Urban-pest
Guides
Metcalfa pruinosa
Citrus Flatid Planthopper
Metcalfa pruinosa is a polyphagous planthopper native to North America that has become a significant invasive pest across Europe, Asia, and other regions. Adults measure 5.5–8 mm in length and are covered in a distinctive bluish-white waxy coating. The species produces one generation per year, with eggs overwintering in bark crevices. It feeds gregariously on plant sap, excreting honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth and causes direct damage to crops and ornamentals. First described by Thomas Say in 1830, it has spread to over 20 countries and is known to attack more than 300 plant species.
Monomorium floricola
Bicolored Trailing Ant, Flower Ant
Monomorium floricola is a small myrmicine ant native to tropical regions that has become a widespread global invader. Commonly known as the bicolored trailing ant or flower ant, it is frequently transported through human commerce and has established populations across multiple continents. The species is characterized by its diminutive size, polygynous colony structure, and association with human-disturbed habitats. It is recognized as a significant invasive species with potential ecological impacts in tropical biodiversity hotspots.
Monomorium pharaonis
Pharaoh Ant
Monomorium pharaonis, commonly known as the pharaoh ant, is a small (approximately 2 mm) yellow to light brown invasive ant species of unknown origin that has become one of the most widespread and problematic indoor pest ants globally. It is a highly polygynous, unicolonial species with colonies containing multiple queens, workers, males, and brood. The species exhibits pronounced caste polyphenism with distinct morphologies and behaviors across queens, workers, and males. Pharaoh ants are notorious for infesting hospitals, food service facilities, and residential structures, where they pose significant public health risks as mechanical vectors of pathogens. Their complex social structure, involving multiple reproductives and decentralized nest sites, makes them exceptionally difficult to control using conventional insecticide treatments.
Nylanderia bourbonica
Robust Crazy Ant
Nylanderia bourbonica, commonly known as the Robust Crazy Ant, is a widespread invasive tramp ant species native to tropical regions. It has been introduced to multiple continents including North America, where it is established in Florida and other subtropical areas. The species exhibits characteristic erratic, rapid movement patterns and forms large polygynous colonies. As a generalist forager associated with human-modified environments, it can reach nuisance pest levels in urban settings.
Ochetellus
Ochetellus is a genus of small black ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, established by Steve Shattuck in 1992 to accommodate species previously placed in Iridomyrmex. The genus contains seven described species and three subspecies, predominantly native to Australia with some Asian distributions. Several species have been introduced outside their native range, including O. glaber which has established populations in New Zealand, Hawaii, and the continental United States. These ants occupy diverse habitats from sclerophyll woodlands to urban environments.
Orchestes
flea weevils
Orchestes is a genus of flea weevils (Curculionidae) comprising six species in North America and additional species in Eurasia. Members are small beetles (2–4 mm) associated with woody host plants, particularly trees in Ulmaceae and Fagaceae. The genus was historically confused with Rhynchaenus, from which it has been redefined. Several species are significant pests: O. steppensis is a destructive invasive of elms in China and North America, O. alni (European elm flea weevil) damages elms in Europe and North America, and O. fagi attacks beech trees. Larval habits vary—most are leaf miners, though O. hustachei uniquely parasitizes aphid galls.
Orgyia leucostigma
White-marked Tussock Moth
A tussock moth species native to North America, distinguished by sexually dimorphic adults: females are flightless with reduced wings, while males are winged and active. The caterpillar is conspicuously colored with defensive hair tufts and can cause allergic reactions in humans. Multiple generations occur annually in eastern North America, with outbreaks occasionally reported on urban trees.
Ornithonyssus bacoti
tropical rat mite
Ornithonyssus bacoti, commonly called the tropical rat mite, is a hematophagous mesostigmatid mite in the family Macronyssidae. It is an obligate blood-feeding ectoparasite primarily associated with rats and other rodents, but will opportunistically bite humans and domestic animals when primary hosts are unavailable. The mite is of significant medical and veterinary importance due to its role in causing rat mite dermatitis in humans and its potential to vector several pathogens. It exhibits remarkable survival capabilities, traveling hundreds of feet to locate hosts and surviving extended periods without feeding.
Pachypsylla celtidisumbilicus
Hackberry Disc Gall Psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisumbilicus is a species of hackberry psyllid that produces distinctive disc-shaped galls on hackberry leaves (Celtis spp.). Adults emerge in fall and seek shelter to overwinter, often becoming household nuisances when they congregate on building exteriors. The species is one of at least seven Pachypsylla species associated with hackberry in North America, each producing a characteristic gall morphology.
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oak lecanium scale
Parthenolecanium quercifex, commonly known as the oak lecanium scale, is a native soft scale insect in the family Coccidae. Adult females are hemispherical, 4–7 mm long, and light to dark brown or gray with lateral humps. The species is prevalent in the eastern United States, primarily infesting oak trees but occasionally found on hickory and birch. It has one annual generation, with eggs laid in late May to June and crawlers hatching in June to early July. Heavy infestations can cause stunted foliage, chlorosis, twig death, and dieback, while moderate populations may support beneficial natural enemies.
Periphyllus negundinis
Box Elder Aphid
A North American aphid species specialized on box elder trees. Forms dense colonies on leaves and stems, often becoming conspicuous due to honeydew production and associated sooty mold. The species was first described in 1878 and remains a common, well-documented member of the aphid genus Periphyllus.
Periplaneta
Periplaneta is a genus of large cockroaches in the family Blattidae, containing several species with cosmopolitan distributions that have become significant urban pests worldwide. The genus includes well-known species such as Periplaneta americana (American cockroach), Periplaneta lateralis (Turkestan cockroach), and Periplaneta japonica (Asian cockroach). These species are characterized by their relatively large size, flattened bodies, and long antennae. Many Periplaneta species have been spread globally through human commerce and travel, with some showing remarkable adaptability to diverse climates including cold-tolerant species capable of surviving freezing temperatures.
Periplaneta fuliginosa
smokybrown cockroach, smoky brown cockroach
Periplaneta fuliginosa is a large, dark brown cockroach species native to Asia that has become a widespread invasive pest. Females produce oothecae (egg cases) that they carry externally and attach to substrates before hatching. The species shows strong aggregation behavior based on chemical cues and exhibits density-dependent oviposition site selection, preferring sheltered locations when populations are crowded. It is primarily nocturnal with peak activity between 2200-0200 hours and shows limited dispersal capability in mark-recapture studies. The species has been found to harbor the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia (F clade) and is commonly parasitized by the thelastomatid nematode Leidynema appendiculata.
Periplaneta japonica
Japanese cockroach, Yamato cockroach
Periplaneta japonica is a cold-tolerant cockroach native to Japan, adapted to cooler northern climates. It possesses a flexible life cycle with facultative nymphal diapause, allowing nymphs to overwinter once or twice before reaching maturity. The species produces a unique viscous proteinaceous secretion in nymphs that enables active defense against ant predators. First documented in the United States in 2012 in New York City, it has been observed to survive outdoors in freezing temperatures, distinguishing it from most urban cockroach pests.
Platycorypha
Platycorypha is a genus of jumping plantlice (psyllids) in the family Psyllidae, established as the type genus of the subfamily Platycoryphinae in 2021. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species, including two extinct species known from fossils. Species occur across the Americas, southern Europe, and Africa. Some species have become invasive pests in urban landscapes, notably Platycorypha nigrivirga on Tipuana tipu in Mediterranean Europe.
Podosesia syringae
Lilac Borer, Ash Borer, Lilac Borer Moth
Podosesia syringae, commonly known as the lilac borer or ash borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae found throughout Canada and the United States. The adult moth mimics the appearance of a paper wasp, with transparent wings lacking scales and a wasp-like body form. Larvae tunnel beneath the bark of ash and lilac trees, feeding on the nutritious tissue and potentially causing significant damage over time. The species is a pest of concern for arborists and forest managers, with emergence timing predictable through phenological models based on heat accumulation.
Profenusa
oak mining sawflies, birch leafmining sawflies
Profenusa is a genus of leaf-mining sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae. Species in this genus are primarily associated with trees in the genera Quercus (oaks) and Betula (birches), though at least one species, P. japonica, has been documented on Rosa multiflora. Larvae are internal leaf miners that feed on mesophyll tissue, creating blotch mines. Several species are economically significant as forest and urban pests, including the invasive P. pygmaea in Kazakhstan and P. thomsoni in North America.
Pulex
human flea (for P. irritans)
Pulex is a genus of fleas in the family Pulicidae, established by Linnaeus in 1758. The genus comprises six to seven recognized species, with Pulex irritans (the human flea) being the most notable and widespread. The remaining species are restricted to the Nearctic and Neotropical realms. Members of this genus are laterally compressed, wingless ectoparasites adapted for blood-feeding on mammals.
Rhynchophorus cruentatus
Palmetto Weevil
Rhynchophorus cruentatus, commonly known as the palmetto weevil, is the largest weevil in North America and the only palm weevil species native to the continental United States. Native to Florida, it has expanded its range west to southern Texas and north to South Carolina. The species is a significant pest of palms, particularly targeting stressed or transplanted trees. Larvae bore into palm crowns and trunks, often killing the host before damage becomes externally visible. The complete life cycle from egg to adult takes approximately 84 days.
Rhynchophorus palmarum
South American palm weevil, American palm weevil, black palm weevil
Rhynchophorus palmarum is a large black palm weevil native to the Neotropics that has become a destructive invasive pest in southern California. Adults are attracted to volatile compounds released by injured palms, where females lay eggs in the crown. Larvae burrow into the palm heart, causing direct damage and creating wounds that facilitate secondary infections. The weevil is the primary vector of the red ring nematode (Bursaphelenchus cocophilus), which causes lethal red ring disease in palms. In its native range, larvae have been consumed as food for centuries.
Shelfordella
Turkestan cockroach, red runner cockroach, rusty red cockroach
Shelfordella is a genus of cockroaches in the family Blattidae, with Shelfordella lateralis being the most widely documented species. The genus is native to regions from northern Africa through Central Asia. S. lateralis has become an established invasive species in North America since 1978, particularly in California and Texas, where it has displaced the oriental cockroach in many areas. The species is primarily outdoor-dwelling but occasionally enters structures through sewers and drains.
Shelfordella lateralis
Turkestan cockroach, red runner cockroach, rusty red cockroach
Shelfordella lateralis, commonly known as the Turkestan cockroach, is an invasive cockroach species native to Central Asia that has established populations in the southwestern United States, Europe, and other regions. It is primarily an outdoor species that inhabits water meter boxes, concrete cracks, compost piles, leaf litter, and sewer systems. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism: males are winged and capable of flight, while females have reduced wings. S. lateralis is displacing the oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) in many areas of California and the southwestern U.S. due to faster maturation and higher reproductive output. It has become a significant urban pest in some regions and carries antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria, raising public health concerns.
Shivaphis celti
Asian Woolly Hackberry Aphid
Shivaphis celti is an invasive aphid species native to Asia that has established populations in North America. It is a specialist herbivore that feeds exclusively on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.), causing distinctive woolly or waxy secretions on leaves and branches. The species has been documented across much of the continental United States and is considered a nuisance pest in urban areas where hackberry is planted as an ornamental.
Singhiella simplex
Ficus whitefly
Singhiella simplex is an invasive whitefly species in the family Aleyrodidae, native to Asia and now established across multiple continents. It is a specialist pest of Ficus species, causing severe defoliation of ornamental trees and hedges. The species has spread to North America, Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and the Middle East. Its rapid expansion and economic impact on urban landscaping have prompted extensive research into its biology and biological control options.
Supella longipalpa
brown-banded cockroach, brownbanded cockroach, TV roach
Supella longipalpa, commonly known as the brown-banded cockroach, is a small synanthropic pest of presumed African origin that has become established in human-built structures worldwide. It is notable for pronounced sexual dimorphism: males are slender with long, functional wings and are capable of flight, while females are broader with short, non-functional wings. The species completes its entire life cycle indoors and shows distinct behavioral preferences for warmer, drier locations compared to other domestic cockroaches, often inhabiting furniture, appliances, and upper wall areas.
Synanthedon acerrubri
Maple Clearwing Moth, Red Maple Borer
Synanthedon acerrubri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the maple clearwing moth or red maple borer. The species is a wood-boring pest of maple trees in eastern North America. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking in appearance, with transparent wings and banded abdomens. Larvae tunnel into the trunks and branches of host trees, causing structural damage.
Tapinoma sessile
odorous house ant, sugar ant, stink ant, coconut ant
Tapinoma sessile is a small, highly adaptable ant native to North America that has become one of the most common household pests in the United States. The species exhibits remarkable plasticity in social structure: forest colonies are small, monogynous, and inhabit single nests, while urban colonies achieve massive supercolony status through extreme polygyny (multiple queens) and polydomy (multiple interconnected nests). Workers produce a distinctive odor when crushed, historically described as coconut-like but chemically confirmed to match blue cheese due to shared methyl ketones. The species spreads primarily through budding rather than independent colony founding, and shows high tolerance to many common insecticides, contributing to its persistence as a pest.
Tetramorium tsushimae
Japanese pavement ant
Tetramorium tsushimae, commonly known as the Japanese pavement ant, is a small myrmicine ant native to Asia that has become invasive in North America. Workers are approximately 2.5 mm in length. The species exhibits both monogyne and polygyne colony structures and is known for its territorial behavior, with colonies competing for high-temperature nesting sites to rear reproductives. It has been extensively used as a laboratory surrogate for the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) in toxicity and control studies. The species displays notable cadaveric behaviors on animal remains, creating scratched scars, mounds, and soil-covered nests that have forensic implications.
Tineola bisselliella
webbing clothes moth, common clothes moth, clothing moth
Tineola bisselliella is a small moth in the family Tineidae, notable as a significant pest of stored wool and natural fibers. Adults are 6–7 mm in body length with a 9–16 mm wingspan, characterized by pale yellowish-ochreous forewings and a distinctive red-orange tuft of hair on the head. The species is synanthropic, now rarely found outside human dwellings. Larvae possess the unusual ability to digest keratin, enabling them to feed on wool, silk, fur, and other animal-derived materials. Adults do not feed and have atrophied mouthparts; all damage is caused by larval feeding.
Tinocallis
elm aphids, crapemyrtle aphids
Tinocallis is a small genus of aphids in the subfamily Calaphidinae, comprising eight described species. Most species are associated with Ulmaceae (elm family), though one notable exception, T. kahawaluokalani (the crapemyrtle aphid), is a specialist pest of Lagerstroemia indica. Species exhibit holocyclic life cycles with both parthenogenetic summer generations and sexual autumn generations producing overwintering eggs. Several species are economically significant as pests of ornamental trees in urban landscapes.
Tinocallis takachihoensis
Japanese elm aphid
Tinocallis takachihoensis is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, originally described from Japan in 1972. It is closely related to the well-studied crapemyrtle aphid (Tinocallis kahawaluokalani), a specialist pest of crape myrtle trees in the southeastern United States. The species has been recorded in Belgium and the Azores (São Miguel), suggesting some capacity for dispersal or human-mediated introduction. Like other members of the genus Tinocallis, it is likely a specialist herbivore feeding on phloem sap of its host plants.
Tinocallis ulmiparvifoliae
elm aphid
Tinocallis ulmiparvifoliae is a small aphid species in the family Aphididae, originally described by Matsumura in 1919. It belongs to the genus Tinocallis, a group of eight species primarily associated with Ulmaceae (elm family). The species is a specialist herbivore feeding on elm foliage. It has been recorded from Europe (Spain, Italy, Great Britain) and the United States.
Tomostethus
ash sawflies
Tomostethus is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by Konow in 1886. Species within this genus are associated with ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) and are recognized as pests of economic and ecological significance. The genus includes species such as T. nigritus, T. multicinctus, and T. sinofraxini, which have been documented across Europe and Asia. Several species have shown capacity for population outbreaks, particularly in urban environments.
Tropidosteptes
ash plant bugs
Tropidosteptes is a genus of plant bugs (Miridae) containing at least 30 described species. The genus is best known from T. chapingoensis, the ash plant bug, which has been studied in detail for its life cycle and impact on urban ash trees. Species in this genus are associated with Fraxinus (ash) trees and can cause significant defoliation damage. The genus occurs in North America, with at least one species introduced to South America.
Xanthogaleruca luteola
elm leaf beetle
Xanthogaleruca luteola, the elm leaf beetle, is an invasive leaf beetle native to Europe that has become the most serious defoliator of elm trees in North America. Adults are yellow to olive-green with distinctive black lateral stripes and spots. Both adults and larvae feed on elm foliage, with larvae skeletonizing leaves by consuming soft tissue between veins. The species has multiple generations annually, with larvae overwintering in soil or bark crevices. Biological control using introduced parasitoids has reduced its pest status in many regions.