Asteraceae
Guides
Aciurina
Aciurina is a genus of gall-inducing tephritid flies distributed in western North America. Species in this genus induce distinct morphological galls on host plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly genera such as Chrysothamnus, Gutierrezia, and Baccharis. The genus has been taxonomically challenging due to overlapping wing patterns among species, but gall morphology provides reliable diagnostic characters. Several species are unusually abundant in the southwestern United States and serve as ecosystem engineers that support complex arthropod communities.
Acmaeodera
Acmaeodera is a large genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) with over 150 species in North America, reaching greatest diversity in the desert southwest and Mexico. Adults are metallic, often with distinctive color patterns, and are frequently observed visiting flowers to feed on pollen. The genus is distinguished by unique flight morphology: elytra are fused along the midline and remain closed during flight, functioning as a protective shield over the abdomen while only the hindwings provide propulsion. This trait, combined with abdominal banding in many species, creates a wasp-like appearance in flight and has led to recognition of several species as hymenopteran mimics. Larvae are wood-borers in twigs and branches of various woody plants.
Buprestidaejewel-beetlesmetallic-wood-boring-beetlesflower-visitorspollen-feederselytra-fusionflight-morphologyhymenopteran-mimicrywood-borersNorth-AmericaMexicoArizonaTexasCaliforniaNew-MexicoOklahomaAlbertaAsteraceaeCercocarpusspring-activemonsoon-activefall-activetaxonomically-difficultcollector's-itemdiurnalCerceris-preyAcmaeodera amplicollis
Acmaeodera amplicollis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It is frequently observed visiting flowers of various composite plants (Asteraceae), particularly species of Isocoma, Heterotheca, Heliomeris, and Gutierrezia. Adults are active during late summer and early autumn.
Acmaeodera flavomarginata
Yellow-margined Flower Buprestid
Acmaeodera flavomarginata is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is one of relatively few North American jewel beetles that exhibits fall activity, with adults emerging in autumn rather than the more typical spring-summer period seen in most congeners. Adults are readily attracted to flowers, particularly those in the family Asteraceae, where they feed on pollen. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning Central America, North America, and South America, with specific records from the southcentral United States including Texas and Oklahoma.
Acmaeodera obtusa
Acmaeodera obtusa is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Horn in 1878. The species is distributed in North America. Field observations from Texas indicate adults are active flower visitors, particularly associated with Asteraceae hosts in juniper woodland habitats.
Acmaeodera rubronotata
Acmaeodera rubronotata is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The species is one of numerous Acmaeodera species frequently encountered on flowers of yellow composites and other Asteraceae in arid and semi-arid regions. Field observations document adults visiting flowers of Heterotheca subaxillaris, Xanthisma gracile, Gutierrezia microcephala, and Heliomeris longifolia. The specific epithet 'rubronotata' refers to red markings on the pronotum.
Acrocercops astericola
Aster Tentiform Blotchminer
Acrocercops astericola is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species is known from eastern North America, where larvae feed on asteraceous host plants. Adults are small moths typical of the microlepidoptera. The common name refers to the distinctive tentiform blotch mines created by larval feeding.
Adaina
Adaina is a genus of plume moths (Pterophoridae) established in 1905, comprising approximately 42 described species. The genus is characterized by split or divided wings typical of the family, with species distributed across the Americas. Several species have documented larval associations with Asteraceae host plants, with some exhibiting gall-inducing behavior and others feeding on inflorescences.
Adaina ambrosiae
ragweed plume moth, ambrosia plume moth
Adaina ambrosiae is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, recognized by its distinctive split-wing appearance. The species has a broad distribution across North America and extends into the Caribbean and Central America. Adults are active year-round in southern portions of the range. Larvae feed on multiple host plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly Ambrosia species, from which the specific epithet derives.
Adaina bipunctatus
Three- and Two-dotted Plume Moth
A small plume moth (Pterophoridae) with wingspan of 9–11.5 mm. Adults are pale yellowish-white with brown spotting on the forewings. The species occurs from the southeastern United States through the Caribbean to South America. Larvae feed on multiple asteraceous host plants.
Aethes
Conch moths
Aethes is a genus of small tortricid moths (family Tortricidae, subfamily Tortricinae, tribe Cochylini) comprising approximately 70-75 described species distributed across the Palaearctic region. Species are characterized by small size (wingspans typically 8-23 mm), narrow forewings, and often subtle coloration in yellow, brown, or grey tones with variable fasciation patterns. Larvae are generally associated with Asteraceae, feeding in stems, roots, and seed heads of host plants. The genus includes several well-known species such as Aethes cnicana (Thistle Conch) and Aethes hartmanniana that have been subject to intensive ecological study.
Anthrenus verbasci
Varied Carpet Beetle
Anthrenus verbasci is a cosmopolitan pest species in the family Dermestidae, commonly known as the varied carpet beetle. Adults are small (2–4 mm), rounded beetles with distinctive patterned elytra bearing bands or spots of brown, black, and white scales. Larvae are covered in dense setae and feed on dried proteinaceous material, causing damage to household items, museum collections, and stored agricultural products. The species exhibits circannual control of its life cycle, with photoperiod serving as the primary zeitgeber for synchronizing pupation and adult emergence in spring. Adults feed on pollen and nectar, particularly from umbelliferous plants (Apiaceae) and Asteraceae, and use both olfaction and vision in host plant selection.
Antistrophus
Antistrophus is a genus of gall wasps in the family Cynipidae containing approximately 10 species, all restricted to the Nearctic region. Species induce galls on herbaceous plants in four Asteraceae genera: Silphium, Lygodesmia, Chrysothamnus, and Microseris. The genus was first described by Benjamin Walsh in 1869. Some species exhibit complex chemical ecology, using host plant volatile monoterpenes as olfactory cues for mate location.
Antistrophus
An undescribed species in the genus Antistrophus, a group of cynipid gall wasps that induce distinctive galls on Asteraceae host plants. Members of this genus are typically monophagous, with each species associated with a single host plant species. The specific epithet reference to 'laciniatum' suggests association with Silphium laciniatum (compass plant), though this remains to be confirmed. The species has not been formally described in the scientific literature.
Asphondylia websteri
alfalfa gall midge
Asphondylia websteri, commonly known as the alfalfa gall midge, is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. Like other members of its genus, this species induces gall formation on host plants. Research has documented its association with numerous native American plants, particularly in the Asteraceae family. The species was described by Felt in 1917.
Asteromyia chrysothamni
Asteromyia chrysothamni is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Felt in 1918. The species is associated with Chrysothamnus, a genus of rabbitbrush shrubs in the Asteraceae family. Like other members of its genus, it induces gall formation on host plants. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Asteromyia euthamiae
Euthamia leaf gall midge
Asteromyia euthamiae is a gall midge species described by Raymond Gagné in 1968. It is widely distributed across northern North America, where it induces leaf galls on Euthamia plants. The species is notable for producing distinctively colored galls with dark bodies and contrasting marginal bands.
Asteromyia gutierreziae
matchweed stem gout
Asteromyia gutierreziae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces galls on various plants in the Asteraceae family. The species is black in color and measures approximately 3–5 mm in length. It has been documented on multiple host plants including species of Gutierrezia, Baccharis, and related genera. The common name 'matchweed stem gout' reflects its association with matchweed plants and its gall-forming habit.
Astrotischeria
trumpet leaf-miner moths
Astrotischeria is a New World genus of micromoth leaf miners in the family Tischeriidae, described in 2003. The genus is distributed across the Americas from the United States through the Caribbean and Central America to South America. Larvae are leaf miners, with most studied species associated with host plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly the subfamily Asteroideae. Some species exhibit a distinctive three-lobed male genital valva, a novel character for Tischeriidae. The genus includes at least 21 described species, with new species continuing to be discovered in the Neotropics.
Astrotischeria helianthi
Astrotischeria helianthi is a small moth in the family Tischeriidae, described by Frey and Boll in 1878. The species is native to North America and has been recorded in Missouri and Ohio. Tischeriid moths are leaf-miners, and the specific epithet 'helianthi' suggests a potential association with plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae).
Bucculatrix ambrosiaefoliella
Bucculatrix ambrosiaefoliella is a small moth species in the family Bucculatricidae, first described by V. T. Chambers in 1875. It is distributed across North America from California to the northeastern United States. The species is notable for its leaf-mining larval stage and distinctive ribbed cocoon. Adults are active in late summer and autumn, with evidence suggesting they overwinter in the adult stage.
Calephelis perditalis
Rounded Metalmark, Lost Metalmark
Calephelis perditalis is a small metalmark butterfly in the family Riodinidae, described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. The species occurs from Texas and Mexico southward through Central America to Venezuela. Its common names, "rounded metalmark" and "lost metalmark," reference the rounded wing margins and the species epithet perditalis (Latin for "lost"). The species has two recognized subspecies: the nominate form and C. p. donahuei described in 1971.
Calycomyza ambrosiae
Calycomyza ambrosiae is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The larvae create distinctive feeding tunnels within leaves of host plants in the Asteraceae family. The species name refers to its association with Ambrosia and related genera. It is known from the United States.
Calycomyza eupatoriphaga
Calycomyza eupatoriphaga is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described in 2018 from specimens reared from host plants in the genus Eupatorium. The species name reflects its specialized association with boneset and related plants (Asteraceae). As with other Calycomyza species, the larvae produce distinctive serpentine or blotch mines in leaves. The species is known from eastern North America.
Calycomyza humeralis
aster leafminer
Calycomyza humeralis, commonly known as the aster leafminer, is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species was first described by Roser in 1840. It is known for its larval habit of creating distinctive mines in the leaves of host plants, particularly those in the Asteraceae family. The species has a broad global distribution, having been recorded across multiple continents including Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
Calycomyza new-species-on-baccharis-halimifolia
This taxon refers to an undescribed or newly recognized species in the genus Calycomyza, a group of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae. The provisional designation indicates association with Baccharis halimifolia (groundsel bush) as a host plant. Calycomyza species are small flies whose larvae create distinctive mines in leaves of Asteraceae. Formal description and naming await taxonomic study.
Calycomyza promissa
Calycomyza promissa is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The larvae develop within leaves of various aster species (Symphyotrichum), creating distinctive feeding tunnels. It occurs in Canada and the United States.
Cecidocharini
Cecidocharini is a tribe of tephritid fruit flies within the subfamily Tephritinae. The tribe contains eight recognized genera, including economically significant gall-forming species such as those in *Procecidochares*. Members are distinguished by their association with plant galls, a trait that separates them from many other tephritid groups. The tribe was established by Hering in 1947.
Chaetorellia
Chaetorellia is a genus of tephritid fruit flies (family Tephritidae) containing approximately 11 described species. Species in this genus are specialists on Asteraceae flower heads, with larvae developing within capitula and feeding on developing florets and seeds. Several species have been investigated or deployed as biological control agents against invasive thistles and knapweeds, particularly yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis). The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features and host-specificity patterns that have been taxonomically revised.
Chaetorellia australis
yellow starthistle peacock fly
Chaetorellia australis is a tephritid fruit fly native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, introduced to the western United States in 1988 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis). Adult females deposit eggs beneath bracts on host flower heads, and larvae tunnel into developing seeds, destroying up to 90% of seeds within an infested capitulum. The species exhibits a host-marking pheromone behavior that prevents multiple oviposition events in the same flower head and facilitates male aggregation. Despite significant seed destruction at the individual capitulum level, field populations generally remain low and have had limited impact on overall starthistle seed production.
Chaetostomella
Chaetostomella is a genus of fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, established by Hendel in 1927. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species distributed across the Palearctic region. At least one species, Chaetostomella cylindrica, exhibits host race formation on different thistle species, with documented genetic, morphological, and behavioral divergence between populations associated with Notobasis syriaca and Onopordum illyricum.
Chauliognathus limbicollis
soldier beetle
Chauliognathus limbicollis is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. Adults have been observed feeding on flowers of yellow Asteraceae, particularly Helianthus annuus (annual sunflower) and Heterotheca species, in shortgrass prairie and mesquite chaparral habitats. The species was historically documented from southwestern states including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, but more recent observations extend its range into Oklahoma.
Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria
Blackberry Looper, Blackberry Looper Moth, Raspberry Looper
A small emerald geometrid moth widespread across eastern and central North America. Adults are active from spring through fall with multiple generations. Larvae feed on blackberry and raspberry fruits as well as flower heads of numerous Asteraceae species. The species has been documented on prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) and recently recorded on Eriogonum alatum (Polygonaceae), representing a host range extension beyond its previously known associations.
Corythucha marmorata
Chrysanthemum Lace Bug
Corythucha marmorata is a small lace bug (Hemiptera: Tingidae) native to North and Central America that has become invasive in East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. Adults measure 2.77–3.28 mm and display a brown-white marbled coloration with the reticulated wings characteristic of the family. The species is a phytophagous pest specializing on Asteraceae, with documented hosts including Helianthus tuberosus, Solidago canadensis, and numerous weedy asters. It overwinters as adults, showing chill-susceptible cold hardiness with female adults demonstrating greater supercooling capacity than males.
Cremastobombycia
A genus of micromoths in the family Gracillariidae, subfamily Lithocolletinae. Species are leaf miners primarily associated with Asteraceae host plants. The genus was established by Braun in 1908 and includes at least nine described species distributed across the Americas, with recent discoveries extending its range to South American high-elevation Andean habitats. Several species have been investigated for biological control of invasive plants.
Cremastobombycia ambrosiaeella
A minute leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae with a wingspan of 5.5–6.5 mm. The species is known from parts of Canada and the eastern and central United States. Larvae feed on several genera in the Asteraceae family, including Ambrosia, Helianthus, and Verbesina, forming mines in leaves.
Crossidius grahami
Ohoopee Dunes Crossidius Beetle
Crossidius grahami is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) described in 2013 from southern Georgia. It is restricted to a highly specific host plant, woody goldenrod (Chrysoma pauciflosculosa), a perennial asteraceous shrub of coastal sand dunes and scrub. The species was discovered incidentally when collectors reared adults from root crowns while attempting to rear a different undescribed cerambycid. Adults are found primarily on lower stems of living plants.
Crossidius suturalis melanipennis
Crossidius suturalis melanipennis is a subspecies of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It belongs to the genus Crossidius, a group of flower-visiting beetles associated with composite plants in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. This subspecies was described by Penrose in 1984 and is part of a complex of subspecies within C. suturalis that show geographic variation in coloration and elytral markings.
Crossidius testaceus
Crossidius testaceus is a long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. The species occurs in western North America and Central America. Like other members of its genus, it develops as larvae in living roots of perennial shrubs in the Asteraceae family. Two subspecies are recognized: C. t. testaceus and C. t. maculicollis.
Cucullia speyeri
Speyer's paint, Speyer's cucullia, Speyer's hooded owlet moth
Cucullia speyeri is a noctuid moth species found in North America, ranging from the Canadian prairies to the Atlantic coast. The species inhabits open, dry grassland and meadow habitats. Adults are active in late spring and summer, with a wingspan of approximately 48 mm. The larvae feed on herbaceous Asteraceae and Conyza species. In Connecticut, the species is listed as a species of special concern and is believed to be extirpated.
Cylindrocopturus cretaceus
Cylindrocopturus cretaceus is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae, first described by Van Dyke in 1929-30. The genus Cylindrocopturus includes stem-boring weevils associated with plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly sunflowers. The specific epithet 'cretaceus' (Latin for chalky or chalk-white) may refer to coloration characteristics.
Cystiphora
Cystiphora is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established by Kieffer in 1892. The genus contains seven described species distributed across the Palearctic region and introduced to other areas for biological control. Species in this genus are specialized gall-formers on plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly genera Chondrilla, Taraxacum, and Sonchus. Several species have been investigated and deployed as biological control agents against agricultural weeds.
Diadasia enavata
Sunflower Chimney Bee
Diadasia enavata, commonly known as the sunflower chimney bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae. It is a specialist pollinator restricted to plants in the Asteraceae family, and has been documented pollinating Coreopsis tinctoria. The species occurs across Central America and North America. Like other Diadasia species, it constructs burrows in soil, often with distinctive turret-like structures at the entrance.
Dichrorampha acuminatana
Sharp-winged Drill
Dichrorampha acuminatana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 10–15 mm, found across Europe and the Near East. The species exhibits distinctive wing patterns with dark fuscous ground color, purplish tints, and ochreous irroration. Adults are active from May to September, with larvae feeding on Leucanthemum vulgare (oxeye daisy) and Tanacetum vulgare (tansy). The species has been well-documented in Belgium and the Netherlands, with over 2,000 iNaturalist observations.
Digitivalva
Digitivalva is a genus of small moths in the family Glyphipterigidae (subfamily Acrolepiinae), established by Gaedike in 1970. The genus comprises approximately 35 described species distributed across the Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Oriental regions. Several species have been studied for their specialized host plant associations with Asteraceae, and at least one species (D. delaireae) has been evaluated as a biological control agent for invasive Cape-ivy in North America.
Entylia
keel-shaped treehopper
Entylia is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, first described by Germar in 1833. The genus contains at least three described species, including Entylia carinata, which is known for its distinctive keel-shaped pronotum that resembles plant debris. These insects are notable for their mutualistic relationships with ants, which protect them from predators in exchange for honeydew. The genus is distributed in North America, with observations recorded from regions including the northeastern United States.
Entylia carinata
keeled treehopper
Entylia carinata is a small treehopper in the family Membracidae, notable for its pronounced saddle-shaped pronotal keel. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females larger and more prominently keeled than males. It engages in mutualistic relationships with several ant species and demonstrates parental care behavior. Adults overwinter in leaf litter and emerge in spring to reproduce on host plants.
Epicauta aspera
blister beetle
Epicauta aspera is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Werner in 1944. It occurs in North America and has been observed feeding on flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (snakeweed) in shortgrass prairie habitats of Oklahoma. Like other Epicauta species, it possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin, a toxic terpenoid compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin. The species is part of a diverse genus containing over 150 described species in North America.
Euaresta
Euaresta is a genus of tephritid fruit flies comprising 15 species endemic to the Americas. The genus is specialized on host plants in the genera Ambrosia, Xanthium, and Dicoria (Asteraceae), where larvae develop in flowers and seeds. Several species have been introduced outside their native ranges as biological control agents for invasive weeds. The genus was established by Loew in 1873.
Euarestoides
Euarestoides is a genus of true fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, established by Benjamin in 1934. The genus comprises six species distributed across the New World, from Canada through the Caribbean and Central America to South America. Species are associated with host plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly ragweeds (Ambrosia), sagebrushes (Hymenoclea), and related genera. The genus was revised taxonomically in 2019, with three new species described from Peru, Brazil, and Colombia.