Goldenrod-specialist
Guides
Astrotischeria solidagonifoliella
A small leaf-mining moth in the family Tischeriidae, described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1859. The larvae create distinctive mines in leaves of goldenrod (Solidago) species. The species occurs across eastern North America.
Dichomeris leuconotella
Two-spotted Dichomeris Moth
Dichomeris leuconotella is a gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1904. Its larvae are specialized leaf-folders on goldenrods (Solidago spp.), constructing silk-bound shelters for feeding and protection. Adults are active from June to September across much of North America.
Hellinsia glenni
Glenn's Plume Moth
Hellinsia glenni is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, described by Everett D. Cashatt in 1972. It occurs in scattered populations across North America, with records from Florida, Mississippi, and California. The species has a wingspan of approximately 26 mm. Its larvae are specialized stem borers of Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis).
Hellinsia kellicottii
Goldenrod Plume Moth, Goldenrod Borer
Hellinsia kellicottii, commonly known as the Goldenrod Plume Moth or Goldenrod Borer, is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae. The species was described by Fish in 1881 and is native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 14–29 mm and are active from February to October depending on latitude. The larvae are specialized feeders on Solidago (goldenrod) species.
Microrhopala
Microrhopala is a genus of hispine leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing approximately 18 described species in North America. These small beetles are characterized by their clubbed antennae and association with herbaceous vegetation, particularly in prairie and old field habitats. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with species historically placed in the subfamily Hispinae now classified within the more broadly defined Cassidinae. Ecological studies have demonstrated that some species, particularly M. vittata, can function as keystone herbivores capable of dramatically altering plant community structure through outbreaks.
Ophraella sexvittata
Six-lined Goldenrod Leaf Beetle
Ophraella sexvittata is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is one of 13 recognized species in the Nearctic genus Ophraella. The species is a specialist herbivore associated with goldenrods (Solidago spp.) in the southeastern United States.
Trirhabda borealis
Boreal Goldenrod Leaf Beetle
Trirhabda borealis is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is a specialist herbivore associated with goldenrod (Solidago) and has been studied for its movement behavior in fragmented versus continuous habitats. The species occurs in North America, with records from western Canada and the northern United States.