Fourteen lines from the interspecific cross Arachis hypogaea X A. cardenasii were evaluated in the field and seven lines from this cross were evaluated in the laboratory for resistance to insect damage. Laboratory evaluation of interspecific lines against major defoliators of peanut showed variable levels of resistance to the corn earworm, no resistance to the fall armyworm, and moderate resistance to the velvetbean caterpillar as noted by a reduced host suitability index in line IC 2–5. Damage ratings to plants in the field indicated no resistance in the interspecific lines to the tobacco thrips. However, a high level of resistance to the southern corn rootworm was observed in most of the lines. Resistance to the potato leafhopper was indicated by reduced damage ratings for all interspecific lines relative to damage on cv. Florunner. Resistance ratings for the potato leafhopper were highest in lines GP-NC WS 7 and IC 1–19 and was evident even under severe potato leafhopper pressure. The levels of resistance to the southern corn rootworm and potato leafhopper should prove useful in a breeding program to introgress resistance to these insects into elite cultivars.