Hibiscus
Guides
Anthonomus testaceosquamosus
hibiscus bud weevil
Anthonomus testaceosquamosus, commonly known as the hibiscus bud weevil, is a small curculionid weevil native to northeastern Mexico and southern Texas. The species was first detected as an invasive pest in south Florida in May 2017, where it infests China rose hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) in ornamental production systems. It has three larval instars and completes its life cycle only at 27±1°C. The species is now regulated in Florida due to significant economic damage to the hibiscus industry.
Atomacera decepta
Hibiscus Sawfly, Mallow Sawfly
The hibiscus sawfly (Atomacera decepta) is a herbivorous sawfly in the family Argidae that feeds primarily on members of the mallow family (Malvaceae). Despite its caterpillar-like larvae, it belongs to the Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, and ants) rather than Lepidoptera. The species is known for causing significant defoliation damage to ornamental hibiscus, hollyhocks, and marsh-mallow, though it has not developed a strong preference for economically important crops like cotton or okra.
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.
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.
Eudryas unio
Pearly Wood-nymph
Eudryas unio, the pearly wood-nymph, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active from May through August and have a wingspan of 26–35 mm. The species was historically confused with Eudryas brevipennis, but genitalia differences in both sexes confirm their separation. Isolated populations occur in central Utah and California, with the California population potentially representing a distinct subspecies.
Hypera quadricollis
hibiscus flea beetle
Hypera quadricollis is a minute weevil species in the family Curculionidae, historically classified under flea beetle genera Chaetocnema and Crepidodera due to morphological similarities. The species is strongly associated with rosemallow (Hibiscus spp.), particularly Hibiscus lasiocarpus, where adults feed gregariously on foliage. First described from Florida in 1878, it has since been recorded across eastern and central North America including Missouri and Alberta. The species was synonymized under Chaetocnema quadricollis by White (1996) in his revision of North American Chaetocnema, though current taxonomic databases list it under Hypera.
Niesthrea
scentless plant bugs, hibiscus scentless plant bugs
Niesthrea is a genus of scentless plant bugs in the family Rhopalidae, tribe Niesthreini. The genus comprises approximately 20 described species distributed primarily in the New World, from the United States through Central and South America. Species in this genus are associated with plants in the family Malvaceae, with some species serving as important biological control agents against agricultural weeds such as velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti). The best-studied species, Niesthrea louisianica, exhibits striking orange, black, and white coloration and has been extensively investigated for its potential in integrated pest management programs.
Ptilothrix bombiformis
Hibiscus bee, Eastern digger bee, Hibiscus turret bee
Ptilothrix bombiformis is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the hibiscus bee or eastern digger bee. It is one of only two species of the genus Ptilothrix found in the United States, with a distribution centered in the eastern half of North America. The species is notable for its specialized association with mallow family plants (Malvaceae), particularly Hibiscus species, and for its distinctive nesting behavior involving water transport to excavate hard soil. Females construct turreted nest entrances and are active primarily during summer months when host plants are in bloom.
Tarache
Tarache is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acontiinae, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1823. The genus comprises primarily New World species, most of which were formerly classified under the genus Acontia. Taxonomic authorities differ on its status: Catalogue of Life treats Tarache as accepted, while GBIF and some lepidopteran resources list it as a synonym of Acontia. The genus includes approximately 50 described species arranged in three main species groups (aprica, bilimeki, and lucasi groups).