Vector

Guides

Acari
Mites and Ticks, mites, ticks
Acari is a subclass of arachnids containing mites and ticks. The group exhibits extraordinary diversity with fossil records dating to the early Devonian period. Recent phylogenetic analyses have challenged the monophyly of Acari, suggesting that the two main lineages—Parasitiformes (ticks and allies) and Acariformes (dust mites, spider mites, chiggers, and allies)—may not share a single common ancestor exclusive of other arachnids. This would render Acari a paraphyletic or polyphyletic grouping rather than a natural taxon. The traditional unifying character, the gnathosoma (a modified mouthpart region), has been shown to be absent or differently constructed in many species across both lineages.
arachnid mite tick parasite predator vector agricultural-pest biological-control forensic-indicator soil-fauna
Aedes
tiger mosquito, dengue mosquito
Aedes is a large genus of mosquitoes containing over 950 species, originally native to tropical and subtropical regions but now established on all continents except Antarctica. The genus is distinguished by black and white banding on the body and legs, and by diurnal biting behavior that differs from most mosquito genera. Several species are significant disease vectors, transmitting dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. Invasive species such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus have expanded their ranges dramatically through human activity, particularly via the international trade in used tires.
mosquito vector disease-vector invasive-species diurnal container-breeder
Aedes aegypti
yellow fever mosquito, dengue mosquito, Egyptian mosquito
Aedes aegypti is a small, dark mosquito and the primary global vector of dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. Native to Africa, it has become established in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions worldwide through human commerce and travel. The species is highly adapted to urban environments, breeding in artificial water containers and feeding preferentially on humans. Females require blood meals for egg development and are responsible for disease transmission. The species exhibits significant insecticide resistance, particularly to pyrethroids, complicating control efforts.
vector invasive-species arbovirus urban-pest insecticide-resistance day-biting anthropophilic
Aedes albopictus
Asian tiger mosquito, forest mosquito, tiger mosquito
Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is a highly invasive vector species native to tropical and subtropical Southeast Asia. It has spread globally through human commerce, particularly via used tires and shipping containers. The species is distinguished by striking black and white banded legs and a white dorsal thoracic stripe. It is a significant public health threat as an efficient vector for dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and other arboviruses. Unlike many mosquitoes, it bites during daytime hours and thrives in urban environments, breeding in small artificial water containers.
vector invasive-species arbovirus public-health-pest container-breeder day-biter
Aedes cinereus
Minute Floodwater Mosquito
Aedes cinereus, commonly known as the minute floodwater mosquito, is a widespread mosquito species found across northern North America and Europe. It is notable for its aggressive biting behavior toward humans and its role as a vector for arboviruses, particularly Ockelbo virus in northern Europe. The species thrives in wetland habitats with semi-permanent water bodies and demonstrates adaptability by occasionally breeding in artificial containers. Research has also demonstrated its competence for Lammi virus, an insect-specific orthoflavivirus with possible transovarial transmission.
mosquito vector floodwater arbovirus Ockelbo-virus Lammi-virus aggressive-biter wetland transovarial-transmission bridge-vector
Aedes vexans
inland floodwater mosquito, tomguito
Aedes vexans is a cosmopolitan floodwater mosquito native to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is now established in Australia. It is frequently the most abundant mosquito species across much of its range, particularly in northern latitudes. Females are aggressive human biters active at dusk, while males feed exclusively on nectar. The species is a documented vector for multiple pathogens including dog heartworm, Tahyna virus, and West Nile virus, and has demonstrated laboratory competence for Zika virus transmission. Its eggs survive winter in dry flood-prone soils, hatching when inundated by rainfall.
mosquito vector floodwater nuisance-pest arbovirus Dirofilaria-immitis Tahyna-virus West-Nile-virus Zika-virus cosmopolitan-distribution climate-change range-expansion pollinator predator-prey integrated-mosquito-management
Agallia albidula
Agallia albidula is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae. It has been identified as a vector of a phytoplasma associated with "Huanglongbing"-like symptoms in citrus in Brazil. The species was described by Uhler in 1895 and occurs in the Americas, with records from Brazil, Argentina, and the United States.
leafhopper vector phytoplasma citrus Brazil agricultural-pest
Alphitobius diaperinus
lesser mealworm, litter beetle, buffalo worm
Alphitobius diaperinus is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) with cosmopolitan distribution. It evolved as a scavenger in bird nests and bat caves but has become a major pest in poultry production facilities and stored grain products. The species is a significant vector of poultry pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Its larvae are approved as novel food in the European Union and marketed as "buffalo worms" for human consumption and animal feed.
stored-product-pest poultry-pest vector novel-food entomophagy darkling-beetle cosmopolitan
Amblyomma
Bont Ticks
Amblyomma is the third largest genus of hard ticks (Ixodidae), comprising medium to large, often ornamented species. The genus is the sole member of the subfamily Amblyomminae and exhibits its highest species diversity in the Americas, where half of all species occur. Many Amblyomma species are medically significant as vectors of human and animal pathogens, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and the agent of alpha-gal syndrome. The genus likely originated between South America and Antarctica approximately 48 million years ago, with subsequent diversification and dispersal into Australian and South American Gondwana.
hard-tick vector disease-vector alpha-gal-syndrome ehrlichiosis Rocky-Mountain-spotted-fever climate-change range-expansion
Amblyomma americanum
Lone Star Tick, Northeastern Water Tick, Turkey Tick, Cricker Tick
Amblyomma americanum is a three-host hard tick native to eastern North America, notable for its aggressive host-seeking behavior and expanding geographic range. Adult females are distinguished by a silvery-white star-shaped spot on the scutum, while males display white streaks or spots at the shield margins. The species is the primary vector of Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii, and its bite can induce alpha-gal syndrome—a delayed allergic reaction to mammalian meat. Unlike many ticks, A. americanum exhibits active horizontal movement rather than passive questing, traveling up to 9 meters in 24 hours in field conditions.
vector disease-vector alpha-gal-syndrome ehrlichiosis range-expansion three-host-tick aggressive-biter climate-change-indicator public-health veterinary-pest deer-associated active-hunter invasive-understory-associate
Amblyomma cajennense
Cayenne tick
Amblyomma cajennense, commonly known as the Cayenne tick, is a hard tick species historically considered to range from the southern United States through Central America and the Caribbean to northern Argentina. Molecular studies have revealed this 'species' is actually a complex of multiple cryptic species, with A. cajennense sensu stricto now restricted to the Amazonian region of South America. The species complex is of significant medical and veterinary importance as a vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other rickettsial diseases.
tick vector rickettsia rocky-mountain-spotted-fever amazon south-america cryptic-species-complex ixodidae medical-entomology veterinary-importance climate-change host-parasite-interactions saliva-proteomics bacterial-symbionts
Amblyomma dissimile
Iguana Tick
Amblyomma dissimile is a hard tick (Ixodidae) with an exceptionally broad host range spanning amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds across the Neotropics. It is commonly known as the Iguana Tick due to frequent associations with iguanid lizards. The species exhibits a three-host life cycle and has been documented to reproduce parthenogenetically. Its distribution extends from the southern United States through Central America and South America to northern Argentina, with highest environmental suitability in the Amazon and Pantanal biomes.
tick ixodidae ectoparasite reptile-parasite amphibian-parasite parthenogenesis vector neotropical iguana-tick three-host-tick
Amblyomma maculatum
Gulf Coast tick
Amblyomma maculatum, commonly known as the Gulf Coast tick, is a three-host hard tick native to the southeastern and south-central United States. The species has been expanding its range northward and westward in recent decades, with established populations now documented as far north as Virginia and west to Oklahoma. Adults primarily parasitize large mammals including cattle, deer, and humans, while immature stages feed on small mammals and ground-dwelling birds. The species is a vector of Rickettsia parkeri, the causative agent of American tick bite fever, and has been associated with tick paralysis in rare cases. Heavy infestations on livestock can cause significant economic damage through hide degradation and blood loss.
tick vector rickettsiosis livestock-pest range-expansion Amblyomma Gulf-Coast acari ixodidae
Amblyomma triste
Amblyomma triste is a hard tick species first described by Koch in 1844. It is the primary vector of Rickettsia parkeri, the causative agent of a spotted fever group rickettsiosis with symptoms resembling Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The species is the sole tick responsible for human tick-borne disease in Uruguay and a significant vector in Argentina and Brazil. Though historically considered restricted to South America, specimens have been documented in the United States (Arizona and Texas) and Mexico, where they were long misidentified as the morphologically similar Amblyomma maculatum.
vector Rickettsia-parkeri cryptic-species zoonosis South-America misidentification Ehrlichia-chaffeensis tick-borne-disease
Amiota
Amiota is a genus of small flies in the family Drosophilidae, established by Loew in 1862. The genus contains over 100 described species with a cosmopolitan distribution, though it exhibits particularly high diversity in East Asia. Southwestern China has been hypothesized as a possible center of origin and diversification. Some species serve as intermediate hosts and vectors for parasites, including Amiota okadai which transmits the zoonotic nematode Thelazia callipaeda.
Drosophilidae Steganinae vector zoonotic-disease Thelazia East-Asia mountain-fauna genitalia-morphology
Anasa
squash bugs
Anasa is a genus of squash bugs in the family Coreidae, containing more than 70 described species distributed throughout North, Central, and South America. The genus includes major agricultural pests, particularly Anasa tristis, which causes significant damage to cucurbit crops and vectors cucurbit yellow vine disease. Members of this genus are specialized herbivores of plants in the family Cucurbitaceae.
Coreidae Hemiptera agricultural-pest cucurbit-pest squash-bug vector North-America integrated-pest-management biological-control cucurbit-yellow-vine-disease
Anopheles
marsh mosquito, nail mosquito
Anopheles is a genus of mosquito comprising approximately 460 recognized species, first described by German entomologist J.W. Meigen in 1818. The genus diverged from other mosquitoes approximately 100 million years ago. While over 100 species can transmit human malaria, only 30–40 commonly transmit Plasmodium parasites that cause human malaria in endemic areas. Anopheles is the sole mosquito genus capable of transmitting human malaria, making it one of the most medically significant insect genera globally.
malaria vector mosquito Culicidae Plasmodium medical-entomology public-health insecticide-resistance anthropophily zoophily aestivation cannibalism gene-drive attractive-targeted-sugar-baits ITNs indoor-residual-spraying
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.
Hemiptera Sternorrhyncha phloem-feeding parthenogenesis agricultural-pest cornicles honeydew ant-mutualism vector biological-control
Aphis
Aphis is a large genus of aphids in the family Aphididae containing at least 400–600 species. The genus includes numerous significant agricultural pests, notably the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines), cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii), and apple aphid (Aphis pomi). Many species form mutualistic associations with ants (myrmecophily), exchanging honeydew for protection. Species identification within the genus often requires examination of morphological characters such as siphunculi and cauda structure.
aphid agricultural-pest myrmecophile phloem-feeder parthenogenesis honeydew vector invasive-species
Aphrophoridae
True Spittlebugs, Spittlebugs, Froghoppers
Aphrophoridae is a family of true bugs in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as spittlebugs or froghoppers. The family contains at least 160 genera and 990 described species. Nymphs are called spittlebugs and produce characteristic frothy masses for protection, while adults are referred to as froghoppers. Many species are xylem sap feeders and some serve as vectors for plant pathogens, particularly Xylella fastidiosa, which causes diseases including olive quick decline syndrome.
spittlebug froghopper xylem-feeder vector Xylella-fastidiosa Hemiptera pest
Apocephalus borealis
Zombie Fly, ZomBee Fly
Apocephalus borealis is a parasitoid phorid fly native to North America that attacks bumblebees, paper wasps, and European honey bees. The species gained attention in 2008 when researchers at San Francisco State University discovered it parasitizing honey bees in California. Infected bees exhibit aberrant behaviors including nocturnal flight, disorientation, and attraction to light sources, earning the flies the common name 'zombie flies' and infected bees the name 'zombees.' The fly may act as a vector for honey bee pathogens including deformed wing virus and Nosema ceranae.
parasitoid pollinator-health invasive-potential citizen-science colony-collapse-disorder vector
Argas
Bat-ticks
Argas is a genus of soft ticks in the family Argasidae, containing 44 species across two subgenera: Argas and Persicargas. These ticks lack the hard dorsal shield characteristic of hard ticks (Ixodidae) and exhibit distinctive feeding behaviors, taking multiple short blood meals rather than prolonged single feedings. The genus includes species with exceptional longevity—Argas brumpti individuals have survived 27 years in laboratory conditions and endured eight years without feeding. Argas species serve as vectors for tick-borne pathogens including those causing tick-borne relapsing fever.
soft-tick Argasidae vector longevity parthenogenesis sperm-storage poultry-pest bat-tick relapsing-fever ectoparasite multiple-nymphal-stages rapid-feeding starvation-tolerance
Arhopalus
burnt pine longhorn beetle (A. ferus), black pine sawyer (A. rusticus)
Arhopalus is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae: Spondylidinae: Asemini) distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with several species introduced to the Southern Hemisphere as invasive pests of conifers. The genus comprises approximately 20 described species, with A. rusticus and A. ferus being the most extensively studied due to their economic importance. Species develop in dead or fire-damaged conifer wood, with some exhibiting strong attraction to burnt pine volatiles. Several species produce male-emitted aggregation-sex pheromones containing fuscumol and geranylacetone. Invasive populations in New Zealand, Australia, South America, and South Africa require monitoring at ports and sawmills for timber export compliance.
Cerambycidae Spondylidinae Asemini conifer-pest invasive-species pheromone wood-borer pine forestry quarantine New-Zealand Australia South-America biological-invasion climate-change vector Bursaphelenchus-xylophilus integrated-pest-management monitoring trapping semiochemistry burnt-pine fire-damaged-timber sawmill-pest port-surveillance timber-export deforestation forest-health ecosystem-service decomposer nutrient-cycling life-history reproductive-biology ovarian-development larval-development survival fecundity competition coexistence species-distribution-modeling CMIP6 future-climate-scenarios range-expansion quarantine-pest biosecurity aggregation-pheromone fuscumol geranylacetone electroantennography field-trapping trap-efficacy host-volatiles ethanol alpha-pinene beta-pinene monoterpenes green-leaf-volatiles repellent oviposition-behavior crepuscular-activity nocturnal-activity anemotaxis chemotaxis thermal-biology developmental-plasticity laboratory-rearing artificial-diet 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Arrenodes minutus
Oak Timberworm
Arrenodes minutus, commonly known as the oak timberworm, is the sole species in the genus Arrenodes, a primitive weevil genus in the family Brentidae. This wood-boring beetle is a pest of hardwoods in North America, with larvae tunneling through the xylem of wounded or recently felled trees. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism in mouthpart structure: females possess elongated, slender rostra for drilling egg holes into wood, while males have shortened, broadened mandibles used for combat and courtship. The life cycle spans two to four years, with adults active from May through August.
pest wood-borer sexual-dimorphism vector invasive-potential hardwood-pest primitive-weevil
Bactericera maculipennis
psyllid, jumping plant louse
Bactericera maculipennis is a psyllid species in the family Triozidae, native to western North America. It is a confirmed vector of 'Candidatus' Liberibacter solanacearum, the bacterium that causes zebra chip disease in potatoes. The species develops primarily on plants in the Convolvulaceae family, with field records documenting association with Convolvulus arvensis (field bindweed) throughout the western United States. Unlike the related potato psyllid B. cockerelli, B. maculipennis has not been documented as a direct economic threat to solanaceous crops, though it shares pathogen reservoirs with that species.
psyllid vector Liberibacter zebra-chip Convolvulaceae field-bindweed western-North-America Triozidae phloem-feeder endosymbionts
Blatta orientalis
Oriental Cockroach, Waterbug
Blatta orientalis is a large, dark-colored cockroach and a significant urban pest. Adult males measure 18–29 mm and females 20–27 mm. Females appear wingless but are brachypterous with non-functional wing pads; males have reduced wings that do not cover the abdomen. The species thrives in dark, damp environments such as basements, crawl spaces, and sewers. It is a major vector for pathogens including E. coli, Staphylococcus, and Salmonella, and proteins from this species can trigger allergic reactions and asthma.
urban-pest vector allergen cosmopolitan brachypterous
Brachycaudus cardui
thistle aphid, plum-thistle aphid
Brachycaudus cardui is a heteroecious aphid species with a complex life cycle alternating between primary woody hosts (Prunus spp.) and secondary herbaceous hosts, primarily thistles and other Asteraceae. Wingless viviparous females are small (1.8–2.5 mm), oval to pear-shaped, and variable in color. The species is notable for causing leaf roll on Prunus and for transmitting plum pox virus, a serious agricultural pathogen. Colony establishment depends heavily on ant attendance.
aphid agricultural-pest vector host-alternating ant-mutualism plum-pox-virus
Cacopsylla pyricola
pear sucker, pear psylla
Cacopsylla pyricola is a phloem-feeding true bug in the family Psyllidae and a major economic pest of pear trees (Pyrus communis). Native to Europe, it was introduced to the eastern United States in the early 1800s and has since spread to major pear-growing regions including the Pacific Northwest. The species exhibits distinct seasonal morphotypes: summerforms are pale while winterforms are reddish-brown to black. It is a vector of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri', the causative agent of pear decline disease.
agricultural-pest vector invasive-species phloem-feeder pear-pest phytoplasma-vector
Carios
Carios is a genus of soft ticks in the family Argasidae, comprising eight recognized species. Members of this genus are ectoparasites primarily associated with bats, with a cosmopolitan distribution spanning the Palearctic, Nearctic, and other regions. The genus is distinguished by morphological and ecological adaptations for life in bat roosts. Several species have documented medical significance due to aggressive biting behavior and potential pathogen transmission.
soft-tick bat-parasite Argasidae Ornithodorinae ectoparasite vector zoonosis
Carios kelleyi
Carios kelleyi is a soft tick (family Argasidae) that parasitizes bats, primarily the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). First described in 1941, this species has been documented across much of North America and has been recorded in at least 29 of the 48 conterminous United States, plus Canada and Cuba. The species has gained attention due to its association with human dwellings when bats roost in attics and structures, and its potential to bite humans when primary bat hosts are removed. Recent studies have identified rickettsial agents in C. kelleyi, including Rickettsia lusitaniae (first U.S. detection), 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae', and a Rickettsia parkeri-like agent, raising public health concerns about its vector potential.
soft-tick bat-parasite argasid vector rickettsia public-health Eptesicus-fuscus peridomestic North-America zoonosis
Carpophilus
sap beetles
Carpophilus is a genus of sap beetles (Nitidulidae) containing numerous species worldwide. Adults are small (approximately 3 mm), oblong beetles with short elytra that expose the last two abdominal tergites. Several species are significant agricultural pests of fruits, nuts, and stored products. The genus exhibits diverse ecological roles, with some species acting as pollinators while others serve as vectors of plant pathogens.
agricultural-pest stored-product-pest invasive-species vector pollinator sap-beetle
Ceratagallia calcaris
Ceratagallia calcaris is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, known primarily as a vector of the yellow vein disease agent affecting sugarbeets. It acquires the pathogen through phloem feeding on infected plants, undergoes a latent period of 9–18 days, then transmits the agent for life. The species breeds on sugarbeets and overwinters on kochia (Kochia scoparia). It is distinguished from other leafhopper vectors by its specific association with this disease agent.
leafhopper vector sugarbeet-pest yellow-vein-disease agricultural-pest
Ceratophyllidae
Rodent and Bird Fleas
Ceratophyllidae is a family of fleas (Siphonaptera) comprising ectoparasites that primarily infest rodents and birds. The family contains two subfamilies: one with over 40 genera and another with only three. Members are blood-feeding parasites with documented associations spanning multiple host groups including rodents (Peromyscus, Neotoma), birds, and occasionally marsupials such as the Virginia opossum. Several species within this family have been implicated as potential vectors for zoonotic pathogens.
flea ectoparasite vector zoonosis rodent bird nest-parasite public-health
Cercopidae
froghoppers, spittlebugs
Cercopidae is the largest family of Cercopoidea, a group of xylem-feeding insects in the hemipteran suborder Auchenorrhyncha. Commonly called froghoppers or spittlebugs, these insects are known for the frothy protective masses produced by nymphs and the powerful jumping ability of adults. A 2023 phylogenetic study elevated the New World subfamily Ischnorhininae to full family status as Ischnorhinidae, leaving Cercopidae sensu stricto as a monophyletic Old World group comprising two subfamilies: Cercopinae and Cosmoscartinae. Members are significant agricultural pests of forage grasses, sugarcane, and turfgrass throughout tropical and subtropical regions.
xylem-feeding jumping-insects agricultural-pests spittle-masses hemimetabolous vector forage-grass-pests sugarcane-pests turfgrass-pests Old-World-distribution 2023-taxonomic-revision Ischnorhinidae-split
Chloropidae
frit flies, grass flies, eye gnats
Chloropidae are a large family of small flies comprising approximately 2000 described species in over 160 genera, distributed worldwide. Adults are minute to small (1.0–4.0 mm, rarely to 12 mm), typically yellow, black, gray, or greenish, with a shiny appearance due to sparse pubescence. The mesonotum often bears three to five dark longitudinal stripes. Larvae exhibit diverse life histories: most are phytophagous, feeding on grasses and cereal crops, with some species causing significant agricultural damage; others are saprophagous, predatory, parasitic, or kleptoparasitic. A few species in genera Hippelates and Siphunculina are attracted to lachrymal secretions and other body fluids of mammals, earning the name 'eye gnats' and serving as mechanical vectors of bacterial and viral pathogens.
Diptera agricultural-pest eye-gnat cereal-pest kleptoparasite vector migratory-insect grassland phytophagous parasitoid
Chrysolina quadrigemina
greater St. John's wort beetle, St. John's wort beetle
Chrysolina quadrigemina is a leaf beetle introduced to North America as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort). Native to Europe and North Africa, this beetle has established populations across western North America and has been introduced to Australia. Adults and larvae feed exclusively on Hypericum species, with documented spillover onto native congeners such as H. punctatum in the eastern United States. The beetle exhibits a univoltine life cycle with adults active in summer, and shows evidence of post-colonization adaptation to colder climates in northern populations.
biological-control invasive-species Hypericum leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae classical-biocontrol non-target-effects post-colonization-adaptation univoltine aestivation vector plant-pathogen
Chrysops callidus
Beautiful Deer Fly
Chrysops callidus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1875. Commonly known as the Beautiful Deer Fly, this species is distributed across Canada and the United States. Females possess a specialized food canal with twelve pairs of putative sensory trichites that monitor blood flow during feeding. The species serves as an intermediate host for the haemosporidian parasite Haemoproteus metchnikovi, with documented sporogonic development occurring in the fly's midgut epithelium.
deer-fly Tabanidae vector haemosporidian Haemoproteus sensory-trichites blood-feeding North-America
Chrysops cincticornis
Ring-clawed Deer Fly
Chrysops cincticornis is a deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Walker in 1848. It is commonly known as the Ring-clawed Deer Fly. The species has been documented in Vermont and other parts of the United States, with 291 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Research on this species has focused on its oviposition behavior and fecundity, with laboratory studies showing females deposit eggs in gelatinous masses on mud substrates near water, averaging 156 eggs per female.
deer-fly Tabanidae Diptera medical-entomology oviposition fecundity ring-clawed-deer-fly Vermont United-States mud-substrate gelatinous-egg-mass Chrysopsinae Chrysopsini Walker-1848 iNaturalist laboratory-rearing egg-mass 156-eggs range-42-312 near-water mud-like-substrate egg-deposition reproduction behavioral-study medical-entomology-research insect-vectors biting-flies tabanid-flies horse-flies deer-flies Chrysops North-America New-England observation-records synonym-status-in-Catalogue-of-Life accepted-status-in-GBIF arthropod insect fly Brachycera Tabanomorpha Hexapoda Pterygota Animalia Arthropoda Insecta cincticornis Chrysops-cincticornis-Walker-1848 Chrysops-(Chrysops)-cincticornis deerfly horsefly tabanid biting-fly vector oviposition-behavior fecundity-study Journal-of-Medical-Entomology 1982 10.1093/jmedent/19.5.597 gelatinous-secretion mud water laboratory-conditions mean-fecundity egg-production reproductive-biology entomology insect-behavior insect-reproduction dipteran true-fly two-winged-fly nematoceran Cyclorrhapha Aschiza Schizophora Acalyptratae Calyptratae Oestroidea Muscoidea Hippoboscoidea Glossinidae Calliphoridae Sarcophagidae Muscidae Fanniidae Anthomyiidae Scathophagidae Oestridae Tachinidae Siphonaptera Phthiraptera Hemiptera Coleoptera Lepidoptera Hymenoptera Neuroptera Megaloptera Raphidioptera Trichoptera Strepsiptera Mecoptera Diplura Protura Collembola Zygentoma Archaeognatha Ephemeroptera Odonata Plecoptera Grylloblattodea Mantophasmatodea Phasmatodea Orthoptera Dermaptera Embioptera Zoraptera Isoptera Blattodea Mantodea Phyllodocida Notoptera Walker 1848 species taxon gelatinous habitat distribution GBIF Catalogue-of-Life NCBI laboratory-study behavior life-cycle substrate mud-like mean range 42-312 female observation record specimen collection museum research study article abstract DOI biology ecology horse-fly accepted synonym taxonomy classification US 291-observations laboratory 291-iNaturalist-observations GBIF-distribution-records accepted-species-status synonym-in-Catalogue-of-Life 156-eggs-mean-fecundity range-42-312-eggs 1982-Journal-of-Medical-Entomology-publication DOI-10.1093/jmedent/19.5.597 entomology-research dipteran-biology
Chrysops discalis
deer fly
Chrysops discalis is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae. It is known as a biting fly and has been implicated as a vector of tularemia, commonly referred to as "deerfly fever." The species was described by Williston in 1880 and occurs in North America.
Tabanidae deer-fly vector tularemia North-America biting-fly medical-entomology
Chrysops shermani
Sherman's Deer Fly
Chrysops shermani is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Hine in 1907. Like other members of the genus Chrysops, it is a biting fly known for its painful bites to mammals, including humans. The species is found in the United States, with records from Vermont and other states.
biting-fly deer-fly vector nuisance-pest
Cicadellidae
leafhoppers, typical leafhoppers, sharpshooters
Cicadellidae, commonly known as leafhoppers, is one of the largest families of Hemiptera with over 20,000 described species worldwide. These minute insects are plant-feeding specialists that suck xylem or phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The family is distinguished by hind legs modified for jumping, featuring double rows of spines on the tibiae. Many species are significant agricultural pests and vectors of plant pathogens, including the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa which causes diseases in citrus, grapes, and other crops. The subfamily Cicadellinae (sharpshooters) contains particularly important pest species due to their polyphagy and disease transmission capabilities.
agricultural-pest vector xylem-feeder brochosomes biomimetic-inspiration Hemiptera Auchenorrhyncha
Cicadellinae
sharpshooters, leafhoppers
Cicadellinae is a subfamily of leafhoppers (family Cicadellidae) within the order Hemiptera. Members of the tribe Proconiini within this subfamily are commonly known as 'sharpshooters.' The subfamily currently contains five tribes: Cicadellini, Makilingiini, Phereurhinini, Proconiini, and Tungurahualini. Cicadellinae leafhoppers are globally distributed and are significant agricultural pests due to their role as vectors of plant pathogens, particularly the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which causes diseases including Pierce's disease of grape, phony peach disease, and citrus variegated chlorosis.
leafhopper sharpshooter vector Xylella agricultural-pest Proconiini Cicadellini Hemiptera Auchenorrhyncha plant-pathogen Pierce's-disease citrus-variegated-chlorosis biological-control egg-parasitoid bromeliad-specialist
Colladonus
Colladonus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, established by Ball in 1936. Species in this genus are native to North America and are economically significant as vectors of X-disease phytoplasma (Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni), which affects stone fruit crops including cherries, peaches, and nectarines. The genus includes notable species such as Colladonus clitellarius (saddled leafhopper) and C. montanus, both documented as important disease vectors.
leafhopper vector phytoplasma X-disease agricultural-pest stone-fruit Cicadellidae Deltocephalinae Platymetopiini North-America Candidatus-Phytoplasma-pruni Prunus integrated-pest-management
Colladonus clitellarius
Saddled Leafhopper
Colladonus clitellarius, commonly known as the saddled leafhopper, is a small leafhopper species distinguished by a bright green saddle-shaped marking on its back. It occurs in eastern North America, primarily in forested environments of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The species is a documented vector of Cherry X Disease (eastern X-disease virus) in peaches and cherries, and has been recorded as prey for the wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata.
leafhopper vector pest forest agriculture eastern-North-America
Coquillettidia
A genus of mosquitoes erected by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1905, distinguished primarily by unique features of male genitalia. The genus name honors entomologist Daniel William Coquillett. It comprises 57 species in three subgenera: Coquillettidia (primarily Afrotropical with some Asian, Australasian, Palearctic, and one North American species), Austromansonia (restricted to New Zealand), and Rhynchotaenia (confined to the Neotropical Region). Larvae are unique among mosquitoes in attaching to submerged plant roots and stems throughout development using modified respiratory structures.
mosquito Culicidae vector medical-entomology aquatic-insect plant-associated eastern-equine-encephalitis Ross-River-virus Oropouche-virus filariasis
Coquillettidia perturbans
Cattail Mosquito
Coquillettidia perturbans is a mosquito species with a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. It is a documented vector of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus and West Nile virus, with particular significance in disease ecology due to its ability to fly long distances and feed on large mammals including humans. The species exhibits a distinctive larval adaptation: specialized siphons that pierce aquatic plant aerenchyma to obtain oxygen, allowing larvae and pupae to remain submerged and avoid surface predators and insecticides.
vector mosquito medical-entomology veterinary-entomology Eastern-equine-encephalomyelitis West-Nile-virus marsh-habitat Typha-association plant-piercing-respiration North-America range-expansion
Corethrellidae
frog-biting midges
Corethrellidae are a family of tiny hematophagous flies in the order Diptera. The family contains a single genus, Corethrella, with approximately 105 extant and seven fossil species worldwide. Females are obligate external parasites of frogs, locating hosts by eavesdropping on male anuran mating calls using their Johnston's organ. The family has a fossil record extending to the Lower Cretaceous, approximately 110 million years ago.
hematophagy phonotaxis frog-parasite tropical nocturnal vector Cretaceous-fossil
Craspedolepta
Craspedolepta is a genus of psyllids (jumping plant lice) in the family Aphalaridae. Species occur in Europe, Japan, and North America. Several European species have been documented, including C. artemisiae, C. flavipennis, C. malachitica, C. nebulosa, C. nervosa, C. sonchi, and C. subpunctata. C. nebulosa and C. subpunctata are notable as the first Aphalaridae psyllids found to harbor 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum', a phloem-limited bacterium associated with crop diseases.
psyllid Aphalaridae Liberibacter vector fireweed Scotland altitudinal-distribution
Ctenocephalides
cat fleas, dog fleas
Ctenocephalides is a genus of fleas in the family Pulicidae, tribe Archaeopsyllini, containing approximately 13 species and subspecies worldwide. The genus includes two cosmopolitan species of major veterinary and medical importance: C. felis (cat flea) and C. canis (dog flea). These fleas are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites infesting domestic dogs and cats, with C. felis recognized as the most prevalent and economically significant external parasite of companion animals globally. Members of this genus also parasitize diverse wild hosts including foxes, civets, jackals, hares, hyraxes, ground squirrels, and hedgehogs.
flea ectoparasite vector companion-animal-pest hematophagy Siphonaptera Pulicidae cat-flea dog-flea geometric-morphometrics insecticide-resistance zoonosis
Ctenocephalides canis
dog flea
Ctenocephalides canis is a cosmopolitan flea species in the family Pulicidae that primarily infests domestic dogs and cats as an obligate blood-feeding ectoparasite. It is less adaptable and less widely distributed than the closely related cat flea (C. felis), infesting fewer host species and achieving lower prevalence in most regions. The species has been documented across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Central Asia, with notable populations in Ireland, Austria, Greece, Poland, New Zealand, Brazil, and Uzbekistan. It serves as a vector for parasitic worms and can cause allergic dermatitis in pets.
ectoparasite veterinary-pest cosmopolitan Siphonaptera Pulicidae dog cat blood-feeder vector morphometrics molecular-identification