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.
-
Xanthogaleruca luteola
(Müller)
Common name: Elm leaf beetle
- Xestia mustelina (Smith)
- Xestia praevia (J.B. Smith)
-
Xyleborinus saxeseni
(Ratzeburg)
Common name: Lesser shothole borer
-
Xylosandrus germanus
(Blandford)
Common name: Black stem borer