Herbivore
Guides
Caryomyia flaticrustum
Hickory Puff Tart Gall Midge
Caryomyia flaticrustum is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2008. The species is known for inducing distinctive galls on hickory trees (Carya species). It is one of several Caryomyia species specialized on hickory hosts. The common name "Hickory Puff Tart Gall Midge" refers to the characteristic gall morphology produced on host leaves.
Caryomyia hirtiglobus
Hickory Woody Globe Gall Midge
Caryomyia hirtiglobus is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2008. The species induces woody, spherical galls on hickory trees (Carya spp.). It is one of several Caryomyia species associated with hickory, with its specific epithet 'hirtiglobus' referring to the hairy, globe-shaped galls it produces. The species has been documented in eastern North America where its host hickories occur.
Cassida azurea
Azure tortoise beetle
Cassida azurea is a tortoise beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae, native to Europe and Northern Asia. It was intentionally introduced to North America in 1989 as a biological control agent targeting the invasive weed Silene vulgaris (bladder campion). Host specificity testing demonstrated extremely narrow feeding preferences, with reproduction occurring almost exclusively on S. vulgaris. Field releases in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta from 1989–1993 resulted in establishment at 8 of 18 sites, though populations have remained insufficient to achieve effective weed suppression.
Cassida flaveola
pale tortoise beetle
Cassida flaveola, known as the pale tortoise beetle, is a brownish leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was historically considered an introduced Palearctic species in North America, but recent evidence indicates it is at least in part native with a Holarctic distribution. The species has been newly recorded in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in the Maritime Provinces of Canada.
Cassida rubiginosa
Thistle Tortoise Beetle
Cassida rubiginosa, commonly known as the thistle tortoise beetle, is a leaf beetle in the subfamily Cassidinae native to Europe and Asia that has been introduced to North America, New Zealand, and other regions as a biological control agent for invasive thistles. The beetle derives its common name from the tortoise-like appearance of adults, whose elytra and pronotum form a shield-like covering over the body. Both adults and larvae feed on thistle foliage, with larvae possessing a distinctive defensive structure—a forked caudal appendage used to carry accumulated feces and exuviae as a mobile 'fecal shield' that deters predators. The species has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing thistle biomass and seed production, though its host range extends beyond the primary target to other Cardueae species.
Catastega timidella
Oak Trumpet Skeletonizer Moth
Catastega timidella is a small tortricid moth in the tribe Eucosmini. The common name references larval feeding behavior that produces distinctive trumpet-shaped shelters on oak leaves. Records indicate a transcontinental distribution across northern North America. Adult moths are active during summer months.
Caulocampus acericaulis
Maple Petiole-borer Sawfly
Caulocampus acericaulis, commonly known as the Maple Petiole-borer Sawfly, is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. It is associated with maple trees (Acer species), where larvae bore into leaf petioles causing characteristic damage. The species is found in eastern North America.
Celiptera frustulum
Black Bit Moth
Celiptera frustulum, known as the black bit moth, is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae. It occurs in eastern North America, with records extending north to Ontario. The species has two generations annually, with adults active in late spring and early summer. Its larvae are specialized feeders on black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia).
Cerodontha saintandrewsensis
Cerodontha saintandrewsensis is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The genus Cerodontha comprises small flies whose larvae create distinctive feeding patterns by boring between the layers of grass blades and leaves of sedges and rushes. This species was documented during blacklighting surveys in Leavenworth, Kansas, in early spring 2024.
Chaetocnema quadricollis
hibiscus flea beetle
Chaetocnema quadricollis is a minute flea beetle in the subfamily Galerucinae, tribe Alticini. Originally described from Florida in 1878, it occurs across North America and has been documented from numerous localities in Missouri. The species is strongly associated with Hibiscus species, particularly Hibiscus lasiocarpus (rose mallow), on which adults feed gregariously on foliage. It was previously recorded under the synonym C. decipiens in Missouri state records.
Chelinidea
cactus bugs, cactus leaffooted bugs
Chelinidea is a genus of leaf-footed bugs (family Coreidae) comprising five described species distributed across Central and North America, with three species introduced to Australia. Members are specialized feeders on cacti in the genus Opuntia, making them significant in both natural ecosystems and agricultural contexts. The genus represents the sole member of the monotypic tribe Chelinideini.
Chelinidea tabulata
Prickly Pear Bug
Chelinidea tabulata is a leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae. It feeds and develops almost exclusively on prickly pear cacti (Opuntia spp.), with its distribution coinciding with that of its host plants. The species occurs across North, Central, and South America.
Chelinidea vittiger aequoris
cactus bug, cactus leaffooted bug
Chelinidea vittiger aequoris is a subspecies of cactus bug in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae. It is a specialist herbivore that feeds almost exclusively on prickly pear cacti (Opuntia spp.), with its range closely tied to the distribution of these host plants. The species is found across the United States and southward into northern Mexico, with the subspecies aequoris occurring in specific regions. In Missouri, it occurs on Opuntia humifusa in sand prairies and glades, and on O. cespitosa in igneous glade habitats.
Chelymorpha
Argus tortoise beetles, tortoise beetles
Chelymorpha is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae, containing more than 70 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. These beetles are characterized by their domed, tortoise-like body form with the elytra and prothorax forming a protective shield that can be drawn down to cover the head and appendages when disturbed. The genus exhibits extensive intraspecific color polymorphism, with some species showing remarkable variation in elytral coloration and maculation patterns. Chelymorpha species are predominantly associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, particularly morning glories (Ipomoea) and bindweeds (Convolvulus), though some species utilize other host plants. The genus has been extensively studied for its Wolbachia endosymbiont infections, color polymorphism maintenance, and larval defensive behaviors including cycloalexy.
Chionodes hapsus
Chionodes hapsus is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Hodges in 1999. It occurs across the eastern and central United States and southern Ontario, Canada. The species is associated with oak forests, where its larvae feed on white oak and bur oak.
Chionodes mediofuscella
black-smudged chionodes moth
Chionodes mediofuscella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as the black-smudged chionodes moth. It occurs across much of North America from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to British Columbia, Colorado, Arizona, and northern California. The larvae feed on giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida).
Chionodes rhombus
Chionodes rhombus is a species of moth in the family Gelechiidae. It was described by Hodges in 1999 and is known from multiple western North American states. The larvae feed on Populus species, making this a specialized herbivore with documented host plant relationships.
Chlosyne fulvia
Fulvia checkerspot
Chlosyne fulvia, the Fulvia checkerspot, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. The species ranges from the southwestern United States (Kansas, Colorado, southern Utah, Arizona) south to central Mexico. Adults have a wingspan of 32–50 mm and feed on flower nectar. The larvae are specialized feeders on Castilleja species, particularly Castillega integra and Castilleja lanata.
Choephora fungorum
Bent-lined Dart, bent-line dart
Choephora fungorum, known as the bent-lined dart, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active in autumn and possess a wingspan of 33–47 mm. The species is notable for its broad geographic range spanning from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast.
Chrysolina flavomarginata
Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle
Chrysolina flavomarginata is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America, with records from the United States and Canada. The species is active in fall, which is unusual among jewel beetles. It has been observed on yellow flowers of the Asteraceae family.
Chrysomela interrupta
alder leaf beetle
Chrysomela interrupta, the alder leaf beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae found in North America. It is one of several species in the genus Chrysomela associated with woody host plants. The species is documented in entomological records and citizen science observations, though detailed biological studies appear limited in the accessible literature.
Cimbex rubidus
Rusty Willow Sawfly
Cimbex rubidus, commonly known as the Rusty Willow Sawfly, is a large sawfly in the family Cimbicidae. Adults are robust, wasp-like insects with clubbed antennae characteristic of the family. Larvae feed on willow foliage and have a caterpillar-like appearance with seven pairs of prolegs, distinguishing them from lepidopteran caterpillars which have five or fewer pairs. The species is closely related to the Elm Sawfly (Cimbex americana) and shares many biological traits with other members of the genus.
Cimbicidae
Club-horned Sawflies, Clubhorn Sawflies
Cimbicidae is a small family of large-bodied sawflies in the suborder Symphyta, characterized by antennae with prominent apical clubs or knobs. Adults of some species exceed 3 cm in length and rank among the heaviest of all Hymenoptera. The family contains approximately 20 genera and 200 described species worldwide. Larvae are solitary herbivores that feed on plant foliage.
Cionus
Target Weevils
Cionus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, tribe Cionini, established by Clairville in 1798. The genus is distributed across the Palaearctic, Afrotropical, and Oriental regions, with over 100 recognized species including 61 Palaearctic and 52 Afrotropical species. Several species are associated with plants in the family Scrophulariaceae, particularly genera Scrophularia and Verbascum.
Cionus scrophulariae
Common Figwort Weevil, Figwort Weevil
Cionus scrophulariae is a Palaearctic weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the figwort weevil. The species is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America. Taxonomic revision in 2019 synonymized Cionus affinis and C. scrophulariae albosuturatus with this species. It belongs to a genus of 61 recognized species in the Palaearctic region.
Clinodiplosis rhododendri
Rhododendron Gall Midge
Clinodiplosis rhododendri is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces gall formation on rhododendron plants. The species is known primarily from limited observations, with most records documenting its association with cultivated and native Rhododendron species. As a gall-forming insect, it manipulates host plant tissue to create protected feeding structures. The species is of interest to horticulturists due to its potential impact on ornamental rhododendrons.
Closterotomus fulvomaculatus
spotted plant bug
Closterotomus fulvomaculatus is a small plant bug in the family Miridae, measuring 6–7 mm as an adult. Adults are brownish in coloration, while nymphs are green or yellowish-green. The species completes its development by July in temperate regions. It is known to feed on various herbaceous plants including clover, nettle, and members of the Asteraceae family.
Coccotorus
plum gouger
Coccotorus is a genus of true weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing approximately six described species. The genus is placed in the tribe Anthonomini within the subfamily Curculioninae. Some species are associated with gall formation on host plants. One species, C. beijingensis, has been studied for its complete mitochondrial genome and its phylogenetic relationship to the genus Anthonomus.
Coleophora asterophagella
Coleophora asterophagella is a case-bearing moth in the family Coleophoridae, described by McDunnough in 1944. The species is known from central Canada, with records from Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba. Larvae are specialized feeders on Aster species, constructing distinctive annulate (ringed) cases from plant material.
Conchylodes diphteralis
Conchylodes diphteralis is a small crambid moth described by Carl Geyer in 1832. The species exhibits a broad geographic distribution spanning the southeastern United States, the West Indies, and South America. Adults have a wingspan of 24–29 mm and are active nearly year-round in Florida. Larvae feed on Cordia species.
Condica videns
white-dotted groundling moth, White-dotted Groundling
Condica videns is a small noctuid moth native to North America, commonly known as the white-dotted groundling moth. Adults are active from spring through late summer, with multiple generations per year. The species is notable for its larvae feeding specifically on the flower heads of composite plants in the Asteraceae family.
Contarinia undescribed-species-on-milkweed
An undescribed species of gall midge in the genus Contarinia (family Cecidomyiidae) that forms galls on milkweed plants (Asclepias spp.). The species has not been formally described in scientific literature but has been documented in field observations. As with other Contarinia species, it likely has a narrow host association with milkweed. The informal designation indicates ongoing taxonomic work is needed.
Coptodisca sp. (Conocarpus erectus)
An undescribed species of Coptodisca (family Heliozelidae) that develops as a leaf miner on Conocarpus erectus (button mangrove). The species remains formally unnamed but has been documented from field collections. Heliozelid moths in this genus are characteristically small, with larvae that create distinctive blotch or serpentine mines in host leaves. This species represents part of the poorly known Neotropical heliozelid fauna associated with coastal mangrove vegetation.
Cremastobombycia solidaginis
Goldenrod Leafminer
Cremastobombycia solidaginis is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the Goldenrod Leafminer. The species is distributed across eastern North America from Ontario and Quebec south to Florida and Texas. Larvae feed internally in leaves of goldenrod (Solidago) species and Baccharis pilularis, creating characteristic mines. Adults are small with a wingspan of 7–9 mm.
Crepidodera aereola
Crepidodera aereola is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to North America. As a member of the tribe Alticini, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling jumping behavior. The species is among the smallest flea beetles in its region, with adults measuring approximately 1–1.6 mm in length. It has been documented feeding on plants in the genus Hibiscus.
Cricotopus lebetis
Hydrilla Tip Mining Midge
Cricotopus lebetis is a chironomid midge native to Africa whose larvae are specialized stem miners of the invasive aquatic weed Hydrilla verticillata. It is being investigated as a classical biological control agent for hydrilla management in Florida and other regions where the plant has become established. The species completes its entire larval development within hydrilla shoot tips, where mining activity disrupts apical meristem function and suppresses vertical growth.
Cryptocephalus quadruplex
Black and Red Sumac Leaf Beetle
Cryptocephalus quadruplex is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species occurs across North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and the United States. As a member of the case-bearing leaf beetles, its larvae construct protective cases from fecal matter and sometimes plant debris. The species has been observed on sumac (Rhus) and other vegetation in prairie and open woodland habitats.
Cucullia speyeri
Speyer's paint, Speyer's cucullia, Speyer's hooded owlet moth
Cucullia speyeri is a noctuid moth species found in North America, ranging from the Canadian prairies to the Atlantic coast. The species inhabits open, dry grassland and meadow habitats. Adults are active in late spring and summer, with a wingspan of approximately 48 mm. The larvae feed on herbaceous Asteraceae and Conyza species. In Connecticut, the species is listed as a species of special concern and is believed to be extirpated.
Cyrtobagous
salvinia weevil
Cyrtobagous is a genus of small weevils in the family Curculionidae, native to South America. The genus contains species specialized as biological control agents for invasive aquatic ferns in the genus Salvinia. C. salviniae has been introduced to multiple continents to manage giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta), while C. singularis has more limited effectiveness. Both species complete their life cycles within or on their host plants in aquatic environments.
Cystiphora sonchi
Cystiphora sonchi is a gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) native to Eurasia that has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent for sow-thistles (Sonchus species). The larvae induce small, circular galls on the leaves of host plants, with females ovipositing through stomata of leaves in final growth stages. The species exhibits strict host specificity to the genus Sonchus, and has established populations in multiple Canadian provinces following intentional releases.
Deloyala
mottled tortoise beetle (D. guttata)
Deloyala is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing approximately 10 described species. The genus is characterized by the distinctive domed, tortoise-like body form typical of the subfamily Cassidinae. The best-known species is Deloyala guttata, commonly called the mottled tortoise beetle, which has been studied extensively for its host plant relationships and behavioral plasticity. Species in this genus are associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, particularly morning glories (Ipomoea) and bindweeds.
Deloyala guttata
Mottled Tortoise Beetle
Deloyala guttata, the mottled tortoise beetle, is a tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species exhibits local adaptation to particular host plants, with performance tradeoffs observed when feeding on alternative hosts. Larvae construct defensive shields from exuviae and frass carried on the abdomen to protect against predators. Adults display variable golden iridescent coloration.
Deloyala lecontii
Deloyala lecontii is a North American tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. The species is associated with plants in the genus Convolvulus (morning glories). It exhibits golden iridescent coloration that distinguishes it from related taxa. The species is smaller than members of the genus Chelymorpha but shares similar host plant associations.
Depressaria alienella
Yarrow Webworm
Depressaria alienella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by August Busck in 1904. It occurs across northern and western North America, from Yukon to Nova Scotia and south to Arizona and California. The larvae feed on flowers of Artemisia and Achillea species. Adults are active from July through September.
Depressaria depressana
Purple Carrot-seed Moth, Blunt's Flat-body
Depressaria depressana is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, native to Eurasia and introduced to North America around 2008–2009. It is a family-level specialist herbivore of Apiaceae, feeding on reproductive structures of wild carrot, parsnip, and related umbellifers. The species has undergone rapid range expansion in eastern North America, exhibiting higher genetic diversity and dispersal capacity than its congener D. radiella. Adults are active from spring through early fall with multiple generations per year in warmer regions.
Diapheromera covilleae
creosote bush walkingstick
Diapheromera covilleae, the creosote bush walkingstick, is a wingless stick insect endemic to the Sonoran Desert region. Adults range from 5–10 cm in length with pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are larger, grey in coloration, and 3–4 cm longer than males, which are brown. The species exhibits strong host-plant fidelity to creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and related desert vegetation. It is strictly nocturnal and highly cryptic, making detection difficult despite being locally abundant.
Diastictis baccatalis
Media Moth
Diastictis baccatalis, commonly known as the Media Moth, is a species of pyraloid moth in the family Crambidae. It is a moderately sized moth with distinctive wing patterns that facilitate identification. The species has been documented across much of North America and is frequently observed by citizen scientists, with over 2,300 records on iNaturalist. Its larvae are associated with plants in the genus Baccharis.
Diatraea evanescens
Black-dot Diatraea
Diatraea evanescens is a moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1917. It is found across the southeastern and south-central United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 18–20 mm and is active from March through September. Larvae feed on Paspalum larranagae, a grass species.
Dichomeris
Dichomeris is a large genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus contains hundreds of species distributed globally, with particularly high diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Larvae of many species are leaf-folders, constructing silk shelters on host plants for protection while feeding. Some species are economically significant agricultural pests, including D. famulata, which infests sorghum panicles in South America.
Dichomeris bilobella
Bilobed Dichomeris Moth
Dichomeris bilobella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of approximately 15 mm. It occurs across eastern and central North America from Nova Scotia to eastern Kansas. Adults are active from May through August. The larvae are leaf-feeders on goldenrods (Solidago) and asters (Aster).