Host-specific
Guides
Aceria
gall mites, eriophyid mites, four-legged mites
Aceria is a large genus of eriophyid mites (family Eriophyidae) containing over 900 described species. These microscopic, worm-like arachnids are obligate plant parasites that induce distinctive plant growth abnormalities including galls, erinea, and witches' brooms. Some species are economically significant agricultural pests, while others have been deployed as biological control agents against invasive weeds. The genus exhibits extreme host specificity, with most species restricted to a single plant species or genus.
Aceria theospyri
persimmon leaf blister gall
Aceria theospyri is a gall-forming eriophyid mite that produces distinctive leaf blister galls on persimmon (Diospyros virginiana). As a member of the superfamily Eriophyoidea, this microscopic mite has a worm-like, elongated body with only four legs. The species is highly host-specific, feeding exclusively on persimmon and causing characteristic blister-like deformities on leaves. Like other eriophyid mites, it has a short development period allowing rapid population buildup. The mite represents one of thousands of specialized plant-parasitic mites in this ancient lineage that radiated over 200 million years ago.
Acizzia
Acizzia is a genus of psyllids in the monotypic subfamily Acizziinae, established by George Heslop-Harrison in 1961. Species are primarily associated with leguminous hosts, particularly Acacia and Albizia species in Australia, though some have expanded to Solanaceae and Loranthaceae. Many species exhibit high host specificity, with some being monophagous or oligophagous. Several species have become invasive outside their native ranges following the global horticultural trade of their host plants.
Acmaeodera tiquilia
Acmaeodera tiquilia is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Westcott & Barr in 1998. The species is found in North America. As a member of the genus Acmaeodera, it likely exhibits the characteristic metallic coloration and flower-visiting behavior common to many congeners, though specific details about this species remain poorly documented.
Agonopterix fusciterminella
Agonopterix fusciterminella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by Clarke in 1941. It is found in western and eastern North America, with records from California to British Columbia and from North Carolina to Tennessee. The species has a wingspan of 22–25 mm and exhibits distinctive reddish-brown and fuscous forewing patterning. Larvae are known to feed on specific host plants in the Asteraceae family.
Agrilus corylicola
Agrilus corylicola is a jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Fisher in 1928. The species is associated with Corylus (hazelnut) host plants, as indicated by its specific epithet. It belongs to the large genus Agrilus, which contains numerous host-specific woodboring beetles. The species has been documented in the eastern United States, with potential occurrence in Missouri suggested by host plant presence, though confirmed records from the state appear limited.
Agrilus lacustris
Croton Agrilus
Agrilus lacustris is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, found in North America. The species is strongly associated with Croton pottsii (leatherweed), on whose foliage adults have been observed. It was described by LeConte in 1860. The common name "Croton Agrilus" reflects this host plant relationship.
Agrilus ornatulus
Ornate soapberry Borer
Agrilus ornatulus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Horn in 1891. The species is associated with soapberry (Sapindus saponaria) as its larval host plant, with adults collected by beating or sweeping foliage. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The specific epithet 'ornatulus' refers to the ornate or decorated appearance typical of many Agrilus species.
Altica woodsi
Altica woodsi is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Isely in 1920. It is native to North America, with records from Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, Québec) and the United States. The species is a specialist herbivore associated with woody vines in the grape family, feeding on riverbank grape (Vitis riparia) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia).
Amastris lycioda
A treehopper in the family Membracidae, first described by Ball in 1933. The species name 'lycioda' reflects its documented association with plants in the genus Lycium. The first Texas record was published in 2024, establishing a specific host plant relationship with Lycium berlandieri.
Andricus sessilum
Andricus sessilum is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, a group known for inducing distinctive plant growths called galls on oak trees (Quercus spp.). Like other members of the genus Andricus, this species exhibits high host specificity, with females laying eggs in oak tissues to initiate gall formation. The developing larva secretes chemical signals that manipulate plant growth, creating a specialized structure that provides both food and shelter. Cynipid gall wasps are among the most diverse gall-forming insects, with each species typically producing a characteristic gall morphology on specific host plants or plant parts.
Anthonomini
Anthonomini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Curculioninae, comprising approximately 40 genera including Anthonomus, the type genus. Members are primarily herbivorous weevils, with many species exhibiting specific host plant associations. The tribe includes economically significant pests such as the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) and several species associated with Malvaceae, Rosaceae, and other plant families. Species are distributed across multiple continents, with documented occurrences in the Neotropics, Nearctic, Palearctic, and Oriental regions.
Aristotelia amelanchierella
Aristotelia amelanchierella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Annette Frances Braun in 1925. The species is found in scattered locations across North America, with records from Oklahoma, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. The larva is known to feed on Amelanchier alnifolia (serviceberry), making this a host-specific twirler moth.
Aristotelia undescribed-ex-quercus
twirler moth
Aristotelia undescribed-ex-quercus is a small, undescribed species of twirler moth in the family Gelechiidae. The informal epithet "ex-quercus" indicates an association with oak (Quercus) as a larval host plant. Like other Aristotelia species, it is tiny but boldly marked. The genus contains approximately 35 named species in North America north of Mexico, with many additional species awaiting formal description. Each Aristotelia species appears to specialize on a particular host plant, though collectively the genus utilizes many plant families.
Astrotischeria heliopsisella
A small moth in the family Tischeriidae, described by V.T. Chambers in 1875. The species is known from the central United States, where its larvae create leaf mines on two specific host plants.
Atrusca brevipennata
little oak-apple gall wasp
Atrusca brevipennata is a cynipid gall wasp that produces distinctive galls on oak leaves in western North America. Formerly known as Andricus pellucidus, this species was first described by Gillette in 1893 and later studied by Alfred Kinsey. The wasp is locally common in the American Southwest, with records extending as far north as Denver. It oviposits into leaves of shrub live oak (Quercus turbinella) and Gambel oak (Q. gambelii), inducing the formation of small oak-apple galls. The species is visually similar to Atrusca bella and may be confused with it in the field.
Braulidae
bee lice, bee louse
Braulidae is a family of highly modified, wingless flies (Diptera) comprising two genera—Braula and Megabraula—with approximately seven to eight described species. These insects are obligate associates of honey bees (Apis spp.), exhibiting a commensal to kleptoparasitic lifestyle. Adults are minute (1.6–3 mm), reddish-brown, and superficially resemble mites or lice due to their reduced morphology. They attach to bee bodies using specialized claw structures and feed by intercepting food during trophallaxis. The family has undergone extensive morphological simplification associated with this specialized host relationship.
Bruggmanniella
Bruggmanniella is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae: Asphondyliini) comprising approximately ten species that induce galls on various host plants. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including three-segmented palpi, simple tarsal claws, and male gonostyli with teeth completely divided mesally. Species induce galls on stems, twigs, flower buds, ovaries, and fruits of diverse plant families including Lauraceae, Malpighiaceae, Annonaceae, Fabaceae, Celastraceae, Dilleniaceae, and Sapotaceae. Phylogenetic analysis confirms Bruggmanniella as a monophyletic Neotropical lineage, with Asian species reassigned to the genus Odontokeros.
Bucculatrix
ribbed cocoon-maker moths
Bucculatrix is a genus of small moths in the family Bucculatricidae, commonly known as ribbed cocoon-maker moths. Larvae of many species are leaf miners on specific host plants, with some species exhibiting hypermetamorphosis—shifting from leaf mining in early instars to leaf skeletonization in later instars. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with species described from all major continents.
Bucculatrix ivella
groundsel leaf-perforator moth, groundsel leaf-mining moth
Bucculatrix ivella is a small moth in the family Bucculatricidae, first described by August Busck in 1900. Native to North America, it has been introduced to Queensland, Australia. The species is known for its larval feeding behavior on Baccharis species, earning it the common name 'groundsel leaf-perforator moth' or 'groundsel leaf-mining moth'.
Calligrapha dolosa
Calligrapha dolosa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by W.J. Brown in 1945. It belongs to a genus known for highly host-specific feeding relationships with particular plant genera. The species is recorded from eastern Canada, specifically Ontario and Québec. Like other members of Calligrapha, it likely exhibits the genus-characteristic dome-shaped body and patterned elytra, though specific diagnostic features for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Calligrapha floridana
Calligrapha floridana is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Schaeffer in 1934. The species is found in North America. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it likely exhibits the characteristic dome-shaped body and distinctive elytral patterning for which the genus is named. Information specific to this species is limited.
Calligrapha fulvipes
Calligrapha fulvipes is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Stål in 1859. The genus Calligrapha is characterized by dome-like body shape and distinctive coloration patterns of black with white or red markings. Species within this genus are among the most host-specific phytophagous beetles, with most species relying on a single plant genus as host. The specific host associations and detailed biology of C. fulvipes are not well documented in available sources.
Calligrapha multipunctata
common willow calligrapha, Common Willow Calligrapher Beetle
Calligrapha multipunctata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the common willow calligrapha. The species is native to North America and is associated with willow (Salix) as a host plant. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it exhibits distinctive elytral patterning. Three subspecies have been described, though one (C. m. suturella) may represent a separate species.
Calligrapha philadelphica
Dogwood Leaf Beetle, dogwood calligrapha
Calligrapha philadelphica is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is known by the common names dogwood leaf beetle and dogwood calligrapha. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it is associated with dogwood (Cornus spp.) as its host plant.
Calligrapha pnirsa
leaf beetle
Calligrapha pnirsa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in North America. It is a univoltine species with adults emerging in spring to feed, mate, and oviposit on host plant foliage. Larvae develop through multiple instars feeding on leaves before dropping to the soil to pupate. New adults emerge in late summer, feed briefly, and overwinter to complete the annual cycle. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it exhibits strong host plant specificity.
Calligrapha rhoda
Calligrapha rhoda is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, occurring in North America. It is part of a genus known for extreme host specificity, with most species feeding on a single plant genus. This species closely resembles Calligrapha spiraeae and Calligrapha rowena in appearance, but is distinguished by its association with hazel (Corylus spp.) rather than ninebark or dogwood. Like other Calligrapha species, it exhibits reddish coloration with small black spots on the elytra.
Calligrapha rowena
Rowena's Leaf Beetle
Calligrapha rowena is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in North America. It is one of approximately 38 species in the genus Calligrapha, a group characterized by dome-like body shape and distinctive black and white or red coloration with variable elytral markings. The species is closely associated with hazel (Corylus spp.) as its host plant. It closely resembles C. spiraeae and C. rhoda but can be distinguished by its host plant association.
Calligrapha spiraeae
Ninebark Calligrapha Beetle
A leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae that is highly host-specific to ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius). The species was described by Say in 1826 based on specimens collected from ninebark, which was then classified under the genus Spiraea—hence the species epithet spiraeae. Adults are reddish with small black spots on the elytra and are readily found on their host plant throughout the growing season. The species is notable among Calligrapha for its strict monophagy, utilizing no other known host plant besides ninebark.
Calligrapha vicina
Calligrapha vicina is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, described by C. Schaeffer in 1933. It occurs in northeastern North America, with records from New Brunswick, Ontario, and Québec in Canada. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits strong host plant specificity, though its specific host associations remain undocumented. The genus Calligrapha is characterized by dome-shaped bodies and distinctive black and white or reddish color patterns on the elytra.
Callophrys hesseli
Hessel's Hairstreak
Hessel's Hairstreak is a small lycaenid butterfly endemic to Atlantic coastal wetlands of the eastern United States. The species exhibits complete ecological dependence on Atlantic white-cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides), which serves as the exclusive larval host plant and provides adult camouflage habitat. Populations are patchily distributed and declining due to habitat loss, with state-level endangered status in Connecticut and G3 vulnerable ranking globally.
Callosamia angulifera
Tuliptree Silkmoth, Giant Silkmoth
Callosamia angulifera is a large saturniid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are nocturnal, with flight activity occurring from June through August in northern populations and March through August in southern populations where two generations occur annually. The species exhibits strong host plant specificity, with larvae feeding exclusively on tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera). Adults lack functional mouthparts and do not feed. The species is closely related to Callosamia promethea and C. securifera, with which it shares morphological similarities but differs in host plant use and diel activity patterns.
Caloptilia
leaf cone moths, leaf blotch miner moths
Caloptilia is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as leaf cone moths or leaf blotch miner moths. Larvae are leaf miners that typically feed internally on leaf tissue during early instars, then later instars roll or fold leaves into protective cones or shelters where they complete development and pupate. The genus contains numerous species, many of which are host-specific to particular tree or shrub genera. Several species have become economically significant as pests of ornamental and horticultural plants, including Caloptilia fraxinella on ash trees and Caloptilia azaleella on azaleas.
Caryomyia supina
Hickory Supine Squash Gall Midge
A gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive galls on hickory leaves. The species is associated with Carya species, particularly shagbark hickory (Carya ovata). Adults are small, delicate flies typical of the family. The specific epithet 'supina' refers to the supine (upward-facing) orientation of the gall structure.
Ceratophaga vicinella
Gopher Tortoise Shell Moth
Ceratophaga vicinella is a highly specialized keratin-feeding moth in the family Tineidae. The larvae feed exclusively on the keratin shells of dead gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), making this species dependent on a single host source that is currently in decline. Adults are small, dark moths with distinctive cream-colored head tufts. The species has a restricted range in the southeastern United States and appears to be declining due to threats facing its tortoise host.
Chaitophorinae
Chaitophorinae is a subfamily of aphids in the family Aphididae, comprising approximately 12 genera and over 180 described species. The subfamily is divided into two tribes: Chaitophorini, associated with deciduous trees and shrubs, and Siphini, associated with grasses. Members are characterized by numerous body setae and are predominantly distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. The subfamily originated on Acer plants in eastern Asia during the Late Cretaceous to early Paleocene, with subsequent dispersals and host shifts driving diversification.
Chaitophorus
Poplar aphids, Willow aphids
Chaitophorus is a genus of aphids comprising approximately 90–110 species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Members are primarily associated with Salicaceae hosts, particularly Populus (poplars) and Salix (willows), though some species occur on Vitaceae, Apiaceae, and Asteraceae. The genus exhibits host-specificity, with species-level identification often requiring knowledge of the host plant due to subtle morphological differences. Multiple independent origins of ant mutualism have been documented within the genus.
Cimexopsis nyctalis
Chimney Swift Bug
Cimexopsis nyctalis is a species of bed bug in the family Cimicidae, commonly known as the Chimney Swift Bug. It is an ectoparasite specifically associated with the Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica), a North American bird species. The insect has been documented from nest material and roosting sites of its host. Its narrow host specificity and obligate parasitic lifestyle distinguish it from the more generalist bed bugs that feed on humans.
Contarinia partheniicola
Contarinia partheniicola is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Cockerell in 1900. The specific epithet "partheniicola" indicates an association with Parthenium plants, suggesting a host-specific relationship with Parthenium hysterophorus or related species. As a member of the genus Contarinia, it likely shares the typical biology of gall midges, with larval stages inducing gall formation on host plant tissues. The species has been documented in the iNaturalist database with 26 observations, indicating some level of detection in the field, though detailed biological studies appear limited.
Coptodisca undescribed-species-on-morella
An undescribed species of shield-bearer moth in the family Heliozelidae, known from larvae mining leaves of Morella species (bayberries). The genus Coptodisca contains small moths whose larvae are leaf miners, creating distinctive disc-shaped or blotch mines on host plants. This species has been documented but not formally described in scientific literature.
Corythucha juglandis
Walnut Lace Bug
Corythucha juglandis, the walnut lace bug, is a univoltine or bivoltine lace bug (Hemiptera: Tingidae) native to North America and specialized on walnut (Juglans) host plants. Adults overwinter in leaf litter and become active in April or May, synchronizing with host leaf phenology. The species aggregates on the undersides of leaflets for feeding and reproduction. Both adults and nymphs are gregarious. It has been studied in Ontario, Québec, Canada, and southern Illinois, USA, with some geographic variation in voltinism reported.
Craspedolepta suaedae
Craspedolepta suaedae is a psyllid species in the family Aphalaridae, first described by Crawford in 1914. The species is associated with plants in the genus Suaeda (Chenopodiaceae), a salt-tolerant plant group. It is known from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The genus Craspedolepta is characterized by distinctive wing venation and genitalia morphology.
Cremnorrhinini
Cremnorrhinini is a tribe of plant bugs in the family Miridae, subfamily Phylinae, containing approximately 50 genera. The tribe is divided into two subtribes: Cremnorrhinina (with about 45 genera) and an unnamed subtribe containing the remaining five genera. Members are phytophagous and exhibit strong host plant associations, particularly with endemic plant families in their respective regions.
Curculio sayi
small chestnut weevil, lesser chestnut weevil
Curculio sayi is a true weevil (family Curculionidae) known as the small or lesser chestnut weevil. It is a highly host-specific pest of chestnuts in the genus Castanea, feeding and ovipositing exclusively on chestnut and chinquapin species. The species was historically a major pest of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) before the chestnut blight, with infestation rates of 50-75% considered normal. It has resurged as a significant pest with the restoration of blight-resistant chestnut plantings. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism in body size and rostrum length, with females being larger and possessing longer snouts adapted for penetrating chestnut burrs.
Cuterebra buccata
rabbit bot fly
Cuterebra buccata is a New World bot fly in the family Oestridae, commonly known as the rabbit bot fly. Adults are large, bumble bee-sized flies that lack functional mouthparts and do not feed. The species is host-specific to lagomorphs, particularly cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Larvae develop subcutaneously in warbles, feeding on host fluids rather than tissue. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and have short lifespans focused on reproduction.
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Dactylopiidae
Cochineal Insects
Dactylopiidae is a family of scale insects (Hemiptera) comprising the single genus Dactylopius, commonly known as cochineal insects. These insects are economically and historically significant as the primary source of carmine, a vibrant red dye derived from carminic acid that the insects produce as a defensive compound. The family has been used for dye production since at least the 10th century in the Americas and became the second most valuable export from the New World during the Colonial Period. Some species serve as biological control agents for invasive cacti, while others are agricultural pests of cactus crops.
Dasineura lupinorum
Dasineura lupinorum is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 1993. The specific epithet 'lupinorum' suggests an association with Lupinus (lupine) host plants, though specific gall morphology and biology have not been documented in the provided sources. As a member of the genus Dasineura, it is presumed to induce gall formation on plant tissue, with larvae developing within these structures.
Dasypyga alternosquamella
snout moth
A specialist snout moth (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) endemic to western North America. Described by Ragonot in 1887, this species has evolved a strict ecological dependency on dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium). Its larvae are obligate herbivores that mine mistletoe shoots, often killing the host plant. The species represents a notable case of host-specific herbivory with measurable ecological impacts on mistletoe populations.
Desmocerus aureipennis piperi
valley elderberry longhorn beetle, VELB
Desmocerus aureipennis piperi, commonly known as the valley elderberry longhorn beetle (VELB), is a federally threatened subspecies endemic to California's Central Valley. Adults are active for only a few weeks annually, making detection difficult. The subspecies breeds exclusively in living stems and roots of elderberry plants (Sambucus spp.). Males are attracted to a sex pheromone, (R)-desmolactone, which has proven effective for monitoring populations.