Herbivore
Guides
Anthophila alpinella
Anthophila alpinella is a moth in the family Choreutidae. It ranges across western North America from the northeastern United States and southern Canada to British Columbia, the Rocky Mountains, and along the Pacific Coast to California. The species is recognized by cream forewings with heavy brown dusting. Larvae feed on Urtica species, including stinging nettle, and construct webs at leaf tips.
Anticlea multiferata
Many-lined Carpet Moth, many-lined carpet
Anticlea multiferata, commonly known as the many-lined carpet moth, is a small geometrid moth with a wingspan of 19–25 mm. It is one of the most widely distributed North American carpet moths, occurring from the Arctic through temperate regions. The species shows pronounced geographic variation in adult flight timing, with southern populations active in spring and northern populations active in early summer.
Apantesis doris
Doris tiger moth
Apantesis doris, commonly known as the Doris tiger moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1869. The species exhibits a transcontinental distribution across North America, with populations in the western region (British Columbia, Alberta, northern Idaho, and western Montana) and eastern populations spanning from Atlantic Canada to Florida and west to central Texas. The species was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis as part of a broader taxonomic reclassification involving multiple genera.
Apantesis quenseli
Labrador Tiger Moth
Apantesis quenseli, the Labrador tiger moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It inhabits high-altitude alpine environments and polar regions across the Northern Hemisphere. The species was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis in 2016, reflecting revised understanding of tiger moth phylogeny. Multiple subspecies have been described across its broad geographic range.
Apantesis virguncula
Little Virgin Tiger Moth
Apantesis virguncula, commonly known as the Little Virgin Tiger Moth, is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae. The species was originally described by W. Kirby in 1837 under the name Callimorpha virguncula, and has undergone several taxonomic revisions, most recently being transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis. It is widely distributed across southern Canada and the United States, with adults active primarily from mid-June to late July. The larvae feed on various herbaceous plants, particularly members of the family Asteraceae.
Apantesis vittata
Banded Tiger Moth
Apantesis vittata, commonly known as the banded tiger moth, is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1787. It occurs in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, with adults active from early spring through autumn. The species has a wingspan of 32–42 mm and larvae feed on various herbaceous plants including dandelions.
Aphelia alleniana
wide-striped leafroller, Allen's tortrix moth
Aphelia alleniana is a tortricid moth native to northern North America, ranging from Alaska across Canada to parts of the western and northeastern United States. Adults are active in late June to mid-July, with larvae feeding on herbaceous and woody plants while constructing characteristic leaf-roll shelters. The species overwinters as a third-instar larva and completes a single generation per year.
Aprosthema brunniventre
Aprosthema brunniventre is a species of sawfly in the family Argidae. Members of this genus are characterized by their distinctive morphology within the family. The species name 'brunniventre' refers to the brownish coloration of the abdomen. Like other Argidae, it belongs to a family of herbivorous sawflies whose larvae feed on various plant species.
Aratus pisonii
Mangrove Tree Crab
Aratus pisonii is a small sesarmid crab endemic to Neotropical mangrove forests of the Americas. It is one of the most abundant crab species in mangrove ecosystems, where it occupies the canopy and feeds primarily on mangrove leaf tissue. The species exhibits considerable life history plasticity, with morphology and reproductive investment varying across environmental gradients. It has expanded its range into salt marsh habitats in recent decades, facilitated by anthropogenic structures.
Archips mortuana
Duskyback Leafroller, dusky-back leaf roller
Archips mortuana, commonly known as the Duskyback Leafroller, is a tortricid moth species native to North America. The species was originally described as Cacoecia mortuana by Kearfott in 1907 and later transferred to the genus Archips. Larvae are leafrollers, constructing silk-bound shelters within rolled or folded leaves of host plants. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning northeastern and north-central North America, with records extending into the Canadian prairie provinces.
Archips negundana
Larger Boxelder Leafroller Moth
Archips negundana, the larger boxelder leafroller moth, is a small tortricid moth native to North America. Adults are active in July and have a wingspan of 18–21 mm. The species was first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1902. Larvae are known to feed on boxelder (Acer negundo), nettle (Urtica), and honeysuckle (Lonicera), rolling leaves for shelter.
Arge
Arge is a genus of sawflies in the family Argidae, subfamily Arginae. Members of this genus are distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with records from Europe and North America. As with other argid sawflies, species in this genus are herbivorous and typically associated with various woody plants as larvae. The genus was established by Schrank in 1802 and remains taxonomically valid.
Arge abdominalis
Arge abdominalis is a species of sawfly in the family Argidae, order Hymenoptera. Sawflies in this genus are characterized by their distinctive antennae and herbivorous larval stages. The species epithet "abdominalis" suggests a notable abdominal feature, though specific morphological details for this species are not well documented in available sources. Like other argid sawflies, adults are likely short-lived and focused on reproduction, with larvae feeding on plant material.
Arge cerulea
Arge cerulea is a species of sawfly in the family Argidae. Members of the genus Arge are commonly known as birch sawflies or rose sawflies, though specific common names for A. cerulea are not well documented. The species is characterized by its blue or cerulean coloration, as indicated by its specific epithet. Sawflies in this family are herbivorous, with larvae typically feeding on various woody plants. Adults are often found on flowers or foliage of host plants.
Arge quidia
Willow Oak Sawfly
Arge quidia is a sawfly species in the family Argidae, described by Smith in 1989. It is commonly known as the Willow Oak Sawfly, indicating an association with willow oak (Quercus phellos) or related oak species. The species has been documented in eastern Canada, specifically Ontario and Quebec. As a member of the suborder Symphyta, adults lack the narrow waist characteristic of most other Hymenoptera. Larvae of Argidae are typically external leaf feeders on woody plants.
Arge scapularis
elm argid sawfly
Arge scapularis, commonly known as the elm argid sawfly, is a sawfly species in the family Argidae found across North America. It is a specialist herbivore that commonly infests elm trees (Ulmus spp.). The species name 'scapularis' refers to distinctive shoulder blade-like structures on the insect's thorax. As a member of the suborder Symphyta, it lacks the narrow 'wasp waist' characteristic of many other Hymenoptera.
Argyractis drumalis
Argyractis drumalis is a small aquatic moth in the family Crambidae, subfamily Acentropinae. It is endemic to Florida and associated with freshwater aquatic habitats. The species is named for Fort Drum, its type locality. Adults are active year-round with peak presence from February through November.
Aristotelia lespedezae
Aristotelia lespedezae is a small moth in the twirler moth family Gelechiidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1930. It occurs in the eastern United States, with records from Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. Adults have been documented from late May through October in Kentucky. The species name references its presumed larval association with Lespedeza plants.
Arugisa latiorella
Watson's Arugisa Moth
Arugisa latiorella, known as Watson's Arugisa Moth, is a small erebid moth native to North America. First described by Francis Walker in 1863, it has been recorded across the southeastern and central United States. Adults are active nearly year-round, and the larvae feed on Kentucky bluegrass.
Ategumia ebulealis
Clidemia Leafroller
Ategumia ebulealis, the Clidemia Leafroller, is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of approximately 18 mm. The species occurs in the southeastern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean. Adults are active during multiple periods throughout the year in Florida. The larvae feed on specific host plants including Clidemia species and Heterotrichum umbellatum.
Athalia cornubiae
Stonecrop Tigress
Athalia cornubiae is a sawfly species described by Benson in 1931, commonly known as the Stonecrop Tigress. The species has been recorded in Europe (Belgium, Denmark) and North America (Canada, Ontario), suggesting either a natural transatlantic distribution or possible introduction. The common name implies an association with stonecrop plants (Crassula or Sedum), though specific host relationships require confirmation. As a member of the genus Athalia, it belongs to a group of sawflies whose larvae often feed on cruciferous or succulent plants.
Atomacera
mallow sawfly, hibiscus sawfly
Atomacera is a genus of sawflies in the family Argidae, commonly known as mallow sawflies or hibiscus sawflies. These insects are herbivorous members of the Hymenoptera, representing a primitive branch of the order that lacks the constricted waist typical of wasps, bees, and ants. The genus contains species that feed on plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae), including ornamental hibiscus, hollyhocks, and marsh-mallow. Despite their caterpillar-like appearance, sawfly larvae are distinct from Lepidoptera larvae in having more pairs of prolegs.
Atrusca
Atrusca is a genus of gall wasps in the family Cynipidae, tribe Cynipini, comprising approximately 42 species distributed across North and Central America. These tiny wasps are specialized herbivores that induce characteristic galls on oak (Quercus) host plants. The genus forms a phylogenetically distinct clade most closely related to Cynips, Philonix, and Xanthoteras, and morphologically resembles Cynips and Antron. Species exhibit high host specificity, with each typically restricted to one or a few closely related oak species.
gall-waspCynipidaeoak-gallQuercusherbivoreparasitoidNorth-AmericaMexicoCentral-AmericaCynipiniinduced-gallplant-insect-interactionhost-specificityalternation-of-generationsasexual-reproductionsexual-reproductionecosystem-engineerinquilinehyperparasitoidbella-species-complexphylogeneticstaxonomyKinsey-1930Atrusca unica
Atrusca unica is a species of cynipid gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other gall wasps, it induces the formation of specialized plant structures called galls on its host plant. The genus Atrusca is known for producing colorful, prominent leaf galls on oaks (Quercus spp.). This species appears to be relatively well-documented with 227 observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it is not exceptionally rare, though specific details about its biology remain limited in the provided sources.
Aulacidea acroptilonica
Russian Knapweed Gall Wasp
Aulacidea acroptilonica is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, commonly known as the Russian Knapweed Gall Wasp. It is a specialist herbivore that induces galls on its host plant. The species is native to regions associated with Russian knapweed and has been recorded in the conterminous United States. Like other members of the genus Aulacidea, it is likely targeted by parasitoid wasps. The species was described by Tyurebaev in 1979.
Aulacobaris
Aulacobaris is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae. The genus includes species associated with plants in the Brassicaceae family. Aulacobaris fallax has been studied as a potential biological control agent for dyer's woad (Isatis tinctoria) in North America, though host specificity testing revealed significant non-target risks.
Autographa bimaculata
Two-spotted Looper Moth, Twin Gold Spot, Double-spotted Spangle
A medium-sized noctuid moth native to North America, recognized by its distinctive looping flight pattern and characteristic wing markings. Adults are active during summer months with a single annual generation. The species was first described by James Francis Stephens in 1830 and has been documented across a broad transcontinental range.
Autographa mappa
Wavy Chestnut Y Moth, Wavy Chestnut Y
Autographa mappa, commonly known as the Wavy Chestnut Y Moth, is a North American noctuid moth first described by Grote and Robinson in 1868. Adults have a wingspan of 35–40 mm and are active from June to August, with one generation per year. The species inhabits wooded regions across Canada and the northern United States.
Baliosus californicus
Baliosus californicus is a leaf-mining tortoise beetle (Cassidinae) in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is found in western North America and Mexico, where adults feed on various Ceanothus species. It was described by Horn in 1883 and is characterized by distinctive elytral punctation and costate interspaces.
Baris
Baris is a genus of true weevils in the family Curculionidae, first described by Germar in 1817. The genus comprises small to medium-sized weevils characterized by their typical curculionid body plan with an elongated rostrum. Species within Baris are associated with various host plants, with some species documented as pests of agricultural crops including sunflowers. The genus has a primarily Nearctic distribution, with species occurring across North America.
Bellura
Bellura is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Walker in 1865. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed in North America. Caterpillars of at least some species are aquatic or semi-aquatic, feeding on aquatic plants such as water lilies. The genus is notable among Noctuidae for this aquatic larval ecology, which is relatively uncommon in the family.
Bellura gortynoides
White-tailed Diver Moth, white-tailed diver
Bellura gortynoides, commonly known as the white-tailed diver moth, is a North American noctuid moth whose aquatic caterpillars live submerged in freshwater habitats. The larvae feed on aquatic plants, including water lilies, and breathe by periodically surfacing to capture air through specialized spiracles. Adults are strictly nocturnal. The species belongs to the poorly studied group of aquatic moths, which have received limited scientific attention despite their unusual ecology.
Bidigitus platani
western sycamore sawfly
Bidigitus platani is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the western sycamore sawfly. The species name indicates an association with sycamore trees (Platanus species), particularly western sycamore (Platanus racemosa). As a member of the sawfly suborder Symphyta, adults are wasp-like in appearance but lack the constricted waist characteristic of many other Hymenoptera. Larvae are herbivorous and feed on host plant foliage.
Brachycoryna pumila
Brachycoryna pumila is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Guérin-Méneville in 1844. Adults measure 2.5–3.5 mm in length and exhibit distinctive coloration: black head, brownish-yellow pronotum, and yellow elytra with variable brown markings. The species has been recorded feeding on several plants in the family Malvaceae. Its distribution spans from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to northern South America, including Caribbean islands.
Cactobrosis fernaldialis
blue cactus borer
Cactobrosis fernaldialis, commonly known as the blue cactus borer, is a snout moth species found in desert regions of the southwestern United States. Adults exhibit bivoltine flight periods in spring and late summer through autumn. The species is notable for its larval specialization on Ferocactus wislizeni.
Caelifera
Grasshoppers, Locusts, and Allies, Short-horned Grasshoppers
Caelifera is a suborder of Orthoptera comprising approximately 12,000 described species across 2,400 genera, including grasshoppers, ground-hoppers (Tetrigoidea), and pygmy mole crickets (Tridactyloidea). The group is distinguished from the other orthopteran suborder Ensifera by short antennae, enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping, and a stout, chisel-like ovipositor (the source of its Latin name meaning 'chisel-bearing'). Caelifera represents one of the oldest lineages of chewing herbivorous insects, with fossil records extending to the latest Permian. The suborder is divided into two infraorders: Tridactylidea (pygmy mole crickets and extinct relatives) and Acrididea (grasshoppers and ground-hoppers).
Caenurgina crassiuscula
Clover Looper, Range Grass Moth
Caenurgina crassiuscula, commonly known as the Clover Looper or Range Grass Moth, is a widespread moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1809, it occurs across much of North America from coast to coast, with western populations extending into Alaska, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Adults are active for much of the year, with flight periods varying by location from March through November. The species is notable for its larval association with clover and various grasses.
Calanidae
Calanidae is the largest family of calanoid copepods, containing ecologically dominant genera including Calanus, potentially the most abundant metazoan genus on Earth. Members inhabit marine environments from surface waters to depths exceeding 400 m, with distributions spanning polar, temperate, and tropical oceans. The family exhibits significant vertical stratification and seasonal abundance patterns, with some species performing ontogenetic vertical migrations for overwintering. Calanidae species play critical roles in marine food webs as primary consumers and prey for fish and higher trophic levels.
Calephelis perditalis
Rounded Metalmark, Lost Metalmark
Calephelis perditalis is a small metalmark butterfly in the family Riodinidae, described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. The species occurs from Texas and Mexico southward through Central America to Venezuela. Its common names, "rounded metalmark" and "lost metalmark," reference the rounded wing margins and the species epithet perditalis (Latin for "lost"). The species has two recognized subspecies: the nominate form and C. p. donahuei described in 1971.
Caliroa lunata
Caliroa lunata is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, distributed in eastern Canada including Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. The genus Caliroa includes larvae commonly known as 'oak-skeletonizing sawflies' due to their feeding habit of consuming leaf tissue between veins. As with other members of this genus, the larvae likely feed on oak (Quercus) and related host plants, though specific host records for this species are not well documented.
Caliroa nyssae
tupelo sawfly, black gum sawfly
Caliroa nyssae is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae that feeds on Nyssa sylvatica (black tupelo or black gum). The larvae skeletonize leaves, leaving a characteristic lace-like pattern of veins. This species is part of a genus of oak-skeletonizing sawflies, though C. nyssae has specialized on tupelo rather than oak. Adults are small, dark-colored sawflies with the typical broad waist characteristic of suborder Symphyta, distinguishing them from the narrow-waisted wasps in suborder Apocrita.
Calligrapha alni
Russet Alder Leaf Beetle
Calligrapha alni, the russet alder leaf beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae found in North America. The common name indicates an association with alder (Alnus spp.), though specific host plant details are limited in available sources. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it likely exhibits high host specificity, a trait characteristic of this northeastern North American genus.
Calligrapha multipunctata
common willow calligrapha, Common Willow Calligrapher Beetle
Calligrapha multipunctata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the common willow calligrapha. The species is native to North America and is associated with willow (Salix) as a host plant. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it exhibits distinctive elytral patterning. Three subspecies have been described, though one (C. m. suturella) may represent a separate species.
Calligrapha pnirsa
leaf beetle
Calligrapha pnirsa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in North America. It is a univoltine species with adults emerging in spring to feed, mate, and oviposit on host plant foliage. Larvae develop through multiple instars feeding on leaves before dropping to the soil to pupate. New adults emerge in late summer, feed briefly, and overwinter to complete the annual cycle. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it exhibits strong host plant specificity.
Calycomyza
Calycomyza is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae, containing approximately 90 described species. Larvae feed internally within leaf tissue, creating distinctive serpentine or blotch mines. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Nearctic, Neotropical, Palearctic, Oriental, and Afrotropical regions. Several species have been documented as agricultural pests or biological control agents for invasive plants.
Calycomyza ambrosiae
Calycomyza ambrosiae is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The larvae create distinctive feeding tunnels within leaves of host plants in the Asteraceae family. The species name refers to its association with Ambrosia and related genera. It is known from the United States.
Calycomyza malvae
Mallow Leaf Miner
Calycomyza malvae is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species creates distinctive mines in leaves of mallow plants (Malva species). It has been documented across the Americas from the United States through the West Indies to Brazil, with more recent records from Mexico. The common name 'Mallow Leaf Miner' reflects its specialized association with this host plant genus.
Calycomyza promissa
Calycomyza promissa is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The larvae develop within leaves of various aster species (Symphyotrichum), creating distinctive feeding tunnels. It occurs in Canada and the United States.
Calycomyza smallanthi
Calycomyza smallanthi is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described in 2019. It is associated with plants in the genus Smallanthus, likely forming leaf mines on the foliage of its host plants. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited. The genus Calycomyza contains numerous species that are specialists on particular host plants, primarily in the Asteraceae family.
Caryomyia
Hickory Gall Midges
Caryomyia is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as the hickory gall midges. The genus contains at least 30 described species, most of which induce galls on hickory trees (Carya species). These small flies are specialized herbivores whose larvae develop within plant tissue, causing distinctive gall formations.