Vineyard-pest
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Alypia octomaculata
Eight-spotted Forester, Eight-spotted Forester Moth
Alypia octomaculata, the eight-spotted forester, is a day-flying moth in the family Noctuidae. Adults are strikingly colored with black bodies and eight contrasting spots on their wings—two per wing in white, cream, or yellow shades. The species is notable for its diurnal activity, unusual among noctuids, which frequently leads to misidentification as a butterfly. Larvae feed on grape family plants and are considered minor pests in vineyards.
Ampeloglypter
Ampeloglypter is a genus of true weevils (family Curculionidae) in the tribe Madarini, established by LeConte in 1876. The genus contains at least one species, Ampeloglypter ater, commonly known as the grape cane girdler, which has been documented as a pest in vineyard settings. Records indicate occurrence in eastern North America, with confirmed presence in the eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Anagrus
fairyflies
Anagrus is a genus of fairyflies (Mymaridae) comprising over 90 described species, many of which are important biological control agents of agricultural pests. Adults are minute parasitoids, typically 1-2 mm in length, with coloration ranging from brown and orange to black and pale. The genus is divided into three subgenera—Anagrella, Anagrus, and Paranagrus—for taxonomic purposes. Species in this genus are specialized egg parasitoids, primarily attacking Hemiptera (leafhoppers and planthoppers), with some species also recorded from Odonata eggs. Their role in regulating populations of economically significant pests like the brown planthopper and glassy-winged sharpshooter has made them valuable in integrated pest management programs worldwide.
Aphelopus
Aphelopus is a genus of dryinid wasps described by Dalman in 1823. Species are parasitoids of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), particularly typhlocybine leafhoppers, and are considered important natural enemies with potential for biological control in agricultural systems. The genus is relatively diverse, with 39 species recorded from China alone and a cosmopolitan distribution. Identification relies on wing venation characteristics and head morphology including clypeal structures.
Aspilanta oinophylla
Aspilanta oinophylla is a minute leafmining moth in the family Heliozelidae, native to eastern North America and introduced to Italy where it has become a pest of commercial vineyards. It is the type species of the genus Aspilanta, erected in 2020 for Nearctic heliozelids with reduced wing venation previously placed in Antispila. The larvae feed as leaf miners on Vitaceae, particularly grapevines, and cut characteristic shield-shaped pupal cases from their host leaves.
Bromius obscurus
Western Grape Rootworm, Brown and Black Beetle
Bromius obscurus is a small leaf beetle (Chrysomelidae: Eumolpinae) and the sole member of its genus. It is a Holarctic species with a notable geographic parthenogenesis pattern: North American populations reproduce sexually while European populations are triploid and reproduce asexually. The species is recognized as a pest of grape vines in Europe and western North America. Adults possess a stridulatory apparatus on the wings, the first documented in the subfamily Eumolpinae.
Coccinella septempunctata
seven-spot ladybird, seven-spotted ladybug, seven-spotted lady beetle, C-7
Coccinella septempunctata is a predatory lady beetle native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, now widely established in North America following intentional introduction for biological control. Adults measure 6.5–7.8 mm with distinctive red elytra bearing seven black spots. The species is among the most extensively studied coccinellids due to its importance in aphid biocontrol and its invasive success in new ranges. It completes up to five generations annually with a six-week development cycle from egg to adult.
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minute seed weevils
Craponius is a genus of minute seed weevils in the beetle family Curculionidae, established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. The genus contains at least three described species, including Craponius inaequalis, commonly known as the grape curculio, which is a recognized agricultural pest. Members of this genus are small weevils associated with seeds of various plants.
Desmia
Desmia is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, erected by John O. Westwood in 1832. The genus contains small to medium-sized moths, most commonly brown with variable white spotting on the wings, though some species exhibit orange or blue-green coloration. The majority of species are distributed in South and Central America, with additional species present in Africa, Asia, and North America. Several species are of agricultural significance, particularly Desmia funeralis, the grape leaffolder, which is a documented pest of grapevines in the United States and Mexico.
Epiphyas postvittana
light brown apple moth, LBAM, apple leaf roller
Epiphyas postvittana, the light brown apple moth, is a highly polyphagous tortricid moth native to Australia. It has become an invasive agricultural pest in multiple countries including New Zealand, Hawaii, the United Kingdom, and California, where it was first detected in 2006. The species feeds on over 250 plant species across numerous families, with larvae causing damage as leafrolling caterpillars. Its broad host range and high reproductive potential make it a significant threat to horticultural industries worldwide.
Erasmoneura variabilis
Variegated Leafhopper
Erasmoneura variabilis, commonly known as the Variegated Leafhopper, is a small cicadellid leafhopper native to western North America. It feeds on grapevines (Vitis spp.) and has been studied for its mating communication through substrate-borne vibrational signals. The species is of concern to California viticulture due to direct feeding damage caused by piercing-sucking mouthparts. Research indicates it uses complex vibrational signaling with distinct male and female signals during pair formation, suggesting potential for behavioral mating disruption as a management strategy.
Erasmoneura vulnerata
Wounded Leafhopper
Erasmoneura vulnerata is a small leafhopper native to North America that has become an invasive pest in European vineyards since its first detection in Italy in 2004. Adults measure 2.7–3.2 mm in length and exhibit seasonal color dimorphism. The species completes 2–3 generations per year, with nymphal development taking 16–20 days. Feeding on grapevine mesophyll causes characteristic pale speckled lesions, leaf curling, and premature defoliation. In its invaded range, it poses significant economic threat to viticulture, particularly in organic vineyards where natural insecticides show limited efficacy.
Erythroneura cancellata
Erythroneura cancellata is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by McAtee in 1920. It belongs to a genus containing numerous economically important grape-feeding species. Like congeners in Erythroneura, it likely exhibits the small, colorful, and agile characteristics typical of microleafhoppers. The species name 'cancellata' refers to a latticed or grid-like pattern, suggesting distinctive wing markings. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Maryland, USA.
Erythroneura comes
Eastern Grape Leafhopper
Erythroneura comes, the Eastern Grape Leafhopper, is a key pest of grapevines in central and northeastern North America. Adults overwinter in leaf litter and debris, becoming active in spring to feed on diverse plants before colonizing grape foliage. Despite feeding on many host plants, oviposition is restricted exclusively to wild and cultivated grape. The species causes stippling, chlorosis, and early leaf drop through feeding damage, with one to four generations per year depending on geographic location and environmental conditions.
Erythroneura elegantula
Western Grape Leafhopper
Erythroneura elegantula, the Western Grape Leafhopper, is a leafhopper species native to western North America and a significant pest of cultivated grapevines. It completes two generations annually between April and September in California vineyards. Population densities vary with proximity to vegetational borders, remaining stable near diverse perennial flowering hedgerows and riparian zones while declining at greater distances from borders. The species serves as host for egg parasitoids in the genus Anagrus (Mymaridae), which provide biological control.
Erythroneura ziczac
Virginia Creeper Leafhopper
Erythroneura ziczac, commonly known as the Virginia Creeper Leafhopper, is a small leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae. It is a documented pest of grapevines in North America, particularly in California vineyards where it has been the subject of integrated pest management research. The species feeds on plant sap and is known to overwinter as adults. It is one of several Erythroneura species associated with vineyard ecosystems, distinguished by its specific host plant relationships and population dynamics studied in agricultural contexts.
Formica aerata
grey field ant
Formica aerata, commonly known as the grey field ant, is a species of ant in the family Formicidae. It is native to western North America and has been studied extensively in California vineyard ecosystems, where it disrupts biological control of mealybugs by tending them for honeydew. The species is active year-round when temperatures exceed 9°C, with peak foraging in spring before mealybug honeydew becomes available.
Givira
carpenter moths
Givira is a genus of carpenter moths (family Cossidae, subfamily Hypoptinae) established by Walker in 1856. The genus contains approximately 70 described species distributed across the Neotropics and southwestern North America. Several species are economically significant as wood-boring pests of cultivated plants, including Givira ethela, which damages grapevines in California. Adults are typically nocturnal with variable wing coloration ranging from dark brown to satiny white.
Givira ethela
Givira ethela is a carpenter moth (Cossidae: Hypoptinae) native to southwestern North America. It has been recorded from Arizona, California, and Nevada. Since at least the early 2000s, it has been recognized as a pest of mature grapevines (Vitis vinifera) in California's San Joaquin Valley, where larvae bore into the cambium layer of trunks and cordons. The species was originally described as Hypopta ethela in 1893.
Glyptoscelis
Glyptoscelis is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae, tribe Eumolpini. The genus contains 38 described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. One species, Glyptoscelis squamulata, is a documented agricultural pest of grape vines in southern California. The genus was historically classified in tribe Adoxini but has been reassigned to Eumolpini based on current taxonomy.
Graphocephala atropunctata
blue-green sharpshooter
Graphocephala atropunctata, commonly known as the blue-green sharpshooter, is a xylem-feeding leafhopper native to the western United States. It is the principal native vector of Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium that causes Pierce's disease in grapevines. This species has been extensively studied for its feeding behaviors using electropenetrography (EPG) techniques, which have characterized distinct waveform patterns associated with stylet penetration and xylem ingestion. Its role as a disease vector makes it economically significant to California's vineyard industry.
Harrisina metallica
Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moth, Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer
Harrisina metallica is a day-flying moth in the family Zygaenidae, commonly known as the western grapeleaf skeletonizer. Adults are deep metallic blue in color and exhibit wasp-mimicry, resembling spider wasps in the family Pompilidae. The species is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Larvae are specialized feeders on grape leaves and Parthenocissus species, skeletonizing foliage by consuming tissue between leaf veins. Caterpillars possess stinging hairs that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in humans.
Jikradia
Jikradia is a genus of leafhoppers (family Cicadellidae) first described by Nielson in 1979. The genus contains over 20 described species distributed across the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, with records from North America, Central America, and the Old World. At least one species, Jikradia olitoria, has been identified as a putative vector of phytoplasmas causing North American Grapevine Yellows disease. The genus has undergone recent taxonomic revision with four new species described from Mesoamerica.
Jikradia olitoria
Coppery Leafhopper
Jikradia olitoria, commonly known as the Coppery Leafhopper, is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae found primarily in eastern North America. It is a putative vector of the NAGYIIIβ phytoplasma strain associated with North American Grapevine Yellows, a destructive disease of grapevines. The species has been documented in Virginia vineyards and surrounding vegetation, with adults active from May through October. Laboratory studies have confirmed its ability to release phytoplasmas during phloem-feeding, though whole-plant transmission remains to be demonstrated.
Lobesia
Lobesia is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae. The genus includes several species, with Lobesia botrana (European grapevine moth) being the most economically significant and well-studied. Species in this genus are primarily associated with feeding on grapevines and related plants, with larvae causing damage to fruits and inflorescences. Some species have been documented as invasive pests in viticulture regions outside their native ranges.
Lobesia botrana
European grapevine moth, European grape worm
Lobesia botrana is a tortricid moth native to Southern Italy, now distributed across Southern Europe, North Africa, Anatolia, the Caucasus, and introduced to Japan, Chile, Argentina, and briefly California (2009–2016). It is a major vineyard pest whose larvae feed internally on grape berries, causing direct damage and facilitating secondary fungal infections. The species has two to three generations per year in Europe, with pupae overwintering in silken cocoons.
Macrodactylus subspinosus
American Rose Chafer, Rose Chafer
Macrodactylus subspinosus, commonly known as the American Rose Chafer, is a scarab beetle native to North America. It is a significant agricultural and horticultural pest that feeds on the foliage, flowers, and fruit of numerous plants, including roses, grapes, apples, and peaches. Adults emerge in late May to mid-June, live 3–6 weeks, and aggregate on host plants using plant volatiles to locate feeding sites. The species undergoes complete metamorphosis with larvae overwintering deep in soil and feeding on plant roots.
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.
Otiorhynchus cribricollis
Cribrate Weevil, Apple Weevil
Otiorhynchus cribricollis, commonly known as the cribrate weevil or apple weevil, is a flightless weevil native to the Mediterranean region. It has been introduced to Western Australia, where it is recognized as a significant pest of apple orchards and vineyards. The species reproduces through parthenogenesis, with all individuals being female. It has also been recorded from North America (USA), though its establishment status there is less documented.
Paralobesia
Paralobesia is a genus of small tortricid moths described by Obraztsov in 1953. The genus is primarily Nearctic in distribution, with approximately 40 described species, many of which were described recently by Royals and Gilligan in 2018-2019. The most economically significant species is Paralobesia viteana, the grape berry moth, a major pest of cultivated grapes in eastern North America. Host associations within the genus range from monophagous to polyphagous, including grapevines (Vitis), orchids (Cypripedium), larch (Larix), and hemlock (Tsuga).
Paralobesia viteana
Grape Berry Moth
Paralobesia viteana, the grape berry moth, is a tortricid moth native to eastern North America and an economically significant pest of cultivated and wild grapes (Vitis spp.). Larvae damage grape berries directly through feeding and indirectly by increasing susceptibility to fungal and bacterial pathogens. The species completes two to four generations annually depending on latitude and climate, with the final generation overwintering as pupae in leaf litter. It is considered one of the most damaging insect pests of grapes in eastern North America.
Parthenolecanium
soft scales, lecanium scales
Parthenolecanium is a genus of soft scale insects in the family Coccidae. These hemipterans are dome-shaped, sap-feeding pests of woody plants including oaks, fruit trees, and grapevines. Several species are significant urban tree pests, notably P. quercifex (oak lecanium scale) and P. corni (European fruit lecanium scale). The genus exhibits variation in reproductive mode: some species reproduce by parthenogenesis, while P. corni reproduces sexually (gamogenesis). Many species have been documented as vectors of grapevine viruses.
Planococcus
mealybugs
Planococcus is a genus of mealybugs in the family Pseudococcidae, comprising economically significant agricultural pests. The genus includes species such as Planococcus citri (citrus mealybug), Planococcus ficus (vine mealybug), and Planococcus minor, which infest a wide range of host plants including citrus, grapevines, and numerous horticultural crops. These insects cause direct damage through phloem feeding and indirect damage via honeydew secretion that promotes sooty mold growth; several species are also known vectors of plant viruses. The genus is characterized by small, soft-bodied insects covered in white, powdery wax secretions, with complex taxonomic histories involving multiple synonymies and cryptic species complexes.
Platynota stultana
Omnivorous Leafroller, Omnivorous Leafroller Moth
Platynota stultana, the omnivorous leafroller, is a highly polyphagous tortricid moth native to northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It has become an established invasive pest in Hawaii, Spain, Italy, and multiple other European countries. Adults are small with wingspans around 14 mm and are active year-round in warm climates. The species completes four to six generations annually in California and produces severe economic damage in vineyards, greenhouses, and nursery operations. Larval feeding on grape berries causes skin breakage that leads to fungal rot and crop losses up to 80%.
Polistes dominula
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula is a highly successful invasive social wasp native to Eurasia that has established populations across North America, South America, New Zealand, South Africa, and other regions. First detected in North America near Boston in 1978, it has become one of the most abundant wasps on the continent. The species builds small, exposed paper nests in protected locations and preys primarily on live insects, particularly caterpillars. Unlike yellowjackets, it does not scavenge for meat or sugar. Its rapid spread has been attributed to ecological flexibility, superior competitive ability, and tolerance of human-altered environments.
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californicus
California root borer, California prionus
Prionus californicus is a large, sexually dimorphic longhorned beetle native to western North America. Adults emerge from soil in early summer and are active from June through August. Females are larger than males and produce a volatile sex pheromone to attract mates, while males possess more strongly serrated antennae. The species spends most of its life cycle underground as root-feeding larvae, making it a significant pest of orchards, vineyards, and other woody plants.
Pseudococcus longispinus
long-tailed mealybug, longtailed mealybug
Pseudococcus longispinus is a cosmopolitan mealybug pest in the family Pseudococcidae. It is distinguished by two long, waxy filaments extending from the posterior abdomen of adult females. The species is a significant agricultural and horticultural pest, particularly damaging to grapevines, citrus, orchids, and tropical fruits. It is a known vector of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3), transmitting the virus only during the first instar crawler stage. The species has been observed to develop three generations annually in temperate regions, with complex dispersal patterns shifting from exposed foliage in early instars to protected bark and fruit clusters for reproduction.
Pseudococcus maritimus
grape mealybug, vine mealybug
Pseudococcus maritimus, commonly known as the grape mealybug or vine mealybug, is a scale insect in the family Pseudococcidae that primarily infests grapevines (Vitis vinifera). It has been documented as a vector of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 and, more recently, was confirmed to transmit Little cherry virus 2 to sweet cherry, making it an economically significant pest in tree fruit and vineyard systems. The species is part of a species complex that includes morphologically similar taxa such as Pseudococcus meridionalis. Research indicates limited natural dispersal capacity, with first instars rarely walking between plants and wind dispersal declining sharply with distance from source plants.
Pulvinaria vitis
Cottony Grape Scale, Cottony Scale
Pulvinaria vitis is a thelytokous cottony scale insect native to Europe, now established across much of the Northern Hemisphere and beyond. It is a univoltine pest of grape and peach, with adult females overwintering on host bark and producing large ovisacs containing thousands of eggs in spring. The species exhibits distinctive discontinuous growth and feeding patterns, with three nymphal instars and limited mobility after the first moult.
Stictocephala basalis
Stictocephala basalis is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae that uses substrate-borne vibrational signals for mating communication. Males produce advertising calls and exhibit distinctive "call-fly" behavior, moving between host plants while calling until they locate responsive females. The species is strongly associated with grapevines and is suspected to be a vector for Grapevine Red Blotch Disease, making it a pest of concern in vineyard agriculture.
Tortistilus
Tortistilus is a genus of treehoppers (Membracidae: Ceresini) established by Caldwell in 1949. The genus includes at least one well-documented species, T. wickhami, which has been studied in California and Mexican vineyards as a potential vector of grapevine red blotch virus. Members of this genus are morphologically cryptic and difficult to distinguish from related genera such as Spissistilus without molecular diagnostics. The genus belongs to the diverse New World treehopper fauna.
Tortistilus wickhami
A North American treehopper in the family Membracidae, recently documented for the first time in Mexico's Baja California peninsula. Previously known from the western and southwestern United States, this species was collected from grapevines in Valle de Guadalupe vineyards during 2023. Its presence in commercial vineyards raises concerns about potential economic impact, as it is suspected to be a candidate vector for grapevine red blotch virus.
treehopperMembracidaevineyard-pestgrapevine-red-blotch-virusagricultural-pestMexico-first-recordBaja-CaliforniaValle-de-GuadalupeVitis-viniferaDNA-barcoding-identification2023-detectioneconomic-entomologyplant-virus-vectorSmiliinaeCeresiniHemipteraCicadomorphaNorth-Americawestern-United-Statesinvasive-potentialviticulturewine-grape-pestVitacea scepsiformis
Lesser Grape Root Borer Moth
Vitacea scepsiformis, the lesser grape root borer moth, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. It occurs across eastern and central North America, where its larvae develop as root borers in grapevines (Vitis species). Adults are active from mid-summer through early autumn and are wasp mimics in appearance. The species is smaller than the related grape root borer (Vitacea polistiformis) and generally considered less economically damaging.