyrodinae is the largest subfamily of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), containing the majority of described species. Members are small, sap-sucking insects with powdery white wax-coated wings in adults. The subfamily includes economically significant agricultural pests such as Bemisia tabaci and Aleurotrachelus trachoides, which cause damage through direct feeding and virus transmission. A field survey in Belize recorded nearly 200 whitefly species, with all but 40 belonging to Aleyrodinae.
Aleyrodoidea
whiteflies
Aleyrodoidea is a superfamily of small hemipteran insects commonly known as whiteflies. The superfamily contains a single family, Aleyrodidae, with more than 1,550 described species. Whiteflies are phytophagous insects that feed on plant sap, typically from the undersides of leaves. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the citrus blackfly (Aleurocanthus woglumi) and the Bemisia tabaci species complex.
Amonostherium
Amonostherium is a genus of mealybugs (family Pseudococcidae) established by Morrison & Morrison in 1922. These insects are soft-bodied, sap-feeding scale insects characterized by waxy secretions that cover their bodies. The genus belongs to the diverse mealybug radiation within the Sternorrhyncha suborder. Available records indicate very few documented observations, suggesting either rarity, restricted distribution, or undercollection.
Amonostherium lichtensioides
Sagebrush mealybug
Amonostherium lichtensioides is a species of mealybug in the family Pseudococcidae, commonly known as the sagebrush mealybug. The species was described by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1897. It belongs to the genus Amonostherium, a group of scale insects within the order Hemiptera.
Amorphicola
Amorphicola is a genus of jumping plant lice (psyllids) in the family Psyllidae, established by Heslop-Harrison in 1961. As psyllids, members of this genus are small, sap-feeding insects with characteristic jumping ability enabled by their enlarged hind femora. The genus belongs to the diverse psyllid radiation within the suborder Sternorrhyncha.
Amorphicola amorphae
false indigo psyllid
Amorphicola amorphae, commonly known as the false indigo psyllid, is a jumping plant louse in the family Psyllidae. It is a specialist herbivore associated with false indigo plants (Amorpha spp.). The species has been documented in scattered localities across the central and western United States. As a member of the Sternorrhyncha, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant vascular fluids.
Amorphicolinae
Amorphicolinae is a subfamily of jumping plant lice within the family Psyllidae (Hemiptera). Members of this group are small, sap-feeding insects associated with host plants. The subfamily is relatively poorly documented compared to other psyllid groups, with limited published research on its biology and ecology.
Antonina
Antonina is a genus of mealybugs (family Pseudococcidae) within the order Hemiptera. Members of this genus are scale insects that feed on plant sap. The genus is known to be parasitized by encyrtid wasps, including species in the genus Anagyrus. Antonina species are part of the diverse assemblage of mealybugs that inhabit various host plants across their geographic range.
Aphalara persicaria
Aphalara persicaria is a species of psyllid (jumping plant louse) in the family Aphalaridae, first described by Caldwell in 1937. The species epithet "persicaria" suggests a possible association with plants in the genus Persicaria (knotweeds), though specific host relationships remain undocumented. It belongs to a genus of small, sap-feeding insects that are poorly studied in North America. Records indicate presence in Cuba and Ohio, USA.
Aphalaridae
jumping plant lice, psyllids, lerp insects
Aphalaridae is a family of sap-sucking insects in the superfamily Psylloidea, commonly known as jumping plant lice or psyllids. The family contains approximately 749 species with worldwide distribution except Antarctica. Members are small, phloem-feeding insects, often highly host-specific. The family was revised in 2012 and 2021 to include seven subfamilies based on molecular and morphological data. Several species are significant agricultural and forestry pests, including the red gum lerp psyllid (Glycaspis brimblecombei) and the common pistachio psyllid (Agonoscena pistaciae).
Aphalarinae
Aphalarinae is a subfamily of true bugs in the family Aphalaridae, order Hemiptera. It comprises multiple tribes including Aphalarini, Caillardiini, Colposceniini, Gyropsyllini, and Xenaphalarini, with both extant and extinct genera. The subfamily contains at least 15 extant genera and several fossil taxa. Members are psyllids, a group of sap-feeding insects commonly known as jumping plant lice.
Aphalaroida californica
Aphalaroida californica is a species of jumping plant louse (psyllid) in the family Psyllidae, described by Tuthill in 1939. The specific epithet "californica" indicates its association with California. As a member of Sternorrhyncha, it is a phloem-feeding insect. Very little published information exists on its biology, host associations, or ecology.
Aphalaroida inermis
Aphalaroida inermis is a species of jumping plant louse (psyllid) in the family Psyllidae. First described by Crawford in 1914, this small hemipteran insect belongs to a group of sap-feeding insects associated with host plants. The species name 'inermis' (Latin for 'unarmed') likely refers to morphological features lacking spines or projections. Like other psyllids, it undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with distinct nymphal stages.
Aphalaroida pithecolobia
Aphalaroida pithecolobia is a psyllid species in the family Psyllidae, described by Crawford in 1914. It belongs to a genus associated with host-specific relationships on leguminous plants. The species has been documented across multiple western North American states based on collection records.
Aphidini
Aphidini is a tribe of aphids within the subfamily Aphidinae, containing approximately 30 genera divided into two subtribes: Aphidina and Rhopalosiphina. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Aphis (containing the black bean aphid and cotton aphid) and Rhopalosiphum (containing the bird cherry-oat aphid and green peach aphid). Members are small, soft-bodied sap-feeding insects with complex life cycles often involving host alternation between primary woody hosts and secondary herbaceous hosts.
Aphidoidea
aphids, plant lice, greenflies, blackflies, whiteflies
Aphidoidea is a superfamily of small sap-sucking insects within Hemiptera, commonly known as aphids. Members possess piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant phloem. The superfamily includes approximately 5,000 described species across multiple families, with Aphididae being the largest and most economically significant. Many species exhibit complex life cycles involving both sexual and parthenogenetic reproduction, often with seasonal alternation between host plants.
Aphis aurantii
Black Citrus Aphid, Camellia Aphid
Aphis aurantii is an economically significant aphid species known as the Black Citrus Aphid or Camellia Aphid. It is a major pest in commercial tea plantations and gardens in China, where it causes substantial damage to Camellia sinensis. The species exhibits a broad host range across multiple plant families, with documented specialization on Ficus in sympatric populations suggesting ongoing host-associated divergence. Population genetic studies reveal high haplotype diversity across Chinese populations with evidence of recent expansion events and isolation-by-distance patterns.
Aphis ceanothi
California Lilac Aphid
Aphis ceanothi is an aphid species first described by Clarke in 1903. It is commonly known as the California Lilac Aphid, reflecting its association with Ceanothus (California lilac) host plants. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases, though some sources list it as a synonym. As a member of the genus Aphis, it shares the characteristic pear-shaped body and cornicles typical of this large aphid genus.
Aphis folsomii
Virginia creeper aphid
Aphis folsomii is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Davis in 1908. It is commonly known as the Virginia creeper aphid, indicating an association with Parthenocissus species (Virginia creeper). Like other aphids, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts and exhibits typical aphid morphology including cornicles on the abdomen. The species is currently accepted as valid, though it was previously listed as a synonym in some sources.
Aphis gerardiae
False Foxglove Aphid
Aphis gerardiae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, originally described by Thomas in 1879 as Siphonophora gerardiae. Commonly known as the False Foxglove Aphid, this species is associated with plants in the genus Gerardia (false foxgloves). As with other members of genus Aphis, it likely exhibits typical aphid characteristics including piercing-sucking mouthparts and complex life cycles involving both sexual and asexual reproduction phases. The species has been documented through limited observations, with iNaturalist recording 7 observations as of the knowledge cutoff.
Aphis hederae
Aphis hederae is an aphid species first described by Kaltenbach in 1843. It is currently listed as an accepted species in major taxonomic databases, though some sources note it as an ambiguous synonym. The species is recorded from the Azores archipelago (Faial, Flores, São Jorge, São Miguel, and Santa Maria islands). As a member of the genus Aphis, it shares the family's characteristic sap-feeding biology on host plants.
Aphis intybi
Aphis intybi is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Koch in 1855. It belongs to the large genus Aphis, which contains numerous economically important plant-feeding species. Distribution records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The species epithet 'intybi' suggests an association with Cichorium intybus (chicory), though specific host plant relationships have not been well documented in available literature.
Aphis lupini
Aphis lupini is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Gillette and Palmer in 1929. The specific epithet suggests an association with lupine plants (Lupinus spp.), though detailed biological information is limited in available sources. As a member of genus Aphis, it shares the typical aphid characteristics of piercing-sucking mouthparts and complex life cycles often involving host plant alternation. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases including GBIF and NCBI, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym.
Aphis oenotherae
Evening Primrose Aphid
Aphis oenotherae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Oestlund in 1887. It is commonly known as the Evening Primrose Aphid, reflecting its association with plants in the genus Oenothera. The species has been documented in parts of Europe including Belgium, the Czech Republic, and France, with observation records also noted in citizen science databases. Like other aphids in the genus Aphis, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant phloem.
Aphis pawneepae
Aphis pawneepae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Hottes in 1934. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases, though some sources list it as a synonym. Very little is known about its biology, ecology, or distribution. Records indicate it has been observed at least 18 times on iNaturalist, but detailed studies of its morphology, host associations, and life history appear to be lacking in the available literature.
Aphis spiraephila
Aphis spiraephila is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, described by Edith Marion Patch in 1914. The specific epithet "spiraephila" suggests an association with Spiraea, a genus of flowering shrubs in the rose family. The species is recorded from Ukraine in distribution databases, though detailed biological information appears limited in available sources. Like other members of genus Aphis, it likely exhibits typical aphid morphology including soft bodies, piercing-sucking mouthparts, and cornicles on the abdomen.
Aphis vernoniae
Ironweed aphid
Aphis vernoniae is an aphid species described by Thomas in 1878. The common name "Ironweed aphid" suggests an association with plants in the genus Vernonia (ironweeds). As a member of the genus Aphis, it shares characteristics with other aphids in this large and economically significant genus. The species appears to be rarely documented, with minimal observational records available.
Aphis viburniphila
American Viburnum Aphid
Aphis viburniphila, the American Viburnum Aphid, is a species of aphid described by Edith Marion Patch in 1917. The species epithet 'viburniphila' indicates its association with Viburnum host plants. As a member of the genus Aphis, it shares the typical aphid body plan with piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for phloem feeding. The species has been documented through 88 observations on iNaturalist.
Aulacaspis
Aulacaspis is a genus of armored scale insects in the family Diaspididae. These small, sap-sucking insects are characterized by their protective waxy coverings, called tests, which shield their soft bodies. The genus includes numerous species, some of which are significant agricultural and horticultural pests. The type species is Aulacaspis rosae. Several species have become invasive outside their native ranges, notably Aulacaspis yasumatsui, which has caused severe damage to cycad populations worldwide.
Aulacaspis yasumatsui
cycad aulacaspis scale, cycad scale, sago palm scale, Asian cycad scale
Aulacaspis yasumatsui is a highly destructive armored scale insect native to Southeast Asia that has become a globally invasive pest of cycads. First described from Thailand in 1977, it was detected in Florida in 1996 and has since spread to numerous countries across six continents, causing widespread mortality of ornamental and native cycad populations. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism in body form and produces multiple generations annually in warm climates, with populations capable of reaching densities that completely encrust host fronds and ultimately kill the plant through depletion of photosynthetic tissue and nonstructural carbohydrates.
Bactericera
psyllid bugs, jumping plant lice
Bactericera is a genus of psyllid bugs (family Triozidae) established by Auguste Puton in 1876. The genus is predominantly distributed in the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, with 24 recognized species in North America north of Mexico. Members are small phloem-feeding insects commonly known as "jumping plant lice." The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, most notably Bactericera cockerelli (potato/tomato psyllid), which transmits the bacterial pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' causing zebra chip disease in potatoes.
Bactericera antennata
Rudbeckia Triozid
Bactericera antennata is a psyllid species in the family Triozidae, commonly known as the Rudbeckia Triozid. It is a small, plant-feeding insect in the order Hemiptera, related to aphids and whiteflies. The species is distributed across much of North America with records from numerous U.S. states and Canadian provinces. As with most psyllids, it feeds by penetrating plant phloem and sucking sap.
Bactericera athenae
Bactericera athenae is a species of psyllid in the family Triozidae, first described by Crawford in 1914. Like other members of the genus Bactericera, it is a small phloem-feeding insect commonly known as a "jumping plant louse." The genus Bactericera contains approximately 24 described species in North America north of Mexico, many of which are poorly known and associated with specific host plants.
Bactericera californica
California psyllid
Bactericera californica is a species of psyllid in the family Triozidae, first described by Crawford in 1910. It is native to western North America and has been documented in California, Arizona, Colorado, and Arkansas. As a member of the genus Bactericera, it belongs to a group of psyllids that includes several economically significant agricultural pests. The species is poorly studied compared to its congener B. cockerelli, the potato psyllid, and little is known about its specific biology or host associations.
Bactericera lavaterae
Island Mallow Psyllid
Bactericera lavaterae is a species of psyllid in the family Triozidae, described by Van Duzee in 1924. The species is commonly known as the Island Mallow Psyllid, reflecting its association with mallow plants (Malvaceae). As a member of the Sternorrhyncha suborder, it is a phloem-feeding insect that uses piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant sap. The species is part of the diverse Bactericera genus, which contains approximately 24 described species in North America north of Mexico.
Bactericera lobata
Bactericera lobata is a psyllid species (family Triozidae) first described by Crawford in 1914. As a member of the genus Bactericera, it belongs to a diverse group of phloem-feeding insects commonly known as jumping plant lice. The species is recorded from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other psyllids, it likely feeds on plant phloem sap, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The genus includes economically significant species such as the potato psyllid (B. cockerelli), but B. lobata itself has received limited research attention.