Herbivore
Guides
Loxostege albiceralis
Tan-edge Loxostege
Loxostege albiceralis is a crambid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1878. It occurs in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species is notable as a documented host for the mason wasp Euodynerus annulatus, which provisions its nests with Loxostege caterpillars. Adults are active across an extended flight season from early spring through autumn.
Loxostege allectalis
Wolfberry Loxostege Moth
Loxostege allectalis is a small crambid moth described by Grote in 1877. It occurs from southern California through Texas and south into Mexico and Central America. The species has a wingspan of 21–26 mm and is active from March to September. Its larvae feed specifically on Lycium berlandieri.
Loxostege cereralis
Alfalfa Webworm, Alfalfa Webworm Moth
Loxostege cereralis, commonly known as the alfalfa webworm, is a crambid moth species distributed across much of North America. The species is known for its larval association with alfalfa and other agricultural crops, making it economically significant in some regions. Adults have a wingspan of 30–34 mm and are active during an extended flight period from March through October in warmer areas.
Loxostege floridalis
Christmas-berry webworm moth
Loxostege floridalis, commonly known as the Christmas-berry webworm moth, is a species of snout moth in the family Crambidae. It was first described by entomologists William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1913. The species has a restricted distribution in North America, with confirmed records only from Florida and Texas. Adults are active during the cooler months, with flight records spanning September through May.
Lysathia
Lysathia is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Alticini) containing approximately 10 described species distributed in North America and the Neotropics. Several species have been investigated or deployed as biological control agents for invasive aquatic plants, including Ludwigia grandiflora subsp. hexapetala and Myriophyllum aquaticum. The genus exhibits morphological variation that has complicated taxonomic resolution, with integrative approaches combining genetics and morphology used to clarify species boundaries.
Macalla thyrsisalis
mahogany webworm moth, mahogany webworm
Macalla thyrsisalis, known as the mahogany webworm moth, is a snout moth in the family Pyralidae described by Francis Walker in 1859. The larval stage is a strikingly colored caterpillar that feeds on West Indies mahogany, causing damage to the host plant. The species is distributed across southern Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America.
Macrophya cassandra
Macrophya cassandra is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by William Kirby in 1882. The species belongs to the subfamily Tenthredininae and tribe Macrophyini. It is native to eastern Canada, with records from Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. As a member of the genus Macrophya, it shares characteristics with other sawflies in this group, including herbivorous larval feeding habits, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Macrophya nigra
Macrophya nigra is a sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae whose larvae are specialized herbivores of turtlehead plants (Chelone spp.). Larval activity peaks in midsummer, with feeding damage capable of reducing host plant reproductive output. The species has been documented in Canada and is known to interact competitively with other herbivores sharing the same host plants.
Macrosiphoniella millefolii
Yarrow Aphid
Macrosiphoniella millefolii is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Yarrow Aphid. It is a specialist herbivore associated with yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and related plants in the Asteraceae family. The species has a broad distribution across Europe and extends into parts of Asia, with two recognized subspecies.
Mecinini
Mecinini is a tribe of true weevils (Curculionidae: Curculioninae) comprising six genera: Cleopomiarus, Gymnetron, Mecinus, Miarus, Rhinumiarus, and Rhinusa. The tribe is distributed across the Palaearctic, Afrotropical, and Neotropical regions, with most diversity in the Palaearctic. Species are specialized herbivores, primarily associated with Campanulaceae, Scrophulariaceae, and Plantaginaceae. Several species have been introduced to North America as biological control agents for invasive toadflax (Linaria spp.).
Megalocoleus molliculus
A plant bug in the family Miridae that feeds primarily on yarrow and related Asteraceae. Adults are active in mid to late summer. The species has a wide distribution across the Palearctic and has been introduced to North America.
Meganola phylla
Coastal Plain Meganola Moth
A small moth in the family Nolidae with a wingspan of 18–24 mm. Adults are active from January through October, with peak activity between April and August. Larvae feed on Quercus (oak) species. Previously treated as a subspecies or color variant of Meganola minuscula.
Meibomeus musculus
Meibomeus musculus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1831. It is native to North America with confirmed records from Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, and Québec) and the United States. As a member of the leaf beetle family, it is associated with vegetation, though specific host plant relationships remain undocumented. The species is represented by 54 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered with some regularity by naturalists.
Melanoplus aridus
arid lands spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus aridus, commonly known as the arid lands spur-throat grasshopper, is a spur-throated grasshopper species in the family Acrididae. It is native to North America, with documented presence in Arizona and other arid regions. The species has been observed feeding on Flourensia cernua leaves, indicating some degree of host plant specificity. As a member of the genus Melanoplus, it shares the characteristic spur-throat morphology with other species in this diverse grasshopper group.
Melanoplus bowditchi
Sagebrush Grasshopper
Melanoplus bowditchi, commonly known as the sagebrush grasshopper, is a medium-sized spurthroated grasshopper in the subfamily Melanoplinae. It is widely distributed across western North American grasslands where sagebrush is present. The species exhibits strong host plant specificity, feeding almost exclusively on sagebrush species, particularly silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana) and sand sagebrush (A. filifolia). Despite its potential to damage valuable forage plants, populations remain at low densities and significant economic impact has not been documented.
Melipotis januaris
January melipotis moth, January Graphic
Melipotis januaris is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It exhibits a broad New World distribution spanning the Caribbean, Florida, and from Mexico to Paraguay. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. The larvae are known to feed on Inga laurina.
Merocoris distinctus
Merocoris distinctus is a small, atypical leaf-footed bug (family Coreidae) found in grassland habitats across North and Central America. Unlike most coreids, it lacks the flattened, leaf-like hind tibiae characteristic of the family, instead possessing distinctly curved hind tibiae and club-shaped, enlarged hind femora. The species feeds on herbaceous plants including goldenrod (Solidago spp.) and lanceleaf tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata), and has been documented engaging in thanatosis (death feigning) as an anti-predator defense. A notable record documents twelve individuals feeding gregariously on carrion, reflecting the extra-phytophagous feeding habits occasionally observed in Coreidae.
Meskea
Meskea is a genus of moths in the family Thyrididae, subfamily Siculodinae. Species in this genus are gall-forming herbivores whose larvae develop within stem galls on host plants in the family Malvaceae. The genus includes at least two documented species: Meskea horor, a potential biological control agent studied for its impact on weedy Sida species, and Meskea dyspteraria, which has been recorded as a host for the parasitoid wasp Calliephialtes grapholithae. Adult moths are crepuscular or nocturnal in habit.
Metriocnemus erythranthei
Monkeyflower Non-biting Midge
Metriocnemus erythranthei is a leaf-mining chironomid midge (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) described in 2023 from herbaceous wetland plants. The larva is a true miner that enters fresh leaves and excavates tunnels, feeding on leaf tissue of monkeyflowers, speedwells, and other herbaceous plants. The species is widespread across North America, with documented collections from the Pacific coast to Pennsylvania. Its vacated mines are subsequently inhabited by Limnophyes viribus, establishing an inquiline relationship.
Metriocnemus eurynotus
A small non-biting midge (Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) with larvae that feed on herbaceous plant material. The species has been documented as a leafminer of Impatiens cotyledons, initially mining fresh tissue before transitioning to external feeding. Larvae have also been found feeding within abandoned mines of Metriocnemus erythranthei on Veronica and on Petasites leaves. The species occurs across northern Europe and has been recorded from North America.
Microrhopala rubrolineata militaris
Microrhopala rubrolineata militaris is a subspecies of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. The genus Microrhopala comprises small hispine leaf beetles characterized by clubbed antennae. Species in this genus are host-specific herbivores, with adults feeding on foliage and larvae mining within leaves. The specific epithet "rubrolineata" (red-lined) and subspecific name "militaris" suggest distinctive coloration, though detailed distinguishing features from nominate M. rubrolineata are not documented in available sources.
Microrhopala rubrolineata signaticollis
Microrhopala rubrolineata signaticollis is a subspecies of hispine leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by J.L. LeConte in 1859. The genus Microrhopala comprises small leaf beetles with clubbed antennae, with several species occurring in North America. Members of this genus are herbivorous specialists typically associated with particular host plants in the Asteraceae family. This subspecies is part of the broader M. rubrolineata species complex distributed across North and Middle America.
Microthyris prolongalis
Microthyris prolongalis is a crambid moth described by Achille Guenée in 1854. It has a wingspan of approximately 33 mm and occurs from Brazil northward through Central America, the Caribbean, and into the southern United States (Texas and Florida). Adults are active during multiple months in Florida, with records from June, October, and December. The larvae feed on Ipomoea species.
Micrutalis
Micrutalis is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, containing at least 30 described species distributed throughout the Americas. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized treehoppers characterized by their distinctive pronotal morphology. Several species have been documented as vectors of plant pathogens, including Micrutalis malleifera, which transmits Pseudo-Curly Top Virus. The genus exhibits host plant associations primarily with herbaceous plants, including species in Solanaceae.
Micrutalis calva
Honeylocust Treehopper
Micrutalis calva is a North American treehopper species in the family Membracidae, commonly known as the Honeylocust Treehopper. It is a polyphagous herbivore that feeds on numerous plant species across diverse families. Unlike many treehoppers that specialize on woody hosts, this species is restricted to herbaceous plants. Nymphs have been specifically observed on Vernonia flowers.
Micrutalis flava
Yellow Micrutalis treehopper
Micrutalis flava is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, described by Goding in 1929. The species belongs to a genus whose members are restricted to herbaceous plant hosts. Very little published information exists specifically for this species, with most knowledge inferred from genus-level characteristics and limited observation records. The species has been documented in Utah and appears to be rarely encountered based on available observation data.
Misogada
drab prominent
Misogada is a monotypic moth genus in the family Notodontidae, containing a single species, Misogada unicolor. The genus was erected by Francis Walker in 1865. Its sole species, commonly known as the drab prominent, was described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1864 and is distributed across eastern and central North America.
Moneilema
cactus longhorn beetles, cactus beetles
Moneilema is a genus of large, flightless, black longhorn beetles endemic to North American deserts. The genus contains twenty species distributed across the western United States and northern Mexico. Adults and larvae are exclusively associated with cacti in the subfamily Opuntioideae, including prickly pears (Opuntia) and chollas (Cylindropuntia). The beetles are notable for their remarkable mimicry of darkling beetles in the genus Eleodes, including similar appearance and defensive head-standing behavior despite lacking chemical defenses.
Monoctenus
Monoctenus is a genus of conifer-feeding sawflies in the family Diprionidae, established by Dahlbom in 1835. The genus includes at least two recognized species: M. juniperi and M. obscuratus. These sawflies are associated with juniper hosts and have been recorded from Europe and North America.
Mouralia
Mouralia is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, containing the single species Mouralia tinctoides. The genus was established by Walker in 1858. Larvae are specialized feeders on plants in the family Commelinaceae, including Tradescantia and Commelina species. The species has a broad New World distribution spanning subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas.
Narnia inornata
cactus bug
Narnia inornata is a leaf-footed bug (family Coreidae) distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is strongly associated with cactus habitats, where it feeds on fruit and stem joints of prickly pear (Opuntia) and cholla (Cylindropuntia). The species is relatively small and quick-moving, making it difficult to photograph in the field. It is one of several Narnia species specialized for life in arid, cactus-dominated ecosystems.
Nematus corylus
Nematus corylus is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The specific epithet 'corylus' indicates an association with Corylus (hazelnut), suggesting this species is likely a specialist on plants in this genus. Sawflies in the genus Nematus are herbivorous, with larvae that feed externally on host plant foliage. The species is rarely encountered, with only three observations documented on iNaturalist.
Nematus curvarius
Nematus curvarius is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. As a member of the suborder Symphyta, it lacks the narrow waist characteristic of wasps, bees, and ants. The species is documented in limited observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underreported. Like other Nematus species, it likely has herbivorous larval stages associated with woody plants.
Nematus laticulus
Nematus laticulus is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Nematinae. It is a small, slender sawfly associated with willow (Salix) hosts. The species was described by Villaret in 1832 and is part of a large genus of primarily Holarctic distribution. Adults are active in spring and early summer.
Neoclytus approximatus
Neoclytus approximatus is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1862. It is among the most uncommonly encountered longhorned beetles in North America, with a disjunct distribution across the Great Plains and scattered records from the eastern United States. The species' larval host plant remains unknown, making it one of the most elusive cerambycids on the continent.
Neodiprion excitans
Black-headed Pine Sawfly
Neodiprion excitans, commonly known as the Black-headed Pine Sawfly, is a conifer-feeding sawfly in the family Diprionidae. It is native to eastern North America, with documented populations in North Carolina and surrounding regions. Like other members of its genus, it is a folivore that feeds on pine needles and can cause significant defoliation during outbreak conditions. The species has been studied for its population dynamics and ecological interactions in pine forest ecosystems.
Neofidia longipes
Neofidia longipes is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, found in eastern North America. It has been documented feeding on a diverse range of host plants including American holly (Ilex opaca), willows (Salix), soybeans, and several members of the grape family (Vitaceae). The species is morphologically similar to Neofidia rileyorum, with females of the two species being indistinguishable without associated males. Both species occur sympatrically along portions of the Appalachian Mountains and in parts of Ohio and Alabama.
Neogalea sunia
Lantana Stick Moth, Catabena Moth
Neogalea sunia is a noctuid moth and the sole species in the genus Neogalea. Native to the Americas from the southern United States through the Caribbean to Argentina, it has been introduced to Australia and Hawaii as a biological control agent. The species is notable for its specialized larval diet and its role in classical biological control programs targeting invasive plants.
Neogalerucella calmariensis
black-margined loosestrife beetle, purple loosestrife beetle
A small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to Europe and Asia, that has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). Adults and larvae feed on leaves and meristems of their host plant, causing significant damage that reduces plant vigor and seed production. The species is one of several Neogalerucella beetles used in loosestrife biocontrol programs.
Neoptilia
hollyhock sawflies, purple sawfly
Neoptilia is a genus of sawflies in the family Argidae, first described by Ashmead in 1898. The genus contains at least two recognized species: N. malvacearum (hollyhock sawfly) and N. tora (purple sawfly). These are herbivorous insects with larvae that feed on host plants. As argid sawflies, they lack the narrow waist characteristic of many other hymenopterans and possess a broad connection between thorax and abdomen.
Neoptilia tora
Mallow Sawfly
Neoptilia tora is a species of sawfly in the family Argidae, commonly known as the Mallow Sawfly. The species is associated with mallow plants (Malvaceae) as a host. It belongs to the suborder Symphyta, which comprises the sawflies—distinguishable from other Hymenoptera by their broad connection between thorax and abdomen without the narrow "wasp waist" characteristic of Apocrita.
Niphograpta albiguttalis
Water Hyacinth Moth
Niphograpta albiguttalis is the sole species in its genus, a crambid moth native to the Amazon basin. It has been intentionally introduced to multiple continents as a biological control agent for water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). The moth's larvae tunnel into water hyacinth leaves and petioles, causing damage that can reduce plant vigor and spread. It is established in the southeastern United States, parts of Africa, and eastern Australia.
Nomophila nearctica
Lucerne Moth, Clover Nomophila, False Webworm, Celery Stalkworm, American Celery Webworm
Nomophila nearctica is a crambid moth with broad distribution across North America and southward into the Neotropics. Adults are active from spring through late autumn. The species is notable for its narrow, elongated wing profile and association with low-growing herbaceous vegetation. Larvae feed on a range of plants including grasses, legumes, and celery, making it occasionally significant in agricultural contexts.
Octotoma
Octotoma is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) comprising approximately 11–12 described species. Members of this genus are leaf-mining beetles with documented associations to Lantana camara, an invasive weed. Several species, notably O. championi and O. scabripennis, have been extensively studied and employed as biological control agents. The genus exhibits a leaf-mining larval phase followed by free-living, leaf-chewing adults.
Octotoma championi
lantana leafminer, lantana leaf beetle
Octotoma championi is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the lantana leafminer or lantana leaf beetle. Native to Central and North America, it has been introduced to Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, and South Africa as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species has a leaf-mining larval phase and free-living, leaf-chewing adults. Research indicates its development and consumption rates are sensitive to elevated CO2 and temperature conditions.
Odontocorynus umbellae
Daisy Flower Weevil
A small flower-feeding weevil, 3–5 mm in length, with brown or black coloration. The species is distinguished by a rostrum that curves heavily at the base but becomes nearly straight near the apex. Adults are active during the growing season and feed on flowers of several plant families.
Odontota
locust leaf miners
Odontota is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, comprising approximately eight to nine described species. The genus includes notable agricultural and forestry pests, particularly species that mine leaves of leguminous trees. The most well-known species, Odontota dorsalis (locust leaf miner), feeds on black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and related species, causing distinctive "scorched" foliage damage. Several species have been documented with specialized behaviors including extended copulation and post-copulatory mate guarding.
Oedipodinae
Bandwing Grasshoppers, band-winged grasshoppers
Oedipodinae, commonly known as bandwing grasshoppers, is a subfamily of grasshoppers within the family Acrididae. Members are characterized by colorful, often banded hindwings that are typically concealed at rest but revealed during flight. The subfamily has a worldwide distribution and includes many species adapted to xeric and open habitats. Some Oedipodinae species are among the most economically important locusts, capable of forming dense migratory swarms that cause extensive agricultural damage.
Oidaematophorus eupatorii
Eupatorium Plume Moth, Joe Pye Plume Moth
Oidaematophorus eupatorii is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae. It occurs across North America from Canada to Central America, with records from the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, and Panama. The species is associated with Eupatorium and Epilobium plants, on which its larvae feed. Adults are small moths with distinctive split wings characteristic of plume moths.
Oidaematophorus mathewianus
Yarrow Leaf Plume Moth, Mathew's Plume Moth
A small plume moth (Pterophoridae) with a wingspan of 21–26 mm. Adults are pale brownish-grey with distinctive split wings characteristic of the family. Larvae feed exclusively on yarrow (Achillea millefolium). The species exhibits seasonal dimorphism in pupal coloration.