Legume-feeder
Guides
Acanthoscelides fumatus
Acanthoscelides fumatus is a species of seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1907 and is native to North and Middle America. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with leguminous plants. The specific epithet 'fumatus' refers to the smoky or dusky coloration typical of this species.
Acanthoscelides tridenticulatus
Acanthoscelides tridenticulatus is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, specifically within the seed beetle subfamily Bruchinae. It was described by Bottimer in 1969 and is known from North America. The genus Acanthoscelides comprises numerous seed beetles, many of which are associated with legume host plants.
Achalarus lyciades
Hoary Edge
Achalarus lyciades, commonly known as the Hoary Edge, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is a medium-sized species with distinctive wing patterning and is associated with leguminous host plants. The species occurs in eastern North America and is active during the warmer months. Adults are known to visit flowers for nectar.
Algarobius bottimeri
Kiawe Bean Weevil, Bottimer's Texas Bruchid
Algarobius bottimeri is a small seed-feeding beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae. Commonly called the kiawe bean weevil or Bottimer's Texas bruchid, it is associated with legume seeds, particularly those of mesquite and related plants in the genus Prosopis. The species has been documented across Central America, North America, and Oceania, likely facilitated by human transport of host plant seeds. Like other bruchine beetles, its larvae develop inside seeds.
Alydus
broad-headed bugs
Alydus is the type genus of broad-headed bugs (family Alydidae), comprising approximately 11 described species including two extinct species. Species occur across North America, Europe, and temperate Asia. Members of this genus are characterized by their broad, rounded heads and are frequently observed feeding on dung, carrion, and other extra-phytophagous materials alongside butterflies and other insects. Nymphs of at least one species exhibit ant mimicry and may develop in association with ant nests.
Alydus calcaratus
ant bug
Alydus calcaratus is a large, dark plant bug in the family Alydidae with a Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and northern North America. It is the sole representative of its family in northern Central Europe outside the Alps. Adults are 10–12 mm, blackish with an orange-red dorsal abdomen visible only in flight, and exhibit wasp-like resemblance. Nymphs are convincing ant mimics with an unclear relationship to ant nests. The species feeds primarily on fallen legume seeds, with carrion-feeding also observed.
Anticarsia gemmatalis
Velvetbean Caterpillar, Velvetbean Moth, Velvetbean Caterpillar Moth
Anticarsia gemmatalis is a tropical moth whose larvae are among the most significant lepidopteran pests of soybean throughout the Americas. The species undergoes annual northward migration from tropical overwintering areas, reaching as far north as Wisconsin in the United States. Larvae feed on foliage of leguminous crops, with velvet bean, soybean, and peanut being primary hosts. The species has been studied in spaceflight experiments, where moths reared in microgravity exhibited altered flight behavior compared to earth-reared individuals.
Aproaerema palpilineella
Aproaerema palpilineella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by V.T. Chambers in 1875. It occurs across eastern and central North America from Ontario and Quebec south to Texas and Louisiana. The species was formerly classified in the genus Syncopacma. Larvae feed on leguminous plants including clovers and crown vetch.
Ascalapha odorata
black witch, black witch moth, mariposa de la muerte, duppy bat, mariposa-bruxa, ura, money moth, money bat
The black witch moth (Ascalapha odorata) is a large, bat-shaped nocturnal moth and the largest noctuoid in the continental United States. Females reach wingspans up to 24 cm, while males are smaller at approximately 12 cm. The species ranges from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Brazil and Argentina, with migratory populations reaching as far north as Canada. It holds prominent cultural significance across Latin America and the Caribbean, where it is widely associated with death, misfortune, and spiritual beliefs.
nocturnalmigratoryfolklorepestcaterpillarlarge-mothlegume-feederfruit-feedercultural-significancedeath-omenCaribbeanLatin-AmericaHawaii-introducedmothLepidopteraErebidaeAscalaphaAscalapha-odoratablack-witchblack-witch-mothmariposa-de-la-muerteduppy-batmariposa-bruxauramoney-mothmoney-batPhalaena-odorataLinnaeus-1758largest-noctuoidcontinental-USbat-shapediridescentwhite-bargreen-spotorange-spotcomma-spotnine-spot24-cm-wingspan12-cm-wingspan7-cm-caterpillarAcaciaGymnocladus-dioicusKentucky-coffeetreeSenna-alatacandle-bushmesquiteFicusbananaoverripe-fruitrainforestagricultural-pestMexicoCentral-AmericaSouth-AmericaBrazilArgentinaUnited-StatesCanadaHawaiimigrationspringsummerdeathmisfortunespiritualsoulharbingerlotterymoneyhair-lossduppyghostscrewwormDermatobia-hominismisidentificationSilence-of-the-LambsBuffalo-BillKendrick-LamarTo-Pimp-a-ButterflyThysania-agrippinawhite-witchThysania-zenobiaowl-mothnoctuidErebinaehexapodarthropodinsectanimaleukaryotemetazoaanimaliaarthropodainsectanoctuoideaspeciesacceptedexact-match32867-observationsiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIWikipediaentomologyguidestructuredrecordtaxonconservativeaccurateinformativefactualclarityusefulnessno-speculationno-inferenceno-fabricationno-repetitionunique-contentcautious-languagedirect-sentencesconcrete-statementshigh-completenessmedium-completenesslow-completenessno-inferred-contentnull-for-unsupportedfield-intentstyle-rulesquality-rulesJSON-schemaoutput-formatno-commentaryno-extra-fieldsno-fluffno-fillerno-taxonomy-repetitionno-technical-jargonno-vague-generalizationsno-'like-most-insects'no-'typically-feeds-on-plants'has-been-observedis-known-tosupportedjustifiedexplicitly-justifiedspecies-level-traitshigher-taxaphysical-description-onlyhow-to-distinguishenvironment-conditionsgeographic-range-onlytiming-of-activityfeeding-habitsdevelopmental-stagesnotable-actionsecosystem-roleinteraction-with-humansreason-for-similaritymeaningful-misconceptionsimportant-additional-contextcleardirectconciseusefulreliablesparse-datawell-supportedpartialmost-fieldsCaenurgia chloropha
Vetch Looper Moth
Caenurgia chloropha, commonly known as the vetch looper moth, is a nocturnal moth species in the family Erebidae. Adults are active from spring through fall with multiple generations per year. The species is distributed across the southeastern United States, northern Mexico, and Cuba, with occasional strays reaching southern Ontario. Larvae feed on leguminous plants including vetch.
Catocala abbreviatella
Abbreviated Underwing
Catocala abbreviatella, the Abbreviated Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is a medium-sized underwing moth with a wingspan of 40–50 mm. Adults are active from July to August, with likely one generation per year. The species is distributed across the central United States, from Indiana south and west to Texas and Oklahoma, and north to Nebraska and Wisconsin.
Cerotoma
bean leaf beetles
Cerotoma is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) containing approximately seven described species distributed across North America and the Neotropics. The genus is best known for Cerotoma trifurcata, commonly called the bean leaf beetle, a significant agricultural pest of soybean and common bean. Adults feed on foliage and pods, while larvae feed on roots and root nodules. The genus exhibits strong host associations with leguminous plants.
Cerotoma ruficornis
bean leaf beetle
Cerotoma ruficornis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the bean leaf beetle. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: C. r. ruficornis and C. r. sexpunctata. The species is associated with soybean agriculture and has been studied alongside the related C. trifurcata as a pest of legume crops.
Chionodes braunella
Chionodes braunella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Keifer in 1931. The species is notable for its specialized larval diet on lupines and other leguminous plants across western North America. Its distribution spans from western Canada through the western United States to the northeastern part of the continent.
Colias christina
Christina Sulphur
Colias christina is a Pierid butterfly endemic to western North America, ranging from the Yukon and Northwest Territories south through the Canadian prairie provinces to the northern Rocky Mountain states of the United States. The species was named in 1863 by William Henry Edwards in honor of its first collector, Christina Ross. Adults display sexual dimorphism in wing coloration and are active from May through September.
Colias occidentalis
western sulphur, golden sulphur
Colias occidentalis is a medium-sized butterfly in the family Pieridae, found in the Pacific Northwest of North America. Adults fly from late May to early July and are associated with open habitats from sea level to subalpine elevations. The larvae feed on flowers of several legume genera. The species was described by Scudder in 1862 and includes three recognized subspecies with somewhat distinct geographic ranges.
Colias philodice
common sulphur, clouded sulphur
Colias philodice is a North American pierid butterfly commonly known as the clouded sulphur or common sulphur. It is a multivoltine species that produces multiple generations per year. Adults are typically pale yellow above with no orange traces, distinguishing them from the closely related orange sulphur (C. eurytheme). Females exhibit a white form (alba) that can be common in some populations. The species is a legume-feeder whose larvae primarily develop on alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and various clovers, making it economically significant in agricultural settings. It ranges across most of North America except for the far northern regions of Labrador, Nunavut, and northern Quebec.
Cupido amyntula
Western Tailed-Blue
Cupido amyntula, commonly known as the Western Tailed-Blue, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae found across western North America. Males display blue upperside wing coloration while females are darker brown with a brown band on the outer wing. The species has a wingspan of 2.2 to 2.9 cm and is distinguished from similar species by the presence of tail-like projections on the hindwings.
Cupido comyntas
Eastern Tailed-Blue, Eastern Tailed Blue
Cupido comyntas, commonly known as the eastern tailed-blue, is a medium-sized butterfly native to eastern North America. It is distinguished from other blue butterflies in its range by the presence of a small thin tail on each hindwing. The species has been observed in laboratory settings by researchers studying butterfly ecology and pesticide toxicology, and is considered a favorite among some entomologists due to its accessibility for study.
Dichomeris nenia
A small moth in the family Gelechiidae described by Ronald W. Hodges in 1986. Adults are active across multiple seasons in the southeastern United States. The larval stage feeds specifically on Indigofera lindheimeri, a species of indigo plant.
Digrammia ocellinata
Faint-spotted Angle, Locust Looper
Digrammia ocellinata is a geometrid moth commonly known as the faint-spotted angle or locust looper. First described by Achille Guenée in 1857, it occurs across the eastern United States and southern Canada. The species is notable for its larval association with leguminous trees, particularly black locust and honey locust.
Epargyreus
Silverdrops, Flasher butterflies
Epargyreus is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as silverdrops or flasher butterflies. The genus name derives from Greek argyros meaning 'silver,' referring to the characteristic white spot on the ventral hindwing. Species occur across the Nearctic and Neotropical realms, with the best-known species being Epargyreus clarus (silver-spotted skipper), which ranges from southern Canada through the United States to South America. Larvae construct distinctive leaf shelters using silk and are known for 'frass-shooting' behavior—expelling excrement up to 40 times their body length away from their shelters.
Epicauta fabricii
ashgray blister beetle
Epicauta fabricii, commonly known as the ashgray blister beetle, is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae. Adults feed on foliage of leguminous plants including honeylocust, black locust, alfalfa, sweet clover, wild indigo, soybean, and locoweed. Larvae are predatory, feeding on grasshopper eggs. The species belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis.
Erynnis afranius
Afranius Duskywing, Bald Duskywing
Erynnis afranius, commonly known as the Afranius duskywing or bald duskywing, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs across a broad range from northern Mexico through the central United States to southern Canada. The species is bivoltine, with two generations flying from mid-May to late August. Larvae feed on leguminous host plants including Lupinus, Lotus, and Thermopsis species.
Erynnis baptisiae
wild indigo duskywing
Erynnis baptisiae, commonly known as the wild indigo duskywing, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Ontario and New England west to Nebraska and south to Texas and the Gulf Coast. The species is strongly associated with leguminous host plants, particularly wild indigo (Baptisia) species, from which it derives both its common and scientific names. It has been observed in prairie, open woodland, and grassland habitats.
Erynnis funeralis
Funereal Duskywing
Erynnis funeralis, commonly known as the funereal duskywing, is a medium-sized skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It ranges from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America to South America. The species is distinguished from similar duskywings by its narrow forewing with a white fringe on the hindwing. Adults are active from February to October, with larvae feeding on various leguminous plants.
Erynnis persius
Persius Duskywing
Erynnis persius, the Persius duskywing, is a butterfly species in the family Hesperiidae native to North America. The species exhibits a single annual generation with larvae hibernating and pupating in spring. The eastern subspecies E. p. persius is of particular conservation concern, being rare and in severe decline due to habitat loss and decline of its obligate host plant, wild blue lupine (Lupinus perennis). Adults are difficult to distinguish from other duskywing skippers without close examination.
Eurema
Grass Yellows, Grass Yellow
Eurema is a widespread genus of grass yellow butterflies in the family Pieridae, comprising over 70 species distributed across Asia, Africa, Australia, Oceania, and the New World. The genus exhibits remarkable evolutionary phenomena including Wolbachia-induced feminization in multiple species, where genetic males are converted into functional females. Many species are characterized by seasonal diphenism—producing distinct wet-season and dry-season wing morphs. The type species is the North American barred yellow (Eurema daira).
Eurema albula
Ghost Yellow
Eurema albula, commonly known as the ghost yellow, is a small butterfly in the family Pieridae. It ranges from southern Texas through the West Indies and tropical Central and South America to Brazil. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions and feed on flower nectar. The species inhabits tropical forests and second-growth vegetation.
Forsebia cinis
Forsebia Moth
Forsebia cinis is a moth in the family Erebidae known from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Adults have forewings 14–16 mm in length and are active from late February through October. The larvae specialize on woody legumes, particularly Parkinsonia species.
Fundella argentina
Fundella argentina is a species of snout moth (family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae) described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1919. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through the Caribbean and into South America. Larvae feed on leguminous plants including Cassia species, Caesalpinia gilliessii, and Canavalia gladiata.
Grapholita edwardsiana
San Francisco Tree Lupine Moth
Grapholita edwardsiana, known as the San Francisco Tree Lupine Moth, is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae. The species was described by Kearfott in 1907 and is placed in the genus Grapholita, a diverse group of small moths commonly referred to as fruitworms or bud moths. Many Grapholita species are associated with leguminous plants, and the specific epithet "edwardsiana" suggests a possible association with lupines (Lupinus), particularly tree lupine. The species is part of the tribe Grapholitini, which includes numerous economically important pests of fruits and seeds.
Hadronema
Hadronema is a genus of orthotyline plant bugs (Miridae) established by Uhler in 1872. The genus contains at least eight described species distributed in North America. Hadronema militare, the type species, has been studied in detail and exhibits a univoltine life cycle tied to herbaceous legume hosts. Most species remain poorly documented beyond original descriptions.
Hemiargus ceraunus
Ceraunus blue
A small Neotropical lycaenid butterfly found across the southern United States, the Caribbean, and through Central America to South America. Adults are active year-round in southern Florida and Texas, with peak activity in late summer elsewhere. The species occupies open, disturbed habitats and is frequently observed feeding at flower nectar. Larvae develop on flowers and seedpods of woody legumes.
Hemiargus ceraunus antibubastus
Florida Blue
Hemiargus ceraunus antibubastus, commonly known as the Florida Blue, is a butterfly subspecies in the family Lycaenidae. It is one of several subspecies of the Ceraunus blue, found primarily in Florida and the Florida Keys. The subspecies occurs in open habitats including coastal areas, scrub, and disturbed sites. Adults are active during warmer months and are associated with various legume host plants.
Leptotes marina
Marine Blue, Striped Blue
Leptotes marina is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the Marine Blue or Striped Blue. Adults have a wingspan of 22–29 mm with blue uppersides and brown-banded undersides marked with two blue spots on the hindwings. The species occurs from South America through Mexico to the southern United States, with adults active year-round in the south and from April to September in northern populations. Larvae feed on a diverse range of leguminous plants including Astragalus, Prosopis, and Wisteria.
Lytta cyanipennis
Lytta cyanipennis is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, native to the Canadian prairies and western North America. Adults form mixed aggregations with Lytta nuttalli near bodies of water during their mid-June to early July flight period. Like other Lytta species, it possesses chemical defenses including cantharidins that can cause skin blistering. The species develops in moist soil conditions, with females depositing large egg batches averaging approximately 390 eggs.
Lytta nuttalli
Nuttall's blister beetle
Lytta nuttalli is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. The specific epithet honors botanist Thomas Nuttall. Adults display brilliant purple and green iridescent coloration. This species is notable for its complex life cycle involving hypermetamorphosis, with larvae developing as parasitoids in the nests of solitary bees. Adults are gregarious feeders on legumes and can occasionally damage agricultural crops. Populations are naturally limited by their dependence on native ground-nesting bees for larval development.
Lytta viridana
Viridescent Blister Beetle
Lytta viridana is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, occurring in mixed colonies with congeners in the Canadian prairies and western North America. Adults are active from late May to late June, feeding primarily on wild and cultivated legumes with occasional consumption of non-leguminous plants including cereals and sugar beets. The species exhibits complex reproductive behavior including multiple matings, multiple egg batches per female, and documented hybridization with L. nuttalli. Embryological development is well-studied, with eggs requiring moist soil conditions and completing development in 2-3 weeks at typical summer temperatures.
Megacerus cubiculus
Cubical Bruchid
Megacerus cubiculus is a species of seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, commonly known as the Cubical Bruchid. It occurs across Central and North America. Like other members of the genus Megacerus, it is associated with leguminous host plants. The species has been documented in 488 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is moderately well-recorded.
Melipotis acontioides
Royal Poinciana Moth
Melipotis acontioides, commonly known as the Royal Poinciana Moth, is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It has a broad distribution spanning the southern United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, with a distinct subspecies endemic to the Galápagos Islands. The larvae are specialized feeders on certain leguminous trees.
Mesophleps adustipennis
Soybean Webworm Moth
Mesophleps adustipennis, commonly known as the soybean webworm moth, is a small gelechiid moth with a broad distribution across the Americas. The species ranges from the southern and western United States through Central America, the Caribbean, and into South America as far as Brazil. Larvae are known to feed on several leguminous plants, including economically important species such as pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan).
Mimosestes
pea and bean weevils
Mimosestes is a genus of seed beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae, containing approximately 13 described species. These beetles are associated with legume seeds and have been documented as introduced species in some regions, including Hawaii. The genus has been subject to phylogenetic studies examining host plant utilization patterns. Some species serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps, including the braconid Urosigalphus mimosestes.
Mimosestes ulkei
retama weevil
Mimosestes ulkei, commonly known as the retama weevil, is a seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae (subfamily Bruchinae). The species was originally described by Horn in 1873 as Bruchus ulkei and later transferred to the genus Mimosestes. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the Bruchinae, this species is associated with leguminous host plants.
Norape virgo
Virgin flannel moth, White flannel moth
Norape virgo is a species of flannel moth in the family Megalopygidae, described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1877. The species name derives from Latin 'virgo' meaning virgin, referring to the all-white adult coloration. It occurs from southern Texas and southern Arizona south to Colombia. Adults are smaller than the related Norape walkeri, with shorter, broader, and less glossy forewings. The larvae feed on legumes and possess urticating hairs that can deliver painful stings.
Odontota horni
soybean leafminer
Odontota horni is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the soybean leafminer. It is found across a broad swath of eastern and central North America, with records from 28 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The species is associated with leguminous host plants, including several Desmodium species, Tephrosia virginiana, and Glycine max (soybean), which gives it its common name.
Odontota scapularis
orange-shouldered leaf miner, orange-shouldered leafminer
Odontota scapularis, commonly known as the orange-shouldered leaf miner, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is found across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada (Ontario) and numerous U.S. states. Larvae mine within leaves while adults feed externally on foliage. The species has been documented feeding on Apios americana (groundnut), a leguminous vine.
Pachybrachis othonus
Legume Case-bearing Leaf Beetle
Pachybrachis othonus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the Legume Case-bearing Leaf Beetle. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1825 and is native to North America. It belongs to a genus characterized by larvae that construct protective cases from fecal material and shed skins.
Phoebis agarithe
Large Orange Sulphur, Orange Giant Sulphur
A medium to large sulphur butterfly of the family Pieridae, ranging from Peru through Central America and the Caribbean to the southern United States. Adults display bright orange upperwings with variable dark marginal markings. The species exhibits strong flight and is frequently observed visiting flowers in open, disturbed habitats. It has been introduced to Hawaii and occasionally strays northward well beyond its core range.
Phoebis sennae
Cloudless Sulphur, Cloudless Giant Sulphur
Phoebis sennae is a mid-sized butterfly in the family Pieridae, widespread across the Americas from South America to southern Canada. Adults are known for their strong, fast flight and seasonal northward migration. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration and has a well-documented life cycle with specific host plant associations in the legume family.