Western flower thrips

General The western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) is currently the most damaging thrips species in many greenhouse crops. The western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) can be fou

Cotton aphid

General The cotton aphid ( Aphis gossypii ) is an extremely polyphagous aphid found on more than 700 plant species. Crop plants attacked by this aphid include cotton, citrus, coffee, cocoa, eggplant,

Glasshouse potato aphid

General The glasshouse potato aphid ( Aulacorthum solani) is a native European species of aphids , seriously affecting crops of sweet pepper in particular. These aphids further affect ornamental crops

Flies

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

Beetles

Coleoptera Beetles What are beetles? Beetles belong to the order Coleoptera, a well-known group of insects that are easily recognizable on account of their hard wing covers (elytra). With more than 35

Leaf miners

Diptera Leaf miners What are leaf miners? Leaf miners belong to the order Diptera (the true flies ) and form the family Agromyzidae. This is a family of small flies whose larvae tunnel into the leaves

Caterpillars

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

Mealybugs and scales

Hemiptera Mealybugs and scales What are mealybugs & scales? Mealybugs (family Pseudococcidae), soft scales (family Coccidae) and armoured scales (family Diaspididae) form three important families with

Spider mites and other mites

Trombidiformes Spider mites and other mites What are mites? Plant mites are a diverse group of small arthropods that feed on plant sap. They are found in a wide variety of habitats, from forests and g

Thrips

Thysanoptera Thrips What are thrips? Several species of thrips are a major problem in greenhouse horticulture. The Western flower thrips ( Frankliniella occidentalis ) is the most damaging species. Th