Black-locust
Guides
Chrysaster ostensackenella
A small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, native to eastern North America and recently established as an invasive pest in East Asia, Europe, and Russia. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 4–5 mm. Larvae feed exclusively on Robinia species, creating distinctive blotch mines on leaves. The species has spread rapidly through human-mediated transport of host plants and is expected to expand further in regions where black locust is planted.
Odontota dorsalis
locust leaf miner, locust leafminer
Odontota dorsalis, commonly known as the locust leaf miner, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America and feeds primarily on black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and related species in the Fabaceae family. The beetle is known for producing distinctive 'scorched' damage on host trees, caused by both adult skeletonization and larval leaf mining. Two generations occur annually in most of its range.
Parectopa
A genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae. Species are leaf miners, with larvae feeding internally on host plant foliage. The genus includes approximately 40 described species distributed across multiple continents. Several species have become invasive pests, notably Parectopa robiniella on black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) in Europe.
Vanduzea arquata
black locust treehopper
Vanduzea arquata, commonly known as the black locust treehopper, is a North American treehopper species in the family Membracidae. It is strongly associated with black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and related Robinia species, with females laying eggs in tree buds. Nymphs have been documented using abandoned cavities of the locust twig borer. The species is attended by ants, including Formica subsericea, which tend the treehoppers for honeydew.