Brassicaceae
Guides
Anthocharis sara sempervirens
Sara Orange-Tip
Anthocharis sara sempervirens is a subspecies of the Sara Orange-Tip butterfly, first described in 2008. It belongs to the family Pieridae, which includes the whites and sulphurs. The subspecies epithet "sempervirens" (meaning "evergreen") references the coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests with which this butterfly is associated. Like other orange-tips, males display distinctive orange coloration on the forewing tips.
Anthocharis thoosa inghami
Ingham's Orangetip
Anthocharis thoosa inghami is a subspecies of orangetip butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is one of several recognized subspecies of Anthocharis thoosa, a species complex distributed across western North America. Like other orangetips, adults are active in early spring and are associated with specific larval host plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The subspecies epithet 'inghami' honors a collector or researcher, following standard entomological naming conventions.
Aulacobaris
Aulacobaris is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae. The genus includes species associated with plants in the Brassicaceae family. Aulacobaris fallax has been studied as a potential biological control agent for dyer's woad (Isatis tinctoria) in North America, though host specificity testing revealed significant non-target risks.
Aulacobaris lepidii
Imported Crucifer Weevil
Aulacobaris lepidii, commonly known as the Imported Crucifer Weevil, is a small weevil species in the family Curculionidae. It has been introduced to North America from Europe and is associated with plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The species is part of a genus whose members are often recognized as seed-feeding weevils of economic concern.
Brassicogethes
pollen beetles
Brassicogethes is a genus of pollen beetles in the family Nitidulidae, subfamily Meligethinae. Species in this genus are primarily associated with Brassicaceae plants, with several species recognized as significant agricultural pests of oilseed rape (canola). The most economically important species is Brassicogethes aeneus, which causes substantial yield losses in oilseed rape crops across Europe. The genus was established in 2009, with species previously classified under Meligethes.
Brassicogethes aeneus dauricus
Brassicogethes aeneus dauricus is a subspecies of pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae. The nominate form, B. aeneus, is a significant agricultural pest of oilseed rape and other Brassicaceae crops across Europe and Asia. The subspecies dauricus is associated with the Daurian region of Transbaikalia in eastern Russia. Like other members of the genus, it is likely adapted to temperate climates with phenology tied to flowering periods of its host plants.
Brevicoryne
Brevicoryne is a genus of aphids (family Aphididae) comprising approximately 10 described species, several of which are significant agricultural pests. The most economically important species, Brevicoryne brassicae (cabbage aphid), infests crops in the Brassicaceae family worldwide. Members of this genus are characterized by their association with cruciferous host plants and are known vectors of plant viruses including Turnip mosaic virus and Cauliflower mosaic virus.
Ceutorhynchinae
Minute Seed Weevils
Ceutorhynchinae is a large subfamily of minute seed weevils within Curculionidae, comprising over 150 genera and more than 1,000 described species worldwide. The subfamily is predominantly phytophagous and exhibits strong associations with Brassicaceae, though host plant relationships vary across genera. The genus Ceutorhynchus is particularly diverse and includes significant agricultural pests such as the cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus), as well as species with potential for biological control of weeds. The subfamily shows highest diversity in the Holarctic region, especially the Palaearctic.
Ceutorhynchus
Ceutorhynchus is a large genus of true weevils comprising at least 400 described species. The genus is notable for its association with brassicaceous plants, with many species acting as stem miners or seedpod parasites. Several species are significant agricultural pests of oilseed rape, including C. napi, C. pallidactylus, and C. obstrictus. At least one species, C. succinus, is known from Eocene Baltic amber, indicating an ancient evolutionary history.
Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus
Cabbage Stem Weevil
Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus, commonly known as the cabbage stem weevil, is a stem-mining weevil native to Europe and a significant pest of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in northern and central Europe. The species has been introduced to North America, with established populations in Nova Scotia, Canada. Larvae mine within plant stems, causing damage that requires regular control measures in agricultural systems. The species exhibits complex ecological interactions, including competitive relationships with congeneric species and parasitism by larval endoparasitoids.
Diplotaxis
wall-rocket
Diplotaxis is a genus of 32–34 species of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae, native to Europe, the Mediterranean region, and Macaronesia. Species diversity is highest in the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, and the Cape Verde archipelago. The genus includes annual and perennial herbs or sub-shrubs with yellow flowers in most species, though D. erucoides bears white flowers. Several species, including D. tenuifolia and D. muralis, are cultivated or occur as introduced weeds.
Euchloe hyantis
pearly marble, pearly marblewing, California marble
A small Pieridae butterfly of western North America with distinctive marbled underwings. Adults fly in spring and early summer, with one generation annually. Males exhibit hilltopping behavior along ridgelines. The species has been documented feeding on Brassicaceae flowers and fruits, particularly Streptanthus species. Chrysalids overwinter.
Lipaphis pseudobrassicae
Turnip Aphid
Lipaphis pseudobrassicae, commonly known as the turnip aphid, is a Brassicaceae-specialist aphid and significant agricultural pest. It exhibits high biotic potential with rapid population growth rates on host plants. The species shows better adaptation to high temperatures than some congeners, suggesting increasing relevance in warmer growing seasons and regions. It is a target for integrated pest management strategies and biological control programs.
Liriomyza brassicae
Cabbage leafminer, Serpentine leaf miner
Liriomyza brassicae is a leaf-mining agromyzid fly whose larvae create serpentine mines within the leaves of host plants. The species is a documented pest of brassicaceous crops including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Chinese broccoli. It has been recorded from South Florida and other regions of the United States including Vermont, Hawaii, and the conterminous 48 states.
Microtheca ochroloma
Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle, Yellowmargined Leaf Beetle
Microtheca ochroloma is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to South America and adventive in North America. It is a significant agricultural pest of cruciferous crops, with documented populations in the southeastern United States. Development from egg to adult takes approximately 17–57 days depending on temperature, with optimal survival around 20–25°C. The species exhibits strong host preferences, favoring turnip and mustard while showing least preference for collard and cabbage.
Murgantia
Murgantia is a genus of shield bugs (family Pentatomidae, tribe Pentatomini) comprising approximately six described species. The genus is best known for Murgantia histrionica, commonly called the harlequin bug, a significant agricultural pest of cruciferous crops in North America. Species in this genus exhibit bright aposematic coloration—typically combinations of orange, black, and yellow—and possess chemical defense mechanisms derived from host plant compounds. Research on M. histrionica has established it as a laboratory model for studying developmental plasticity, thermal melanism, and gene expression patterns in hemimetabolous insects.
Pemphigus populitransversus
poplar petiole gall aphid, cabbage root aphid
Pemphigus populitransversus is a gall-forming aphid that induces distinctive fleshy galls on the petioles of poplar leaves. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving alternation between primary hosts (Populus species) and secondary hosts in the Brassicaceae family. On poplars, females induce green or red galls up to 14 mm in diameter at leaf bases, where they lay eggs; a slit in the gall allows aphid exit. On Brassica hosts, the aphid forms root galls. Adults are small (1.6–2.6 mm) and morphologically distinct from other aphids in lacking abdominal cornicles and having relatively short antennae and legs.
Phyllotreta
flea beetles
Phyllotreta is a cosmopolitan genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Alticini) comprising at least 300 described species worldwide. Species are almost exclusively associated with host plants in Brassicaceae and related families in the order Brassicales, with 18% of species feeding on multiple families within this order. Many species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of crucifer crops including canola, cabbage, and turnip. The genus has independently colonised Brassicaceae and exhibits adaptations to the characteristic chemical defences (glucosinolates) of these host plants.
Phyllotreta striolata
Striped Flea Beetle, Turnip Flea Beetle
Phyllotreta striolata is a small flea beetle (1.5–2.5 mm) in the family Chrysomelidae, native to Eurasia and now distributed worldwide. It is a major pest of Brassicaceae crops, causing substantial yield losses through adult feeding on aboveground plant parts and larval feeding on roots. The species exhibits strong positive phototaxis with peak sensitivity to blue wavelengths (350–430 nm). It has been recorded from diverse habitats including open prairie, boreal forest, and agricultural systems across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Phyllotreta undulata
small striped flea beetle, turnip flea beetle, Small Striped Flea-beetle
Phyllotreta undulata is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the small striped flea beetle or turnip flea beetle. It is a widespread agricultural pest with a broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. The species is associated with damage to brassicaceous crops, particularly turnips and related plants.
Plutella armoraciae
Plutella armoraciae is a moth in the family Plutellidae, first described by Busck in 1913. It is restricted to north-western North America and is closely related to the cosmopolitan diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). The species is notable for its very pale coloration compared to its congeners and its specialized larval association with Armoracia species (horseradish and related plants).
Plutella porrectella
Dame's Rocket Moth
Plutella porrectella is a small plutellid moth closely related to the diamondback moth (P. xylostella). Unlike its cosmopolitan relative, this species has a restricted Palearctic distribution and specialized life history tied to dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis). It completes two generations annually and overwinters as a first-instar larva concealed within host plant apical buds. The species appears to offer limited value as an alternative host for biological control agents targeting the diamondback moth.
Psylliodes
flea beetles
Psylliodes is a large cosmopolitan genus of flea beetles comprising approximately 200 described species worldwide. Members are characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping, a trait shared with other Alticini. Approximately half of all species are specialized feeders on Brassicaceae, with the remainder associated with roughly 24 other plant families. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including the cabbage stem flea beetle (P. chrysocephala) and potato flea beetle (P. affinis). The genus includes rare endemic species such as the Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle (P. luridipennis), a globally Critically Endangered species restricted to a single island off the coast of England.
Psylliodes napi
turnip flea beetle, cabbage-stem flea beetle
Psylliodes napi is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, widely distributed across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species is associated with brassicaceous host plants and is recognized as an agricultural pest of turnip and related crops. Two subspecies are recognized: P. n. napi and P. n. flavicornis.
Selenia
golden selenia
Selenia is a genus of flowering plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae), native to central North America. The genus includes species such as Selenia aurea (golden selenia), which is known for its brilliant yellow flowers and restricted distribution. In Missouri, Selenia aurea is limited to a handful of counties in the southwestern part of the state, where it occurs primarily in glade habitats. The genus is notable for forming large colonies with spectacular floral displays when conditions are favorable.
Trybliographa
Trybliographa is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Figitidae. The most studied species, T. rapae, is an important biological control agent of cabbage root fly (Delia radicum) larvae in agricultural systems across Europe and North America. Members of this genus are koinobiont endoparasitoids that locate hosts using chemical cues and visual cues, with documented plasticity in behavioral responses to environmental stimuli.