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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.

Oak leafshredder

Scientific name: Croesia semipurpurana (Kraft)

Ocellate gall midge

Scientific name: Acericecis ocellaris (Osten Sacken)

Oligonychus ununguis (Jacobi)

Common name: Spruce spider mite

Operophtera bruceata (Hulst)

Common name: Bruce spanworm

Operophtera brumata (L.)

Common name: Winter moth

Orange spruce needleminer

Scientific name: Coleotechnites piceaella (Kearfott)

Orange tortrix

Scientific name: Argyrotaenia citrana (Fernie)

Orgyia antiqua (L.)

Common name: Rusty tussock moth

Orgyia leucostigma (J. E. Smith)

Common name: Whitemarked tussock moth

Orgyia pseudotsugata (McDunnough)

Common name: Douglas-fir tussock moth

Orthosia hibisci (Guenée)

Common name: Speckled green fruitworm

Otiorhynchus ovatus (L.)

Common name: Strawberry root weevil

Oystershell scale

Scientific name: Lepidosaphes ulmi (L.)