Internal-feeder
Guides
Schoenobiinae
Schoenobiinae is a subfamily of grass moths (Crambidae) established by Duponchel in 1846. The group comprises approximately 30 genera including Schoenobius, Scirpophaga, Donacaula, and Catagela. Many species are stem borers of monocot plants, with larvae feeding internally in stems of grasses, sedges, and rushes. Some genera contain significant agricultural pests, particularly of rice and other cultivated cereals.
Scrobipalpopsis
Scrobipalpopsis is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Povolný in 1967. The genus contains six described species distributed primarily in North America and Europe. These moths belong to the tribe Gnorimoschemini, a group known for larvae that often feed internally on plant tissues. Species within this genus are poorly known biologically, with limited documentation of their life histories and host associations.
Smicronyx
seed weevils, sunflower seed weevils
Smicronyx is a large genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) containing over 220 described species distributed worldwide. Many species are specialized seed feeders, with several economically important members attacking cultivated sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) in North America. The genus includes gall-forming species and potential biological control agents for parasitic and invasive weeds. Larval development typically occurs within seeds or plant galls, with adults emerging to feed on pollen, buds, or foliage.
Sphenophorus
billbugs
Sphenophorus is a large genus of weevils commonly known as billbugs, containing approximately 278 species. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of turfgrass, corn, and orchardgrass. The genus is taxonomically challenging due to morphological similarity among species, especially at larval stages. Research has focused on developing molecular identification tools to distinguish species and understand their variable seasonal biology across regions.
Suleima
Suleima is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, established by Heinrich in 1923. The genus contains seven described species distributed in North America. Suleima helianthana, commonly known as the sunflower bud moth, is the best-known species due to its association with cultivated sunflowers and, more recently, sunchoke. Most species remain poorly studied with limited ecological data available.
Suleima helianthana
sunflower bud moth
Suleima helianthana, commonly known as the sunflower bud moth, is a tortricid moth species native to central North America. The species is a specialist pest of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.), with larvae that tunnel into stalks and buds. Two generations occur annually. While historically documented on cultivated and wild sunflowers, the species was first recorded on Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) in California's San Joaquin Valley in 2024, representing an emerging pest situation for small-farm producers.
Synanthedon rubrofascia
Tupelo Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon rubrofascia, the Tupelo Clearwing Moth, is a North American clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males possessing highly bipectinate (feathery) antennae. The species is diurnal and, like most sesiids, generally unattracted to light traps. It is associated with Nyssa (tupelo) host plants, though specific life history details remain poorly documented.
Synanthedon tipuliformis
currant clearwing, currant borer moth, currant clearwing moth
Synanthedon tipuliformis, the currant clearwing, is a clearwing moth native to the Palearctic realm that has become invasive in the Nearctic and Australasian realms. Adults are diurnal wasp mimics with transparent wings scaled only along veins and margins. Larvae are internal feeders that bore into the pith of Ribes canes, causing significant damage to currant and gooseberry cultivation. The species is univoltine in temperate regions, with adults emerging in late spring to early summer.
Trachelus
stem sawflies
Trachelus is a genus of stem sawflies in the family Cephidae. Species are internal feeders in grass stems, with several species recognized as significant agricultural pests of wheat and barley. The genus occurs across the Palearctic region, with documented species in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Larval development occurs entirely within host plant stems, causing characteristic damage often called 'whiteheads' in cereal crops.
Xyela bakeri
Xyela bakeri is a Nearctic sawfly species in the family Xyelidae, first described by Konow in 1898. It belongs to the X. bakeri species group, which includes the Japanese X. fusca and an undescribed Chinese species—one of only two Xyela groups with trans-Beringian distributions. The species is endemic to North America with records spanning from Quebec to Florida and west to British Columbia, California, and the Yukon Territory. Larvae develop as internal feeders in pine cones, with documented hosts including multiple Pinus species in subgenus Pinus.