Apiaceae-specialist
Guides
Depressaria
Depressaria is a genus of moths in the family Depressariidae (subfamily Depressariinae), previously treated as part of Oecophoridae or as a distinct family. The genus contains approximately 80+ described species, with new species continuing to be discovered. Most species are specialists on Apiaceae (umbellifers), feeding on reproductive structures, though some species utilize Salicaceae (willows). Several species are economically significant agricultural pests or invasive species in North America, including D. depressana (purple carrot-seed moth) and D. radiella (parsnip webworm). The type species, D. heraclei (parsnip moth), has a confused taxonomic history dating to Linnaeus.
Depressaria depressana
Purple Carrot-seed Moth, Blunt's Flat-body
Depressaria depressana is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, native to Eurasia and introduced to North America around 2008–2009. It is a family-level specialist herbivore of Apiaceae, feeding on reproductive structures of wild carrot, parsnip, and related umbellifers. The species has undergone rapid range expansion in eastern North America, exhibiting higher genetic diversity and dispersal capacity than its congener D. radiella. Adults are active from spring through early fall with multiple generations per year in warmer regions.
Papilio zelicaon zelicaon
Anise Swallowtail
The nominate subspecies of the Anise Swallowtail, found in western North America. Larvae possess distinctive defensive osmeteria—scent glands that evert when disturbed, releasing foul-smelling compounds. The species has been extensively studied for diapause dynamics and host plant relationships, with research demonstrating Type III diapause-induction curves. Laboratory life table studies have been conducted to test survivorship hypotheses across its elevational range.
Psila
Psila is a genus of rust flies in the family Psilidae, established by Meigen in 1803. The genus is native to Europe and contains species that are significant agricultural pests, particularly of root vegetables. The most well-studied species is Psila rosae, commonly known as the carrot rust fly or carrot fly, which attacks carrot, parsnip, celery, and related crops. Members of this genus are characterized by their slender body form typical of psilid flies and their association with Apiaceae host plants.