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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.

Red pine cone beetle

Scientific name: Conophthorus resinosae Hopkins

Red pine needle midge

Scientific name: Thecodiplosis piniresinosae Kearby and Benjamin

Red pine sawfly

Scientific names:
  • Neodiprion nanulus Schedl
    • Neodiprion nanulus contortae
    • Neodiprion nanulus nanulus

Red-barred tortrix

Scientific name: Ditula angustiorana (Haworth)

Redbellied clerid (suggested name)

Scientific name: Enoclerus nigripes rufiventris (Spinola)

Redcrossed stink bug

Scientific name: Leptocorus trivittatus (Say)

Redheaded pine sawfly

Scientific name: Neodiprion lecontei (Fitch)

Redlined conifer caterpillar

Scientific name: Feralia jocosa (Gn.)

Redwood bark beetle

Scientific name: Phloeosinus sequoiae Hopkins

Rhyacionia buoliana (Denis and Schiffermuller)

Common name: European pine shoot moth

Rhynchaenus testaceus (Mull)

Common name: Birch and alder flea weevil

Rosner’s hairstreak

Scientific name: Callophrys grynea rosneri (Johnson)

Rusty tussock moth

Scientific name: Orgyia antiqua (L.)