Goldenrod-associate
Guides
Archips rileyana
Southern Ugly-nest Caterpillar Moth
Archips rileyana, commonly known as the Southern Ugly-nest Caterpillar Moth, is a species of tortricid moth native to eastern North America. The species was first described by Grote in 1868 under the name Tortrix rileyana. Larvae construct characteristic 'ugly nests' by webbing together leaves and feeding within these shelters. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas and Missouri.
Bucculatrix solidaginiella
Goldenrod Bucculatrix
Bucculatrix solidaginiella is a small moth in the family Bucculatricidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1963. It is found in eastern and central North America, with records from Florida to Maine and west to Missouri. The species is associated with goldenrod (Solidago) as a larval host plant. Adults are active from spring through mid-summer.
Dichomeris inserrata
Indented Dichomeris Moth
Dichomeris inserrata, commonly known as the Indented Dichomeris Moth, is a small gelechiid moth native to the United States. Adults are characterized by a wingspan of 5.4–8.3 mm. The species is associated with goldenrod as a larval host plant. It has been documented across multiple eastern and central U.S. states.
Enchenopa latipes
wide-footed treehopper
Enchenopa latipes, commonly known as the wide-footed treehopper, is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae. It is characterized by an enlarged, inflated pronotum typical of the family, which often resembles plant thorns or buds. The species has been documented in field observations on goldenrod stems in the Ozarks and adjacent regions. Males possess a unique XX-X0 sex determination system with a univalent X chromosome that exhibits distinctive segregation behavior during meiosis, segregating intact toward one spindle pole in late anaphase I after autosomes have initiated movement.
Lasioptera solidaginis
Lasioptera solidaginis is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1863. It is one of numerous gall-forming insects associated with goldenrod (Solidago) plants. The genus Lasioptera includes species that induce galls on various host plants, with larvae developing within these specialized plant structures.
Megacyllene robiniae
Locust Borer
Megacyllene robiniae, the locust borer, is a longhorn beetle endemic to eastern North America and a significant pest of black locust trees (Robinia pseudoacacia). Adults are active from late August through October, feeding on goldenrod pollen. The species exhibits striking black and yellow banding that mimics wasps. Larval tunneling in living black locust wood creates entry points for fungal pathogens, contributing to tree decline and wind damage susceptibility.
Phymata albopicta
jagged ambush bug
Phymata albopicta is a species of jagged ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. Like other members of the genus Phymata, it is a sit-and-wait predator that hunts on flowers, using raptorial forelegs to seize prey. The species has been documented in North America and Middle America. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger and capable of capturing larger prey items.
Trigonopeltastes
Trigonopeltastes is a genus of fruit and flower chafers in the beetle family Scarabaeidae, containing more than 20 described species distributed across North and Central America. The genus name derives from Greek 'trigon' (triangle) and 'pelt' (shield), referring to the triangular, shield-shaped pronotum characteristic of these beetles. The most commonly encountered species, Trigonopeltastes delta, is notable for its distinctive coloration and flower-visiting behavior.