Insects and mites
Insects and mites can damage the leaves, branches, roots, or stems of trees, either directly by feeding on these structures or indirectly by acting as vectors transmitting diseases. The damage can range from relatively minor issues, such as a negative affect on plant appearance, to more severe issues, including reduced tree growth and even tree death. Insects and mites, however, also play important ecological roles in forests by decomposing and recycling organic matter and nutrients, pollinating flowers, and serving as food sources for wildlife. Many insects and mites, acting as natural enemies (i.e., predators, parasitoids, or parasites) of pests, play a beneficial role in reducing pest populations. The study of insects is referred to as entomology, while the study of mites and ticks is called acarology. Insects and mites are classified according to a taxonomic system.
Index of common and scientific names of insects and mites
The insect or mite entries have sections containing nomenclature and taxonomy; general information and importance; distribution and hosts; symptoms and signs; life cycle; damage; prevention and management; selected references; and photographs of various life stages and damage.
- Macaria adonis (Barnes & McDunnough)
-
Macaria signaria dispuncta
(Walker)
Common name: Spruce fir looper
-
Malacosoma californicum pluviale
(Dyar)
Common name: Northern tent caterpillar
-
Malacosoma disstria
Hubner
Common name: Forest tent caterpillar
-
Maple bladdergall mite
Scientific name: Vasates quadripedes Shimer
-
Maple leafblotch miner
Scientific name: Cameraria aceriella (Clemens)
-
Maple leafcutter
Scientific name: Paraclemensia acerifoliella (Fitch)
-
Maple leafroller
Scientific name: Sparganothis acerivorana MacKay
-
Megacyllene robiniae
(Forst.)
Common name: Locust borer
-
Melanolophia imitata
(Walker)
Common name: Greenstriped forest looper
-
Metallic pitch blister moth
Scientific name: Petrova metallica (Busck)
-
Meteorus trachynotus
Viereck
Common name: Spruce budworm fire bracon (suggested name)
-
Mindarus abietinus
Koch
Common name: Balsam twig aphid
-
Monochamus scutellatus
(Say)
Common name: Whitespotted sawyer
-
Mountain pine beetle
Scientific name: Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins
-
Mountain-ash sawfly
Scientific name: Pristiphora geniculata (Hartig.)
-
Mourningcloak butterfly or spiny elm caterpillar
Scientific name: Nymphalis antiopa (Linnaeus)