Asteraceae-feeder
Guides
Acyrthosiphon lactucae
Prickly Lettuce Aphid
Acyrthosiphon lactucae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Prickly Lettuce Aphid. It belongs to the genus Acyrthosiphon, which includes several economically significant agricultural pests. The species was first described by Passerini in 1860. Unlike its congener Acyrthosiphon pisum (the pea aphid), which has been extensively studied, relatively little specific research has been published on A. lactucae. Available records indicate presence in parts of Europe including Norway, Sweden, and the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira.
Adaina simplicius
Three-dotted Plume Moth
A small plume moth (family Pterophoridae) with a wingspan of approximately 10 mm. Native to the Americas, ranging from the United States through Central and South America to the Caribbean. Introduced to South Africa for evaluation as a biological control agent against Eupatorium macrocephalum.
Agonopterix atrodorsella
Beggartick Leaffolder Moth
A small moth in the family Depressariidae, first described from North America in 1863. Adults are active year-round depending on location, with a single generation annually. The species overwinters as an adult and is associated with several herbaceous plant genera.
Aristotelia argentifera
Aristotelia argentifera is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. It was described by August Busck in 1903 and is known from California and western Nevada. The species is notable for its distinctive wing pattern featuring metallic silvery and bluish iridescent scales. Larvae feed on Ericameria ericoides and Baccharis pilularis.
Ataxia hubbardi
Ataxia hubbardi is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) described by Warren Samuel Fisher in 1924. The species is distributed across the United States and Mexico. Adults are active in fall and have been observed on flower stalks of host plants. A distinctive population associated with prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) in Missouri dolomite glades exhibits smaller, darker, and narrower body proportions compared to typical individuals.
Autographa flagellum
Silver Whip Moth, Silver Whip
Autographa flagellum, commonly known as the Silver Whip, is a noctuid moth species first described by Francis Walker in 1858. It occurs across southern Canada and the northern United States, with a single annual generation. Adults are active during summer months, and larvae feed on specific host plants in the Asteraceae family.
Basilodes pepita
Gold Moth
Basilodes pepita, commonly known as the gold moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae, a group of owlet moths often associated with open habitats. The species is notable for its bright coloration and specific larval association with plants in the genus Verbesina. It has been documented across North America with over 1,000 citizen science observations.
Bucculatrix enceliae
Bucculatrix enceliae is a minute moth in the family Bucculatricidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1963. The species is restricted to the southwestern United States, with confirmed records from California and Arizona. Adults are active in spring, and the larvae are specialized leaf miners of Encelia farinosa, a desert shrub in the sunflower family.
Bucculatrix ochristrigella
Bucculatrix ochristrigella is a small moth in the family Bucculatricidae, first described by Annette Frances Braun in 1910. It is known only from California in western North America. Adults are active in April and have a wingspan of 11–12 mm. The larvae are leaf miners that have been reared on Madia gracilis, a species of tarweed in the sunflower family.
Chionodes fondella
Chionodes fondella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 13–14 mm. It is distributed across eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Oklahoma and North Carolina. The larvae feed on specific host plants in the Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families.
Chlosyne
Patches and Allies, checkerspots, patches, crescentspots
Chlosyne is a genus of brush-footed butterflies (family Nymphalidae) distributed across North and South America. The genus includes approximately 25-30 species commonly known as patches, checkerspots, and crescentspots based on their wing patterns. Species in this genus exhibit diverse ecological strategies, with larvae of many species feeding gregariously in early instars—a trait that has been shown to enhance growth rates and survival in studied species such as C. lacinia and C. janais. Adults typically display orange, black, and white checkered wing patterns that vary considerably among species and geographic regions.
Chlosyne gorgone
Gorgone Checkerspot
Chlosyne gorgone is a Nymphalinae butterfly occurring across central North America. Adults have orange wings with black markings and a wingspan of 32–45 mm. Larvae feed on Asteraceae host plants including Helianthus, Ambrosia, Iva, and Viguiera species; adults visit nectar sources, particularly yellow flowers. The species exhibits geographic variation in brood number, with one generation in the north and up to three in the south.
Chlosyne nycteis
Silvery Checkerspot
Chlosyne nycteis, the silvery checkerspot, is a North American brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Adults display pale yellow-orange wings with dark borders and distinctive white-centered submarginal spots on the hindwings. The species inhabits moist areas including streamsides, meadows, and forest openings across a broad range from southern Canada to Georgia, Florida, and Texas. It has declined in parts of its northeastern range and is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut and Maine, believed extirpated from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Cleonis
Cleonis is a genus of cylindrical weevils (Curculionidae: Lixinae: Cleonini) comprising at least 120 described species. Members are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical body form typical of the tribe Cleonini. The genus has a broad distribution across the Palaearctic region, with some species introduced to North America. Detailed biological information is available primarily for Cleonis pigra, which feeds exclusively on Asteraceae and develops within root galls.
Cochylis
Cochylis is a genus of leafroller moths in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Tortricinae. Species are distributed across the Holarctic, Oriental, and Neotropical regions. In the Palaearctic, members exhibit one or two generations annually with larval overwintering. Larvae are oligophagous, feeding primarily on Asteraceae. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision; in 2019, eight species were moved to the redefined genus Cochylichroa based on phylogenetic analysis.
Condica videns
white-dotted groundling moth, White-dotted Groundling
Condica videns is a small noctuid moth native to North America, commonly known as the white-dotted groundling moth. Adults are active from spring through late summer, with multiple generations per year. The species is notable for its larvae feeding specifically on the flower heads of composite plants in the Asteraceae family.
Cremastobombycia chromolaenae
Cremastobombycia chromolaenae is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, described in 2013 by Davis. The species is a natural enemy of Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed), an invasive plant in the Asteraceae family. Its larvae feed as leaf miners within the host plant tissue.
Cucullia alfarata
Camphorweed Owlet, camphorweed cucullia
Cucullia alfarata is a noctuid moth species found in North America. The common name 'Camphorweed Owlet' references its association with camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris), a known host plant for larvae of this genus. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The species belongs to the subfamily Cuculliinae, a group whose larvae typically feed on the flowers and seeds of Asteraceae.
Cucullia laetifica
Rabbitbush Hooded Owlet
Cucullia laetifica is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Lintner in 1875. It is commonly known as the Rabbitbush Hooded Owlet. The species occurs in North America and is one of approximately 100 species in the genus Cucullia. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 10191.
Dejongia californicus
Gumweed Plume Moth
Dejongia californicus is a small plume moth (family Pterophoridae) known as the Gumweed Plume Moth. It occurs in western and southeastern North America. The wingspan ranges from 14–26 mm. Larvae feed on Asteraceae species, particularly Isocoma veneta and Grindelia species. The moth was described by Walsingham in 1880.
Dichomeris juncidella
Orange-dotted Dichomeris Moth
Dichomeris juncidella is a small gelechiid moth with distinctive orange spotting on dark brown forewings. It occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active from spring through fall. The species was described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860.
Dichomeris nonstrigella
Little Devil Moth, little devil
Dichomeris nonstrigella, commonly known as the Little Devil Moth, is a small gelechiid moth described by V.T. Chambers in 1878. It occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active in late spring and early summer. The species is notable for its specialized larval association with a single plant host.
Dichomeris ochripalpella
Shining Dichomeris Moth
A small gelechiid moth found in eastern North America. Adults are recognized by distinctive steel-blue metallic markings on deep brown forewings. The species was described by Zeller in 1873. Larvae are known to feed on plants in the Asteraceae family.
Dichomeris stipendiaria
A small gelechiid moth described by Annette Frances Braun in 1925. Adults have a wingspan of 17–18 mm and are active in mid-summer. Larvae feed on several genera of Asteraceae, including goldenrods and fleabanes. The species is restricted to western North America.
Dichrorampha sedatana
Dingy Drill
Dichrorampha sedatana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 12–16 mm. Adults are active from April to June, with one generation per year. The larvae are root feeders, specializing on Asteraceae hosts including Tanacetum vulgare and related species. The species is widespread across Europe and occupies rough meadows and wayside habitats.
Epicauta pensylvanica
black blister beetle, black aster bug
Epicauta pensylvanica is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the black blister beetle or black aster bug. The species is characterized by its predominantly black coloration and is known to contain the defensive compound cantharidin, which can cause skin blistering upon contact. Adults are typically found on flowers of plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae). The species occurs across North America and has been documented as a pest of soybean foliage in agricultural settings.
Exema dispar
warty leaf beetle
Exema dispar is a species of warty leaf beetle in the tribe Chlamisini, known for remarkable mimicry of caterpillar frass. Adults are small (2–3 mm), compact beetles with a rough, warty exoskeleton that closely resembles the size, shape, texture, and coloration of lepidopteran larval droppings. When disturbed, the beetle retracts its head and folds legs and antennae into precisely matched grooves, eliminating any visible beetle-like features. This species has been observed on Asteraceae plants including gray-headed coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) and sweet coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa).
Exema elliptica
warty leaf beetle
Exema elliptica is a species of warty leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Karren in 1966. It belongs to the tribe Chlamisini, commonly known as warty leaf beetles, which are characterized by their remarkable feces-mimicry defense. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its biology and host associations remain poorly documented.
Exema gibber
warty leaf beetle
Exema gibber is a species of warty leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to North America. As a member of the tribe Chlamisini, it exhibits remarkable frass-mimicry camouflage, retracting its head, legs, and antennae into body grooves when disturbed to resemble caterpillar droppings. The species measures approximately 2–3 mm in length and has been observed feeding on Asteraceae plants, including gray-headed coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) and sweet coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa).
Heliolonche pictipennis
Red-lined Moth
Heliolonche pictipennis, commonly known as the Red-lined Moth, is a small noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1875. It is native to western North America, with documented occurrences in California and Arizona. The species has a wingspan of 16–17 mm. Larvae are known to feed on specific host plants including Malacothrix glabrata and Rafinesquia neomexicana.
Hellinsia balanotes
Baccharis Borer
Hellinsia balanotes is a plume moth (Pterophoridae) commonly known as the baccharis borer. It is native to the Americas from the United States through Central America, and has been introduced to Australia as a biological control agent for the invasive shrub Baccharis halimifolia. The species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1908.
Hellinsia longifrons
Snout Plume Moth
Hellinsia longifrons is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, commonly known as the Snout Plume Moth. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have a wingspan of 25–28 mm and display distinctive gray-brown coloration with white markings on the thorax and abdomen. The species is associated with the host plant Acourtia microcephala.
Hellinsia pectodactylus
Eurasian Straw-colored Plume Moth
Hellinsia pectodactylus is a plume moth species with a remarkably wide distribution spanning Eurasia and North America. The species has a wingspan of 19–20 mm. Larvae feed on specific host plants in the Asteraceae family, including goldenrods and related species.
Hesperotettix pacificus
Pacific Bush Grasshopper
Hesperotettix pacificus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Scudder in 1897. It is endemic to western North America, with records primarily from California. The species is part of a genus known for specialized feeding habits on composite plants. Two subspecies are recognized: H. p. pacificus and H. p. capillatus.
Hesperotettix speciosus
Showy Grasshopper, Handsome Purple-striped Grasshopper, Western Green Grasshopper
Hesperotettix speciosus is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species is broadly distributed across the Great Plains of North America, with a notable disjunct population discovered in the Black Belt Prairie of Alabama representing a significant eastward range extension. It is characterized by bright purplish-red striping and relatively short wings that limit dispersal capability.
Hesperotettix viridis pratensis
Purple-striped Grasshopper
A subspecies of the snakeweed grasshopper, Hesperotettix viridis pratensis is a spurthroated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It occurs in grasslands and prairie habitats where its host plants grow. The subspecies is distinguished from the nominate form by geographic distribution and subtle morphological differences. It is one of several subspecies within the H. viridis complex.
Isophrictis magnella
Isophrictis magnella is a gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1903. It is recorded across a broad North American range spanning from California to Ontario and Tennessee. The species is associated with the host plant Hazardia squarrosa, on which its larvae feed. Adults are small moths with distinctive wing patterning featuring yellowish gray forewings marked by black spots, dashes, and white marginal lines.
Isophrictis striatella
white-border neb
Isophrictis striatella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of approximately 12 mm. It has a broad distribution across most of Europe, Turkey, and North America. Adults are active from mid-June through September. The larvae feed on specific host plants in the Asteraceae family.
Lioptilodes albistriolatus
Mousy Plume Moth
Lioptilodes albistriolatus is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, commonly known as the Mousy Plume Moth. It has a broad distribution across the Americas, ranging from Argentina to the southwestern United States, and has been introduced to Hawaii. The species is notable for its larvae that feed internally on the flower heads of Asteraceae plants.
Megalocoleus molliculus
A plant bug in the family Miridae that feeds primarily on yarrow and related Asteraceae. Adults are active in mid to late summer. The species has a wide distribution across the Palearctic and has been introduced to North America.
Microrhopala excavata
Microrhopala excavata is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae (formerly Hispinae). Adults measure 4–5.6 mm (males) and 4.6–6.6 mm (females). The species exhibits metallic coloration, with adults appearing black, metallic green, blue, or purple. It is broadly distributed across North America, with two recognized subspecies showing partially overlapping ranges. The species has been recorded feeding on several Asteraceae host plants.
Neocochylis dubitana
Little Conch
Neocochylis dubitana, commonly known as the Little Conch, is a small tortricid moth native to the Palearctic region with introduced populations in North America. The species was originally described by Hübner in 1799 as Tortrix dubitana and has undergone several taxonomic revisions, most recently transferred from Cochylis to Neocochylis. It is a relatively well-documented species with over 800 observations on iNaturalist, reflecting both its actual abundance and the ease of identification among conch moths. The moth is associated with open habitats where its larval host plants occur.
Oidaematophorus occidentalis
Western Plume Moth
A plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, found in western North America from Alberta and British Columbia south to Arizona and Utah. The species exhibits considerable color variation but generally displays creamy white to dull tawny-brown coloration with characteristic brown markings on the forewings. The wingspan ranges from 26–29 mm. Larvae feed on Aster, Grindelia, and Helianthus species.
Orthocephalus saltator
jumping plant bug
Orthocephalus saltator is a Palearctic plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the jumping plant bug. It has an unusually broad distribution spanning Europe, North Africa, and parts of North America. The species is specialized in its feeding habits, primarily consuming plants in the Asteraceae and Poaceae families.
Paraplatyptilia auriga
False Foxglove Plume Moth
Paraplatyptilia auriga is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, described in 1921 by Barnes and Lindsey. It is restricted to eastern North America and is associated with false foxglove (Gerardia) and other Asteraceae hosts. The species is one of approximately 38 observation records on iNaturalist, suggesting it is not frequently encountered.
Phyciodes
crescents, crescent spots
Phyciodes is a genus of butterflies in the brush-footed family Nymphalidae, commonly known as crescents or crescent spots. These small to medium-sized butterflies are characterized by orange and black wing patterns with distinctive crescent-shaped markings on the hindwings. The genus includes approximately 20 species distributed across North America, with larvae that typically feed on plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly asters and thistles. Several species have experienced regional population declines attributed to climate change and pesticide use.
Phyciodes cocyta
northern crescent
Phyciodes cocyta, the northern crescent, is a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is distributed across the Nearctic realm, particularly in northern North America. The species has a wingspan of 32–38 mm and is active during summer months. Adults feed on nectar from specific flowering plants, while larvae specialize on Asteraceae species.
Phyciodes pulchella
Field Crescent
Phyciodes pulchella, commonly known as the field crescent, is a small butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found across the Nearctic realm, with a wingspan of 24–36 mm. The species is active from May to August in Canada. Multiple subspecies have been described, reflecting geographic variation across its range.
Ponometia candefacta
Olive-shaded Bird-dropping Moth
Ponometia candefacta, commonly known as the olive-shaded bird-dropping moth, is a small noctuid moth native to North America. It has been deliberately introduced to Russia as a biological control agent for common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). The species inhabits dry, disturbed, weedy areas at low elevations and is active during summer months.
Prolita variabilis
Prolita variabilis is a gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1903. It is distributed across western and central North America, with records from California to Saskatchewan. The species exhibits distinctive wing patterning with conspicuous black longitudinal lines on the forewings. Larvae feed on Ericameria linearifolia, a shrub in the Asteraceae family.