Desmodium
Guides
Agrilus arizonicus
Agrilus arizonicus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Obenberger in 1936. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration: males are bright green, while females appear more coppery. It has been documented from southeastern Arizona in the United States and likely extends into Mexico. The species is associated with oak woodlands and has been collected from Desmodium vegetation.
Caloptilia violacella
Tick-Trefoil Caloptilia Moth
Caloptilia violacella is a small gracillariid moth with a wingspan of approximately 10 mm. The species is distributed across the eastern and central United States, with records from Illinois, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, New York, and Texas. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on leguminous host plants including pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), tick-trefoils (Desmodium species), and Meibomia dillenii. The common name "Tick-Trefoil Caloptilia Moth" reflects its association with Desmodium host plants.
Microparsus variabilis
Desmodium Aphid
Microparsus variabilis is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Patch in 1909. It is commonly known as the Desmodium Aphid, reflecting its association with plants in the genus Desmodium. As a member of the Sternorrhyncha suborder, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant phloem. The species belongs to the genus Microparsus, which is classified within the tribe Macrosiphini.
Neolasioptera desmodii
Neolasioptera desmodii is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Felt in 1907. As a member of the genus Neolasioptera, it is associated with inducing galls on host plants. The specific epithet "desmodii" indicates a relationship with plants in the genus Desmodium.
Pachyschelus secedens
Pachyschelus secedens is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It occurs in Central America and North America, with confirmed records from the southwestern United States including Arizona. Field observations indicate it is associated with Desmodium species, on which it has been collected by beating vegetation.