Herbivore
Guides
Abia
Honeysuckle Sawflies and Allies
Abia is a genus of sawflies in the family Cimbicidae. These are stout-bodied insects commonly encountered in Europe. Species in this genus were formerly placed in the genus Zaraea, which is now considered a synonym. The genus includes several species that feed on conifers and honeysuckles.
Acalyptris
Acalyptris is a genus of minute moths in the family Nepticulidae, established by Meyrick in 1921. It represents the second largest genus of Nepticulidae in the Americas and contains approximately 100 described species distributed across six continents. The genus is characterized by leaf-mining larvae that create distinctive mines in host plant foliage. Species are organized into multiple species groups based on morphology and host associations, with nine revised species groups recognized in the American fauna.
Acentropini
China-mark moths
Acentropini is a tribe of aquatic moths within the family Crambidae, commonly known as china-mark moths. Adults are small to medium-sized moths with wingspans typically ranging from 15–35 mm. The tribe is distinguished by larvae that are fully aquatic, breathing through gills and feeding on submerged aquatic plants. These moths are found across temperate and tropical regions worldwide, with highest diversity in the Old World tropics.
Acericecis ocellaris
ocellate gall midge, maple eyespot gall, maple leaf spot gall
Acericecis ocellaris is a gall midge that induces distinctive blister-like eyespot galls on maple leaves. The galls feature concentric rings of yellow and red pigments surrounding a central chamber where the larva feeds. This species is the type species of the genus Acericecis and was first described by Carl Robert Osten-Sacken in 1862. It completes a single generation per year, with adults emerging in spring to mate and oviposit on young maple foliage.
Acleris comandrana
A small tortricid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active in spring, summer, and late autumn. The species is named for its larval association with Comandra plants.
Acleris forbesana
Forbes' Acleris Moth
Acleris forbesana is a small tortricid moth native to North America. Adults are active in spring and again in summer through fall, producing two or more generations annually. The species is associated with dogwood species (Cornus), on which larvae feed.
Acleris maculidorsana
stained-back leafroller moth
Acleris maculidorsana, commonly known as the stained-back leafroller moth, is a small tortricid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active nearly year-round in southern portions of its range. The species is associated with several woody and herbaceous host plants, including members of Ericaceae, Hypericaceae, and Ericaceae. Larvae are leafrollers that feed on foliage of their host plants.
Acmaeodera parkeri
Acmaeodera parkeri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Cazier in 1940. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of several plant species, including Allionia incarnata (creeping four o'clock), Talinum whitei (White's flameflower), and Evolvulus arizonicus (Arizona blue-eyes).
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Short-horned Grasshoppers, Grasshoppers
Acrididae is the largest family of grasshoppers, comprising approximately 6,700–10,000 species within the suborder Caelifera. Members are characterized by short, stout antennae and auditory tympana located on the first abdominal segment. The family includes all locust species capable of forming destructive swarms, making it economically significant worldwide. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies indicate the family originated in South America during the Paleocene, approximately 59 million years ago, rather than Africa as previously believed.
Acrolophus filicicornis
Acrolophus filicicornis is a species of moth in the family Acrolophidae, commonly known as grass tube moths. The genus was formerly placed in family Tineidae (clothes moths) but has been reclassified to Acrolophidae based on revised phylogenetic understanding. Larvae of Acrolophus species construct silken tubes at the base of grasses or among grass roots for concealment while feeding.
Acronicta falcula
corylus dagger moth, Hazel Dagger
Acronicta falcula is a North American noctuid moth commonly known as the corylus dagger moth or Hazel Dagger. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1877 and occurs primarily in the northeastern and north-central United States and adjacent Canada. It is associated with Corylus (hazel) species, on which its larvae feed. The species is considered rare in some parts of its range and is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut.
Acronicta insularis
cattail caterpillar, Henry's marsh moth
Acronicta insularis is a noctuid moth native to North America, with larvae known as the cattail caterpillar and adults as Henry's marsh moth. The species was first described in 1868 and was reclassified from Simyra to Acronicta in 2015 based on phylogenetic analysis. It has a transcontinental distribution across the United States and southern Canada, with adults active from spring through late summer and larvae feeding on wetland plants including cattails and various grasses.
Acuticauda solidaginifoliae
Goldenrod Leaf-fold Aphid
Acuticauda solidaginifoliae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Williams in 1911. It is commonly known as the Goldenrod Leaf-fold Aphid, indicating an association with goldenrod plants (Solidago species). The specific epithet 'solidaginifoliae' directly references this host relationship. Like other aphids in the genus Acuticauda, it likely possesses the characteristic elongated cauda that gives the genus its name.
Adaina ambrosiae
ragweed plume moth, ambrosia plume moth
Adaina ambrosiae is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, recognized by its distinctive split-wing appearance. The species has a broad distribution across North America and extends into the Caribbean and Central America. Adults are active year-round in southern portions of the range. Larvae feed on multiple host plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly Ambrosia species, from which the specific epithet derives.
Adaina bipunctatus
Three- and Two-dotted Plume Moth
A small plume moth (Pterophoridae) with wingspan of 9–11.5 mm. Adults are pale yellowish-white with brown spotting on the forewings. The species occurs from the southeastern United States through the Caribbean to South America. Larvae feed on multiple asteraceous host plants.
Adaina ipomoeae
Pork Vine Plume Moth
Adaina ipomoeae is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, distributed across the Caribbean and Florida. Adults have a wingspan of 11–13 mm with pale ochreous forewings marked with dark brown patterns. The species is known to be active in January, August, and October. Larvae feed on morning glory relatives Ipomoea tiliacea and Merremia umbellata.
Adaina montanus
Mountain Plume Moth
Adaina montanus is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, native to North America. It has a wingspan of approximately 16 mm and is characterized by snow-white coloration with ferruginous-brown scaling on the forewings. The species is associated with specific host plants including cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium canadense) and New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii). Adults are active during summer months, with larvae feeding on leaf tissue of their host plants.
Aeolus trilineatus
Three-lined Click Beetle
Aeolus trilineatus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The genus name derives from Aeolus, the Greek keeper of the winds, referencing the wind-dispersed nature of many beetle species. The species epithet 'trilineatus' refers to the three longitudinal lines characteristic of this beetle's elytral pattern. Like other elaterids, it possesses a prosternal process that fits into a mesosternal groove, enabling the distinctive clicking mechanism used to right itself when overturned.
Agonopterix
flat-body moths
Agonopterix is a genus of small moths in the family Depressariidae, superfamily Gelechioidea. Species are commonly known as "flat-body moths" due to their characteristic flattened resting posture. The genus exhibits considerable cryptic diversity, particularly in Mediterranean and temperate regions, with many species distinguished by subtle differences in wing pattern and genitalia structure. Several species have been studied for their specialized host plant relationships, including some with potential as biological control agents.
Agonopterix dimorphella
Agonopterix dimorphella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae described by Clarke in 1941. It is found in the central and eastern United States, with records from South Carolina, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas, and Arkansas. The species has a wingspan of 11–18 mm and distinctive reddish-ocherous forewings with fuscous shading and contrasting black and yellow discal spots. Larvae feed on Amorpha fruticosa, a North American shrub in the pea family.
Agonopterix eupatoriiella
Agonopterix eupatoriiella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, first described from North America in 1878. It has a wingspan of approximately 24 mm and exhibits dark, dusted forewings with distinctive costal streaking. The species is associated with plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly Eupatorium species.
Agonopterix flavicomella
Agonopterix flavicomella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, first described by Engel in 1907. The species is distributed across the eastern and midwestern United States. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 16 mm and are active during spring, summer, and early autumn. Larvae are known to feed on two specific host plants: Heracleum lanatum (cow parsnip) and Taenidia integerrima (yellow pimpernel).
Agonopterix hyperella
Agonopterix hyperella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by Charles Russell Ely in 1910. It is known from the eastern United States, with records from Alabama, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee. The species is associated with Hypericum (St. John's wort) as a larval host plant, with larvae feeding on Hypericum prolificum and Hypericum perforatum.
Agonopterix pteleae
A small moth in the family Depressariidae, described from North America in 1920. Adults have distinctive mottled brown forewings with prominent dark markings. Larvae are known to feed on Ptelea trifoliata (common hoptree). The species has a restricted distribution centered on the Great Lakes region.
Agrilaxia flavimana
Agrilaxia flavimana is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The genus Agrilaxia is one of several small genera of jewel beetles known to routinely visit flowers, though most Buprestidae are associated with woody vegetation. Observations suggest this species occurs in prairie and open habitats where its presumed floral hosts grow.
Agrilus cochisei
Agrilus cochisei is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1948. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Adults have been observed on Ambrosia psilostachya (western ragweed) and Sphaeralcea flowers in western Texas.
Agrilus obtusus
Agrilus obtusus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Horn in 1891. It is a specialist herbivore associated with Senna roemeriana (two-leaved senna). The species occurs in western Texas and surrounding regions of North America. Adults are small, typically collected by beating or sweeping host plants.
Agromyza
A genus of small flies in the family Agromyzidae. Adults are distinguished by stridulatory files on the first two abdominal tergites and halteres that are usually white or yellow. The genus is best known for its leaf-mining larvae, which feed internally on plant leaf tissue. Some species are minor agricultural pests of crops including corn and rice.
Agromyza alnibetulae
Agromyza alnibetulae is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species is associated with alder (Alnus) and birch (Betula) host plants, as indicated by its specific epithet. Larvae create serpentine or blotch mines in leaves. Adults are small, typically 2-3 mm in length, with the reduced wing venation characteristic of the genus.
Agromyza alnivora
alder leafminer fly
Agromyza alnivora is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1969. The species is associated with alder (Alnus) as its host plant, as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other members of the genus, the larvae create serpentine or blotch mines within leaf tissue. The species is documented from North America.
Agrotis vancouverensis
Vancouver Dart
Agrotis vancouverensis, commonly known as the Vancouver Dart, is a noctuid moth native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Adults are active in late spring and early summer with a single annual generation. The forewings measure approximately 33 mm in length.
Altica bimarginata
willow flea beetle
Altica bimarginata is a small, shiny blue flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the willow flea beetle. It measures 5–6 mm in length and 2–3 mm in width. The species is distributed across North America and Central America and is frequently associated with willow plants (Salix genus). Three subspecies are recognized: A. b. bimarginata, A. b. labradorensis, and A. b. plicipennis. A neotype was designated for this species due to the loss of the original type specimen.
Altica woodsi
Altica woodsi is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Isely in 1920. It is native to North America, with records from Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, Québec) and the United States. The species is a specialist herbivore associated with woody vines in the grape family, feeding on riverbank grape (Vitis riparia) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia).
Alypiodes geronimo
Geronimo Forester
Alypiodes geronimo is an owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes in 1900. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing pattern, with females bearing two spots on the forewing and males possessing a third additional spot. Larvae feed on leaves of Boerhavia species. It occurs in North America and Mexico.
Amblycerini
Amblycerini is a tribe of seed beetles within the subfamily Bruchinae (Chrysomelidae), established by Bridwell in 1932. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with seeds as developmental hosts. The genus Spermophagus, a well-studied member of this tribe, shows complex evolutionary patterns of host plant colonization. The tribe is taxonomically accepted and contains multiple genera of seed-feeding beetles.
Amblycorypha
Round-headed Katydids, False Katydids, Bush-crickets
Amblycorypha is a genus of North American round-headed katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, containing approximately 14 described species. These insects are renowned for their exceptional leaf-mimicry, with wing venation closely matching the vein patterns of leaves. They are known for their acoustic communication, with males producing songs via stridulation to attract females. Some species reach prodigious sizes in tropical regions, and males provide nuptial gifts to females during mating.
Amblycorypha huasteca
Texas false katydid
Amblycorypha huasteca, commonly known as the Texas false katydid, is a species of bush-cricket in the family Tettigoniidae. It belongs to the round-headed katydid genus Amblycorypha, a group renowned for exceptional leaf-mimicry. The species occurs in the south-central United States and northeastern Mexico. Like other Amblycorypha, it produces species-specific songs through stridulation of forewing structures to attract mates.
Amblycorypha uhleri
Uhler's virtuoso katydid, Uhler's katydid
Amblycorypha uhleri, commonly known as Uhler's virtuoso katydid or Uhler's katydid, is a species of phaneropterine katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is a North American species known for its distinctive song produced by stridulation of the forewings. Like other members of the genus Amblycorypha, it exhibits remarkable leaf-mimicry through wing venation patterns and green coloration, serving as camouflage against predators.
Amynothrips
Amynothrips is a monotypic genus of thrips in the family Phlaeothripidae, erected by O'Neill in 1968. The sole described species, Amynothrips andersoni, is a specialized herbivore of alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) and has been extensively studied as a biological control agent for this invasive aquatic plant. Research has focused on its host specificity, cold tolerance, and population dynamics in managed release programs.
Amynothrips andersoni
Alligatorweed Thrips, Alligator Weed Thrips
Amynothrips andersoni is a species of thrips in the family Phlaeothripidae, native to South America and introduced to the United States as a biological control agent against the invasive aquatic weed alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides). Adults are small, shiny black insects approximately 2 mm in length. The species exhibits wing dimorphism, with both short-winged and long-winged flying forms present, though the latter is rare. Both larval and adult stages feed on alligator weed, causing leaf curling and plant stunting.
Anacampsis agrimoniella
Agrimony Anacampsis Moth
Anacampsis agrimoniella is a gelechiid moth described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. The species is associated with woodlands and wood edges across eastern North America. Its larval development is tied to Agrimonia host plants. The common name references both the genus Anacampsis and the agrimony host genus.
Anisomorpha ferruginea
Northern Two-striped Walkingstick, Dark Walkingstick, Prairie Alligator
A large, sexually dimorphic walkingstick native to North America, recognized by two longitudinal pale stripes running the length of its dark brown to black body. Females are substantially larger than males. The species possesses chemical defense glands behind the head that can spray a noxious terpene dialdehyde mist when threatened. Active primarily in autumn when mating pairs are most frequently observed.
Anomis erosa
Yellow Scallop Moth, Abutilon Moth
Anomis erosa is a small moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the yellow scallop moth or abutilon moth. First described by Jacob Hübner in 1818, it occurs primarily in southeastern North America, with migrants occasionally reaching as far north as Manitoba, Quebec, and Maine. The species has a wingspan of approximately 27 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on plants in the family Malvaceae, including cotton, hibiscus, and okra.
Anomoea
Anomoea is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, family Chrysomelidae. The genus name is frequently confused with the tephritid fly genus Anomoia due to historical nomenclatural confusion. The genus includes species such as Anomoea flavokansiensis, which has been studied as a herbivore of leguminous plants in agricultural systems.
Anomoea flavokansiensis
Anomoea flavokansiensis is a case-bearing leaf beetle (Chrysomelidae) described by Moldenke in 1970. It is known from North America and has been studied as a herbivore of the legume Desmanthus illinoensis, where high population densities can potentially reduce seed yield. Research has examined its overwintering biology and the effects of agricultural polyculture on its population density.
Anomoea laticlavia
Clay-colored Leaf Beetle, Persimmon Beetle
Anomoea laticlavia is a case-bearing leaf beetle native to central and eastern North America. Adults measure 7–12 mm and display distinctive reddish-brown elytra with a variable-width black suture. The species belongs to the unranked taxon Camptosomata, characterized by larvae that construct portable cases from fecal material and shed skins. Adults feed on leaves of various host plants including legumes, persimmons, oaks, willows, and ragweed, while larvae are subterranean root or litter feeders. Some Florida populations have been recognized as a distinct subspecies.
Anostostomatidae
wētā, king crickets
Anostostomatidae is a family of large, nocturnal orthopterans in the superfamily Stenopelmatoidea, distributed across the southern hemisphere in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the Americas. Members are commonly known as king crickets in Australia and South Africa, and wētā in New Zealand. The family exhibits considerable size variation, with some species exceeding 8 cm in length. Many species are flightless, though winged forms occur in some Australian and Asian genera. The family is notable for diverse feeding strategies including herbivory, scavenging, predation, and specialized fungal feeding.
Anthanassa
crescents, crescent butterflies
Anthanassa is a genus of brush-footed butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, found from the United States through Central America to South America. The genus comprises approximately 17 described species, many bearing common names with "crescent" (e.g., Texan crescent, orange-patched crescent, chestnut crescent). Taxonomic placement remains debated; one authority treats Anthanassa as a subgenus of Phyciodes. Adults typically display orange and black patterned wings with crescent-shaped markings.
Anthanassa texana
Texan crescentspot, Texan Crescent
Anthanassa texana, the Texan crescentspot, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found from Guatemala north through Mexico to the southern United States, with strays reaching as far north as South Dakota and central Nevada. The species is multivoltine, with adults active year-round in southern Texas and the tropics, and from March to November in southern Florida and Arizona. Larvae feed on leaves of low-growing Acanthaceae plants, while adults feed on flower nectar.
Anthonomini
Anthonomini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Curculioninae, comprising approximately 40 genera including Anthonomus, the type genus. Members are primarily herbivorous weevils, with many species exhibiting specific host plant associations. The tribe includes economically significant pests such as the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) and several species associated with Malvaceae, Rosaceae, and other plant families. Species are distributed across multiple continents, with documented occurrences in the Neotropics, Nearctic, Palearctic, and Oriental regions.