Clover
Guides
Agallia quadripunctata
Four-spotted Clover Leafhopper
Agallia quadripunctata is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as the Four-spotted Clover Leafhopper. The species was described by Provancher in 1872, with the basionym Bythoscopus quadripunctatus. It belongs to the subfamily Megophthalminae and tribe Agalliini. The species has been recorded in the iNaturalist database with over 1,700 observations, indicating it is relatively well-documented. Taxonomic databases show some disagreement regarding its generic placement, with GBIF listing it as a synonym under Agalliota quadripunctata while NCBI and Catalogue of Life maintain it in Agallia.
Caenurgina crassiuscula
Clover Looper, Range Grass Moth
Caenurgina crassiuscula, commonly known as the Clover Looper or Range Grass Moth, is a widespread moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1809, it occurs across much of North America from coast to coast, with western populations extending into Alaska, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Adults are active for much of the year, with flight periods varying by location from March through November. The species is notable for its larval association with clover and various grasses.
Grapholita interstinctana
Clover Head Caterpillar Moth
Grapholita interstinctana is a tortricid moth species first described by Clemens in 1860. It is commonly known as the Clover Head Caterpillar Moth, reflecting its association with clover as a host plant. The species belongs to the Olethreutinae subfamily within the Tortricidae family, a group known for many economically significant agricultural pests. Records indicate presence in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
Idaea furciferata
Notch-winged Wave, notch-winged wave moth
Idaea furciferata, commonly known as the notch-winged wave moth, is a small geometrid moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults are active from spring through mid-summer, with males slightly larger than females. The species is associated with open habitats where its larval host plants, clover and dandelion, occur.
Ischnopterapion virens
White Clover Weevil
Ischnopterapion virens is a small weevil species in the family Brentidae (subfamily Apioninae), commonly known as the White Clover Weevil. The species name 'virens' derives from Latin, meaning 'green,' likely referring to a greenish coloration characteristic of this beetle. The genus Ischnopterapion belongs to a group of weevils historically classified in the family Apionidae, now treated as a subfamily within Brentidae. This species has been documented across multiple island localities in the Azores archipelago (Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Santa Maria) as well as in New Brunswick, Canada, suggesting a broad but potentially disjunct distribution pattern.
Nearctaphis bakeri
Short-beaked Clover Aphid
Nearctaphis bakeri is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Cowen in 1895. It is commonly known as the Short-beaked Clover Aphid. The species belongs to the Nearctic genus Nearctaphis, which is placed in the tribe Macrosiphini. Records indicate a disjunct distribution pattern with populations reported from both European localities (Yugoslavia, Albania, Belgium, Switzerland) and the Azorean island of São Miguel.
Sitona hispidulus
Clover Root Curculio, Clover Weevil
Sitona hispidulus, the clover root curculio, is a weevil species native to Europe that has been introduced to Asia and North America. The larval stage is the most damaging, feeding cryptically underground on root nodules and taproots of legumes, particularly alfalfa and clovers. Adults feed on foliage with minimal damage. The species has been overlooked as a pest for decades but causes chronic issues including reduced stand establishment, shortened stand life, and increased winterkill in forage systems. Population levels are limited by availability of root nodules for early instars and taproot biomass for later instars.
Sitona lepidus
clover root weevil
Sitona lepidus, commonly known as the clover root weevil, is a root-feeding weevil native to Europe that has become an invasive pest in New Zealand and North America. Adults feed on clover foliage while larvae feed on root nodules, reducing nitrogen fixation and pasture quality. The species is particularly damaging in New Zealand due to the absence of natural competitors and established biological control programs using the parasitoid wasp Microctonus aethiopoides are underway.
Therioaphis
Therioaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae comprising more than 20 described species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, notably the spotted alfalfa aphid (Therioaphis maculata, also treated as T. trifolii forma maculata) and the yellow clover aphid (Therioaphis trifolii), which infest alfalfa, clovers, and related legumes. These species have been extensively studied for biological control, host plant resistance, and their role as vectors of plant pathogens including alfalfa mosaic virus.
Therioaphis trifolii
yellow clover aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid
Therioaphis trifolii is a phloem-feeding aphid and major agricultural pest of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and clover species (Trifolium spp.). The species exhibits significant intraspecific variation, with distinct biotypes showing host-specific adaptations: the spotted alfalfa aphid (SAA) primarily colonizes Medicago species, while the spotted clover aphid (SCA) specializes on Trifolium. Native to the western Palaearctic, it has established globally including Australia, North America, and parts of Asia. The species manipulates host plant defense pathways through salivary secretions, activating salicylic acid signaling while suppressing jasmonic acid responses to improve host suitability.