Foliar-feeder
Guides
Dichomeris ligulella
palmerworm, Palmerworm Moth
Dichomeris ligulella, commonly known as the palmerworm, is a small gelechiid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active from spring through fall with a single generation per year. The species is economically notable as a foliar feeder on several hardwood trees and orchard crops.
Melanocallis caryaefoliae
Black Pecan Aphid
Melanocallis caryaefoliae, commonly known as the black pecan aphid, is a specialized pest of pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis). Among aphid species attacking pecans, it produces the most severe foliar symptoms and achieves the highest mean density on susceptible cultivars. While feeding, it injects a toxin that causes bright yellow lesions between leaf veins, which subsequently turn brown and die. Premature defoliation from heavy infestations reduces nut fill and can diminish the following year's production. Unlike yellow pecan aphids, M. caryaefoliae is considered more destructive even at low densities, with economic thresholds as low as three aphids per compound leaf.
Psorosina hammondi
Appleleaf Skeletonizer
Psorosina hammondi is a pyralid moth in the subfamily Phycitinae, commonly known as the Appleleaf Skeletonizer. The species was described by Riley in 1872 and is notable for its specialized larval feeding behavior on hawthorn (Crataegus) leaves, producing characteristic skeletonizing damage. Despite its distinctive common name and host association, detailed biological information remains limited in accessible literature.
Syneta albida
western fruit beetle
A small leaf beetle in the subfamily Synetinae, found in western North America. Adults feed on foliage of deciduous fruit trees and ornamentals, while larvae develop in soil feeding on roots. The species is considered a minor pest of orchards and gardens.