Atriplex
Guides
Aeoloplides
Saltbush Grasshoppers
Aeoloplides is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers comprising approximately nine described species. Members are commonly known as saltbush grasshoppers, reflecting their documented association with saltbush-dominated habitats. The genus belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae within family Acrididae. Species within this genus occur in western North America, with records from Colorado, Wyoming, and surrounding states.
Amannus
Amannus is a small genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Trachyderini. The genus contains three recognized species: Amannus atriplicis (Texas), A. pectoralis, and A. vittiger. Amannus atriplicis has been documented developing as larvae in living branches of Atriplex canescens (fourwinged saltbush), with adults emerging from pupal cells within the host plant tissue. The genus is poorly studied, with limited information available on most species.
Asphondylia atriplicicola
Saltbush Blister Gall Midge
Asphondylia atriplicicola is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces blister galls on saltbush (Atriplex species). Like other members of the genus Asphondylia, this species manipulates host plant tissue to form protective galls within which its larvae develop. The specific epithet 'atriplicicola' directly references its association with Atriplex, the saltbush genus. The genus Asphondylia is notable for inducing galls on diverse host plants, with different species specializing on particular plant taxa including holly, creosote, and saltbush.
Asphondylia atriplicis
Tumor Stem Gall Midge
Asphondylia atriplicis is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive tumor-like stem galls on plants in the genus Atriplex (saltbushes). Like other Asphondylia species, the adult female deposits eggs into host plant tissue, and the developing larva stimulates the plant to form a protective gall structure that provides both shelter and nutrition. The specific epithet 'atriplicis' indicates its association with Atriplex hosts. The genus Asphondylia is notable for inducing galls on diverse plant families and for often harboring symbiotic fungi that may assist in gall formation or nutrition.
Asphondylia floccosa
woolly stem gall midge, Saltbush Woolly Stem Gall Midge
Asphondylia floccosa is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive woolly stem galls on Atriplex polycarpa. The larvae develop within multi-chambered galls but do not consume plant tissue directly—instead feeding on fungi that grow inside the gall structure. This species was first described by Raymond Gagne in 1986 and is known from the southwestern United States.
Asphondylia neomexicana
Fourwing Saltbush Woolly Gall Midge
Asphondylia neomexicana is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Cockerell in 1896. Like other members of its genus, this species induces distinctive woolly galls on host plants. The genus Asphondylia is notable for containing numerous species that manipulate plant growth to form protective structures for their developing larvae. Based on its specific epithet and the common name "Fourwing Saltbush Woolly Gall Midge," this species appears associated with fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) or related Atriplex species in arid western North American habitats.
Hesperopsis libya
Mojave sootywing, Mohave sootywing, Great Basin sootywing, Lena sooty wing
A small skipper butterfly of the family Hesperiidae, found in arid regions of western North America. Adults have a wingspan of 22–32 mm and exhibit variable flight periods depending on latitude, with multiple generations in southern California and single generations in northern parts of the range. The species is tightly associated with saltbush (Atriplex) host plants in alkaline desert environments.
Lasiopterini
Lasiopterini is a tribe of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) whose larvae induce galls on host plants. Species in this tribe have documented associations with Chenopodiaceae, particularly Atriplex species in southern California. The tribe is classified within the subfamily Cecidomyiinae. Specific biological details remain incompletely documented for many member species.
Monoxia
Monoxia is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Galerucinae. The genus contains approximately 16-18 described species distributed in North America and the Neotropics. At least one species, Monoxia obesula, has become invasive in Europe and North Africa. Members of this genus are associated with host plants in the family Amaranthaceae, particularly Atriplex and Chenopodium species.
Ophiomyia atriplicis
Ophiomyia atriplicis is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1984. As a member of the genus Ophiomyia, it likely produces internal stem or leaf mines on host plants. The specific epithet 'atriplicis' indicates an association with Atriplex (saltbush), though direct host records require verification. It is a poorly documented species with limited published biological data.
Orthotylus flavosparsus
Orthotylus flavosparsus is a small plant-feeding mirid bug native to Europe, where it occurs widely except in Albania and Iceland. The species has been introduced to North America and has established populations there. Adults are approximately 4 mm in length and green in coloration. It is associated with oraches (Atriplex) and chenopods (Chenopodium), which serve as its primary host plants.