Wind-dispersal
Guides
Aceria
gall mites, eriophyid mites, four-legged mites
Aceria is a large genus of eriophyid mites (family Eriophyidae) containing over 900 described species. These microscopic, worm-like arachnids are obligate plant parasites that induce distinctive plant growth abnormalities including galls, erinea, and witches' brooms. Some species are economically significant agricultural pests, while others have been deployed as biological control agents against invasive weeds. The genus exhibits extreme host specificity, with most species restricted to a single plant species or genus.
Aonidiella
Aonidiella is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) containing approximately 30 described species. Several species, notably A. aurantii (California red scale) and A. citrina (yellow scale), are significant agricultural pests of citrus and other fruit crops. The genus exhibits a global distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions where host plants occur.
Colladonus montanus montanus
Colladonus montanus montanus is a subspecies of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. A study of its dispersal behavior in cherry orchards found that individuals move primarily through passive dispersal, dropping from foliage and being carried by wind rather than active flight. Most marked individuals remained within 10 meters of release points, with maximum dispersal distances of 40 meters. The subspecies exhibits seasonal movement patterns, migrating from herbaceous ground cover to cherry trees in spring and returning to ground cover in late summer.
Eriophyidae
Gall and Rust Mites, Gall Mites, Four-legged Mites
Eriophyidae is a family of microscopic plant-parasitic mites comprising over 200 genera and approximately 3,600 described species, though estimates suggest the actual diversity may exceed 100,000 species. Members are commonly known as gall mites or rust mites due to their propensity to induce gall formation or cause rust-like discoloration on host plants. These mites possess worm-like bodies with only two pairs of legs, distinguishing them from most other mites. They are obligate parasites of vascular plants with high host specificity, typically specializing on single plant species or genera. The family includes significant agricultural pests such as the coconut mite (Aceria guerreronis), garlic mite (Aceria tulipae), and bermudagrass mite (Aceria cynodoniensis), as well as species used for biological control of weeds.
Plutella xylostella
diamondback moth, cabbage moth
Plutella xylostella is a globally distributed moth species and one of the most economically significant agricultural pests worldwide. The small grayish-brown moth derives its common name from the cream-colored band that forms a diamond pattern along its back. Its larvae feed exclusively on cruciferous plants, causing extensive damage to cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, canola, and other Brassica crops. The species has evolved resistance to nearly every class of insecticide, including Bacillus thuringiensis toxins, making it exceptionally difficult to control. Annual global management costs are estimated at $4–5 billion.
Zeiraphera
larch bud moths, spruce bud moths
Zeiraphera is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, comprising approximately 35 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus includes economically significant forest pests, notably the larch bud moth (Z. diniana) and spruce bud moth (Z. canadensis), which undergo periodic population outbreaks causing defoliation of coniferous hosts. Several species exhibit complex ecological traits including host race formation, pheromone polymorphism, and long-distance wind-mediated dispersal. The genus is characterized by larval feeding on conifer needles and a tendency toward cyclic population dynamics in certain species.