Herbivorous-larvae
Guides
Apareophora
Apareophora is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, established by Sato in 1928. Members of this genus are part of the diverse sawfly fauna of the Palearctic region. The genus is characterized by morphological features typical of the subfamily Blennocampinae, including specific arrangements of antennal segments and wing venation patterns. Species within Apareophora are herbivorous as larvae, feeding on various host plants.
Arachnis picta
Painted Tiger Moth
Arachnis picta is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1864. Commonly known as the painted tiger moth, it is found in the Southwestern United States and bordering regions of Mexico. The species has a wingspan of approximately 50 mm and flies during the summer months. Six subspecies have been described, showing geographic variation across its range.
Cucullia
Hooded Owlets
Cucullia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as Hooded Owlets. The genus was erected by Franz von Paula Schrank in 1802 and contains numerous species distributed across the Holarctic region. Adults are typically nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae of many species are specialized feeders on plants in the Scrophulariaceae family, particularly Verbascum (mullein), with some species exhibiting conspicuous coloration and diurnal feeding habits.
Eidophasia vanella
Eidophasia vanella is a small moth in the family Plutellidae, first described by Walsingham in 1881. It is native to western North America, with a range extending from Alberta south to California. The species has a forewing length of 7.5–8.5 mm. Larvae have been recorded feeding on Vicia gigantea and Osmorhiza species.
Exelastis pumilio
Dwarf Plume Moth
A small plume moth with a wingspan of 12–15 mm, found throughout tropical regions worldwide. Adults are recorded on wing in March, April, and June. The genus Hepalastis is treated as a synonym of Exelastis.
Hypena lividalis
Brown Triangle Snout
Hypena lividalis is a moth in the family Erebidae with an Afro-Tropical and possibly circumtropical distribution. It occurs in the western Palearctic, Neotropics, and Mediterranean sclerophyllous forest zone, where it is often abundant. Adults are active year-round with multiple generations per year. It is a rare migrant in western, central, and northern Europe.
Protorthodes curtica
Protorthodes curtica is a small noctuid moth with dark reddish forewings and distinctive pale markings. It inhabits dry forested regions of western North America, primarily east of the Cascade and Coastal ranges. The species has an extended adult flight period from late June through mid-October. Larvae are known to feed on herbaceous plants across several families.
Spilosoma vagans
Wandering Tiger Moth, Wandering Diacrisia
Spilosoma vagans is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, described by Boisduval in 1852. It occurs in western North America from southern California north to southern British Columbia and southwestern Alberta. Adults fly from late April through early August in dry forest habitats. The larvae feed on herbaceous plants.
Tenthredo
Common Sawflies
Tenthredo is a large genus of sawflies comprising over 700 species with Holarctic distribution. Adults exhibit wasp-mimicry with long antennae and lack the narrow petiole ('wasp waist') characteristic of true wasps. Larvae are herbivorous and feed on diverse host plants, with most species showing host specificity. Adults are predatory or omnivorous, feeding on smaller insects as well as pollen and nectar at flowers. The genus is notable for its complex wing venation and soft-bodied, delicate adults.
Tenthredo rubeola
Tenthredo rubeola is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, distinguished from true wasps by its broad connection between thorax and abdomen lacking a narrow 'wasp waist.' Adults are often observed on flowers and consume both plant material and small insects. The species belongs to a genus of approximately 118 species in the U.S. and Canada, many of which exhibit mimicry of stinging wasps despite being harmless. Larval biology and host plant relationships remain poorly documented.
Virbia immaculata
Plain-winged Virbia Moth, Immaculate Holomelina, Plain-winged Holomelina
Virbia immaculata is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. The species was described by Tryon Reakirt in 1864. It is found across eastern and central North America, from the Atlantic coast west to Manitoba, with additional records from Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. Larvae have been successfully reared on dandelion (Taraxacum) and plantain (Plantago) species.