Bromeliad-specialist
Guides
Cicadellinae
sharpshooters, leafhoppers
Cicadellinae is a subfamily of leafhoppers (family Cicadellidae) within the order Hemiptera. Members of the tribe Proconiini within this subfamily are commonly known as 'sharpshooters.' The subfamily currently contains five tribes: Cicadellini, Makilingiini, Phereurhinini, Proconiini, and Tungurahualini. Cicadellinae leafhoppers are globally distributed and are significant agricultural pests due to their role as vectors of plant pathogens, particularly the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which causes diseases including Pierce's disease of grape, phony peach disease, and citrus variegated chlorosis.
Copestylum vesicularium
Iridescent Bromeliad Fly
Copestylum vesicularium, commonly known as the iridescent bromeliad fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. This species is widely distributed across the eastern half of North America. The common name reflects its association with bromeliad plants, which serve as larval hosts. Like other members of the genus Copestylum, adults are likely flower visitors, though specific floral associations require further documentation.
Epimorius testaceellus
bromeliad pod borer
Epimorius testaceellus is a pyralid moth commonly known as the bromeliad pod borer. The species is a documented pest of the native bromeliad Tillandsia fasciculata, with larvae causing significant damage by boring into flower pods. It occurs in subtropical Florida and the West Indies, including Jamaica. A parasitoid wasp, Eurytoma aerflora, has been identified as a natural enemy that contributes to population control.
Metamasius callizona
Mexican bromeliad weevil
Metamasius callizona is an invasive weevil native to southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Panama that was first documented in Florida in 1989. Adult females chew slits in bromeliad leaves near feeding sites and deposit single eggs within these wounds. Larvae mine meristematic tissue and flower stalks, typically killing host plants, while adult leaf feeding is generally non-fatal. Florida populations have grown dramatically larger than native-range densities and now threaten multiple native and endangered bromeliad species.
invasive-speciespestbiological-controlbromeliad-specialistFloridaMexicoGuatemalaPanamaTillandsiaAnanasLixadmontia-frankiholometabolousmultivoltineepiphyteconservation-concernendangered-species-threatgardening-industry-vectorparasitoid-introductionBeauveria-bassiana-(native-range-pathogen-not-present-in-Florida)