Biocontrol-candidate
Guides
Acallepitrix
flea beetles
Acallepitrix is a genus of flea beetles (subfamily Alticinae) in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae, established by J. Bechyné in 1956. The genus contains more than 20 described species distributed across the Neotropics, Central America, and North America. At least one undescribed species has been studied as a candidate biological control agent for invasive Solanum weeds.
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.
Frumenta nundinella
Mottled Twirler
Frumenta nundinella is a gelechiid moth with two generations per year in temperate North America. It is an obligate specialist on Solanum carolinense (horsenettle), with larvae inducing characteristic leaf shelters in the first generation and feeding within fruits in the second generation. The species is notable for inducing parthenocarpic fruit development in its host, creating galls within which larvae complete development. Adults overwinter and emerge to oviposit on new shoot tips in late spring.
Phycitodes mucidella
White-edged Phycitodes Moth
Phycitodes mucidella is a small pyralid moth known as the White-edged Phycitodes Moth. It belongs to the subfamily Phycitinae, a group commonly referred to as knot-horn moths due to their elongated labial palps. The species is widespread across Europe and has been introduced to North America. It is frequently recorded and relatively well-documented for a pyralid moth of its size.