Subterranean-larva
Guides
Chrysoteuchia topiarius
Topiary Grass-veneer, Subterranean Sod Webworm, Cranberry Girdler
Chrysoteuchia topiarius is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of 17–20 mm, distributed across most of North America. Adults are active from late June to early August in a single annual generation. The species is known by multiple common names reflecting its larval habits: subterranean sod webworm refers to its grass-feeding larvae that live in silk-lined tunnels, while cranberry girdler indicates damage to cranberry plants. The species was first described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1866.
Hydraecia micacea
Rosy Rustic, Potato Stem Borer
Hydraecia micacea, known as the rosy rustic or potato stem borer, is a noctuid moth native to the Palearctic realm and introduced to eastern North America. The species exhibits significant agricultural pest status, particularly affecting hop cultivation and potato crops through subterranean larval feeding on roots and crowns. Adults are active from July to November in temperate regions. The species is univoltine with a single generation per year.
Inopus
sugarcane soldier fly, soldier fly
Inopus is a genus of soldier flies in the family Stratiomyidae, comprising approximately six described species native to Australia. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, particularly Inopus rubriceps (sugarcane soldier fly) and Inopus flavus, whose larvae feed on plant roots and cause substantial damage to sugarcane crops and pastures. Larvae develop underground for one to two years, while short-lived adults do not feed. Several species have been introduced to New Zealand and California, where they continue to impact agricultural systems.
Pleocoma tularensis
rain beetle
Pleocoma tularensis is a species of rain beetle in the family Pleocomidae, distinguished by having one of the largest geographic ranges within the genus Pleocoma. It is endemic to the central and southern Sierra Nevada of California. Like other rain beetles, adults are sexually dimorphic: males are winged and capable of flight, while females are flightless. Adults do not feed and rely entirely on energy reserves accumulated during their extended larval development underground.