Euphorbia
Guides
Aphthona
Spurge Flea Beetles
Aphthona is a genus of flea beetles in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae, native to Europe and Asia with approximately 135 species in the Palaearctic region and some 300 species worldwide. Members possess enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping, a characteristic trait of the tribe Alticini. The genus has gained significant attention for biological control applications, with several species introduced to North America to manage leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), a major invasive weed. Six species—A. abdominalis, A. cyparissiae, A. czwalinae, A. flava, A. nigriscutis, and A. lacertosa—have been used for this purpose, though establishment success varies. Some African species have been identified as pests of Jatropha curcas in biodiesel plantations.
Aphthona czwalinai
Aphthona czwalinai is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Alticinae. It belongs to a genus containing species used for biological control of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). The species is native to Eurasia and has been introduced to North America as part of classical biological control programs. Like other Aphthona species, it is a root-feeding specialist on Euphorbia plants.
Chamaesphecia
Chamaesphecia is a genus of clearwing moths (Sesiidae) established by Spuler in 1910, containing over 80 species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region. Species are characterized by their wasp-mimicking appearance and specialized larval associations with host plants, particularly in the families Euphorbiaceae and Lamiaceae. Several species have been investigated for biological control of invasive weeds, including leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) and horehound (Marrubium vulgare). The genus is divided into two subgenera: Chamaesphecia and Scopulosphecia.
Chariesterus antennator
Euphorbia Bug
Chariesterus antennator, commonly known as the Euphorbia Bug, is a leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae. It is native to North America with established populations in China. The species is associated with Euphorbia corollata, on which adults feed. It has been documented across the southeastern United States and parts of the Midwest.
Hyles euphorbiae
spurge hawk-moth, Leafy Spurge Hawkmoth
Hyles euphorbiae, the spurge hawk-moth, is a European hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. First described by Linnaeus in 1758, this species is notable for its use in biological pest control against leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). The species comprises a complex with multiple ecotypes showing variation in cold tolerance and larval pattern morphology across its range. Adults are strong fliers with distinctive wing patterns, while larvae feed on spurge plants and display conspicuous black, white, and red coloration.
Platystoma seminationis
Dancing Kiss Fly
Platystoma seminationis is a small signal fly (family Platystomatidae) distributed across Europe and the Near East, with introduced populations in North America. Adults are active from May to October and are known for their distinctive courtship ritual, in which males and females touch proboscises for 5–15 seconds after a dance of rapprochement. The species feeds primarily on nectar and pollen of Euphorbia species, as well as feces, while larvae develop in decaying vegetable matter and fungi.
Semium
Semium is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, tribe Semiini, subfamily Phylinae. The genus contains seven described species distributed across North America from Canada to Mexico. One species, Semium brailovskyi, has been documented in association with the host plant Euphorbia misera (Euphorbiaceae). The genus was established by Reuter in 1876.