Eriogonum
Guides
Agrilus blandus
Agrilus blandus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America. The species is notable among North American Agrilus for its routine association with flowers, particularly those of Eriogonum (wild buckwheat), which also serve as its confirmed larval host. This flower-visiting behavior is exceptional in a genus where adults typically do not visit flowers.
Apodemia
metalmark butterflies
Apodemia is a New World genus of metalmark butterflies (family Riodinidae) ranging from Canada to Brazil. The genus contains approximately 18 described species, including the type species Apodemia mormo (Mormon metalmark). Species-level taxonomy has undergone revision; Apodemia paucipuncta was transferred to the new genus Hallonympha based on morphological and behavioral characters. Oviposition behavior varies geographically: northern populations of A. mormo deposit single eggs on soil or rocks, while southern populations lay eggs in groups on host plants.
Apodemia mormo deserti
Apodemia mormo deserti is a subspecies of the Mormon metalmark butterfly, a riodinid butterfly found in arid regions of western North America. The subspecies designation 'deserti' indicates adaptation to desert environments within the broader range of the species. The Mormon metalmark complex has been subject to taxonomic revision, with various subspecies recognized based on geographic and morphological differences. Like other members of the genus, this butterfly is associated with specific host plants in the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae).
Braggia
Braggia is a genus of aphids (Aphididae: Aphidinae: Aphidini) described by Gillette & Palmer in 1929. Species in this genus are specialized feeders on buckwheat (Eriogonum spp., Polygonaceae) in western North America. The genus includes at least two recently described species: Braggia columbiana from Washington and Oregon, and Braggia longicauda from Washington, Oregon, and northern California. These aphids have been documented with associated parasitoid species, though specific taxa are not detailed in available sources.
Callophrys sheridanii
Sheridan's Hairstreak, Sheridan's Green Hairstreak
A small, tail-less hairstreak butterfly with a wingspan of 20–24 mm, recognized by the characteristic straight white line crossing the underside of both wings. The species exhibits variable underside coloration from bright green to dark gray-green. It was designated the state butterfly of Wyoming in 2009. The species occupies a broad elevational range and shows significant geographic variation in wing pattern expression.
Coelocephalapion eriogoni
Coelocephalapion eriogoni is a species of straight-snouted weevil in the family Brentidae, subfamily Apioninae. The genus Coelocephalapion comprises small weevils associated with specific host plants, and this species is known from associations with Eriogonum (wild buckwheat) species. Like other apionine weevils, it likely exhibits a narrow host range tied to its larval development within plant tissues.
Euphilotes ancilla
Rocky Mountain dotted blue, Ancilla Blue
Euphilotes ancilla, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain dotted blue or Ancilla Blue, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. First described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918, it inhabits sun-exposed rocky slopes and flats in western North America. The species has a documented wingspan of 17–23 mm and exhibits a close ecological relationship with Eriogonum host plants.
Euphilotes glaucon
Glaucon Blue
Euphilotes glaucon is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the Glaucon Blue. It is currently treated as a synonym of Euphilotes battoides (square-spotted blue or buckwheat blue) by some authorities. The species occurs in western North America and is associated with buckwheat plants as larval hosts.
Euphilotes rita
Rita's Blue, rita blue, desert buckwheat blue
Euphilotes rita is a small lycaenid butterfly native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are active from July through late September, with a single generation per year. The species exhibits strong ecological specialization on wild buckwheat (Eriogonum species) throughout its life cycle. Larvae are tended by ants, a characteristic mutualism within the Polyommatinae.
Lycaena gorgon
gorgon copper
Lycaena gorgon, commonly known as the gorgon copper, is a butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae native to western North America. It is distinguished by sexual dimorphism in wing coloration and has a single annual brood. The species is closely associated with its host plant Eriogonum nudum and inhabits foothill environments including chaparral, woodland, and canyon habitats. Its distribution is centered in California with records extending into adjacent regions.
Neoapodemia
Neoapodemia is a subgenus of metalmark butterflies (family Riodinidae) within the genus Apodemia. Species in this subgenus are primarily found in western North America. The group is characterized by distinctive wing patterns and is associated with specific host plants in the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). The subgenus was established based on morphological and ecological differences from other Apodemia groups.
Nicholia eriogoni
Nicholia eriogoni is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1929. It belongs to a small genus of mirid bugs found in western North America. The species is documented from Arizona and is associated with plants in the genus Eriogonum (wild buckwheat).