Diptera Flies What are flies? There are several flies that are pests in agriculture, horticulture and mushroom cultivation. Species that can cause damage or nuisance, are particularly small flies of t
Lepidoptera Caterpillars What are caterpillars? Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths. Butterflies and moths form the order Lepidoptera, a very large group with more than 150,000 specie
Biological control of aphids Aphids are among the most harmful pests in greenhouse and field crops, causing plant stress, virus transmission and yield loss. Effective aphid control is essential for ma
General The tobacco aphid ( Myzus persicae subsp. nicotianae ) probably evolved from the peach potato aphid in the Far East and is a key pest of tobacco crops in both the United States and South Ameri
Polyphagotarsonemus latus Broad mite General The broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) occurs in the tropics and in greenhouses in temperate regions. The broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) has a
Tetranychus urticae Two-spotted spider mite General Two-spotted spider mite ( Tetranychus urticae ) is a pest of many crops throughout the world. Despite their small size, they are capable of very rap
Icerya purchasi Cottony cushion scale General The cottony cushion scale, Icerya purchasi , is considered to have originated in Australia. It was accidentally introduced to California in about 1868 and
Phytonemus pallidus Cyclamen mite General The cyclamen mite ( Phytonemus pallidus ) is a harmful strawberry pest as well as a common pest found in cyclamen, gerbera and other ornamentals. Mites belong
Pseudococcus longispinus Long-tailed mealybug General Pseudococcus longispinus occurs naturally in tropical and sub-tropical regions, but these days it is widespread throughout the world. The range of
Liriomyza trifolii American serpentine leaf miner General The American serpentine leaf miner ( Liriomyza trifolii ) originates from North America, but occurs also in Europe since about 1976. The Ameri