Host-specific
Guides
Oidaematophorus balsamorrhizae
Balsamroot Plume Moth
Oidaematophorus balsamorrhizae is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, first described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1939. The species is restricted to western North America and is associated with Balsamorhiza host plants. Adults have a wingspan of 23–25 mm. The common name references its larval host relationship with balsamroot plants.
Oncopsis
Oncopsis is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Macropsinae. The genus is characterized by pronotal striations that run parallel to the hind margin. Species occur across the Holarctic region, with documented diversity in Europe, Asia, and North America. Many species exhibit strong host plant specificity, particularly for trees in the families Betulaceae and Corylaceae.
Ophiomyia euthamiae
Ophiomyia euthamiae is a recently described species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, first described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2018. The species is known from very few observations and appears to be associated with Euthamia host plants. As with other members of the genus Ophiomyia, this species likely produces internal feeding mines within host plant tissues.
Osmia calaminthae
blue calamintha bee
Osmia calaminthae is a rare mason bee endemic to a restricted area of Florida scrub habitat. The species was described in 2011 and is known from only eleven sites concentrated in the southern Lake Wales Ridge and Ocala National Forest. It exhibits striking blue coloration and shows extreme host specialization, depending primarily on two mint-family plants for pollen. The species is considered Critically Imperiled due to its extremely limited range, specific habitat requirements, and ongoing threats from development and pesticide exposure. It was rediscovered in March 2020 after concerns about its continued existence.
Papaipema beeriana
Blazing Star Borer Moth, Blazing Star Stem Borer, Liatris Borer Moth, Oriental Sea-kale
Papaipema beeriana is a noctuid moth whose larvae are specialist borers in the stems of blazing star (Liatris species). The species is endemic to North America and is of conservation concern due to its dependence on native prairie habitats and specific host plants. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The common name 'blazing star borer moth' directly references its obligate relationship with Liatris host plants.
Paralobesia
Paralobesia is a genus of small tortricid moths described by Obraztsov in 1953. The genus is primarily Nearctic in distribution, with approximately 40 described species, many of which were described recently by Royals and Gilligan in 2018-2019. The most economically significant species is Paralobesia viteana, the grape berry moth, a major pest of cultivated grapes in eastern North America. Host associations within the genus range from monophagous to polyphagous, including grapevines (Vitis), orchids (Cypripedium), larch (Larix), and hemlock (Tsuga).
Parapamea buffaloensis
Lizard's-tail Borer Moth
Parapamea buffaloensis, commonly known as the Lizard's-tail Borer Moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1877. The species is native to North America and is associated with wetland habitats where its larval host plant, lizard's-tail (Saururus cernuus), occurs. The common name reflects its specialized relationship with this plant, as the larvae bore into the stems. Adults are nocturnal and have been documented through limited but consistent observations.
Penthobruchus germaini
Palo Verde seed beetle
Penthobruchus germaini is a seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae (formerly placed in Bruchidae, now treated as the subfamily Bruchinae). It has been studied as a biological control agent for Parkinsonia aculeata, a woody legume invasive in rangelands. The species specializes on seeds of this host plant, with larvae developing inside pods.
Phyllonorycter mariaeella
Phyllonorycter mariaeella is a micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as leaf blotch miner moths. The species is known from limited localities in Canada and the United States. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on species of Symphoricarpos (coralberry/snowberry). Adults are tiny, with a wingspan of 8-8.5 mm.
Phymatodes amoenus
Grapevine Phymatodes
Phymatodes amoenus is a small to medium-sized longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) found in North America. The species is commonly known as the grapevine phymatodes due to its exclusive association with grape vines (Vitis spp.). Adults are typically found on dead grape vines, where they may occur alongside predatory checkered beetles (Cleridae) that prey upon their larvae. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1824.
Phytomyza ilicicola
native holly leafminer, American Holly Leafminer
Phytomyza ilicicola is a specialist leaf-mining fly whose larvae create distinctive serpentine trails within the leaves of American holly (Ilex opaca). Adults are small black flies resembling houseflies that emerge in early spring, timed precisely with the appearance of tender new holly leaves. The species is notable for its intimate ecological relationship with its host plant, including the holly's defensive response of prematurely dropping heavily infested leaves.
Plagiognathus
Plagiognathus is a large genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, comprising over 120 described species. Members are commonly known as jumping tree bugs or plant bugs. The genus exhibits diverse host associations with various flowering plants, including agricultural crops and endemic wild species. Individual species show specialized relationships with particular host plants, though broader patterns across the genus remain incompletely documented.
Platypsyllus
beaver beetle
Platypsyllus is a monotypic genus of beetles in the family Leiodidae, subfamily Platypsyllinae. The sole species, P. castoris, is a highly specialized commensal associated exclusively with beavers. It exhibits extreme morphological adaptations including dorsoventral flattening, eyelessness, flightlessness, and modified mouthparts forming a sucking pump—features that distinguish it from all other beetles and reflect its unique lifestyle in the dense fur of its host.
Prodoxus y-inversus
Prodoxus y-inversus is a small yucca moth in the family Prodoxidae, restricted to the southwestern United States. Adults are active in spring and possess a wingspan of 11–16 mm. The species is intimately associated with Yucca baccata and Yucca schottii, on which its larvae feed.
Psylla
jumping plant lice, psyllids
Psylla is the type genus of the family Psyllidae, comprising small sap-sucking insects commonly known as jumping plant lice or psyllids. The genus contains at least 110 described species, each typically associated with specific host plants. Psylla species are phloem-feeders that use piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant sap. While some species in related genera such as Cacopsylla are significant agricultural pests, Psylla itself includes species with more restricted host ranges, including Psylla alni on alders, Psylla betulae on birches, and Psylla buxi on boxwood. The genus is distinguished from similar taxa by morphological features and host associations.
Rhagoletis tabellaria
Rhagoletis tabellaria is a fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, first described by Fitch in 1855. Its primary host plant is Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood). The species is parasitized by the braconid wasp Utetes tabellariae, which has coevolved with flies in the R. tabellaria species complex. Laboratory studies indicate strict pupal diapause requiring extended chilling for successful eclosion.
Rhopalomyia undescribed-species-on-amorpha
An undescribed species of gall midge in the genus Rhopalomyia that forms galls on Amorpha (false indigo), a genus of leguminous shrubs native to North America. As a member of Cecidomyiidae, this species likely exhibits the typical life cycle of gall midges with larval development occurring within plant tissue. The species remains formally undescribed in scientific literature, indicating it has been recognized by specialists but awaits formal taxonomic characterization. Its association with Amorpha suggests host-specificity, a common trait in Rhopalomyia species which often exhibit narrow host plant ranges.
Schinia bicuspida
Schinia bicuspida is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 23 mm. It occurs across the south-central and southwestern United States. The larvae feed on specific host plants in the aster family, including Isocoma drummondii and Machaeranthera annua. Like other members of the genus Schinia, adults are likely associated with the flowers of their larval host plants.
Schinia regina
Reginia Primrose Moth
Schinia regina is a noctuid moth described in 2003, found in the south-central United States. Adults are active in late summer and early autumn. The species is closely associated with its larval host plant, Palafoxia sphacelata.
Schistocerca ceratiola
rosemary grasshopper
Schistocerca ceratiola, the rosemary grasshopper, is a poorly known species endemic to Florida. First described in 1928, it is rarely encountered except by researchers specifically seeking it. The species is a shrub-inhabiting grasshopper with a specific ecological association with Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides). Its limited distribution and cryptic habits have contributed to its obscurity in the scientific literature.
Scirtothrips
leaf-feeding thrips, citrus thrips, chilli thrips
Scirtothrips is a genus of leaf-feeding thrips in the family Thripidae, established by Shull in 1909. The genus includes economically significant pest species such as the chilli thrips (S. dorsalis), citrus thrips (S. citri), and South African citrus thrips (S. aurantii), which damage agricultural crops through piercing-sucking feeding on tender leaves, buds, and fruit. Species exhibit diverse host associations ranging from highly host-specific forms on endemic Australian Acacia to broadly polyphagous invasive pests. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with Labiothrips synonymised under Scirtothrips.
Spectralia robusta
Spectralia robusta is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is known from North America, with records from Texas. It develops in living or partially living branches of its host plant, with adults emerging through distinct exit holes. The species has been reared from collected host material rather than observed as free-living adults.
Syneta simplex
Syneta simplex is a leaf beetle species native to North America. The species comprises two recognized subspecies with distinct elevational and host plant preferences. The nominate subspecies S. s. simplex occurs at lower elevations and feeds on Garry oak (Quercus garryana), while S. s. subalpina inhabits subalpine zones near timberline in Washington and British Columbia and feeds on alpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa). The species belongs to the family Chrysomelidae, a diverse group of herbivorous beetles commonly known as leaf beetles.
Taxodiomyia cupressi
Cypress Twig Gall Midge, Cypress Flower Gall Midge
Taxodiomyia cupressi is a gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induces distinctive twig galls on cypress trees (Taxodium spp.). The species forms spongy, globular galls on new growth that are initially snow-white and turn brown with age. It has been documented in central Illinois and Missouri, with observations on cultivated bald cypress outside its native range. The midge undergoes complete metamorphosis with multiple generations per year, overwintering as larvae within fallen galls.
gall-midgeCecidomyiidaeTaxodiumbald-cypressgall-formerpestDipterainsectphytophagouscomplete-metamorphosismultiple-generationsoverwintering-larvaeornamental-pestriparianwetlandMissouriIllinoiscentral-USAtwig-gallspongy-gallwhite-gallbrown-gallexit-holesynchronized-emergencehost-specificTaxodiomyia-cupressiananassasynonymSchweinitz-1822Osten-Sacken-1878Teleonemia scrupulosa
lantana lace bug
Teleonemia scrupulosa is a sap-sucking lace bug (Hemiptera: Tingidae) widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. It is a specialist herbivore of Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) and has been deployed as a biological control agent against this invasive shrub in multiple countries since 1961. The species exhibits strong microhabitat preferences, thriving in high-light environments but failing to establish in shaded conditions. Its feeding causes characteristic chlorotic damage and can severely impair host plant photosynthesis.
Thrincopyge alacris
Thrincopyge alacris is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The genus Thrincopyge comprises jewel beetles associated with sotol plants (Dasylirion species), where larvae bore through dried flower stalks and adults wedge themselves in the leaf bases. This species occurs in Central America and North America.
Tingidae
Lace Bugs
Tingidae, commonly known as lace bugs, is a family of minute true bugs (Hemiptera) comprising approximately 2,000 described species worldwide. Adults range from 2–10 mm in body length and are immediately recognizable by their ornate, reticulated forewings and pronotal expansions that create a delicate lace-like appearance. The family exhibits complete phytophagy, with species typically specialized to particular host plants or closely related plant groups. Tingidae undergo hemimetabolous development with five distinct nymphal instars preceding the adult stage. Several species are economically significant as pests of ornamental plants, trees, and agricultural crops, while others have been employed as biological control agents against invasive weeds.
Tricholochmaea
Tricholochmaea is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, comprising 21 described species and two subspecies. Members are known as skeletonizing leaf beetles and flea beetles, feeding on plant foliage in a characteristic pattern that leaves leaf veins intact. The genus includes several species associated with specific host plants, such as the cherry leaf beetle (T. cavicollis), Pacific willow leaf beetle (T. decora), and blueberry leaf beetle (T. vaccinii). Taxonomic treatment varies, with some authors treating Tricholochmaea as a synonym of Pyrrhalta.
Trichoptilus pygmaeus
Pygmy Plume Moth
Trichoptilus pygmaeus is a minute plume moth (family Pterophoridae) with a wingspan of approximately 10 mm. It is one of the smallest members of its family in North America. The species exhibits the characteristic divided wings of plume moths, with forewings split into two lobes. Larvae feed on specific host plants including Chrysopsis scabrella and Arctostaphylos columbiana, consuming young leaves and bracts of unopened flowers.
Vanduzea
Vanduzea is a genus of treehoppers (family Membracidae) comprising approximately 12 described species. The genus was named in honor of American entomologist Edward Payson Van Duzee. Species within this genus are associated with various host plants, with documented associations including Robinia (Fabaceae), Amorpha canescens, and Grindelia ciliata. Some species exhibit ant-tended behavior and utilize abandoned cavities of wood-boring insects.
Xyela
pine catkin sawflies, pine shoot gall sawflies
Xyela is a genus of primitive sawflies in the family Xyelidae, established in 1819. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with approximately 50 described species, including both extant and fossil taxa. Most species are associated with Pinus (pine) as larval hosts, developing inside staminate cones; one species, X. gallicaulis, forms shoot galls instead. Adults are early spring fliers often found on Salix or Alnus catkins near host pines.
Zeugophora
Zeugophora is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Megalopodidae, established by Kunze in 1818. The genus contains multiple species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with particularly well-documented diversity in China. Species are phytophagous, with larvae and adults feeding on foliage of specific host plant families. The genus is divided into subgenera based on morphological traits and host associations: subgenus Zeugophora primarily associated with Salicaceae, and subgenus Pedrillia with Celastraceae, Symplocaceae, and Lamiaceae. Male genitalia morphology serves as a critical diagnostic tool for species identification.