Herbivore
Guides
Ophisma tropicalis
Ophisma tropicalis is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from the southern United States to Uruguay. The species has been recorded on numerous Caribbean islands and throughout mainland South America. Larvae feed on Cupania americana, a member of the soapberry family.
Orchelimum
meadow katydid
Orchelimum is a genus of meadow katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, comprising 21 described species. These insects are characterized by their exceptionally long, thread-like antennae and are among the most abundant orthopterans in eastern North America and adjacent Canada. Males produce species-specific songs through stridulation, rubbing a file on one forewing against a scraper on the other. Many species exhibit opportunistic predation on other insects, particularly when plant food sources are limited or when seeking additional protein.
Oreta rosea
Rose Hooktip, Rose Hooktip Moth
Oreta rosea, commonly known as the Rose Hooktip or Rose Hooktip Moth, is a species in the family Drepanidae (hooktip moths). Described by Francis Walker in 1855, this moth is distributed across boreal Canada and eastern North America. It inhabits moist temperate hardwood forests and exhibits bivoltine flight patterns, with adults active from May through September. The species is recognized by its distinctive wing shape with hooked apices.
Orthocephalus saltator
jumping plant bug
Orthocephalus saltator is a Palearctic plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the jumping plant bug. It has an unusually broad distribution spanning Europe, North Africa, and parts of North America. The species is specialized in its feeding habits, primarily consuming plants in the Asteraceae and Poaceae families.
Ostrinia penitalis
American lotus borer
Ostrinia penitalis, commonly known as the American lotus borer, is a moth in the family Crambidae described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1876. It has a broad geographic distribution spanning from Mexico through Central America to Amazonas, Brazil, as well as across much of North America from Quebec to British Columbia and throughout most of the United States. The species is associated with wetland habitats, particularly marshes and pondsides.
Oulema palustris
Marsh Cereal Leaf Beetle
Oulema palustris is a North American leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is a specialist herbivore associated with thistles, with larvae functioning as leaf miners and adults feeding externally on foliage. The specific epithet 'palustris' refers to marshy habitats, though the species' exact habitat preferences require further documentation.
Pachypsylla celtidisumbilicus
Hackberry Disc Gall Psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisumbilicus is a species of hackberry psyllid that produces distinctive disc-shaped galls on hackberry leaves (Celtis spp.). Adults emerge in fall and seek shelter to overwinter, often becoming household nuisances when they congregate on building exteriors. The species is one of at least seven Pachypsylla species associated with hackberry in North America, each producing a characteristic gall morphology.
psyllidgall-formerhackberryCeltisSternorrhynchapestnuisanceoverwinteringparasitoid-hostdisc-gallbutton-gallNorth-Americaornamental-pestseasonal-emergencejumping-plant-louseAphalaridaePsylloideaHemipteraInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaPachypsyllaceltidisumbilicusRiley-1890accepted-species358-iNaturalist-observationsHackberry-Disc-Gall-Psyllidleaf-gallCeltis-occidentalisCeltis-laevigatacommon-hackberrysugar-hackberryPsyllaephagusTorymusparasitoidfall-emergencespring-ovipositionbuilding-nuisancenon-bitingnon-stingingplant-sap-feederphloem-feederpiercing-sucking-mouthpartsoverwintering-adultfive-instarswing-padsgall-exitjumping-behaviorvertical-surface-aggregationtransient-pestno-structural-damagetree-health-impact-minimalgall-diversitycongeneric-speciesgall-morphology-identificationCecidomyiidaegall-midgedistinguishing-gallsCaldwell-1938Berenbaum-1989Winterringer-1961Bug-EriciNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeEncyrtidaeTorymidaebiological-controlhost-recordnew-host-record-potentialgall-rearingColorado-SpringsLeavenworth-KansasNorth-American-distributionhackberry-rangeornamental-treeurban-pestsuburban-pestseasonal-nuisancefall-insectautumn-insectspring-insectleaf-unfoldingbud-breakprecise-oviposition-timinggall-inductionplant-insect-interactionherbivorephytophagousspecialist-feedermonophagousoligophagousCeltis-specialistjumping-plant-licePsyllidaePsyllomorphatrue-bugHexapodaEukaryotaspeciesacceptedRiley1890358-observationsno-Wikipedia-summaryGBIF-exact-matchCatalogue-of-Life-acceptedtaxonentomologyinsect-guidestructured-recordfactualconservativeinformativenon-repetitivecautious-languageno-inferenceno-fabricationhigh-qualitymedium-completenessno-inferred-contentPachyschelus
Pachyschelus is a genus of metallic wood-boring beetles in the family Buprestidae, containing at least 270 described species. Members are small, flattened leaf-miners distinguished from other buprestids by their highly derived morphology: compact, wedge-shaped bodies adapted for living between leaf surfaces rather than boring through wood. The genus belongs to the tribe Trachyini, whose larvae mine leaves of herbaceous plants rather than stems or trunks. Species occur primarily in the Neotropics, with some extending into North America.
Pachyschelus fisheri
Pachyschelus fisheri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was described by Vogt in 1949. The species belongs to the tribe Trachyini, a group characterized by flattened, compact body forms and leaf-mining larval habits. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with herbaceous host plants. It is found in North America.
Pachyschelus purpureus uvaldei
Pachyschelus purpureus uvaldei is a subspecies of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Knull in 1941. Originally described as a distinct species (Pachyschelus uvaldei), it is now treated as a subspecies of the widespread P. purpureus. Adults are active in early spring and have been recorded feeding on wild geranium (Geranium maculatum). Like other members of the tribe Trachyini, larvae are leaf miners. The subspecies occurs in North America, with the type locality at Uvalde, Texas.
Palpita illibalis
inkblot palpita moth
Palpita illibalis, commonly known as the inkblot palpita moth, is a crambid moth described by Jacob Hübner in 1818. It occurs in the eastern and southeastern United States. The species is associated with white fringetree as a larval host. Adults are active primarily during summer months.
Pamphilius
leaf-rolling sawflies
Pamphilius is a genus of approximately 115 species of leaf-rolling sawflies in the family Pamphiliidae. Adults are typically 10–15 mm in length with black bodies, yellowish spots on the head, yellow legs, and transparent wings. Larvae are solitary or colonial leaf-rollers that feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, occurring in North America and Eurasia.
Pamphilius semicinctus
Pamphilius semicinctus is a species of web-spinning sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae, suborder Symphyta. As with other members of this genus, the larvae construct silk webs on host plants for protection while feeding. The species belongs to a group of plant-feeding wasps that are economically insignificant and harmless to humans. Specific details regarding its distribution and biology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Panopoda carneicosta
Brown Panopoda, Brown Panopoda Moth
Panopoda carneicosta, commonly called the Brown Panopoda, is a moth species in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Guenée in 1852. The species is widespread across eastern and central North America, with adults active primarily during late spring and summer months. Larvae feed on the leaves of several deciduous tree species including basswood, oak, hickory, and willow.
Papaipema astuta
Stoneroot Stem Borer Moth
Papaipema astuta is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Stoneroot Stem Borer Moth. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus of moths whose larvae bore into stems of herbaceous plants. The species was described by Bird in 1907. Like other Papaipema species, it is associated with specific host plants, though detailed ecological studies remain limited.
Paracharactus rudis
Paracharactus rudis is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by Norton in 1861. It belongs to a genus of sawflies whose members are associated with woody plants. The species is recorded from multiple provinces across Canada including Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. Sawflies in this family are herbivorous in the larval stage, with many species being economically significant pests of trees and shrubs.
Parallelodiplosis subtruncata
Dogwood Eyespot Gall Midge
Parallelodiplosis subtruncata is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species is known for inducing distinctive eyespot galls on dogwood foliage. It was first described by Ephraim Porter Felt in 1907. The common name reflects both its host association and the characteristic gall morphology.
Paraphlepsius irroratus
bespeckled leafhopper, irrorate leafhopper, brown-speckled leafhopper, irrorate spittlebug
Paraphlepsius irroratus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as the bespeckled leafhopper. It is a documented vector of plant pathogens, specifically the clover phyllody mycoplasmalike organism (phytoplasma) and Peach X-disease. The species has been successfully reared in laboratory conditions, revealing broad host plant associations and a development period of 31.8–59.2 days across five nymphal instars.
Parapoynx maculalis
polymorphic pondweed moth
Parapoynx maculalis, commonly known as the polymorphic pondweed moth, is a small aquatic moth in the family Crambidae. It inhabits freshwater environments across eastern North America, from Florida and Texas north to Canada. The species is distinguished by its small size, white forewings with fuscous markings, and fully aquatic larval stage that feeds on submerged plants.
Parapoynx seminealis
floating-heart waterlily moth
Parapoynx seminealis is a small crambid moth in the subfamily Acentropinae, commonly known as the floating-heart waterlily moth. It was described by Francis Walker in 1859. The species is associated with aquatic habitats and has been recorded from multiple states in eastern North America.
Paria thoracica
Paria thoracica is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Canada and the United States. The species was first described by Melsheimer in 1847. As a member of the genus Paria, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles that feed on plant foliage.
Paropomala wyomingensis
Wyoming toothpick grasshopper
Paropomala wyomingensis, the Wyoming toothpick grasshopper, is a slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is common in the shortgrass prairies of eastern Wyoming, with populations diminishing in mixedgrass prairie and desert regions. Adults are active from mid-July to early September. The species feeds on multiple grass species and has been recorded from the western United States south to Central America.
Peltophorus polymitus
Speckled Agave Weevil
Peltophorus polymitus is a true weevil (Curculionidae) native to North America, widely distributed throughout Mexico. Adults and larvae feed on multiple agave species, including cultivated plants used for food, medicine, and mezcal production. Despite causing documented plant damage, it has not been formally classified as a pest species. Two subspecies are recognized: P. p. seminiveus and P. p. suffusus.
Pentidotea
Pentidotea is a genus of marine isopods in the family Idoteidae, established by Richardson in 1905. The genus comprises approximately 13 described species of flattened, oval-shaped crustaceans found in coastal marine environments. These isopods are members of the suborder Valvifera, characterized by their ability to roll into a ball. Species in this genus are primarily associated with algae and seagrass habitats in temperate to cold waters.
Pentidotea montereyensis
Pentidotea montereyensis is a marine isopod in the family Idoteidae, first described by Maloney in 1933. The species is found in the temperate northern Pacific Ocean and is associated with kelp and algal habitats. Like other idoteid isopods, it is dorsoventrally flattened and adapted for clinging to macroalgae. The species has been documented through 254 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate contemporary recording effort.
Phaedon
Phaedon is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Chrysomelinae. Species in this genus are associated with feeding on plant foliage, with some species documented as agricultural pests. The genus has been recorded across Europe and Asia, with at least one species, P. brassicae, known from China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Members are small to medium-sized beetles typical of the Chrysomelidae family.
Phaedon viridis
watercress leaf beetle
Phaedon viridis, commonly known as the watercress leaf beetle, is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America and has been documented across multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats where its host plants grow.
Phanacis taraxaci
dandelion gall wasp
Phanacis taraxaci is a gall-forming cynipid wasp that induces galls on the leaves of common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). The galls function as physiological sinks, actively redirecting carbon and mineral nutrients from host plant tissues. This species has been documented in Europe, northern Asia, and North America.
Phratora hudsonia
birch leaf beetle
Phratora hudsonia is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the birch leaf beetle. It is found in North America, with documented populations in Ontario, Canada, as well as Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species feeds exclusively on birch leaves and has been the subject of biological study focusing on its seasonal occurrence, habits, and immature stages.
Phrydiuchus
Phrydiuchus is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) comprising at least two described species: P. tau and P. topiarius. Species in this genus are specialized herbivores associated with Salvia species (Lamiaceae), with documented use as biological control agents against invasive sage weeds. The genus is characterized by small, dark-colored weevils with distinctive dorsal markings.
Phrydiuchus tau
Mediterranean sage root weevil
Phrydiuchus tau is a small weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the Mediterranean sage root weevil. It is native to southern Eurasia and has been introduced to the western United States as a biological control agent targeting the invasive weed Mediterranean sage (Salvia aethiopis). The species derives its scientific name from the distinctive white T-shaped marking on its dorsal surface, resembling the Greek letter tau.
Phtheochroa
Phtheochroa is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Cochylini. Species in this genus are generally small to medium-sized with relatively plain forewing patterns. The genus occurs primarily in the Holarctic region, with most species described from the Palearctic. Larval stages are associated with various herbaceous plants and shrubs.
Phyllecthris dorsalis
Leaf beetle
Phyllecthris dorsalis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It has been recorded from the eastern United States. The species is associated with Fabaceae host plants, specifically Amorpha and Desmodium species.
Phymatocerini
Phymatocerini is a small tribe of sawflies within the family Tenthredinidae, comprising approximately 7 genera and 11 described species. Members of this tribe are part of the suborder Symphyta, characterized by a broad connection between the thorax and abdomen rather than the constricted waist seen in most other Hymenoptera. The tribe is taxonomically compact and represents a distinct lineage within the common sawflies.
Phyprosopus callitrichoides
Curve-lined Owlet, Curved-lined Owlet
Phyprosopus callitrichoides is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 28–35 mm and are active from May to August. The species is notable for its distinctive larval morphology, which has been described as "fantastically bizarre." Larvae feed on greenbrier (Smilax species).
Physonota alutacea
wild olive tortoise beetle
Physonota alutacea, commonly known as the wild olive tortoise beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It belongs to the tortoise beetle subfamily Cassidinae, characterized by the distinctive domed body shape typical of this group. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning North, Central, and South America. It is associated with wild olive (Cordia boissieri) and related host plants.
Phytocoris varipes
long-legged plant bug
Phytocoris varipes is a plant bug in the family Miridae, characterized by pinkish-brown to red-brown coloration with longitudinal markings on the upper surface. Adults and nymphs inhabit herbaceous plants and grasses, feeding primarily on flowers and immature fruits. The species has a broad distribution across Europe, extending east to the Caucasus and Iran, with an introduced population in Oregon, USA. Adults are active from June through October, with mating and oviposition occurring in mid-summer.
Phytomyza aquilegiana
columbine leafminer
Phytomyza aquilegiana, commonly known as the columbine leafminer, is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species is found in the Southeastern United States, with additional records from Vermont. Like other Phytomyza species, the larvae feed internally within leaf tissue, creating distinctive serpentine mines. The specific host plant associations and detailed biology of this species remain poorly documented compared to its congeners.
Phytomyza confusa
Phytomyza confusa is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2018. Like other members of its genus, it develops as a larva within plant leaf tissue, creating distinctive feeding galleries. The species is part of a diverse group of agromyzid flies whose larvae are specialized herbivores on particular host plants. As a recently described species, detailed information about its biology and distribution remains limited.
Phytomyza eriodictyi
Phytomyza eriodictyi is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1981. As a member of the genus Phytomyza, it likely shares the characteristic larval habit of feeding within leaf tissue, creating distinctive serpentine mines. The specific epithet 'eriodictyi' suggests an association with Eriodictyon, a genus of flowering plants in the waterleaf family (Hydrophyllaceae) native to western North America.
Phytomyza ranunculi
Ranunculus leaf-mining fly
Phytomyza ranunculi is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae that develops within leaves of Ranunculus plants (buttercups). Adults are approximately 2 mm long and highly variable in coloration, with several named color variants. The larvae are primarily leaf-miners, forming long, conspicuous white mines with frass arranged in close strings. The species is widespread in Europe and occurs in the Palearctic region. Pupae are heavily parasitized, with up to 75% of puparia attacked by parasitoid wasps.
Phytomyza verbenae
Phytomyza verbenae is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2018. The genus Phytomyza comprises numerous leaf-mining species whose larvae feed internally within plant leaves, creating distinctive serpentine mines. This species is associated with verbena plants (Verbenaceae) based on its specific epithet, though detailed biological studies remain limited. Like congeners, it likely completes its development within leaf tissue, with adults emerging to coincide with host plant phenology.
Plagiognathus arbustorum
Common Nettle Flower Bug
Plagiognathus arbustorum is a small plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the Common Nettle Flower Bug. It is a widespread species found across the Nearctic and Palearctic realms, including most of Europe, Siberia, Central Asia, and parts of North America. Adults are active from July to October and are polyphagous, feeding primarily on herbaceous plants across multiple families.
Plusiodonta compressipalpis
Moonseed Moth
Plusiodonta compressipalpis, commonly known as the moonseed moth, is a small nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae. The species was described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It occurs across eastern North America with two generations per year in most of its range. The common name reflects its larval association with moonseed vines (Menispermum species).
Plutella armoraciae
Plutella armoraciae is a moth in the family Plutellidae, first described by Busck in 1913. It is restricted to north-western North America and is closely related to the cosmopolitan diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). The species is notable for its very pale coloration compared to its congeners and its specialized larval association with Armoracia species (horseradish and related plants).
Pristiphora bivittata
Pristiphora bivittata is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, order Hymenoptera. The species was described by Norton in 1861. It is known from multiple Canadian provinces including British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Records indicate it has been observed at least six times on iNaturalist. Beyond basic taxonomic and distribution data, detailed biological information for this species remains limited in available sources.
Pristiphora geniculata
mountain ash sawfly, rowan leaf sawfly, Ebereschen-Blattwespe
Pristiphora geniculata is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, native to the Palaearctic region and introduced to North America. It is a specialized herbivore of Sorbus species, particularly mountain ash (rowan). The species exhibits facultative parthenogenesis and shows pronounced sexual dimorphism in larval development, with females having five instars compared to four in males. In eastern Canada, it typically produces two generations annually, though only one in northern Quebec and at higher elevations in Europe. The species has been the target of successful classical biological control programs using the parasitoid wasp Olesicampe geniculatae.
Pristiphora serrula
Pristiphora serrula is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Nematinae. As a member of the genus Pristiphora, it belongs to a group of sawflies commonly associated with feeding on various woody plants. The genus Pristiphora includes numerous species that are significant defoliators of trees and shrubs, with larvae typically feeding externally on leaves. Specific biological details for P. serrula are limited in the available literature.
Proserpinus gaurae
proud sphinx moth, Proud Sphinx
Proserpinus gaurae is a medium-sized sphinx moth with distinctive orange and chestnut coloration. Adults are active primarily from April through August, with one or two generations per year. The species is notable for having the longest labial palps of any Proserpinus species. Larvae feed on evening primrose relatives and pupate in shallow soil burrows to overwinter.
SphingidaeMacroglossinaeMacroglossiniProserpinusproud-sphinx-mothProud-SphinxNorth-AmericaUnited-StatesMexicoevening-primroseOnagraceaeOenotheraGauraEpilobiumnocturnalspringsummerAprilMayJuneJulyAugust1797SmithSphinx-gauraemedium-sizedorangechestnutreddishwhiteblacklabial-palpssinuateforewinghindwingshallow-burrowoverwinterpupalarvaherbivorelepidopteristrearcollectprairiemeadowdisturbedopen-habitatTexasLouisianaFloridaAlabamaMissouriGeorgiaSouth-Carolinanorthern-MexicoProserpinus lucidus
Pacific green sphinx, bear sphinx
Proserpinus lucidus is a small sphinx moth native to the Pacific coast of North America. Adults are active in winter from December to April, during which they do not feed. The species exhibits unusual seasonal timing among North American sphinx moths, with adults emerging and mating during the coldest months. Larvae feed on specific evening primrose relatives in the genera Clarkia and Camissonia, and possess a distinctive "bullseye" spot in place of the typical horn found in most sphinx moth caterpillars.