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.
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Oak leafshredder
Scientific name: Croesia semipurpurana (Kraft)
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Ocellate gall midge
Scientific name: Acericecis ocellaris (Osten Sacken)
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Oligonychus ununguis
(Jacobi)
Common name: Spruce spider mite
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Operophtera bruceata
(Hulst)
Common name: Bruce spanworm
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Operophtera brumata
(L.)
Common name: Winter moth
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Orange spruce needleminer
Scientific name: Coleotechnites piceaella (Kearfott)
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Orange tortrix
Scientific name: Argyrotaenia citrana (Fernie)
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Orgyia antiqua
(L.)
Common name: Rusty tussock moth
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Orgyia leucostigma
(J. E. Smith)
Common name: Whitemarked tussock moth
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Orgyia pseudotsugata
(McDunnough)
Common name: Douglas-fir tussock moth
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Orthosia hibisci
(Guenée)
Common name: Speckled green fruitworm
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Otiorhynchus ovatus
(L.)
Common name: Strawberry root weevil
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Oystershell scale
Scientific name: Lepidosaphes ulmi (L.)