Grass-feeding
Guides
Amblyscirtes
Roadside-Skippers
Amblyscirtes is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as Roadside-Skippers. The genus was established by Samuel Hubbard Scudder in 1872. Species in this genus are small, relatively inconspicuous skippers found primarily in North America. The caterpillars feed on grasses, and adults are typically associated with open, disturbed habitats including roadsides and trails.
Apamea lignicolora
Wood-colored Apamea Moth, Wood-coloured Quaker
Apamea lignicolora is a noctuid moth native to North America, with a wingspan of 45–50 mm. The species was described by Guenée in 1852 and occurs across much of Canada and the United States. Larvae feed on various grasses including couch grass (Agropyron repens). Two subspecies are recognized: A. l. lignicolora and A. l. quaesita.
Apamea vultuosa
Airy Apamea Moth
Apamea vultuosa, commonly known as the Airy Apamea Moth, is a noctuid moth native to North America. Adults are active during summer months, with flight periods varying by latitude from June to July. The species belongs to the large and taxonomically challenging genus Apamea, whose members are often difficult to distinguish visually. Larvae feed on grasses in the family Poaceae. Two subspecies are recognized: A. v. multicolor and the nominate A. v. vultuosa.
Atrytonopsis loammi
Loammi skipper, southern dusted skipper
Atrytonopsis loammi, commonly known as the Loammi skipper or southern dusted skipper, is a small hesperiid butterfly found in coastal regions of the southeastern United States. The species has been subject to taxonomic debate, with some authors treating it as a subspecies of Atrytonopsis hianna, and the North Carolina barrier island population described separately as Atrytonopsis quinteri. Adults are active in two distinct flight periods during spring and mid-summer to late summer. The larvae feed specifically on Schizachyrium littorale, a coastal grass species.
Blissidae
Chinch Bugs and Allies
Blissidae is a family of true bugs (Hemiptera) comprising over 400 species in nearly 50 genera. Members are elongate insects, typically four to seven times as long as broad, with many species exhibiting short-winged forms. All species feed on plant sap, primarily from grasses (Poaceae) and sedges (Cyperaceae), with most living between leaf sheaths. The family was elevated from subfamily status within Lygaeidae by Thomas Henry in 1997. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably Blissus leucopterus (true chinch bug), which damages corn and other cereal crops.
Chlorochroa belfragii
Belfragi's chlorochroan bug
Chlorochroa belfragii is a poorly studied stink bug species in the subgenus Rhytidolomia, family Pentatomidae. It is native to North America and has been documented in inland saline wetland habitats in southeastern Alberta, Canada. The species is phytophagous, with documented host associations to saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and Nuttall's alkaligrass (Puccinellia nuttalliana). Unlike many better-known Chlorochroa species, C. belfragii has received minimal research attention, and its full distribution, life history, and ecological role remain largely unknown.
Chlorochroa faceta
Chlorochroa faceta is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, placed in the subgenus Rhytidolomia. It inhabits inland saline wetlands in North America and Central America. The species is poorly known, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Chrysoteuchia topiarius
Topiary Grass-veneer, Subterranean Sod Webworm, Cranberry Girdler
Chrysoteuchia topiarius is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of 17–20 mm, distributed across most of North America. Adults are active from late June to early August in a single annual generation. The species is known by multiple common names reflecting its larval habits: subterranean sod webworm refers to its grass-feeding larvae that live in silk-lined tunnels, while cranberry girdler indicates damage to cranberry plants. The species was first described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1866.
Cosmopterix clandestinella
Cosmopterix clandestinella is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, with forewings measuring 3.2–3.7 mm. The species is distributed in the eastern United States and exhibits two generations annually. Adults are active in late May to early June and again in late July through August. The larvae are leaf miners on Dichanthelium clandestinum, constructing irregular longitudinal blotch mines.
Crambus whitmerellus
Whitmer's Grass-veneer
Crambus whitmerellus is a grass-veneer moth in the family Crambidae, described by Alexander Barrett Klots in 1942. It is a North American species associated with grassland habitats. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and C. w. browni from Alberta and northern Montana. The species is part of a large genus of grass-feeding moths commonly known as sod webworms or grass-veneers.
Crocidophora serratissimalis
angelic crocidophora moth, sawtoothed crocidophora, saw-toothed crocidophora moth
Crocidophora serratissimalis is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of 18–25 mm. It is widespread in eastern North America, ranging from Quebec and New England south to South Carolina and west to Manitoba. Adults are active from June to September. The species is notable for its larvae feeding on the grass Leersia oryzoides.
Dolerus
Dolerus is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Selandriinae. Species occur in Europe and North America. Larvae of multiple species have been documented feeding on Equisetum (horsetails) and grasses, with some species showing specialized host associations. The genus includes several subgenera, notably Equidolerus and Achaetoprion, which have been subject to recent taxonomic revision.
Elymana sulphurella
Elymana sulphurella is a leafhopper species native to Europe, introduced to North America. It is a phloem-feeding specialist on grasses (Poaceae), with documented suitability for multiple host species including Agrostis, Elymus, Festuca, and Phleum. The species exhibits egg diapause requiring cold treatment to reduce incubation time. Development from egg to adult averages 24.9 days for females and 23.5 days for males. Mated females show significantly greater longevity than males.
Errastunus
Errastunus is a genus of grass-feeding leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Paralimnini. The genus contains species distributed across Europe and North America, with two distinct species recognized in the Nearctic region: the native E. sobrinus and E. ocellaris, which includes both native northwestern populations and adventive eastern populations introduced from Europe. These species are readily distinguishable by male genitalia and female sternite morphology, though mitochondrial introgression between them has been documented. The genus was established by Ribaut in 1946.
Errastunus ocellaris
Errastunus ocellaris is a grass-feeding leafhopper in the tribe Paralimnini, widespread across the Palearctic region and present in North America with both native and adventive populations. In the Nearctic region, the species occurs as native populations in northwestern North America (Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia) and as adventive populations in eastern North America, where it has undergone documented range expansion from the Great Lakes region eastward since the 1960s. Molecular data confirm it as a distinct species from the native North American E. sobrinus, with which it shows evidence of mitochondrial introgression in some specimens.
Eutomostethus ephippium
Saddleback Grass-cutter
Eutomostethus ephippium is a species of common sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the Saddleback Grass-cutter. The species has been recorded feeding on various grasses including species of Poa. Two subspecies are recognized: E. e. ephippium and E. e. vopiscus.
Hylephila phyleus
Fiery Skipper
Hylephila phyleus, commonly known as the Fiery Skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. Adults are approximately 2.5 cm long, with males displaying orange or yellow coloration with black spots and females appearing dark brown with orange or yellow spots. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range including North America, the Caribbean, Middle America, and Oceania. It is known to be active in late winter through fall, with records from January through November in California. The caterpillars feed on various grasses and are sometimes considered pests of turf grasses.
Hysteroneura setariae
Rusty Plum Aphid
Hysteroneura setariae is a cosmopolitan aphid species known primarily as the Rusty Plum Aphid. It feeds on grasses and fruit trees, with documented associations including Muhlenbergia capillaris and various Prunus species. The species has been recorded across six continents, with particularly dense populations observed in urban park settings in Japan. It serves as prey for generalist predators including Coccinella septempunctata.
Ischnodemus
Wheat Chinch-bugs
Ischnodemus is a genus of true bugs in the family Blissidae containing approximately 95 species. Adults are characterized by moderately to very elongated bodies, reflected in the genus name derived from Greek for 'feeble body.' The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution across all major zoogeographic regions and shows strong associations with grasses (Poaceae), with some species utilizing sedges (Cyperaceae). Several species are economically significant, including I. variegatus (Myakka bug), an introduced species in North America being evaluated as a biological control agent for invasive West Indian marsh grass.
Leptopterna
meadow plant bugs
Leptopterna is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae comprising at least nine described species. The genus includes the well-studied meadow plant bug, Leptopterna dolabrata, which has been sequenced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project. Species in this genus are grass-feeding insects found primarily in moist meadow habitats across the Palearctic, with some species introduced to North America. Sexual dimorphism in wing development is pronounced: males are fully winged (macropterous) while females are typically short-winged (brachypterous).
Lerodea arabus
Violet-clouded Skipper, Olive-clouded Skipper
Lerodea arabus is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, found in Central America and North America. Despite its common name suggesting violet coloration, the species is relatively nondescript in appearance. The caterpillar feeds on Bermuda grass, barnyard grass, and other weedy grasses, yet the species is consistently described as rare in reference works.
Lerodea eufala
Eufala Skipper, Rice Leaffolder
Lerodea eufala, commonly known as the Eufala Skipper or Rice Leaffolder, is a small grass-feeding skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is widely distributed across the Americas, from the southeastern United States through Mexico and Central America to Patagonia, with seasonal northward range expansion during summer months. The species is notable for its association with agricultural and weedy grasses, including cultivated sorghum and sugarcane, and maintains multiple generations per year in warm climates.
Lethe
Pearly-eyes and Allies
Lethe is a genus of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1819. The genus includes treebrowns, woodbrowns, foresters, and related species commonly known as the Pearly-eyes and Allies. Species occur across temperate-tropical southern and eastern Asia, extending to Indonesia, with some representatives in North America. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, referencing the river of forgetfulness in the underworld of Hades.
Mecidea
narrow stink bugs
Mecidea is a genus of narrow-bodied stink bugs (Pentatomidae) comprising eight described species. It is the sole genus in the tribe Mecideini native to the New World. Species are grass-feeding specialists found in xeric and semiarid grasslands, with documented activity throughout the year including winter months. The genus has been studied primarily through life history work on M. major and M. minor in the southwestern United States.
Mecidea major
Mecidea major is a grass-feeding stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. A detailed life history study in southern New Mexico documented year-round activity of adults and nymphs, including winter months—unusual for a pentatomid. The species is bivoltine with a possible partial third generation. Five nymphal instars have been described and can be distinguished by body size and wing pad development.
Mormidea lugens
Mormidea lugens is a small stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and eastern North America. In southern Illinois, it exhibits a univoltine life cycle with adults overwintering and emerging in late April, persisting until early November. The species develops on various grasses and sedges, with nymphs feeding on vegetation and adults targeting developing grass seeds. It is considered a potential pest of wheat and other small grains.
New-genus-on-dichanthelium
New-genus-on-dichanthelium is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae. The genus name derives from its association with host plants in the genus Dichanthelium, a group of panic grasses. Delphacids are characterized by a movable spur on the hind tibia, an adaptation for jumping. Species in this genus appear to be specialized feeders on Dichanthelium grasses.
Oedancala
Oedancala is a genus of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in the family Pachygronthidae, established by Amyot & Serville in 1843. The genus comprises approximately 14 described species distributed in the Americas. Members are classified within the infraorder Pentatomomorpha, superfamily Lygaeoidea. Some species have been documented utilizing grasses as host plants.
Oligia strigilis
Marbled Minor
Oligia strigilis, the Marbled Minor, is a noctuid moth distributed across Britain, Europe, and Central Asia, with accidental introduction and rapid spread in northeastern North America. It is one of three similar Oligia species in the UK that require genitalia examination for reliable identification. The species has declined by 76% in Britain since the 1970s despite potential range expansion. Melanic forms occur frequently and have been of significant evolutionary interest.
Rhopalosiphum
Cherry-Grass Aphids
Rhopalosiphum is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae comprising approximately 16-17 species worldwide. Species within this genus are significant agricultural pests, feeding on phloem of host plants and causing direct damage to crops. Several species, notably Rhopalosiphum padi (bird cherry-oat aphid) and Rhopalosiphum maidis (corn leaf aphid), are important vectors of plant viruses including barley yellow dwarf virus and maize dwarf mosaic virus. The genus exhibits typical aphid characteristics including polymorphism with both winged and wingless forms, and parthenogenetic reproduction in favorable conditions.
Ribautodelphax
Ribautodelphax is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, distributed across Eurasia and North America. Species in this genus are known for producing species-specific acoustic signals used in mate recognition. European species are primarily monophagous or oligophagous on grasses, with host plant specialization contributing to species differentiation.
Satyrini
Alpines, Arctics, Nymphs, Satyrs, Graylings, Ringlets
Satyrini is the largest tribe in the subfamily Satyrinae, containing approximately 2,200 species of butterflies. The group includes well-known butterflies such as graylings, ringlets, and satyrs. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have substantially revised the tribe's taxonomy, incorporating many genera formerly placed in the tribe Elymniini. The tribe's evolutionary history is closely tied to the diversification of grasses.
Sphenophorus venatus confluens
Sphenophorus venatus confluens is a subspecies of billbug weevil in the family Curculionidae. It has been identified as a pest of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), with its biology and life history documented as a newly recognized agricultural pest species. Like other billbugs in the genus Sphenophorus, it is part of a complex of weevil species that feed within grasses and can cause significant damage to turf and forage crops.
Stenotus binotatus
Two-spotted Grass Bug, Timothy Plant Bug, Two-spotted Plant Bug, Slender Crop Mirid
Stenotus binotatus is a grass-feeding mirid bug native to the Palearctic that has become established in temperate regions worldwide, including North America and New Zealand. Adults measure 6–7 mm and show sexual dimorphism in coloration: males are yellow with dark pronotal and forewing markings, while females are greenish-yellow with paler markings. The species is a documented pest of cereal crops, particularly wheat, where its feeding causes distinctive grain collapse and sticky dough problems due to gluten-degrading enzymes.
Toya
Toya is a genus of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, established by Distant in 1906. These insects belong to the suborder Auchenorrhyncha within the order Hemiptera. The genus is part of the diverse planthopper fauna, with members typically associated with grasses and other herbaceous plants. Toya species are small, delicate insects with characteristic morphological features typical of delphacid planthoppers.
Wheelerodemus
Wheelerodemus is a genus of true bugs in the family Blissidae, described by Henry and Sweet in 2015. The genus contains at least one described species, Wheelerodemus muhlenbergiae. Members of this genus are associated with grasses in the genus Muhlenbergia.
Xylomoia chagnoni
Reed Canary Grass Borer Moth, Chagnon's Borer Moth
Xylomoia chagnoni is a small noctuid moth commonly known as the reed canary grass borer moth. It was described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1917 and named after collector Gustave Chagnon. The species occurs in northeastern North America, where it has been documented as a specialist feeder on reed canary grass.