Birch
Guides
Acleris caliginosana
Acleris caliginosana is a tortricid moth species native to North America. It has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning Canada and the United States. The species is associated with deciduous trees in the genera Alnus and Betula.
Acronicta betulae
birch dagger moth, River Birch Dagger
Acronicta betulae, commonly known as the birch dagger moth or River Birch Dagger, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are characterized by a distinctive wing appearance described as resembling two layers on the forewings. The species exhibits bivoltine flight periods in spring and late summer. Larvae are specialized feeders on birch leaves, with Betula nigra (river birch) documented as a primary host.
Arge pectoralis
Birch Sawfly
Arge pectoralis, commonly known as the birch sawfly, is a species of argid sawfly in the family Argidae. It is present in North America, with distribution records from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. As a member of the Argidae family, it belongs to a group of sawflies characterized by their distinctive biology and host plant associations.
Betulapion simile
Birch Catkin Weevil
Betulapion simile is a small weevil species in the family Brentidae, commonly known as the Birch Catkin Weevil. The species was originally described as Apion simile by Kirby in 1811 and later transferred to the genus Betulapion. It is associated with birch trees (Betula species), where adults and larvae develop in catkins. The species has been recorded from multiple European countries including Belgium and Norway.
Calaphis
Dark-veined Birch Aphids
Calaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Benjamin Dann Walsh in 1862. Members are commonly known as Dark-veined Birch Aphids. The genus occurs in Eurasia and North America, with species associated primarily with birch (Betula) hosts. At least three species are recognized, including C. betulicola, C. flava, and C. manitobensis.
Calaphis betulaecolens
Common American Birch Aphid
Calaphis betulaecolens, known as the Common American Birch Aphid, is an aphid species in the family Aphididae. It is associated with birch trees (Betula species), as indicated by its specific epithet. The species was first described by Fitch in 1851 and is native to North America. It belongs to the subfamily Calaphidinae, a group specialized on woody hosts in the birch family.
Calaphis betulella
Streaked River Birch Aphid
Calaphis betulella is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Streaked River Birch Aphid. It belongs to the subfamily Calaphidinae and tribe Calaphidini. The species was described by Walsh in 1863. As a member of the genus Calaphis, it is associated with birch host plants.
Calaphis flava
Yellow Dark-veined Birch Aphid
Calaphis flava is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Mordvilko in 1928. It is commonly known as the Yellow Dark-veined Birch Aphid. The species has been recorded in parts of Europe including Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Azores (São Miguel). As a member of the genus Calaphis, it is associated with birch (Betula) host plants, though specific host records for this species are limited in the available sources.
Callipterinella calliptera
Black-banded Birch Aphid
Callipterinella calliptera is an aphid species commonly known as the Black-banded Birch Aphid. It belongs to the family Aphididae and is associated with birch trees (Betula species). The species has been documented in parts of northwestern Europe including Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. It is a relatively infrequently recorded species with limited published ecological data.
Cameraria betulivora
Cameraria betulivora is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 7 mm. The species is restricted to eastern North America, where its larvae feed exclusively on Betula (birch) species.
Corythucha pallipes
Birch Lace Bug
Corythucha pallipes, known as the birch lace bug, is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae. It is found across North America. As a member of the lace bug family, it possesses the characteristic reticulated, lace-like wing covers that give these insects their common name. The species is associated with birch trees, though specific ecological details remain limited in available sources.
Deporaus
leaf and bud weevils, leaf-rolling weevils
Deporaus is a genus of leaf and bud weevils in the family Attelabidae, containing over 200 described species. Species in this genus exhibit characteristic leaf-rolling behavior, where females cut and roll leaf blades to create protective structures for egg laying and larval development. The genus shows considerable host plant diversity, with species associated with temperate deciduous trees (birch, hornbeam, hazel) and tropical/subtropical fruit trees (mango, cashew). Larvae typically develop within leaf rolls or excavated leaf cavities, then pupate in soil.
Dryocoetes betulae
birch bark beetle
Dryocoetes betulae is a bark beetle in the weevil family Curculionidae, commonly known as the birch bark beetle. It is a secondary colonizer that specializes in weakened, dying, or dead birch trees rather than attacking healthy hosts. The species has been documented in paper birch forests of northern Idaho and across North America from Alberta to Newfoundland.
Elasmostethus interstinctus
Birch Shield Bug
Elasmostethus interstinctus, commonly known as the birch shield bug, is a shield bug in the family Acanthosomatidae with a Holarctic distribution across Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. Adults measure 8–11.5 mm and display distinctive bright yellow-green and red coloration. The species is univoltine, with adults overwintering in leaf litter and emerging in spring to reproduce on birch and other host plants.
Enargia decolor
Pale Enargia, Aspen Twoleaf Tier Moth
A noctuid moth with boreal-transcontinental distribution across North America, primarily associated with trembling aspen and related poplar species. Adults are active in late summer, with larvae capable of reaching outbreak densities that cause extensive defoliation of host stands. The species shows a disjunct western distribution pattern that may represent cryptic diversity.
Epinotia solandriana
Birch Leafroller Moth
Epinotia solandriana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 16–21 mm, distributed across Europe, Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Russia), and North America. Adults fly from July to September and show considerable variation in forewing coloration and pattern. Larvae are specialized leaf rollers on birch, hazel, and willow, folding leaves to create shelters while feeding.
Epinotia solicitana
Birch Shootworm Moth
Epinotia solicitana is a small tortricid moth commonly known as the Birch Shootworm Moth. The species is recognized for its association with birch trees as a larval host, with larvae feeding internally on shoots and causing characteristic damage. Adults are typically active during summer months across northern North America. The species has been documented from Alberta, Manitoba, and Vermont, with additional records likely across the broader boreal and northern temperate regions of the continent.
Epinotia trigonella
Birch Epinotia Moth
A small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 16–21 mm, found across Europe, the eastern Palearctic, and North America. Adults are active in late summer. The species is tightly associated with birch, with larvae feeding within folded or spun leaves.
Eriocrania
Birch leaf-mining moths
Eriocrania is a Palearctic genus of small, diurnal leaf-mining moths in the family Eriocraniidae. Adults are active in early spring (March–May), flying in sunshine around host trees. Larvae are specialized miners of birch leaves (Betula spp.), forming large blotch mines with distinctive frass patterns. The genus exhibits pronounced population fluctuations between years and has been extensively studied for its ecological interactions, including competition with other leaf-miners and responses to environmental stressors such as urbanization and pollution.
Eriophyes betulae
Birch gall mite
Eriophyes betulae is a gall-forming eriophyid mite that induces characteristic galls on birch trees (Betula species). The mite is microscopic, worm-like in body form with only two pairs of legs—diagnostic features of the Eriophyidae family. It has been documented in Denmark and other parts of Europe. Like other eriophyid mites, it feeds on plant tissues and manipulates host growth to create sheltered feeding structures.
Erythridula noeva
Erythridula noeva is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, originally described as Typhlocyba obliqua var. noevus by Gillette in 1898. It belongs to the subgenus Erythridula within the larger genus Erythroneura. The species has been documented on birch hosts in New Brunswick, Canada, where it exhibits similar seasonal histories and habits to other Erythridula species but differs in host relationships and ecology. It is one of five Erythridula species studied from birch in that region.
Euceraphis papyrifericola
Paper Birch Aphid
A host-specific aphid species described in 2002, distinguished from close relatives by morphometric differences and karyotype. Restricted to paper birch (Betula papyrifera). Part of a cryptic species complex previously grouped under E. betulae.
Euceraphis punctipennis
downy birch aphid, European birch aphid
Euceraphis punctipennis is a small green aphid species that feeds exclusively on downy birch (Betula pubescens). Adults are pale green with bluish wax particles, membranous wings, and long legs. The species reproduces parthenogenetically during spring and summer, with all adults being female. Population dynamics correlate with seasonal changes in host tree sap nutritional quality.
Euura poecilonota
Marbled Birch Nematine
Euura poecilonota is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the Marbled Birch Nematine. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Euura, which comprises numerous species associated with willows and other woody plants. The species was originally described by Zaddach in 1876 under the name Nematus poecilonotus. Like other nematine sawflies, this species is likely associated with birch (Betula) as a host plant, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Fenusa pumila
birch leafminer, Birch Leafminer Sawfly
Fenusa pumila is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the birch leafminer. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America where it has become established. The species is a specialist leaf-mining herbivore on birch trees, with larvae feeding internally within leaf tissue. In North America, populations may complete two to four generations annually, with adult emergence triggered by accumulated growing degree-days.
Fenusella nana
Early Birch Leaf Edgeminer
Fenusella nana is a Palearctic sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae. It occurs throughout the British Isles and has been recorded across continental Europe including Belgium. The species is commonly known as the Early Birch Leaf Edgeminer, indicating its association with birch foliage. As a member of the subfamily Fenusinae, it exhibits the typical sawfly characteristic of a broad connection between the thorax and abdomen, lacking the narrow 'wasp waist' of Apocrita.
Hamamelistes
Spiny Witch-Hazel Gall Aphid (for H. spinosus), Birch Blister Aphid (for H. betulinus)
Hamamelistes is a genus of gall-forming aphids in the tribe Hormaphidini, distributed disjunctly in eastern North America and Eurasia. Species in this genus induce pouch galls on host plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, particularly witch-hazel (Hamamelis spp.). Most species have host-alternating life cycles involving Hamamelis and birch (Betula spp.), though at least one species is presumed monoecious. The genus includes three described species: H. betulinus, H. cristafoliae, and H. spinosus, plus the recently described H. blackmani.
Heterarthrus nemoratus
Late Birch Leaf Edgeminer Sawfly
Heterarthrus nemoratus is a Palearctic sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae. The larvae are specialized leaf-miners that feed on birch leaves (Betula species), creating distinctive mines along leaf edges. Adults are active during late spring and summer. The species has been introduced to North America, where established populations occur in Canada.
Hormaphis hamamelidis
Witch-hazel Cone Gall Aphid
Hormaphis hamamelidis is a gall-forming aphid that induces distinctive red, cone-shaped galls on witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) leaves. The species exhibits host alternation, with sexual reproduction and gall formation on witch-hazel in spring, followed by migration to birch (Betula) for parthenogenetic summer generations, and return migration to witch-hazel in autumn. Founding females (fundatrices) actively manipulate host plant phenolic metabolism, increasing condensed tannins and decreasing hydrolyzable tannins within galls to enhance their own reproductive success. Gall size, determined largely by fundatrix manipulation of plant growth, is the primary predictor of fundatrix fecundity rather than leaf position or plant vigor per se.
Isochnus flagellum
Isochnus flagellum is a small weevil in the family Curculionidae, tribe Rhamphini. The species was originally described as Orchestes flagellum by Erichson in 1902. It is known from high-latitude regions of North America including Alaska, Yukon Territory, and Northwest Territories. As a member of the genus Isochnus, it belongs to a group of leaf-mining weevils associated with birch and alder foliage.
Kleidocerys
seed bugs, birch catkin bugs
Kleidocerys is a genus of seed bugs in the family Lygaeidae, comprising approximately 16-17 described species. These small true bugs are primarily associated with woody plants, particularly birch and cypress species, where they specialize on seeds. The genus is notable for its narrow host associations with specific tree taxa.
Kleidocerys resedae
birch catkin bug
Kleidocerys resedae, commonly known as the birch catkin bug, is a small seed bug in the family Lygaeidae. It has a Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. The species is associated with birch and ericaceous shrubs, where it feeds on developing seeds and reproductive structures. Populations in Maine, USA, exhibit a bivoltine life cycle with adults overwintering in leaf litter.
Leucobrephos brephoides
Scarce Infant Moth
Leucobrephos brephoides is a small geometrid moth known as the scarce infant moth. It is one of the earliest moths to appear in spring, with adults active from March through May. The species is restricted to North American boreal and montane forests, where its larvae feed on several deciduous tree species including aspen and birch.
Monaphis
Monaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Walker in 1870. The genus belongs to the tribe Calaphidini within the subfamily Calaphidinae. Species in this genus are associated with birch trees (Betula spp.) as host plants. The genus is distributed across northern Europe and parts of Asia.
Monaphis antennata
Solitary Birch Aphid
Monaphis antennata is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Solitary Birch Aphid. It is a specialist feeder on birch trees (Betula spp.) and is distinguished from most other aphids by its solitary rather than colonial lifestyle. The species was described by Kaltenbach in 1843 and occurs across parts of Europe.
Parornix vicinella
Parornix vicinella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. Its larvae feed on yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) and gray birch (Betula flava), creating distinctive mines in the leaves. The species is known from the northeastern United States and adjacent Canadian provinces.
Phratora hudsonia
birch leaf beetle
Phratora hudsonia is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the birch leaf beetle. It is found in North America, with documented populations in Ontario, Canada, as well as Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species feeds exclusively on birch leaves and has been the subject of biological study focusing on its seasonal occurrence, habits, and immature stages.
Phylloporia bistrigella
Striped Bright
A small moth in the family Incurvariidae with a wingspan of 7–9 mm. Recognizable by two whitish fasciae on the forewings. The larvae are leaf miners on birch species.
Sparganothis praecana
Sparganothis praecana is a tortricid moth with a transcontinental distribution spanning northern Europe and western North America. Adults are active during summer months in northern Europe. The species has been documented feeding on birch, blueberry, and rhododendron as larvae. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and S. p. habeleri restricted to the Austrian Alps.
Stigmella lapponica
Stigmella lapponica is a minute moth in the family Nepticulidae, described by Maximilian Ferdinand Wocke in 1862 from northern Norway. The species is notable for its leaf-mining larvae that feed exclusively on birch leaves, creating distinctive slender galleries. Adults are active in May with a single generation per year, though partial second broods have been suggested. The moth occurs across the Holarctic region, including Europe, Asia, and North America.
Symydobius americanus
Dark birch aphid
Symydobius americanus is a small aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the dark birch aphid. It is specifically associated with birch trees (Betula species), particularly paper birch (Betula papyrifera). The species has been studied in the context of plant-mediated interactions between leaf-chewing herbivores and phloem-feeding insects, with research showing that prior caterpillar damage to host leaves does not significantly affect aphid colony performance.
Thyraylia nana
Birch Conch
Thyraylia nana is a small tortricid moth commonly known as the Birch Conch. First described by Haworth in 1811, this species occurs across Europe, extends into the Amur Oblast of Russia, and has been recorded in Nova Scotia, Canada. The species is associated with birch host plants, reflecting its common name.
Trichiosoma triangulum
Giant Birch Sawfly
A large sawfly in the family Cimbicidae, found in association with willow and birch habitats. Females deposit eggs into leaves, and the larvae are caterpillar-like herbivores that feed on foliage. Adults are active during summer months and are often observed on vegetation.
Xylotrechus quadrimaculatus
birch and beech girdler
Xylotrechus quadrimaculatus is a longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Haldeman in 1847. It is commonly known as the birch and beech girdler, indicating its association with these host trees. The species occurs in eastern North America, with documented records from Canada and the United States.