Ironweed
Guides
Hellinsia paleaceus
Ironweed Plume Moth
Hellinsia paleaceus is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, commonly known as the Ironweed Plume Moth. It is widely distributed across North America from Canada to the southern United States, with an isolated population in Puerto Rico. The species is tightly associated with Vernonia species (ironweeds) as larval host plants. Adults are active from spring through late summer, with a wingspan of 19–26 mm.
Paralobesia vernoniana
Ironweed Moth
Paralobesia vernoniana, commonly known as the Ironweed Moth, is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae. It was described by Kearfott in 1907. The species belongs to the genus Paralobesia, which includes other economically significant species such as the grape berry moth (Paralobesia viteana). The common name suggests an association with ironweed plants (Vernonia species), though specific host relationships require further documentation.
Polygrammodes flavidalis
Ironweed Root Moth
Polygrammodes flavidalis is a crambid moth commonly known as the ironweed root moth. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records spanning from Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas. The common name references its association with ironweed plants (genus Vernonia).
Publilia reticulata
Publilia reticulata is a colonial treehopper (Membracidae) that feeds on New York ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis). It exhibits spatial segregation from the co-occurring aphid Aphis vernoniae through differential microhabitat use on shared host plants, with P. reticulata concentrated on middle leaves while A. vernoniae occupies inflorescences early in the season. The species maintains this position even as A. vernoniae shifts to senescent leaves late in the season, minimizing actual overlap despite apparent spatial convergence.