Anisembiidae

Affected crops. These insects are primarily found in tropical and subtropical climates. In an agricultural context, they can affect various trees, shrubs, and certain technical crops. They tend to settle in cracks in the bark or near the base of the stems, creating their characteristic silk galleries that protect them from predators and environmental stressors.

Biology and life cycle. The life cycle of Anisembiidae is closely tied to humid environments. Both nymphs and adults are social insects that spend their entire lives within their self-constructed silk galleries. The female usually displays maternal care, guarding the eggs and the nymphs within the web until they reach maturity, which ensures high survival rates for the next generation.

Nature of damage and harmfulness. The damage is primarily caused by the insects feeding on the plant's surface tissues. This feeding process weakens the plant's structural integrity and creates entry points for secondary fungal and bacterial infections. In cases of high infestation, this can lead to the decline of plant vigor, shoot deformation, and significant losses in agricultural productivity.

Protection measures. Controlling Anisembiidae is challenging because of their protective silk nests, which shield them from many common pesticides. Effective management strategies include:

• Sanitary pruning and removal of loose, dead bark where populations congregate.
• Application of systemic insecticides that can reach the pest through the plant tissue.
• Regular field monitoring to detect early signs of silk tunnels on stems or trunks.
• Managing environmental conditions, such as reducing excessive humidity around the root zones to make the habitat less attractive to the pests.