Insects:Information

From AgWiki
Jump to: navigation, search

Insects and other Crop Pests


Classification by Phylum, Class, Order, and Family



Contents

Arthropoda Phylum Arthropoda

Malacostraca Class Malacostraca (Crustacea)

Isopoda Order Isopoda

Armadillididae Family Armadillididae
Examples

Cylisticus convexus


Oniscidae Family Oniscidae
Examples

Oniscus asellus


Ascellidae Family Ascellidae
Examples

Lirceus brachyurus



Diplopoda Class Diplopoda

Julida Order Julida

Julidae Family Julidae
Examples

Allajulus punctatus



Symphyla Class Symphyla

Cephalostigmata Order Cephalostigmata

Scutigerellidaea Family Scutigerellidaea
Adult

Length 1-8 mm. Body slender and elongate, composed of 15-22 (usually 15) body segments, and with 10-12 pairs of legs. The head is well developed and distinct, with long, slender, many segmented antennae.

Examples

Scutigerella immaculata; Common Name: Garden symphylans



Arachnida Class Arachnida

Acari Order Acari

Acaridae Family Acaridae:
Adult

The body is stout, white or buff, and the integument is smooth and shiny. It is divided into a proterosoma and hysterosoma by a transverse groove. The body setae of adults are long and whip-like. The males usually have copulatory suckers on tarsus IV and near the anal plate. The caruncle is sessile and with a claw, The chelicerae have opposed chelae. These mites are injurious to cereals, food products, and plants.

Examples

Acarus siro; Common Name: Grain mite Rhizoglyphus echinopus; Common Name: Bulb mite


Eriophyidae Family Eriophyidae:
Adult

Minute, elongate mites with only two pair of legs. The gnathosoma has short stylet-like chelicerae for piercing; the propodosoma is shield-like and has thickened lines which form diagnostic patterns; and the hysterosoma is elongate and annulate. The body has a few setae, the most conspicuous being the long, whip-like pair at the posterior end. Mites in this family are plant feeders.

Examples

Abacarus hystrix; Common Name: Grain rust mite Acalitus essigi Acalitus gossypii; Common Name: Cotton blister mite Acalitus phloeocoptes; Common Name: Almond brown mite Acalitus vaccinii; Common Name: Blueberry bud Aculops lycopersici; Common Name: Tomato russet mite infestation Aculus cornutus; Common Name: Peach silver mites Aculus fockeui; Common Name: Plum rust mite Aculus schlechtendali; Common Name: Apple rust mite Calepiterimerus vitis Cecidophyopsis ribis; Common Name: Currant bud mite Colomerus vitis Epitrimerus pyri; Common Name: Pear rust mite Eriophyes caryae; Common Name: Pecan leafroll Eriophyes cynodoniensis; Common Name: Bermudagrass mite Eriophyes erinea; Common Name: Walnut blister Eriophyes medicaginis; Common Name: Alfalfa mites Eriophyes sheldoni; Common Name: Citrus bud mite Phyllocoptes gracilis; Common Name: Dryberry mite Phyllocoptruto oleivora; Common Name: Citrus rust mite Phytoptus inaequalis; Common Name: Cherry rust mite Phytoptus pyri; Common Name: Pearleaf blister mite


Penthaleidae Family Penthaleidae:
Adult

Female of this mite is pear-shaped and about 1 mm long. The body is black with red areas on the abdomen around the dorsally situated anus, on the venter around the genitalia, and sometimes around the sensillae on the propodosoma. The gnathosoma and legs are red, flecked with black. It is a European species known to be in North America, Australia, and South Africa. It is a pest of clover, peas, lettuce, alfalfa, grasses, and cereals.

Examples

Penthaleus major; Common Name: Winter grain mite


Ixodidae Family Ixodidae:
Examples

Rhipicephalus sanguineus; Common Name: Ticks


Nalepellidae Family Nalepellidae:
Examples

Phycocptella avellanae; Common Name: Filbert bud


Phytoseiidae Family Phytoseiidae:
Examples

Euseius spp. Galendromus occidentalis; Common Name: Western predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus Phytoseiulus persimilis


Pyemotidae Family Pyemotidae:
Examples

Pyemotes tritici; Common Name: Harvest mite (Straw itch mite)


Tarsonemidae Family Tarsonemidae:
Examples

Phytonemus pallidus; Common Name: Cyclamen mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus; Common Name: Broad mite or Tropical spider mite Steneotarsonemus Pallidus


Tenuipalpidae Family Tenuipalpidae:
Adult

Plant-feeding mites that are commonly known as false spider mites. The body of a tenuipalpid is usually dorso-ventrally flattened.

Examples

Brevipalpus spp.; Common Name: False spider mite Brevipalpus lewisi; Common Name: Citrus flat mite Brevipalpus obovatus; Common Name: Privit mite


Tetranychidae Family Tetranychidae:
Adult

Possess long recurved whip-like moveable chelae set in the stylophore or fused basal segments of teh chelicerae; the fourth palpal segment bears a strong claw; claws possess tenant hairs, Normally there are three pairs of propodosomal setae, four pairs of marginal setae, and one pair of humeral setae. Setae may shift, drop out, or extra pairs may be added. They are important agricultural pests.

Examples

Bryobia praetiosa; Common Name: Clover mite Bryobia rubrioculus Eotetranychus carpini borealis; Common Name: Yellow spider mite Eotetranychus sexmaculatus; Common Name: Six-spotted mite Eotetranychus willametti; Common Name: Willamette* Eotetranychus yumensis; Common Name: Yuma spider mite Eutetranychus banksi; Common Name: Texas citrus mite Oligonychus ilicis; Common Name: Southern red mite Oligonychus pratensis; Common Name: Banks grass mite Oligonychus ununguis; Common Name: Spruce spider mite Oligonychus yothersi; Common Name: Avocado red mite Panonychus citri; Common Name: Citrus red mite -- with predatory mite Panonychus ulmi; Common Name: European red mite Petrobia latens; Common Name: Wheat brown* Tetranychus canadensis; Common Name: Fourspotted spider mite Tetranychus cinnabarinus; Common Name: Carmine spider mite Tetranychus desertorum; Common Name: Desert spider mite Tetranychus mcdanieli; Common Name: McDaniel spider mite Tetranychus pacificus; Common Name: Pacific spider mite Tetranychus schoenei; Common Name: Schoene spider mite Tetranychus turkestani; Common Name: Strawberry spider mite Tetranychus urticae; Common Name: Two-spotted spider mite


Araneae Order Araneae

Thomisidae Family Thomisidae:
Adult

Body usually short and broad, with a somewhat crablike appearance; the two front pair of legs are usually longer and stouter than the two hind pairs of legs, allowing them to walk more readily sideways or backward than forward. They vary in color from pale white or yellow to the bright color of the flowers they frequent, to gray, dark brown and black, and some may have red or white markings on the sides of the abdomen. Some can change color according to their habitat. They do not spin webs.

Examples

Tmarus angulatus



Hexapoda(Insecta) Class Hexapoda (Insecta)

Blattodea Order Blattodea

Blattellidae Family Blattellidae:
Adult

Relatively small, 18 mm or less, most about 12 mm or less; body light brown, often with two longitudinal stripes on anterior part of thorax, or a darkened stripe along anterior edge of wing.

Examples

Blattela germanica; Common Name: German cockroach Supella longipalpa; Common Name: Brown banded cockroach


Blattidae Family Blattidae:
Adult

Relatively large, about 18 mm or more, many 25 mm or more; body dark brown to reddish brown, oval; with short wings.

Examples

Blatta orientalis; Common Name: Oriental cockroach Periplaneta americana; Common Name: American cockroach


Collembola Order Collembola

Onychiuridae Family Onychiuridae:
Adult

Length 1.-1.5 mm. Elongate and slender, and nearly all species white. All members are blind (without eyes), and the furcula is absent in most species.

Examples

Onychiurus spp.


Sminthuridae Family Sminthuridae:
Adult

Length 0.4-2.7 mm, most under 1.3 mm. Body pale yellowish, subglobose to oval, with indistinct abdominal segments; body shape is similar in all species. Head with black eyes, and antennae that are longer than the head.

Examples

Bourletiella hortensis


Coleoptera Order Coleoptera

Anobiidae Family Anobiidae:
Adult

Length 1-9 mm, most being 2.5-6.5 mm. The body is cylindrical, and the head is bent down under the thorax so it is not visible from above. The body is dark reddish brown to black, and some species have patches of white scales.

Immature

Mature larvae are C-shaped and range from about 3-10 mm in length. The body is whitish and may have numerous setae (hairs) scattered over the various body segments. The head is exserted, or nearly so, rounded and directed ventrally. Mouthparts with short, stout mandibles with irregular cutting edges. The thorax is composed of 3 segments all about the same diameter as the abdomen. Most species have well developed prolegs. The abdomen consists of 10 segments, but the terminal 2 segments are often reduced. The top surface of each abdominal segment may have 2-3 folds of varying size. The spiracles are inconspicuous but subequal in size, those on the first segment of the thorax lay adjacent to the middle segment; spiracles are present on abdominal segments 1-8. The larvae bore into bark, dry wood products such as furniture, floors, beams, walls, etc, and twigs, seeds, galls, and fungi. Rarely, they infest young stems or shoots of growing trees. Some species occur in stored plant materials in drug stores and other markets.

Examples

Lasioderma serricornis; Common Name: Cigarette beetle Stegobium paniceus; Common Name: Drugstore beetle


Brentidae Family Brentidae:
Adult

Adults are slender, somewhat antlike, and vary from 5-6 mm in length. The head has a prominent, straight snout that projects forward and bears the elbowed antennae. The thorax is reddish brown in color and the hardened wing covers (elytra) are blue-black. (The species Cylas formicarius, is often included in the family Curculionidae, and sometimes in the family Cyladidae).

Immature

Mature larvae range from less than 10 mm to over 30 mm in length; the body is soft, elongate, subcylindrical, slightly curved, and slightly expanded at posterior end. The head is directed downward, and has long setae on the front and upper surfaces that are arranged in a regular pattern; a single segmented, membranous antenna is present on each side and bears a long sensory appendage; stemmata are absent. The thorax is broader than the abdomen, and is slightly enlarged and subtruncate posteriorly; a spiracle is present on the hind margin of the first segment of the thorax; the legs are small with a terminal claw, or the legs absent. Abdominal segments 1-8 each with 3-4 folds on upper surface, and with spiracles present of segments 1-8. The larvae are wood boring and sometimes attack living trees. The tiny larvae of the sweet potato borer, bore into the vines and roots of sweet potato, and may continue to bore through the tubers after they have been harvested

Examples

Cylas formicarius elegantulus; Common Name: Sweetpotato weevil


Bruchidae Family Bruchidae:
Adult

Length 1-6 mm, most less than 5 mm. Body stout, oval in shape, with a small head that is produced anteriorly into a short, broad snout or beak. Usually dull grayish or brownish in color, but may be black, brown, tan to yellowish, sometimes variously marked or mottled with light patches of hairlike setae or scales. The horny wing covers (elytra) are shortened and do not cover the tip of the abdomen.

Immature

Mature larvae are C-shaped, plump and soft, whitish in color, and usually with only few setae. They range from 3-7 mm in length. The head is small, directed toward the front (horizontal) and is deeply recessed into the front segment of the thorax; with little or no pigmentation except near the small mouthparts. The mandibles of the mouthparts are short, simple, robust and heavily pigmented, they are somewhat conical in shape with the inner margin somewhat concave and with a sharp, rounded apical edge. With only 1 pair of ocelli (stemmata) or none. The thorax has 3 segments that successively increase in size toward the abdomen, the middle and hind segments have 2 folds or pleats on their upper sides; prolegs are usually present but may be greatly reduced. The abdomen has 9-10 segments with the widest part near the thorax or mid region, segment 9 is very short and buttonlike while segment 10, if apparent, is nipplelike adjacent to the anus; each segment usually has 2 folds on top, and 1 or 2 lobes on each side. Spiralces are small and ringlike, and are located on the side of the middle segment of the thorax adjacent to the front segment of the thorax; abdominal segments 1-8 with spiracles. Larvae develop in seeds, mostly of leguminous plants.

Examples

Bruchus pisorum; Common Name: Pea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus; Common Name: Cowpea weevil


Buprestidae Family Buprestidae:
Adult

Length 3-100 mm, most being under 20 mm. Body hard, compact, somewhat flattened, rarely cylindrical; the head is directed ventrally. Many species have a metallic appearance especially on the underside of the body and the top of the abdomen, and vary in color from red, coppery, green, blue or black, and some may have red or yellow markings. Most of these beetles run and fly fast making them difficult to catch, but some "play dead" and fall from the leaves to the ground.

Immature

Family Buprestidae: This family has two types of larvae: one in which the larvae have the thoracic segments enlarged and flattened and with a long, slender abdomen; these are known as flatheaded borers, and the larvae bore into roots and trunks of dead and dying trees but sometimes bore into living trees. The second type, mostly leaf miners, do not have the thoracic segments enlarged, and the first and second segments may or may not be larger than the remaining body segments. All the segments are flattened or oval and taper in size toward the posterior end. The heads of both types of larvae are small, depressed and somewhat retracted into the first thoracic segment. Ocelli (stemmata) are absent. Mouthparts with mandibles strong, usually toothed and spoon-shaped. Prolegs absent on all thoracic segments. The abdomen in most species ending in 2 fleshy lobes. Spiracles often crescent-shaped, located on middle segment of thorax and abdominal segments 1-8. Leaf miners and stem borers occur in woody and herbaceous plants. The eggs are laid in crevices in bark, and the newly hatched larva eventually bores into the wood. Larvae of some species make winding galleries under the bark of twigs, some make galls, and one girdles twigs.

Examples

Chrysobothris femorata; Common Name: Flatheaded appletree borer Chrysobothris mali; Common Name: Pacific flatheaded borer


Cantharidae Family Cantharidae:
Adult

Length 1-15 mm (usually 7-12 mm). Elongate and soft-bodied; the front part of the thorax is margined and often quadrate; varying in color from dark brown, to black but sometimes bright yellow, orange, or red with black markings.

Immature
Examples

Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus; Common Name: Soldier beetle


Carabidae Family Carabidae:
Adult

Species show considerable variation in size, shape, and color. Most are 4-12 mm, but range from 2 to about 85 mm in length. The color varies from dull black, shiny black, bluish or greenish, and a few are marked with red, or white, and some are red, tan or brown. The body is somewhat elongate and somewhat flattened, with more or less parallel sides, and have long legs. Rarely fly.

Immature

Full sized larvae range from 10-45 mm in length; the body is elongate, usually subcylindrical, or slightly flattened, distinctly segmented and partially or entirely hardened on the upper surface and to a lesser extent on the under surface; prominent and specifically arranged setae may be present on the various hardened areas. The head is fully visible and directed forward, and usually is heavily pigmented; many species have 6 stemmata on each side of the head. In most species, the mandibles are sickle-shaped, and may be 3 or more times as long as wide at base; in some species the mandibles are stouter. The first segment of the thorax may be enlarged or elongate, while the other two segments are subequal in size and shape; prolegs are present with claws and sometimes have strong spines. The abdomen has 10 segments; segment 9 often with processes that vary in size and form; the 10th segment is usually small, hardened and somewhat trapezoidal in shape and functions as an anal proleg. Most species are predaceous both as adults and larvae.

Examples

Clivina impressefrons; Common Name: Slender seedcorn beetle Stenolophus lecontei; Common Name: Seedcorn beetle


Chrysomelidae Family Chrysomelidae:
Adult

Length 1-20 mm, some tropical forms longer. The body is elongate, cylindrical to oval and flattened. Many species are brightly colored green, blue, red, yellow, golden to bronzy, to black, and some may be spotted or striped. The legs may be short and suited for jumping.

Immature

Mature larvae vary from 4-16 mm in length; there are a number of different larval forms in the family, only 3 are pertinent to this work. 1) Larvae slightly C-shaped, rather uniformly pigmented in shades of yellow, green, reddish or brown; vary from fairly bare and smooth to having numerous distinct long setae and processes, or elevated glandular pores on the upper aspect of the middle and hind thoracic segments and abdominal segments 1-7. The head narrower than the thorax, rounded, directed downward, and usually heavily pigmented; often with 5-6 stemmata on each side; mandibles are simple but hardened with 4-5 teeth on apical margin. Each of the 3 thoracic segments bears a pair of prolegs. The abdomen has 10 segments with the 10th segment on the underside disklike or like a proleg; the middle group of segments are broader than those in front or behind, and each segment normally with but one fold per segment. Spiracles are present on the side of middle segment of the thorax, and on abdominal segments 1-8. 2) Body broader in middle area than at either end, often distinctly colored in shades of green or reddish brown with darker hardened areas especially on the front segment of the thorax; scattered short setae often present; live larvae may be covered with a slimy exudation and may also be partially covered with feces. Head small and directed downward, usually heavily pigmented; often 5-6 stemmata present on each side; mandibles are simple with 4 or more teeth on apex. Each of the 3 thoracic segments bear a pair of prolegs. The abdomen has 9-10 segments, flattened on underside, and segments 1-8 with distinct swellings used for movement. Spiracles are present on the middle segment of the thorax, and on abdominal segments 1-8. 3) Leaf feeding forms with head usually directed forward, and with body that may be heavily and uniformly pigmented or have longitudinal stripes or spots in colors varying from yellow, green, orange, red, brown to black; body may show 2-3 folds per segment, or have distinct elevations or protuberances that may possess conspicuous setae or spines. Root feeding forms are narrower, and often distinctly elongate and mostly without pigmentation except for the head, front segment of the thorax and abdominal segment 9. Head narrower than front segment of thorax, directed downward, and may be heavily pigmented; with 0-1 pair of stemmata; mandibles are simple, hardened, and terminate in 4-5 marginal teeth. Each of the 3 thoracic segments bears a pair of prolegs; in leaf miners the prolegs are tiny and set far apart. The abdomen has 9-10 segments; in leaf mining larvae the upper surface of segment 9 may be a conspicuous, rounded hardened plate bearing a few setae, while among external leaf feeders segment 9 is usually smaller than the 8th but similar in form; segment 10 in both forms may be disklike and serve as a proleg.

Examples

Acalymma spp. Acalymma trivittata; Common Name: Western striped cucumber beetle Acalymma vittatum; Common Name: Striped cucumber beetle Cerotoma trifurcata; Common Name: Bean leaf beetle Chaetocnema confinis; Common Name: Sweetpotato flea beetle Chaetocnema pulicaria; Common Name: Corn flea beetle Crioceris asparagi; Common Name: Asparagus beetle Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi; Common Name: Cucumber beetle drawing Diabrotica barberi; Common Name: Northern corn rootworm beetle Diabrotica spp.; Common Name: Corn rootworm larva Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi; Common Name: Southern corn rootworm beetle Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi; Common Name: Western spotted cucumber beetle Diabrotica virgifera virgifera; Common Name: Western corn root worm Disonycha triangularis Disonycha xanthomelas Epitrix cucumeris; Common Name: Potato flea beetle Epitrix hirtipennis; Common Name: Tobacco flea beetle drawing Epitrix hirtipennis; Common Name: Tobacco flea beetle Epitrix hirtipennis; Common Name: Tobacco flea beetle sign Epitrix subcrinita Epitrix tuberis Erynephala puncticollis Leptinotarsa decemlineata; Common Name: Colorado potato beetle Oulema melanopus; Common Name: Cereal leaf beetle Phyllotreta cruciferae Phyllotreta pusilla Phyllotreta ramosa Phyllotreta spp. Systena blanda


Coccinellidae Family Coccinellidae:
Adult

Length 0.8-10 mm. Body round to oval, and convex. Many species brightly colored red, orange, yellow, brown, or shiny black, and often with various markings and white to black spots. The head is hidden from above by the front of the thorax.

Immature

Mature larvae are mostly very small but range from 2-18 mm in length; the body varies considerably in form but may be elongate, frequently spiny, roughened, wrinkled, and usually a dull gray, blue, brownish or black color, and frequently with bright markings of white, yellow, orange or red. Some species have various arrangements of setae, spines or other appendages, and some species are entirely covered with a white, cottony wax secretion. The head is rather circular or oblong in outline, and the mouthparts of most species are directed toward the underside of the body, but in some species the mouthparts project forward; usually with 3 stemmata on each side of head; the mandibles are moderately large, hardened, somewhat triangular and taper to a single or double toothed, or multitoothed apex. The thorax has 3 well defined segments with various setae and spines on upper surface, and each segment bears a pair of prolegs, with claws, suitable for walking. The abdomen is widest at the junction with the thorax and tapers posteriorly, it consists of 10 segments each of which may have a distinct series of setae or spines; segment 10 is small and may serve as a anal proleg or attachment disk. Spiracles are present on the front side portion of the middle segment of the thorax and abdominal segments 1-8.

Examples

Chilocorus cacti Chilocorus orbus Chilocorus stigma; Common Name: Twicestabbed Lady beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri; Common Name: Mealybug destroyer Epilachna varivestis; Common Name: Mexican bean beetle Hippodamia convergens Rhyzobius lophanthae Rodolia cardinalis; Common Name: Vedalia beetle Stethorus punctum picipes; Common Name: Stethorus


Curculionidae Family Curculionidae:
Adult

Length 1-35 mm. Most species are readily recognized by the long, slender, tubelike snout, with the antennae arising from the snout; the antennae are nearly always elbowed and the terminal segments usually clublike. The length of the snout varies considerably among different species; in some the snout is very short and rather broad, while in other species it may be long and curved, and may be longer than the rest of the body. Some are bright red, orange, blue, ash gray, pale brown to dark brown and black in color, and some have various patterns of stripes or spots, and some may be speckled.

Immature

Mature larvae range from 2-35 mm in length, most vary from 5-15 mm; the body is distinctly crescent-shaped, subcylindrical, fleshy and most of the segments have 3 or more folds on the upper surface; some species are widest at about midlength of abdomen; setae of varying length may be present of various parts of the body. Species that live in plant tissues are usually pale cream, pink or whitish but head usually dark; they are mostly 2-5 mm long, wedge-shaped or somewhat spindle-shaped and without prominent setae. External feeders are often distinctly segmented and pigmented frequently showing shades of green or brown. The head may be pigmented or non-pigmented, exserted of retracted, and usually with ventrally directed mouthparts; some leaf mining and other species have anteriorly directed mouthparts. Stemmata 0-2 pairs; mandibles of most species are short, stout, subtriangular, bluntly pointed structures. The thorax is distinctly 3 segmented, without legs but enlarged swellings, with or without setae, may be present where the legs would occur. The abdomen has 9-10 segments with 3 or more folds on the upper surface on all but the last few segments which are without hardened protuberances. Spiracles are usually conspicuous.

Examples

Anthonomus eugenii; Common Name: Pepper weevil Anthonomus grandis grandis; Common Name: Boll Weevil Anthonomus musculus; Common Name: Cranberry weevil Anthonomus signatus; Common Name: Strawberry bud weevil Asynonychus godmani cervinus; Common Name: Fuller rose beetle Cleonus piger Conotrachelus nenuphar; Common Name: Plum curculio Cosmobaris americana Curculio caryae; Common Name: Pecan weevil Graphognathus spp.; Common Name: White fringed beetle Hyper postica; Common Name: Alfalfa weevil Hypera punctata; Common Name: Clover leaf weevil Listroderes costirostris obliquus; Common Name: Vegetable weevil Listronotus oregonensis; Common Name: Carrot weevil Otiorhynchus ligustici; Common Name: Alfalfa snout beetle Otiorhynchus ovatus; Common Name: Strawberry root weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus; Common Name: Black vine weevil Pachnaeus litus; Common Name: Citrus root weevil Sitona cylindricollis; Common Name: Clover leaf weevil and Alfalfa weevil Sitona hispidulus; Common Name: Clover root curculio Sitona lineata; Common Name: Pea leaf weevil Sitophilus oryzae; Common Name: Rice weevil Sphenophorus callosus; Common Name: Southern corn billbug Sphenophorus maidis; Common Name: Maize billbug Sphenophorus sp.; Common Name: Billbug


Dermestidae Family Dermestidae:
Adult

Length 1-12 mm. The body is oval or somewhat elongate oval, and convex dorsally. Most species are dull black or grayish, but many have distinctive color patterns. Most species are densely hairy or covered with scales. The head usually has a median ocellus, and the antennae are clubbed.

Immature

Family Dermestidae: Mature larvae of most species range from 5-15 mm in length; the body varies from elongate and subcylindrical, to spindle-shaped, or broadly oval when looking down on it, and may be C-shaped in preserved specimens; each body segment may be rounded on the top and sides and somewhat flattened on the underside; usually heavily pigmented especially on upper surface; both the head and body are often densely covered with setae or spines. The head is directed downward and may have up to 6 stemmata on each side; apex of mandible rounded or with toothlike processes. The first segment of the thorax may be longer than the other 2 segments, or all segments may be subequal in length; each segment bears a pair of prolegs. The abdomen is 10-segmented and may have prominent processes on the upper surface of segment 9, and short and/or long setae on the terminal segments. The spiracles of most species are inconspicuous, and are located on the middle thoracic segment and on abdominal segments 1-8.

Examples

Anthrenus scrophulariae; Common Name: Carpet beetle


Elateridae Family Elateridae:
Adult

Length 9-45 mm, but most are 12-30 mm. Most species are dull brown or black, but some have yellow or red markings, and some tropical forms are brightly colored. Some southern species have phosphorescent spots on the thorax and abdomen. The body is elongate with parallel sides, and is rounded at each end. The head has antennae that are usually serrate, but sometimes are slightly pectinate or threadlike. These beetles, when placed on their back, make an audible click in their effort to right themselves.

Immature

Family Elateridae: Mature larvae are known as wireworms and range is size from 15-60 mm with most species being 15-35 mm in length; the body may be elongate and cylindrical, or somewhat flattened on top and bottom; most are smooth, hard, and uniformly colored reddish-brown, deep brown to black, but a few are pale in color; some of the flattened species have a heavily pigmented head and terminal segment, with intermediate segments lightly colored; other species are pale colored and the abdominal segments divided into 3 folds. The head projects horizontally but may be slightly depressed; stemmata may be present or absent; mandibles of most species are conical, somewhat hooklike with a sharp point or the mandible may be distinctly bilobed. The 3 segments of the thorax are subequal in size and each bear a pair of prolegs. The abdomen shows 9 segments when looking down on the top side and 10 segments when looking at the underside, the terminal segments show considerable variation in form and may possess various fingerlike processes. The spiracles are distinct and are located on the middle segment of the thorax and on abdominal segments 1-8.

Examples

Agriotes mancus; Common Name: Wheat wireworm Conoderus falli; Common Name: Southern potato wireworm Conoderus spp. Conoderus vespertinus; Common Name: Tobacco wireworm Ctenicera spp. Limonius californicus Limonius canus Limonius ectypus; Common Name: Eastern field wireworm Limonius infuscatus; Common Name: Western field wireworm Limonius subauratus Melanotus spp.


Meloidae Family Meloidae:
Adult

Length 3-30 mm (usually 10-15 mm). Body and front pair of wings soft and flexible; body usually elongate but may be globular; usually brown or black in color, but may be orange or marked with red, yellow, or white. The head is directed downward and the front part of the thorax is narrow and necklike.

Immature

Family Meloidae: Several different types of larvae occur in this family. The first instar larvae vary considerably in form, and later instar larvae may be C-shaped or the larvae may appear somewhat like some dipterous puparia where the skin of the preceding instar is not completely shed but remains attached to the posterior end of the body. The following description is of the latter type larvae. They range from about 7-9 mm in length; the body is hardened, pigmented, leathery, and may be somewhat flattened on the undersurface, with the upper surface distinctly different than the undersurface, and all appendages appear as short, immovable processes. The head is fused with the front segment of the thorax and bears small, immovable lobes where the antennae and mouthparts occur. The thorax has 3 segments and the abdomen has 9 segments but all are rigid; 3 pairs of cone-shaped stubs occur on the underside of the thorax where the legs occur, and the abdomen has several longitudinal folds on the sides. Spiracles occur on the sides of the middle segment of the thorax and on abdominal segments 1-8.

Examples

Epicauta fabricii Epicauta funebris Epicauta maculata Epicauta pennsylvanica; Common Name: Black blister beetle Epicauta Pestifera; Common Name: Gray blister beetle Epicauta vittata; Common Name: Striped blister beetle


Nitidulidae Family Nitidulidae:
Adult

Length 1.5-12 mm. Body elongate or oval, to somewhat quadrate, and rather flattened. The front pair of wings, in some species, are short and expose the terminal abdominal segments, while in other species the front wings cover the entire abdomen. Usually pale to black in color, and may have red or yellowish spots. Head with antenna having a 3-segmented club.

Immature

Family Nitidulidae: Mature larvae range from 5-20 mm, with most species 7-12 mm in length. The body may be elongate, subcylindrical or somewhat flattened, with all segments nearly subequal in diameter except the head, front segment of the thorax and the last 3 segments of the abdomen which are slightly more narrow. The body varies considerably from a smooth, uniformly hardened, lightly pigmented (whitish) type with few setae, to a roughened surface with deeply pigmented areas, projections on sides of segments and on terminal segments, and with groups of setae and spines. The head projects forward and is narrower than the first segment of the thorax; stemmata varying from 0-4 in number; mandibles with a distinct, toothlike apex. The front segment of the thorax usually is longer and more narrow than the middle segment which is subequal in size to the hindmost segment; each segment bears a pair of small prolegs. The abdomen shows 9 segments from a top view with segment 9 smooth or with various processes; segment 10 small, visible from underside only and may serve as an anal proleg. The spiracles frequently are elevated above the surface and are present on the middle segment of the thorax and abdominal segments 1-8.

Examples

Cybocephalus californicus; Common Name: Cybocephalus Cybocephalus spp.


Scarabaeidae Family Scarabaeidae:
Adult

Length 2-100+ mm. The stout body is rather oval or elongate and convex. The antennae are characteristic, and are composed of 3-7 platelike structures that form an apical club, the plates can be expanded (opened) or completely folded together (closed). These beetles vary in color from dull black or brown to a metallic blue or green, golden or red, and sometimes have attractive patterns.

Immature

Family Scarabaeidae: Mature larvae vary from 10-125 mm or more in length; nearly all species are lightly hardened and generally are whitish to yellow in color except for the terminal segments which may be very dark; nearly all are distinctly C-shaped, cylindrical, fleshy, with numerous short setae on most segments, and often have 3 or more folds on many segments. The head is hardened and pigmented brown to black; the mouthparts are conspicuous with the mandibles dark and hardened, asymmetrical in outline, and usually longer than wide with the cutting edge simple or serrated. The 3-segmented thorax is wrinkled and each segment bears a pair of prolegs that terminate in pointed structures that resemble claws. The abdomen shows 9-10 segments with the first 6 or 7 segments usually with 3 folds each; segments 7-10 may be enlarged, smooth, shiny and often somewhat transparent; the underside of the terminal segment often with characteristic spines and setae. The spiracles are usually distinct and have seivelike perforations and one margin somewhat concave; the spiracle on the front segment of the thorax has the hind margin concave, while those of the abdomen have the front margins concave.

Examples

Amphimallon majalis; Common Name: European chafer Cotinis mutabilis Cyclocephala immaculata; Common Name: Southern masked chafer Macrodactylus subspinosa; Common Name: Rose chafer Phyllophaga spp.; Common Name: June beetle Polyphylla spp. Popillia japonica; Common Name: Japanese beetle


Scolytidae Family Scolytidae:
Adult

Length 1-9 mm, but usually less than 4 mm. The body is stout, cylindrical and elongate, strongly convex, and is punctate and striate. They are usually brownish or black in color. The head bears short, elbowed antennae that have a distinct apical club.

Immature

Family Scolytidae: Mature larvae vary from about 2-10 mm in length; the larvae are somewhat C-shaped, subcylindrical, fleshy, whitish in color, each abdominal segments with 3 or more folds, and few to no setae. The head frequently is pigmented, and the mouthparts directed downward or forward; stemmata are absent in most species; the mandibles are usually short, stout, subtriangular without accessory parts. The 3 segments of the thorax are often wider than the abdomen and are without prolegs but broad, fleshy lobes may be present. The abdomen has 9-10 segments with 3 or more folds on each segment except the terminal segments; some species have segments 8-10 rounded without accessory structures, and some species have variously hardened and pigmented protuberances on the upper surfaces of segments 8 and 9. Spiracles sometimes inconspicuous, present on middle segment of thorax and on abdominal segments 1-8.

Examples

Scolytus rugulosus; Common Name: Shothole borer


Silphidae Family Silphidae:
Adult

Length 10-35 mm. Body soft, oval and somewhat flattened; black to dark brown, often with reddish or orange markings. The hard front wings (elytra) are often truncate showing one or more of the apical abdominal segments.

Immature

Family Silphidae: Mature larvae vary from about 5-35 mm in length, with most species falling into the 15-25 mm range; the body is somewhat flattened and usually heavily pigmented. The head projects forward and usually is broader than long; usually with 6 stemmata on each side of head; the mandibles vary considerably but often are subtriangular and taper to a sharp apex that may have 2 teeth. The 3 segments of the thorax are arched and hardened on their upper surfaces, are somewhat wider than the abdomen, and may be produced into sharply pointed processes on each side; with 3 pairs of strong prolegs. The abdomen has 10 segments; segments taper gradually toward the back end and which usually has a pair of long terminal processes at the apex; the segments may have hardened plates on the upper surface and these may have pointed processes on each side, or such plates may be entirely absent; the under surface of the abdominal segments may also have hardened plates or these sometimes absent. A large, variously shaped spiracle usually is present in the membrane between the first and second segments of the thorax, and smaller spiracles are present on segments 1-8.

Examples

Aclypea bituberosa Aclypea opaca


Silvanidae Family Silvanidae:
Adult

Adults small, usually less than 3 mm long. Most species are elongate and somewhat flattened; head with 2-4 apical segments of antennae enlarged clublike, the second antennal segment is longer than the third. The apical leg segments are not lobed on the underside side. (Sometimes included in the family Cucujidae)

Immature

Body 2-30 mm long, but usually less than 20 mm; somewhat flattened, elongate, straight, and parallel sided, sometimes with moderately numerous, long setae. Head relatively broad, as wide or wider than thorax, with protracted ventral mouthparts; antennae well developed, relatively long, 3-segmented but terminal segment may be reduced or 2-segmented; usually with 5 or 6 stemmata on each side. Thorax usually with well developed, 5-segmented legs that are widely separated. Abdomen with 9th segment usually reduced with accompanying concealment or loss of the ventral sternum; segment 9 without terminal appendages; segment 10 well developed, somewhat tubular, and visible from above. Spiracles usually annular, raised on short tubes, and normally placed. The larvae of some species occur under loose bark while others occur in, and feed on, stored products such as grain, meal, flour, etc.

Examples

Oryzaephilus surinamensis; Common Name: Sawtoothed grain beetle


Tenebrionidae Family Tenebrionidae:
Adult

Length 2-35 mm. Most species are oblong but may be oval. Most are black or brownish in color, and a few have red markings on the elytra. Some are smooth with a shiny appearance, while others may be rough-bodied and resemble bits of bark. The head has eyes that are usually notched on the median margin, and antennae that are usually 11-segmented and may be threadlike or beadlike.

Immature

Family Tenebrionidae: Mature larvae of known species vary from about 5-40 mm or more in length; there are two body types, the most common body shape is elongate, subcylindrical, with upper side rounded and hardened, and the underside flattened and not so strongly hardened; all segments are more or less the same diameter; various species may be characteristically colored in varying shades of reddish, reddish yellow, brown to black; the other body style is C-shaped, and pale whitish to cream colored. The head is about as wide as the first segment of the thorax; 4 pairs of stemmata may be present, or these absent; the mandibles are stout, asymmetrically pointed, but without a sharp cutting margin. The thorax is 3-segmented with the middle and hind segments subequal in size, each segment bearing a pair of strong prolegs, those of the front segment of the thorax may be larger and longer than the other 2 pairs. The abdomen has 10 segments, the terminal segment often much reduced in size and evident only from the underside and may bear a pair of proleglike processes next to the anus; upper surface of segment 9 may bear a pair of small spinelike or hooklike processes. The front margins of the middle segment of the thorax with a pair of spiracles, and abdominal segments 1-8 each with a pair of small spiracles.

Examples

Alphitobius diaperinus; Common Name: Lesser mealworm Blapstinus spp. Eleodes spp. Tenebrio obscurum; Common Name: Dark mealworm Tribolium confusum; Common Name: Flour beetle


Dermaptera Order Dermaptera

Forficulidae Family Forficulidae:
Adult

Brownish black in color. About 12-20 mm in length. Head with antenna having 14-15 segments. Second tarsal segment of legs lobed and prolonged distally beneath the third segment; the second tarsal segment heart-shaped, with a dilated lobe on each side.

Examples

Forficula auricularia; Common Name: Earwig


Diptera Order Diptera

Agromyzidae Family Agromyzidae:
Adult

Length 1-5 mm. Body often black or gray, or silvery, and may be marked with yellow or may be entirely yellowish. The wings are clear, but sometimes may be tinged with white or brown.

Examples

Agromyza frontella; Common Name: Alfalfa Blotch Leafminer Liriomyza brassicae; Common Name: Serpentine leafminer Liriomyza spp.


Anthomyiidae Family Anthomyiidae:
Adult

Length about 7-9 mm. Resemble house flies but differ in their wing venation by having the first posterior cell open. Body usually black, with black bristles; the legs are slender and rather long.

Examples

Delia antiqua; Common Name: Onion maggot Delia platura; Common Name: Seedcorn maggot Delia radicum; Common Name: Cabbage maggot Pegomya hyoscyami


Calliphoridae Family Calliphoridae:
Adult

Length 7-14 mm. Body black to metallic blue or green. The head has the arista of the antenna plumose to the tip, and the thorax has 2 notopleural bristles, and a reduced postscutellum.

Examples

Phormia regina or Lucilia illustris; Common Name: Blow flies


Cecidomyiidae Family Cecidomyiidae:
Adult

Small, most 1-5 mm, sometimes up to 8 mm in length, with frail body, and with long legs and antennae. Wings usually with greatly reduced venation.

Examples

Contarinia pyrivora; Common Name: Pear midge Feltiella occidentalis Mayetiola destructor; Common Name: Hessian fly Neolasioptera helianthi; Common Name: Sunflower seed midge Stenodiplosis sorghicola


Cryptochetidae Family Cryptochetidae:
Adult

Length 1.5-4 mm. Body stout, metallic blue black in color with the abdomen bluish-green. The wings are short, roundish, and clear. Head broad and high, with the third segment of the antenna enlarged and bearing on its top near the apex a small peglike sensory spine.

Examples

Cryptochetum iceryae


Culicidae Family Culicidae:
Adult

Length 3-9 mm. Head, body, wings and legs covered with scales that may form distinctive color patterns of white, silver, green, or iridescent blue (rarely red). Head with a long proboscis, and hairy or plumose antennae.

Examples

Aedes vexens; Common Name: Mosquitos


Drosophilidae Family Drosophilidae:
Adult

Length 2.5-4.5 mm. Body usually blackish yellow to brownish yellow to yellow in color, and often have red eyes.

Examples

Drosophila spp.; Common Name: Drosophila fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster


Muscidae Family Muscidae:
Adult

Length about 2-12 mm. Most species are grayish or brown, others are black or yellowish, and often have a pattern on the abdomen.

Examples

Haematobia irritans; Common Name: Horn fly Musca domestica; Common Name: House fly


Otitidae Family Otitidae:
Adult

Length 3.5-12 mm. The body is sometimes quite bright and often metallic in luster. Most species have picture wings with a pattern of black, brown or yellowish.

Examples

Tetanops myopaeformis; Common Name: Sugarbeet root maggot


Psilidae Family Psilidae:
Adult

Length 3-8 mm. Head with antenna having third segment 3 or 4 times as long as the second segment. Often shiny black with reddish-yellow head and legs.

Examples

Psila rosae; Common Name: Carrot rust fly


Sciaridae Family Sciaridae:
Adult

Small, 1-11 mm; usually blackish in color. Wing with a characteristic venation. Eyes, in most groups, meet above the antennae.

Examples

Pnyxia scabiei Sciara spp.; Common Name: Sciarid fly


Simuliidae Family Simuliidae:
Adult

Length 1-5.5 mm. Varying in color from black, dark brown, to yellow and orange; wings with a pale iridescent hue. The body is stout, and the thorax is often humpbacked especially in the males. The head has short, stout, erect antennae; the eyes are separated in the female, and usually meeting at top of head in males. Wing with strong anterior veins and weak posterior veins.

Examples

Simulium vittatum; Common Name: Black fly


Syrphidae Family Syrphidae:
Adult

Small to medium in size, varying from 4-35 mm (usually 10-20 mm). Body usually black with spots or bands of orange/yellow; some resemble honey bees, bumble bees, and various wasps. Wings have a characteristic venation.

Examples

Eristalis tenax; Common Name: Syrphid fly


Tabanidae Family Tabanidae:
Adult

Length 6-30 mm (rarely longer); with stout body devoid of bristles. Color varies from black to greenish to pale yellow, often with distinctive patterns especially on abdomen. Antennae erect, annulated. The eyes are large, separated in the female and meeting dorsally in the male; greenish, purple, or blackish, sometimes with transverse colored bands. Wings clear or, more often, with a varying pattern of stripes or spots.

Examples

Tabanus atratus; Common Name: Horse fly Chrysops spp; Common Name: Deer fly


Tachinidae Family Tachinidae:
Adult

Length 5-15 mm. Thorax with a well developed postscutellum (best seen in side view; this is a bulge under the triangular part of the thorax that sits behind the main broadly rounded part of the thorax). Head usually with arista (dorsal hairlike structure) of antennae bare. Upper plates of abdomen overlapping plates on underside of abdomen; upper side of abdomen usually with a series of large, stout or slender bristles in addition to shorter and smaller bristles.

Examples

Trichopoda pennipes


Tephritidae Family Tephritidae:
Adult

Length 2-12 mm, rarely up to 25 mm including a long ovipositor. Most species have characteristic spotted or banded wings, the spots and bands often forming complicated and attractive patterns; the subcosta vein is characteristic in that it bends forward at nearly a right angle and then fades out toward its apex. Some species slowly move their wings up and down while resting, and some males do a mating "dance" walking around with their colored wings raised, often only one wing at a time, and moving back and forth in a characteristic manner.

Examples

Rhagoletis cingulata; Common Name: Cherry fruitfly Rhagoletis completa; Common Name: Walnut husk fly Rhagoletis mendax; Common Name: Blueberry maggot Rhagoletis pomonella; Common Name: Apple maggot Zonosemata electa; Common Name: Pepper maggot


Tipulidae Family Tipulidae:
Adult

Resemble large mosquitos, but without scales, and with very long legs and wings; vary in length from about 6-75 mm, most common species about 10-25 mm. Most are brownish in color but some may have black, especially in patterns on the wings. The top of the middle part of the thorax has a characteristic V-shaped suture (line) or depression that usually is easily visible.

Examples

Tipula paludosa; Common Name: Crane fly


Hemiptera_(Suborder_Heteroptera) Order Hemiptera (Suborder Heteroptera)

Anthocoridae Family Anthocoridae:
Adult

Length 2-5 mm. Body flattened, and membrane of front wings with veins faint or obsolete. Most species are black with white markings.

Examples

Orius spp.; Common Name: Pirate bug


Coreidae Family Coreidae:
Adult

Mostly medium or large sized species, 10-40 mm; elongate, and dark colored. Head narrower and shorter than front part of thorax; cheek area, in side view, extending backward beyond base of antennae; hind coxae more or less rounded or quadrate; some species have hind tibia expanded leaflike.

Examples

Anasa tristis; Common Name: Squash bug Leptoglossus clypealis


Lygaeidae Family Lygaeidae:
Adult

Body elongate, varying from 2 to 8 mm, but most species about 7-9 mm in length; shiny black in color, but some species are conspicuously marked with spots or bands of red, white or black. Antennae with 4 segments. Beak with 4 segments. Ocelli (simple eyes) present on head. Front femora moderately swollen and armed with 2 rows of spines. Membranous part of front wings with 4 or 5 veins.

Examples

Blissus leucopterus leucopterus; Common Name: Chinch bug Blissus insularis; Common Name: Southern cinch bug Geocoris spp.; Common Name: Bigeyed bug Nysius ericae groenlandicus Nysius raphanus; Common Name: False chinch bug Nysius spp.; Common Name: Seed bugs


Miridae Family Miridae:
Adult

Soft bodied, mostly 4-10 mm in length; body variously colored, some are brightly marked with red, orange, green or white. The antennae have 4 segments. The beak has 4 segments. The ocelli (simple eyes) are absent in most species. The front wing, when it has a membranous area, with a distinct, somewhat oval area (the cuneus) near the middle of the front edge, and there are only one or two closed cells at the base of the membranous part of the front wing, rarely are their other veins present. The hind leg has the femora enlarged.

Examples

Cyrtopeltis notatua; Common Name: Tobacco suckfly Halticus bractatus Lygocoris communis; Common Name: Pear plant bug Lygus elisus Lygus hesperus; Common Name: Lygus bug Lygus lineolaris; Common Name: Tarnished plant bug


Nabidae Family Nabidae:
Adult

Length 7-11 mm, with body somewhat narrowed in front; color usually brown, but may be yellowish, or black with yellowish legs. Head with ocelli (simple eye spots). Parts of the front legs (femora) are enlarged and suited for capturing prey. The leathery front wings have a series of small cells around the margins; the hind wings may be very short to fully developed.

Examples

Nabis spp.; Common Name: Damsel bug


Pentatomidae Family Pentatomidae:
Adult

Body roundish or oval; often brightly colored or conspicuously marked; about 3.5-6.5 mm long, sometimes longer. Antennae with 5 segments. Some have a prominent lobe or tooth on the sides of the front part of the thorax; the hind part of the thorax (scutellum) is very large, somewhat triangular but broadly rounded posteriorly, and covering most of abdomen. Tarsi of legs with 3 segments. Called stink bugs because most species produce a disagreeable odor.

Examples

Acrosternum hilaris; Common Name: Green stink bug Brochymena quadripustulata Chlorochroa sayi Euschistus conspersus Euschistus servus; Common Name: Brown stink bug Murgantia histrionica; Common Name: Harlequin bug Oebalus pugnax; Common Name: Rice stink bug Thyanta custator accerra


Reduviidae Family Reduviidae:
Adult

Length 7-36 mm. Head narrow and elongate and with a relatively short beak; the portion of the head behind the eyes appears necklike. Often brownish to black in color but some species are brightly colored. Some species are long and slender with long legs and antennae; others have a broad abdomen that is widened at the middle, exposing the margins of the segments beyond the wings.

Examples

Zelus renardii; Common Name: Assassin bug


Rhopalidae Family Rhopalidae:
Adult

Body usually less than 10 mm but some may reach about 11-14 mm in length; usually light brownish to grayish, but may be blackish and have red markings. Membrane of front wings with many veins. Scent glands absent so do not produce an odor.

Examples

Biosea rubrolineata Boisea trivittata; Common Name: Boxelder bug


Tingidae Family Tingidae:
Adult

Body flattened, usually less than 5 mm long; upper side of body rather elaborately sculptured producing a lacelike appearance. The front wings with numerous closed cells and are not distinctly divided into coriaceous or leathery and membranous areas. The front part of the thorax has a triangular process that extends back over the hind part of the thorax (scutellum). The tarsi of the legs have only 1 or 2 segments.

Examples

Corythuca arcuata; Common Name: Lace bug


Hemiptera_(Suborder_Homoptera) Order Hemiptera (Suborder Homoptera)

Aleyrodidae Family Aleyrodidae:
Adult

Body whitish in color; rarely more than 2 or 3 mm in length. Antennae with 3-7 segments. Adults of both sexes winged; wings usually opaque, whitish, covered with a white dust or waxy powder; hind wings nearly as large as front wings.

Examples

Bemisia tabaci Trialeurodes vaporariorum


Aphididae Family Aphididae:
Adult

Small insects with a somewhat pear-shaped soft body, and with a pair of cornicles (tubelike structures) that are nearly always present and conspicuous on top of the fifth or sixth abdominal segments; both females and males with functional mouthparts. Wings are generally held vertically above the body when at rest.

Examples

Acrythosiphon pisum; Common Name: Blue alfalfa aphid and pea aphid Aphis maidiradicis; Common Name: Corn root aphids (and cornfield ant) Aphis fabae; Common Name: Bean aphid Aphis nasturtii; Common Name: Buckthorn aphid Aphis pomi; Common Name: Apple Apple [green] aphid Brevicoryne brassicae; Common Name: Aphids, cabbage aphid Chromaphis juglandicola; Dysaphis plantaginea Dysaphis plantaginea; Common Name: Rosy apple aphid Eriosoma lanigerum; Common Name: Woolly apple aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae; Common Name: Aphids, potato Melanocallis caryaefoliae; Common Name: Black pecan aphid Myzus persicae; Common Name: Aphids, wingless green peach Pemphigus populivenae Rhopalosiphum fitchii; Common Name: Apple grain aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis; Common Name: Corn leaf aphids Myzus cerasi; Common Name: Black cherry aphid Schizaphis graminum; Common Name: Greenbug Therioaphis maculata; Common Name: Spotted Alfalfa Aphid


Cercopidae Family Cercopidae:
Adult

Small, hopping insects rarely over 13 mm long; their shape vaguely resembles tiny frogs; usually brown or gray in color, and some have a characteristic color pattern. The front of the head (face) slants backward, and the beak varies in length. Hind tibia with 1 or 2 stout spines on the sides and a crown of spines at the tip.

Examples

Aphrophora saratogensis; Common Name: Saratoga spittlebug Philaenus spumarius; Common Name: meadow spittlebug


Cicadellidae Family Cicadellidae:
Adult

Body somewhat triangular in shape; rarely over 13 mm and many are only a few millimeters in length. Many species are marked with beautiful color patterns. Hind tibia of leg with 1 or more rows of small spines extending full length of the tibia; hind coxae transverse.

Examples

Aceratagallia sanguinolenta Circulifer tenellus Dalbulus maidis; Common Name: Cotton leafhopper Empoasca fabae; Common Name: Potato leafhopper Empoasca maligna; Common Name: Apple leafhopper Erythroneura comes; Common Name: Leafhoppers, grape Erythroneura elegantula Exitianus exitiosus Macrosteles fascifrons Solanasca solana Typhlocyba pomaria; Common Name: White apple leafhopper


Cicadidae Family Cicadidae:
Adult

Large insects varying from about 25 to about 50 mm in length with a characteristic shape, and membranous front wings. Head with 3 ocelli; antennae arising on front of head beneath eyes. Males usually with sound producing organs ventrally at base of abdomen.

Examples

Magicicada septendecim Magicicada spp.; Common Name: Cicada


Coccidae Family Coccidae:
Adult

Tarsi of legs with 1 segment and a single claw (when legs are present); abdominal spiracles absent; female wingless and sometimes legless, scalelike, or grublike and wax covered, elongate-oval in shape but sometimes flattened; male with ocelli only, 1 pair of wings or wingless, and without a beak.

Examples

Coccus hesperidum; Common Name: Brown soft scale Coccus pseudomagnoliarum Eulecanium cerasorum Mesolecanium nigrofasciatum; Common Name: Terrapin scale Parthenolecanium corni; Common Name: European fruit lecanium Parthenolecanium pruinosum Pulvinaria amygdali; Common Name: Cottony peach scale Saissetia oleae; Common Name: Black scale


Diaspididae Family Diaspididae:
Adult

Females are very small and soft-bodied, and are hidden under a scale covering that is usually free from the body underneath. The scale covering varies and may be circular or elongate, smooth or rough, and variously colored. The scale covering of the male is usually smaller and more elongate than those of the female. Adult females are small, flattened, and disklike, without eyes nor legs, and the antennae are vestigial or absent. The males are winged and have well-developed legs, and beak and antennae each composed of 1 segment.

Examples

Aonidiella aurantii; Common Name: Scale, California Aonidiella citrina; Common Name: Yellow scale Chrysomphalus aonidum; Common Name: Florida red scale Epidiaspis leperii Lepidosaphes beckii; Common Name: Purple scale Lepidosaphes conchiformis; Common Name: Fig scale Lepidosaphes ulmi; Common Name: Oystershell scale Parlatoria oleae; Common Name: Olive scale Quadraspidiotus juglansregiae Quadraspidiotus perniciosus; Common Name: Scale, San Jose


Margarodidae Family Margarodidae:
Adult

Relatively large species, some reaching to about 25 mm in length. Some females have a pearllike appearance due to their wax cysts. Head with antennae of 1-13 segments; abdominal spiracles present; males usually with compound eyes and ocelli.

Examples

Icerya purchasi; Common Name: Cottony cushion scale


Phylloxeridae Family Phylloxeridae:
Adult

The wings at rest are held flat over the body, and the antennae have 3 segments; do not produce waxy threads but some wingless parthenogenetic females are covered with a waxy powder.

Examples

Phylloxera devastatrix Phylloxera spp.; Common Name: Phylloxera


Pseudococcidae Family Pseudococcidae:
Adult

Called mealybugs due to the mealy or waxy secretions that cover their bodies. The female is elongate-oval and segmented, and has well-developed legs. Some lay eggs, and others give birth to living young.

Examples

Antonina graminis Planococcus citri; Common Name: Citrus mealybug Planococcus spp.


Psyllidae Family Psyllidae:
Adult

Small, 2-5 mm long, usually resembling miniature cicadas. Antennae relatively long with 5-10 segments; mouthparts usually well developed in both sexes as a long beak. Winged forms with 4 wings; front wings often thicker than hind wings. Tarsi of legs with 2 segments and 2 claws; Jumping insects.

Examples

Cacopsylla pyricola; Common Name: Pear psylla


Triozidae Family Triozidae:
Adult

Adults tiny, varying from 2-5 mm in length, generally resembling tiny cicadas. Both sexes with 4 wings, the front pair broad. Upper f ront part of head with 3 ocelli (simple eyes), and with a short 3-segmented beak; antennae usually with 10 segments but these sometimes fewer. Tarsi of legs with 2 segments and 2 claws; hind legs strong, modified for jumping. (Oftened combined with the family Psyllidae).

Immature

Tiny insects; head with a 2-segmented beak that appears to arise between the front coxae (basal segments of legs); antennal segments increase in number through the five instars (developmental stages), and all immature stages (nymphs) have compound eyes, wing pads, and a ring around the anal area. Tarsi (apical segments) of all legs with 2 segments and each with a pair of claws. The thorax has 2 spiracles, and the abdomen has 6 pairs of spiracles. The nymphs may produce a heavy coating of a white, waxy secretion.

Examples

Bactericera cockerelli; Common Name: Potato Psyliid


Hymenoptera Order Hymenoptera

Suborder_Symphyta:

Suborder Symphyta; Family Tenthredinidae:

Adult:Base of abdomen broadly joined to thorax; first segment of thorax with a longitudinal groove, rarely this groove fused but, if so, line of fusion visible. Thorax with 2 pairs of spiracles located near bases of wings and are not visible from above. Abdomen of the female with a well developed ovipositor which in some groups may be sawlike.

Larvae:Body elongate, usually cylindrical and caterpillarlike, but differs from larvae of Lepidoptera in that they have more than 5 pairs of prolegs that are without crochets, and usually have only 1 pair of stemmata but these may be absent. The head is globose and directed downward or is flattened and directed forward, and is much more hardened that rest of body. Thoracic legs present, each with a tarsal claw, sometimes legs reduced and have no claws. Abdominal segments 1-8 each with 2-7 annulets on the upper side; prolegs present on segments 2-7 and 10, or 2-8 and 10, those on segment 10 sometimes fused.


Tenthredinidae Family Tenthredinidae:
Adult

Adults are wasplike, often brightly colored, and rarely over 20 mm long. The sexes are differently colored in many species. Antennae with 7-10 segments and usually filiform (threadlike). Anterior margin of last segment of thorax V-shaped. Front tibia of leg with 2 apical spurs. Base of abdomen broadly joined to thorax.

Examples

Caliroa cerasi; Common Name: Pear sawfly Fenusa pusilla; Common Name: Birch leafminer Hoplocampa testudinea; Common Name: European apple sawfly Monophadnoides geniculatus; Common Name: Raspberry sawfly


Suborder_Apocrita:

Suborder Apocrita; all families treated in this work besides Tenthredinidae:

Adult:Base of apparent abdomen constricted, slender, and distinct from rest of the abdomen. Thorax seemingly with 3 pairs of spiracles of which the hind pair is clearly visible from above. Abdomen of the female with a piercing ovipositor.

Larvae:Usually grublike or maggotlike with body elongate and cylindrical but usually tapered toward the hind end and sometimes toward the front end; the body may be rather straight or vaguely U-shaped. The head is weakly hardened, unpigmented or only lightly so; without stemmata but sometimes with a pair of pigmented streaks on the upper part of the head capsule. Thoracic legs absent; the front and middle segments of the thorax each with a pair of spiracles. Abdominal prolegs absent.


Braconidae Family Braconidae:
Adult

A large group of beneficial parasitic insects. Most are relatively small but vary from 2-15 mm. They appear similar to ichneumonids but have stouter bodies.

Examples

Microctonus aethiopoides


Encyrtidae Family Encyrtidae:
Adult

Small, only 1-2 mm in length. Wing with greatly reduced venation.

Examples

Aphytis lingnanensis Aphytis melinus Comperiella bifasciata Copidosoma truncatellum Encarsia perniciosi Encarsia spp. Metaphycus helvolus Metaphycus luteolus


Eulophidae Family Eulophidae:
Adult

A large group of rather small insects, their length only 1-3 mm. Many have a brilliant metallic coloring; the males of some species have pectinate antennae. All are parasitic on other insects including a number of major crop pests. Some species show hyperparasitism.

Examples

Tetrastichus incertus


Formicidae Family Formicidae:
Adult

Antennae usually elbowed, at least in female, with first segment long; the antennae of the male sometimes filiform (threadlike) with a long first segment. Base of apparent abdomen constricted, more or less petiolate and with 1 or 2 humps or nodes that strongly differentiated this area from rest of abdomen. Male winged, smaller than female or queen, and die shortly after mating. The workers are sterile, wingless females. The queen is larger than the others castes and usually winged although the wings are shed after the mating flight.

Examples

Atta texana; Common Name: Cutting ant, Texas leaf Camponotus pennsylvanicus; Common Name: Black carpenter ant Iridomyrmex humilus; Common Name: Argentine ant Lasius alienus; Common Name: Cornfield ant (and corn root aphids) Pheidole megacephala; Common Name: Bigheaded ant Solenopsis geminata; Common Name: Fire ant Solenopsis invicta; Common Name: Imported fire ant Solenopsis xyloni Tetramorium caespitum


Ichneumonidae Family Ichneumonidae:
Adult

A large group that varies considerably in size, form, and color, but most are wasplike. Length 3-40 mm. Head with antennae that are half or more as long as body. Body with the abdomen long and slender and sometimes compressed; the female ovipositor is quite long, often longer than the body, arises in front of tip of abdomen, and is permanently extruded.

Examples

Hyposoter sp.; Common Name: Hyposoter -- parasitic wasp Bathyplectes curculionis Hyposoter exigua


Mymaridae Family Mymaridae:
Adult

Very tiny, among the smallest of all insects, only 0.21-1 mm in length, with linear hind wings. All are parasites on the eggs of other insects.

Examples

Anagrus epos


Scelionidae Family Scelionidae:
Adult

Tiny, 0.45-4 mm in length. Head with elbowed antennae. Wing venation reduced. All are parasites in insect or spider eggs. The female of some species attach themselves to the female of their host species and is carried about until the host lays its eggs then this parasite leaves the host and attacks its eggs (this means of transport is called Phoresy).

Examples

Telenomus spp.


Trichogrammatidae Family Trichogrammatidae:
Adult

Very small, only 0.25-1 mm in length. The head is short and is somewhat concave behind. The wings have microscopic hairs that usually are arranged in rows. All are egg parasite of other insects.

Examples

Trichogramma spp.


Lepidoptera Order Lepidoptera

Arctiidae Family Arctiidae:
Adult

Small to medium size, with a wingspan of 25-30 mm; some are brownish to black, and some are brightly colored with white, red or yellow and often have bright spots or bands, sometimes with a metallic tint. The wings are held rooflike over the body when at rest, and may be variously colored, even pinkish, and have black, red or yellow stripes.

Immature

Family Arctiidae: Mature larvae range from 10-80 mm in length, with most species varying from about 25-50 mm; cylindrical and often stout. The head is directed downward, smooth but may have a few scattered setae; with 6 stemmata on each side in varying arrangements. The legs of the thorax often have spatulalike setae near apex of each leg. The body often has various wartlike processes on the sides and upper surface; these processes may bear featherlike or simple setae, and may be more or less uniform in length or may be in paired tufts; the processes located on the sides of the last two segments of the thorax each bear 2 setae; the processes on abdominal segments 1-8 are located near the spiracles, if wartlike processes are absent then the setae are usually featherlike. Prolegs are present on abdominal segments 3-6 and 10, those on 3-6 each have a crochet with hooks in a single series. Spiracles mostly elliptical, but some may be circular, those of the front segment of the thorax and on abdominal segment 8 usually largest.

Examples

Estigmene acrea; Common Name: Saltmarsh caterpillar larva Hyphantria cunea; Common Name: Fall webworm Pyrrharctia isabella; Common Name: Woollyworms Ctenucha virginica


Bucculatrigidae Family Bucculatrigidae: (Lyonetidae)
Adult

Small moths, with a wingspan of 4-11 mm; wings narrow, lanceolate or linear, the hind wings narrower than the front wings. Head usually without ocelli (simple eyes) and maxillary palpi. (Sometimes combined with the family Lyonetiidae)

Immature

Mature larvae mostly small, ranging from 5-10 mm in length; body somewhat flattened in early stages, and more cylindrical in later stages. Head rounded, somewhat depressed, mouthparts normal; usually with 6 stemmata on each side. Thorax usually with long, slender prolegs, and usually with a pair of large, truncate setae on each side of claws; front segment of thorax with 3 setae in front of each spiracle. Abdominal prolegs absent in early stages but, in later stages they are present on segments 3-6 and 10; crochets of anal prolegs often reduced to a single band or a single hook. Larvae are leaf miners making serpentine mines, or live in webs between the leaves of the host plant. Larvae spin silken molting cocoons on leaf surfaces before pupal cocoons are formed. They overwinter in rows of white, longitudinally ribbed cocoons.

Examples

Bucculatrix thurberiella; Common Name: Cotton leafperforator


Cosmopterigidae Family Cosmopterigidae:
Adult

Wingspan 2-20 mm. Head with smooth scales; ocelli (simple eyes) present or absent; antennae may be simple or ciliated, basal segment of antenna long and slender. Front wings are long and narrow and may be pointed at apex. Hind leg with some long, hairlike scales toward apex. Body of some species may be brightly colored.

Immature

Family Cosmopterigidae: Mature larvae vary from about 5-12 mm in length. They are cylindrical and the head may be somewhat depressed, basically heart-shaped, and with 6 stemmata in an arc. The legs of the thorax are widely separated; prolegs usually occur on abdominal segments 3-6 and 10, those on segments 3-6 short to flush with body and are widely separated, each bears a crochet with a single or double row of hooks.

Examples

Limnaecia phragmitella; Common Name: Cattail Caterpillar


Cossidae Family Cossidae:
Adult

Medium sized, heavy bodied, and with a wingspan of about 20-70 mm. Often pale to gray in color and the wings are usually spotted or mottled with black. Proboscis rudimentary. Good flyers. Require two to three years to complete their life cycle.

Immature

Family Cossidae: Mature larvae usually are rather large ranging from 20-75 mm in length, with many species in excess of 50 mm; in color they generally are whitish, yellow or pink and may possess some darkened areas on the upper surface. The head is somewhat depressed, prominent, heavily pigmented, with 6 stemmata usually in a semicircle; the head is broad but more narrow than the segments of the thorax, the front segment being the broadest part of the body; setae are mostly arranged in patterns with only a few other scattered setae. Abdominal prolegs are present on segments 3-6 and 10, and each bears a crochet with 1-3 rows of hooks. Spiracles are large and round or oval, those on first segment of thorax and on abdominal segment 8 sometimes larger than others.

Examples

Prionoxystus robiniae


Gelechiidae Family Gelechiidae:
Adult

Small, with wingspan of 8-25 mm. The head with smooth scales, and ocelli present or absent; labial palpus long, upcurved, with end segment long and pointed. Wings lanceolate; hind wing often with an anteriorly projecting apex, and with a concave front margin. Hind tibia with long, hairlike scales.

Immature

Family Gelechiidae: Mature larvae are mostly small, ranging from 10-15 mm in length, rarely more than 15 mm; they are slender or only moderately thickened, and may be rather uniformly colored in shades of white, yellow, pink, purple, or brown, or some species are longitudinally striped. The head is somewhat depressed or projected forward, darkly pigmented, and usually bears 6 pairs of stemmata. The sides of the front segment of the thorax may have setae arranged in groups of 3. First segment of the thorax and abdominal segments 1-8 with circular spiracles, with those of the thorax and segment 8 larger and placed higher on the segment; prolegs, if present, situated on segments 3-6 and 10, those on segments 3-6 with hooks of crochets arranged in 2 transverse rows or circles; crochets absent or rudimentary in some species.

Examples

Anarsia lineatella; Common Name: Peach twig borer Dichomeris marginella; Common Name: Juniper webworm Keiferia lycopersicella; Common Name: Tomato pinworm Pectinophora gossypiella; Common Name: Pink Bollworm Phthorimaea operculella; Common Name: Potato tuberworm Sitotroga cerealella; Common Name: Angoumois grain moth


Geometridae Family Geometridae:
Adult

Small to medium in size, with delicate and slender bodies, and with a wingspan of 15-40 mm; both wings are broad and usually with some angles; the wings are often marked with fine wavy lines. The two sexes are often different in color, and in a few species the females are wingless or have only rudimentary wings. Ocelli are usually absent, and the proboscis is present.

Immature

Family Geometridae: Mature larvae range from 15-60 mm in length; the body is cylindrical and slender and may bear processes or humps of various sizes and shapes, the cuticle may be smooth, granular or wrinkled; setae situated above the level of the spiracles are usually arranged in patterns, while those below the level of the spiracles may be abundant but scattered. The head is directed downward, and has 6 stemmata. Abdominal prolegs are absent from segments 3-5, but in a few species vestiges of these prolegs may be present; abdominal segment 6 and segment 10 have normal prolegs with crochets whose hooks are often arranged in 2 series, if the central series is broken then there is a fleshy lobe present at the center of the series. Spiracles are elliptical in shape, and those on the front segment of the thorax and on abdominal segment 8 the largest.

Examples

Alsophila pometaria; Common Name: Fall cankerworm Anavitrinelia pampinaria Ennomos subsignarias; Common Name: Elm spanworm Operophtera bruceata; Common Name: Bruce spanworm Paleacrita vernata; Common Name: Spring cankerworm Sabulodes aegrotata; Common Name: Omnivorous looper


Gracillariidae Family Gracillariidae:
Adult

Minute to small, with wingspan of 4-21 mm, rarely over 15 mm long; with lanceolate wings, hind wing sometimes with a hump along front margin near base; when at rest the wing tips touch the surface on which the moth rests. The head with smooth scales; ocelli absent; the antennae nearly as long as, or longer than front wing; both maxillary and labial palpi slender, extending in front of head or projecting upwards.

Immature

Family Gracillariidae: Mature larvae are tiny, most species being less than 5 mm in length; early instars are flattened, while later instars are cylindrical; white to green in color, and often without spots; the cuticle is smooth except for setae. Head directed forward, with stemmata reduced in size, usually 4-6 on each side but especially in early stages they frequently have but a single pair, occasionally absent. The abdomen often has distinctive pigmented areas on the upper and lower aspects of various segments, and with small setae or none. Legs of the thorax may be present or absent, and vestigial or absent in early stages. The abdomen may have prolegs on segments 3-5 and 10, with those of segments 3-5 represented by suckerlike disks, and with the hooks of the crochets arranged in a single transverse or ellipse series; absence of prolegs on segment 6 is distinctive. Spiracles are round.

Examples

Phyllonorycter blancardella; Common Name: Spotted tentiform leafminer Protolithocolletis sp.


Lasiocampidae Family Lasiocampidae:
Adult

Medium in size, with a wingspan reaching 100 mm or more, and are stout bodied, with the body, legs, and eyes hairy. Most are brown or gray in color. The antennae are are somewhat feathery in both sexes, but the males have longer toothlike processes.

Immature

Family Lasiocampidae: Mature larvae are medium to large in size (20-80 mm), often brightly colored, and many possess numerous long setae. The head is narrower than the thorax, directed downward, and often retractile. The front segment of the thorax often bears 1 or 2 pairs of blunt, fleshy lobes or swellings above the level of the legs; such swellings or fleshy lobes may also be present on other segments especially when the general setae are short. A short, rounded protuberance may be present high on the sides of abdominal segment 8; numerous scattered long or short setae may be present, but these do not occur in pencillike groups or tufts; abdominal segments 3-6 and 10 with prolegs bearing crochets whose hooks are arranged in 2 series. Spiracles elliptical in shape, with those on the front segment of the thorax and those on abdominal segment 8 the largest.

Examples

Malacosoma americanum; Common Name: Eastern tent caterpillar Malacosoma californica; Common Name: Western tent caterpillar Malacosoma disstria; Common Name: Forest tent caterpillar Malacosoma spp.


Limacodidae Family Limacodidae
Adult

Small to medium sized, heavy bodied and hairy moths that usually are brownish in color and have a large, irregular spot of green, silver or some other color.

Immature

Family Limacodidae: Mature larvae of most species vary in length from 10-30 mm; the body is usually thick, fleshy and somewhat sluglike, and may be smooth, somewhat hardened, and often brightly colored; the body often is without distinct segmentation; some have various humps or processes that may bear non-poisonous or poisonous spines or setae. The head is directed downward, usually is concealed under front segment of thorax; with 6 stemmata arranged in an arc. Thoracic legs are present but these may be reduced and inconspicuous. Abdominal prolegs are absent but mucous secreting areas or suckerlike disks may be present, crochets absent. Spiracles present on front segment of thorax and on abdominal segments 1-8 which are round and conspicuous.

Examples

Cnidocampa flavescens


Lymantriidae Family Lymantriidae:
Adult

Medium in size, white to gray to brown in color, variously spotted; stout of body, and densely woolly. Head without ocelli (simple eyes); proboscis vestigial or absent. Front wings of male smoothly scaled, female usually winged with a wingspan of about 25-50 mm, but females sometimes wingless,. Legs short.

Immature

Family Lymantriidae: Fully mature larvae range from 20-65 mm in length; the body is cylindrical and smooth or with minute granules, and with various fleshy processes in blue, orange or red, and with setae arranged in definite patterns and may occur as tufts or hair-pencils, or may be simple or featherlike; randomly scattered setae may be numerous; the body usually is indistinctly marked or patterned with pale yellowish spots and lines. The head is rounded, directed downward, has 6 stemmata of which 4 are arranged in a semicircle and 2 singly. Spiracles are narrowly or broadly elliptical, those on the front segment of the thorax and on abdominal segment 8 larger than others. Abdominal segment 6 and usually 7 each with a single eversible gland on middle of upper surface, and may be bright yellow to red. Abdominal segments 3-6 and 10 with prolegs that are subequally developed, each with a crochet of hooks arranged in a single series.

Examples

Euproctis chrysorrhoea; Common Name: Brown tail moth Lymantria dispar; Common Name: Gypsy moth Orgyia vetusta; Common Name: Western tussock moth


Noctuidae Family Noctuidae:
Adult

Moderate sized moths, with a wingspan of 20-45 mm but sometimes larger. They are mostly rather obscurely marked and rarely display bright colors, but show delicate greens, grays, brown, black, and white in intricate patterns. Mostly heavy-bodied, with the front wings somewhat narrower than the broadened hind wings. The head usually with long labial palpi, and threadlike antennae (these may be brushlike in some males), and in some species there are tufts of scales on the top of the thorax.

Immature

Family Noctuidae: Fully grown larvae range from 12-70 mm in length; the body is cylindrical and stout, dark in color but may be marked with short lines, triangular spots, transvers or longitudinal bands, and segment 8 may be angulate near upper surface; some species may have ridges, humps or fringes on the abdominal segments, and the cuticle may be smooth, granular or with spinules; setae of thoracic segments and abdomen arranged in patterns and sometimes scattered setae also are present. The head is rounded and directed downward; with 6 stemmata, of which 1-4 are set in a semicircle and the other 2 are more removed. Spiracles mostly elliptical but may have indentations at ends, those of the front segment of the thorax and on abdominal segment 8 usually larger than others. Abdominal prolegs variable in number, present on segments 3-6 and 10, or 4-6 and 10, or 5-6 and 10; those on segments 5 and 6 subequal in size; those on segments 3 and 4, when present, may decrease in size toward the front; crochets rarely absent, when present with hooks usually arranged in 2 series.

Examples

Agrotis ipsilon; Common Name: Black cutworm Agrotis orthogonia; Common Name: Pale western cutworm Alabama argillacea; Common Name: Cotton leafworm Anagrapha falcifera; Common Name: Celery looper Anticarsia gemmatalis; Common Name: Velvetbean caterpillar Apamea devastator; Common Name: Glassy cutworm larva Autographa californica; Common Name: Alfalfa looper Autoplusia egena; Common Name: Bean leafskeletonizer Discestra trifolii Euxoa auxiliaris Euxoa messoria Euxoa ochrogaster Faronta diffusa; Common Name: Wheat head armyworm Feltia jaculifera; Common Name: Dingy cutworm larva Heliothis virescens; Common Name: Tobacco budworm adult Helicoverpa zea; Common Name: Corn earworm Lithophane antennata; Common Name: Green fruitworm Loxagrotis albiscosta; Common Name: Western bean cutworm Mamestra curialis Melanchra picta Nephelodes minians; Common Name: Bronzed cutworm larva Nola sorghiella; Common Name: Sorghum webworm Orthosia hibisci Papaipema nebris; Common Name: Stalk borer Plathypena scabra; Common Name: Green cloverworm Proxenus mindara Pseudaletia unipuncta Pseudoplusia includens; Common Name: Soybean looper Spodoptera eridania; Common Name: Southern armyworm Spodoptera exigua; Common Name: Beet armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda; Common Name: Fall Armyworm Spodoptera ornithogalli; Common Name: Yellow-striped armyworm Spodoptera praefica; Common Name: Western yellowstriped armyworm Spodoptera spp.; Common Name: Armyworm Trichoplusia ni; Common Name: Loopers Xestia c-nigrum


Notodontidae Family Notodontidae:
Adult

Usually brownish or yellowish in color; with a wingspan of about 25-55 mm. In some species there are backward-projecting tufts of scales on the hind wings that protrude when the wings are folded; the wings usually are folded rooflike over the body when at rest.

Immature

Family Notodontidae: Mature larvae of most species range from 24-95 mm in length; body; cylindrical, often tapers toward the hind end, and many have distinctive color patterns and unusual body contours especially on the upper surface of each side; setae are arranged both in various setal patterns or are randomly scattered on the prolegs, head and elsewhere; when the various setae are few or absent then raised humps, hornlike processes or odd shaped processes often are present on upper surfaces of some abdominal segments. The head is directed downward and is vaguely triangular to bell-shaped; with 6 stemmata of which the first 4 are in a semicircle and the last 2 lower down on the sides of the head. Abdominal prolegs are present on segments 3-6; anal prolegs vary considerable in form and may be with or without crochets. Spiracles are elliptical in shape and those on the front segment of the thorax and abdominal segment 8 are larger than others.

Examples

Datana integerrima; Common Name: Walnut caterpillar Schizura concinna; Common Name: Red-humped caterpillar


Papilionidae Family Papilionidae:
Adult

Length 60 to over 110 mm. Many, but not all, species have long taillike prolongations on the hind wings, and some have two or three such prolongations. Many are variously colored from black to white to orange to yellow, with patterns of variously colored spots or stripes on the wings.

Immature

Family Papilionidae: Fully mature larvae vary from about 30-60 mm in length, are cylindrical and smooth with few if any setae except on prolegs, and vary in color from yellow to red. The head is directed downward, and usually is narrower than front segment of thorax and may be somewhat retracted, and sometimes has scattered setae; 6 subequal stemmata are present on each side of head. Each side of the front segment of the thorax has a unique Y or V-shaped, eversible hornlike structure that can give off a repellent substance. The front segment of the abdomen usually is the largest segment; prolegs occur on abdominal segments 3-6 and 10, and crochets have hooks arranged in 3 series. Spiracles of front segment of thorax somewhat smaller than the first abdominal spiracle.

Examples

Papilio cresphontes Papilio polyxenes


Pieridae Family Pieridae:
Adult

Small to medium in size, with a wingspan of 30-60+ mm. Usually white, orange (rarely entirely orange) or yellow wings, with black marginal markings, or some with orange tips; front legs usually well developed or only slightly reduced, with bifid claws.

Immature

Family Pieridae: Most species have mature larvae varying in length from 20-40 mm; the caterpillars are rather slender and smooth, but may be covered with short, fine setae which often are clumped onto low tubercles; they are rather uniformly colored green, yellow or grayish shades; the body segments usually have 6 rings or furrows. The head is distinct and about as wide as the front segment of the thorax, and is directed downward; with 6 stemmata of which the first 5 are arranged in a semicircle and 2-5 are situated on dark papillae and appear different than others. The spiracles on the front segment of the thorax is larger or equal to that on the front segment of the abdomen; they may be rounded or elliptical in shape. Abdominal prolegs are similar in size and occur on segments 3-6 and 10, and bear 2 or 3 rows of hooks.

Examples

Colias eurytheme; Common Name: Alfalfa caterpillar Pieris rapae; Common Name: Imported cabbageworm Pontia protodice; Common Name: Southern cabbageworm


Plutellidae Family Plutellidae:
Adult

Small, with a wingspan of 10-20 mm.; the wings are narrow, with apices broadly rounded to roundedly pointed; the wings of the male, when folded at rest, show a series of three yellow diamond-shaped marks along the line where the wings meet. The head usually has ocelli (these rarely absent), and has maxillary palpi that project forward.

Immature

Family Plutellidae: Mature larvae of most species range from about 8-25 mm in length, and vary in color from a uniform pale whitish to yellow to greenish and may have darkly pigmented orange or brown stripes; setae arranged in patterns may be present but randomly scattered setae are absent. The head is directed downward; with 6 stemmata usually arranged in a semicircle. Prolegs are long and slender and are present on abdominal segments 3-6 and 10, with crochet hooks arranged in single or double circles or rows.

Examples

Plutella xylostella; Common Name: Diamondback moth Plutella spp.


Psychidae Family Psychidae:
Adult

Bagworm males are mostly small, with a wingspan of 8-25 mm. Some may be heavy bodied, with well-developed, sometimes darkened wings and the wings may have large clear areas; the females are wingless, legless, and wormlike, and usually do not leave the bag in which they pupated.

Immature

Family Psychidae: Mature larvae vary from about 8-50 mm in length, and female larvae construct and live their entire lives within silken bags, at least one species is parthogenetic with no males known. Body is cylindrical with well developed thoracic legs, smooth cuticle but may be minutely granular or wrinkled. The setae on the head are arranged in distinctive patterns; the upper front surface of the front segment of the thorax extends forward over the head. The head is usually directed downward; with 6 stemmata of which 1-5 are evenly spaced in a semicircle or angular line. The front segment of the thorax has 9 pairs of setae on a hardened area on its upper surface. The middle and last segments of the thorax and the abdomen have setae arranged in various patterns and groups. The front segment of the thorax has a distinctive pair of enlarged, horizontal, elliptical shaped spiracles; all remaining spiracles are elliptical or oval but smaller; thoracic legs are larger than the abdominal prolegs; abdomen varies in color from white to nearly black; abdominal segments 3-6 and 10 have inconspicuous prolegs each bearing a crochet.

Examples

Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis; Common Name: Bagworm


Pterophoridae Family Pterophoridae:
Adult

Small, slender, and usually gray or brownish, with a wingspan of 15-30 mm. The front wings usually are split into two featherlike sections, and the hind wings are usually split into three featherlike sections that are separated by deep clefts reaching nearly to the base of the wing; when at rest, the wings are folded close to the body and held horizontal, at right angles to the body. The legs are relatively long, and have long, projecting spines.

Immature

Family Pterophoridae: Mature larvae of most species are less than 15 mm in length; the larvae vary considerable in form, but are more or less cylindrical most species have low fleshy lobes and many have scattered setae. The head usually is directed downward, relatively smooth, and bears 6 stemmata. The prolegs of most species are long and slender, but sometimes these are short; prolegs occur on abdominal segments 3-6 and 10 each bearing a crochet with hooks arranged in a single series. The spiracles usually are small and and circular.

Examples

Platyptilia carduidactyla; Common Name: Artichoke plume moth


Pyralidae Family Pyralidae:
Adult

Most are small, with a wingspan of about 10-40 mm. Rather delicate; all with tympanal organs on the abdomen, and with a scaled proboscis; labial palpus are often projecting snoutlike; front wings elongate or triangular, and hind wings usually broad. Members of this family show much variation in appearance and habits.

Immature

Family Pyralidae: Mature larvae range from about 8-40 mm in length; the body usually is more or less cylindrical, and may be slender or stout, with the cuticle smooth to slightly granular, and may have a baglike structure or raised area between the thoracic legs. Many species are more or less uniform in color in shades of whitish, green, yellow, pink, and brown, while some may be spotted (these spots tend to disappear in hibernating stages); setae arranged in various patterns are usually present, but randomly scattered setae are few or absent. The head is directed somewhat forward, rather evenly rounded or even flattened in leaf miners; usually with 6 stemmata but sometimes fewer. Short abdominal prolegs are present on segment 3-6 and 10, these with crochets having hooks organized in various patterns. The spiracles are usually elliptical in shape and those on the front segment of the thorax and abdominal segment 8 often larger.

Examples

Achyra rantalis; Common Name: Garden webworm Acrobasis vaccinii; Common Name: Cranberry fruitworm Amyelois transitella; Common Name: Navel orangeworm Cadra cautella; Common Name: Almond moth Desmia funeralis; Common Name: Grape leaffolder Diaphania hyalinata; Common Name: Melonworm Diaphania nitidalis; Common Name: Pickleworm Diatraea grandiosella; Common Name: Southwestern corn borer Diatraea saccharalis; Common Name: Sugarcane borer Dioryctria spp.; Common Name: Coneworm Elasmopalpus lignosellus; Common Name: Lesser cornstalk borer Ephestia elutella; Common Name: Tobacco moth Hellula rogatalis; Common Name: Cabbage webworm Homoeosoma electella; Common Name: Sunflower moth Hulstia undulatella Loxostege cereralis; Common Name: Alfalfa webworm Loxostege commixtalis Loxostege sticticalis; Common Name: Beet webworm Ostrinia nubilalis; Common Name: European corn borer Plodia interpunctella; Common Name: Indian meal moth Psorosina hammondi; Common Name: Apple leaf skeletonizer Udea profundalis Udea rubigalis


Saturniidae Family Saturniidae:
Adult

Among the largest moths of North America, with a wingspan of 6 inches (150 mm) or more. Many are conspicuously or brightly colored, and the wings often have transparent eye spots. The antennae of the male are bipectinate or broadly plumose, while those of the female are more narrowly so.

Immature

Family Saturniidae: Mature larvae vary considerably in size from about 35 to 140 mm in length; the body is stout and cylindrical, and the integument is conspicuously setose, granulate, or smooth; the coloration is mostly cryptic or disruptive but may also be bright green, yellowish, reddish or bluish; the body may have various processes, some of which are prominent, that bear setae and spines that in some species may be poisonous. The head is directed downward, and has 6 stemmata on each side. The elliptical spiracles may be conspicuous or indistinct. Abdominal segments 3-6 and 10 with prolegs, those of segment 10 appearing larger than others because of a hardened process; crochets are present with hooks arranged in 2 series.

Examples

Automeris io; Common Name: IO Moth Caterpillar Hemileuca oliviae; Common Name: Range caterpillar


Sesiidae Family Sesiidae:
Adult

Wasplike, day-flying moths, with a wingspan of 150 mm. Portions of wings, especially hind wings, clear, without scales; front wings long and narrow, at least four times as long as wide; hind margin of front wings and front margin of hind wings with a series of recurved, interlocking spines and wing folds. Many species are brightly colored, and the two sexes often are differently colored.

Immature

Family Sesiidae: Fully grown larvae range from about 12-70 mm in length with most being near 25 mm; the body usually is whitish with a yellowish head, and has setae arranged in specific patterns. The head is usually setose, directed forward, and has 6 stemmata on each side arranged in a trapezoid. The thorax possess setae in varying sizes and arranged in varying patterns. Abdominal segments 3-6 and 10 have prolegs with crochets and hooks arranged in single transverse bands.

Examples

Melittia cucurbitae; Common Name: Squash vine borer Pennisetia marginata; Common Name: Raspberry crown borer Synanthedon exitiosa; Common Name: Peachtree borer Synanthedon pictipes; Common Name: Lesser peachtree borer Synanthedon scitula; Common Name: Dogwood borer


Sphingidae Family Sphingidae:
Adult

Large, hummingbird-like, often 50 mm or more in length; the soft, stout body is somewhat spindle-shaped, tapered and rather pointed both in front and behind. Front wings long and narrow, some with a wingspread of 160 mm or more; large areas of the wings may have clear areas without scales. Antennae thickened and spindle-shaped. The proboscis in many species may be as long or longer than the body.

Immature

Family Sphingidae: Mature larvae vary from about 35-100 mm in length; the body is plump, smooth and cylindrical, without conspicuous setae, and frequently are brightly colored. The head is directed downward, rounded to bumpy to angular; usually is narrower than the front segment of the thorax, and may be covered with many tiny setae but without definite setal patterns; with 6 small stemmata arranged in an arc. Each segment of the abdomen has 6-8 folds or grooves on the upper surface; the upper middle area of segment 8, in many species, has a distinct spine or horn, but this may be reduced or absent in some species. Abdominal segments 3-6 and 10 bear prolegs with crochets whose hooks are arranged in 2 series, the anal prolegs are flattened, somewhat triangular and have a hardened plate. Spiracles are elliptical and all are about the same size.

Examples

Manduca; Common Name: Hornworms Manduca quinquemaculata; Common Name: Tomato hornworm Manduca sexta; Common Name: Tobacco hornworm


Tineidae Family Tineidae:
Adult

Rather small, most with a wingspread of 8-14 mm, but some range up to 25 mm long; wings rather narrow, usually lanceolate. Mostly dull brown in color. Head often with rough, hairlike scales; ocelli absent; proboscis short or absent.

Immature

Family Tineidae: Fully grown larvae range from 6-50 mm in length, but most species usually are less than 10 mm; body cylindrical, rather slender, and whitish except for brown to black head and darkened spots on thorax; the cuticle is rather smooth but usually has setulae; setae, in definite arrangements, are present on the head, thorax and abdomen. The head is directed downward; the number of stemmata is variable, usually 1-6 per side but sometimes 0, 2, or 5 are present. Legs on the thorax are well developed. Segments 3-6 and 10 of the abdomen bear prolegs having crochets with hooks arranged in a circle or ellipse. Spiracles round, with those on the front segment of the thorax somewhat larger and more elliptical.

Examples

Trichophaga tapetzella; Common Name: Carpet moth


Tortricidae Family Tortricidae:
Adult

Rather small, with a wingspan of 9-35 mm. Usually gray, tan, or darker brown; wings with dark bands or mottled portions, or may be colorful with metallic spots. The tips of the front wings are somewhat squared; the wings, at rest, are held rooflike over the body. Head usually rough-scaled; ocelli usually present.

Immature

Family Tortricidae: Mature larvae mostly range from 8-25 mm in length, but some may be larger; the body is cylindrical and usually is more or less uniform in color which varies from whitish, pink, green, purple or brown but may have a few pigmented spots near the head and terminal segment; setae are present in distinct arrangements. The head is directed downward or somewhat forward, is rounded and distinctly pigmented; the 6 pairs of stemmata are unevenly distributed, 3 of which are placed rather close together. The spiracles usually are broadly elliptical with the 8th pair somewhat larger and situated higher on the sides of the body. Abdominal prolegs occur on segments 3-6 and 10; the front 4 pair bear crochets with hooks arranged in circles, while the anal proleg has a crochet with hooks in a continuous row.

Examples

Acleris variana; Common Name: Blackheaded budworm Amorbia emigratella Ancylis comptana; Common Name: Strawberry leafroller Archips argyrospila; Common Name: Fruittree leafroller Argyrotaenia citrana; Common Name: Orange tortrix Argyrotaenia velutinana; Common Name: Red-banded leafroller Choristoneura fumiferana; Common Name: Spruce budworm Choristoneura rosaceana; Common Name: Oblique Banded leafroller Cnephasia longana; Common Name: Omnivorous leaftier Cydia caryana; Common Name: Hickory shuckworm Cydia latiferreana; Common Name: Filbertworm Cydia pomonella; Common Name: Codling moth Endopiza viteana; Common Name: Grape berry moth Eucosma spp.; Common Name: Cone borer Grapholita molesta; Common Name: Oriental fruit moth Grapholita packardi; Common Name: Cherry fruitworm Hedya nubiferana; Common Name: Green budworm Pandemis limitata Pandemis pyrusana Platynota flavedena; Common Name: Leafroller larva Platynota idaeusalis; Common Name: Tufted apple budmoth Platynota stultana; Common Name: Omnivorous leafroller Rhyacionia frustrana; Common Name: Nantucket pine tip moth Spilonota ocellana; Common Name: Eyespotted bud moth Suleima helianthana; Common Name: Sunflower bud moth


Zygaenidae Family Zygaenidae:
Adult

Small, with a wingspan of 16-28 mm. Mostly gray or black moths, often with front portion of thorax reddish and sometimes with other bright markings; wings largely or completely blackish, thinly covered with scales; front wing 3 or more times as long as wide. Head with ocelli (simple eyes).

Immature

Family Zygaenidae: Fully mature larvae range from 10-25 mm in length; they vary in color with some being whitish with distinct transverse or side bands of black, brown or red; the body is cylindrical and has flattened swellings bearing setae in definite patterns, and some glandlike swellings may be present above the front pair of thoracic legs. The head is directed downward, is small and the hind portion is slightly hardened; with 6 stemmata arranged in an arc. The middle and hind segments of the thorax, and the abdomen may possess fleshy swellings or protuberances that may be deeply pigmented. All the thoracic legs have 1 or 2 spatulate setae near the claws. The spiracles on all segments are circular and have a central conical process that is rather conspicuous in some species. Abdominal prolegs occur on segments 3-6 and 10, each with a crochet having the hooks arranged in a single series.

Examples

Harrisina americana; Common Name: Grape leaf skeletonizer Harrisina metallica


Mantodea Order Mantodea

Mantidae Family Mantidae:
Adult

Large, elongate, and rather slow-moving. The head is highly movable and can turn completely around; the antennae are short. The thorax is elongate, with the anterior prothorax much longer than the mesothorax. The front legs armed with strong spines and are modified for grasping prey.

Examples

Tenodera aridifolia; Common Name: Praying mantid


Neuroptera Order Neuroptera

Chrysopidae Family Chrysopidae:
Adult

Length about 10-25 mm. Body and wings green, rarely brownish; the wings are transparent, and the eyes sometimes have a golden or copper colored hue.

Examples

Chrysopa carnea; Common Name: Green lacewing Chrysopa oculata Chrysopa spp.


Coniopterygidae Family Coniopterygidae:
Adult

Length 3 mm or less. Wings and body covered with a whitish, powdery substance. Head with large eyes and threadlike antennae having 16-43 antennomeres (segments).

Examples

Conwentzia barretti


Hemerobiidae Family Hemerobiidae:
Adult

Length about 6-12 mm. Body and wings brownish in color.

Examples

Hemerobius pacificus Hemorobius spp.; Common Name: Brown lacewing -- mite predator


Orthoptera Order Orthoptera

Acrididae Family Acrididae:
Adult

Head with antennae that are usually much shorter than the body, seldom more than half as long as body. The auditory organs are located on the sides of the first abdominal segment. The tarsi of the leg has only three segments, and with a padlike arolium between the claws. The female ovipositor is short. Most are grayish or brownish in color, and some have brightly colored hind wings.

Examples

Camnula pellucida Dissosteira carolina Melanoplus bivittatus; Common Name: Twostriped grasshopper Melanoplus differentialis; Common Name: Differential Grasshopper Melanoplus femurrubrum; Common Name: Red-legged grasshopper Melanoplus sanguinipes; Common Name: Migratory grasshopper Melanoplus spretus


Gryllidae Family Gryllidae:
Adult

Length 2-30 mm, many only 6-12 mm. Head with long, tapering antennae. Vary in color from black, to brownish to greenish. Legs with auditory organs, and front wings of male with stridulating (sound producing) organs. In some groups the wings are absent. In other groups the front wings bend down rather sharply at the sides of the body. The female ovipositor is cylindrical or needlelike.

Examples

Gryllus Assimilis; Common Name: Cricket nymph


Tettigoniidae Family Tettigoniidae:
Adult

Head with long hairlike antennae that are usually as long as the body or longer. Leg often with an auditory organ located at the base of the front tibia; at least the tarsi of the middle leg, and usually all the tarsi have 4 segments; the tarsi are flattened dorsoventrally. Males usually with a stridulating organ for sound production; their song is produced by rubbing the front wings together. The female has a laterally flattened, sword-shaped or bladelike ovipositor. Usually greenish in color.

Examples

Anabrus simplex; Common Name: Mormon cricket


Thysanoptera Order Thysanoptera

Thripidae Family Thripidae:
Adult

Antennae threadlike, 6 to 9 segmented, and with slender sensory cones. legs with slender femora; tarsi sometimes with clawlike appendages at apex of either first or second segment. Front part of thorax without longitudinal sutures on each side; front wings if present, with 1 or 2 longitudinal veins; female with a well developed, sawlike ovipositor; apex of abdomen of male broadly rounded.

Examples

Caliothrips fasciatus Frankliniella fusca; Common Name: Tobacco thrips Frankliniella occidentalis; Common name: Western Flower thrips Scirtothrips citri; Common Name: Citrus thrips Scolothrips sexmaculatus; Common Name: Six-spotted thrips Thrips tabaci; Common Name: Onion thrips




Mollusca Phylum Mollusca

Gastropoda Class Gastropoda

Stylommatophora Order Stylommatophora

Helicidae Family Helicidae
Adult

Adults are wider than high; larger than 16mm; narrowly umbilicate; with inconspicuous, irregular growth lines; slightly reflected aperture lip; and usually with a color band. The adult shell of the Brown garden snail is about 11/4 in diameter. It is yellowish-brown with 4 light to dark brown spiral bands frequently streaked with white.

Examples

Helix aspersa; Common Name: Brown garden snail


Limacidae Family Limacidae
Adult

The mantle is in the anterior part of the body; the breathing pore is in the posterior half of the mantle; the back is entirely or only posteriorly keeled; the posterior end is pointed when viewed from above; and there is no posterior mucous gland. The Spotted Garden slug is more than 5 inches long when fully extended. It is yellowish-gray with black spots on the mantle and body. It's mucous is colorless.

Examples

Agriolimax reticulatus Limax maximus; Common name: Spotted Garden slug


Subulinidae Family Subulinidae
Adult

Adult is about 11/2 inches long. It has a decollate or broken-off spire. The snail is native of the Mediterranean region. In the United States it is established in the southern states as well as the southern counties of California. It feeds on both vegetable matter and other snails.

Examples

Ruminia decollata; Common Name: Decollate snail




Nematoda Phylum Nematoda

Plant parasitic nematodes are very small, worm-like creatures averaging up to 1 mm or so in length. Of the numerous named species, some are free-living whilst other species pass part of their existence as endoparasites, living within the plant tissue. The mouth of plant parasitic nematodes bears a hollow stylet, a spear-like organ which enables the nematodes to pierce plant cells, in order to suck out the juices during feeding. Certain species of nematode lacking this spear are non-parasitic and associated with the breakdown of decaying organic matter, and are frequently encountered during microscopic examination of diseased plant material.

Adenophorea Class Adenophorea

Dorylaimida Order Dorylaimida

Longidoridae Family Longidoridae
Examples

Xiphinema spp.; Common Name: Dagger nematode


Trichodoridae Family Trichodoridae
Examples

Trichodorus spp.; Common Name: Stubby root nematode Paratrichodorus spp.


Mermithidae Order Mermithidae

Mermithidae Family Mermithidae
Examples

Mermis nigrescens



Secernentea Class Secernentea

Aphelenchida Order Aphelenchida

Aphelenchidae Family Aphelenchidae
Examples

Aphelenchoides spp.; Common Name: Foliar nematode


Tylenchida Order Tylenchida

Anguinidae Family Anguinidae
Examples

Ditylenchus spp.; Common Name: Stem and bulb nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci


Criconematidae Family Criconematidae
Examples

Criconema spp.; Common Name: Ring nematode Hemicycliophora spp.; Common Name: Sheath nematode (sometimes placed in the Family Hemicycliophoridae)


Dolichodoridae Family Dolichodoridae
Examples

Belonolaimus spp.; Common Name: Sting nematode Dolichodorus spp.; Common Name: Awl nematode Tylenchorhynchus spp.; Common Name: Stunt nematode


Heteroderidae Family Heteroderidae
Examples

Heterodera spp.; Common Name: Cyst nematode Heterodera cruciferae Heterodera shactii Heterodera trifolii Meloidogyne hapla (genus sometimes placed in the Family Meloidogynidae) Meloidogyne incognita Meloidogyne spp.; Common Name: Root knot nematode


Hoplolaimidae Family Hoplolaimidae
Examples

Hopluimus spp.; Common Name: Lance nematode Rotylenchus spp.; Common Name: Reniform nematode Scutellonema branchyurum; Common Name: Spiral nematode


Pratylenchidae Family Pratylenchidae
Examples

Pratylenchus spp.; Common Name: Root lesion or Meadow nematodes Radopholus similis; Common Name: Buffowing nematode


Tylenchulidae Family Tylenchulidae
Examples

Paratylenchus spp.; Common Name: Pin nematode (considered by some to be in Family Paratylenchidae) Tylenchulus semipenetrans; Common Name: Citrus nematode