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.
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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.
Piezodorus
Piezodorus is a genus of shield bugs in the family Pentatomidae, distributed across multiple continents. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, particularly Piezodorus guildinii (redbanded stink bug), which causes substantial damage to soybean and other legume crops in the Americas. Species in this genus exhibit typical pentatomid morphology with shield-shaped bodies and are associated primarily with leguminous host plants.
Piezodorus lituratus
gorse shield bug
Piezodorus lituratus, commonly known as the gorse shield bug, is a shield bug species in the family Pentatomidae. Adults reach 10–13 mm in length and exhibit seasonal color polymorphism: bright green in spring after emergence from hibernation, developing purplish-red markings on the pronotum and corium in late summer, and becoming paler before hibernation. The species is associated with leguminous host plants, particularly broom and dyer's greenweed, and is found across Europe, Africa, Northern Asia, and North America.
Pima albiplagiatella
White-edged Pima Moth, Beach Pea Borer
A small snout moth with a wingspan of approximately 20 mm, described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1874. The species has one generation per year. Larvae are specialized feeders on Astragalus and Lathyrus species (legumes), with documented hosts including Astragalus allochrous, A. thurberi, A. wootonii, and unspecified Lathyrus species.
Pima boisduvaliella
Silver-edged Knot-horn
Pima boisduvaliella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, commonly known as the Silver-edged Knot-horn. It has a broad distribution spanning most of Europe, parts of Asia, and northern North America. The species is notable for its larval feeding behavior inside the pods of leguminous host plants.
Pima granitella
snout moth
Pima granitella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 29 mm. The species has one to two generations per year in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Larvae develop within legumes of host plants, feeding on seeds.
Pima occidentalis
snout moth
Pima occidentalis is a species of snout moth (family Pyralidae) native to the southwestern United States. The species was formerly treated as a subspecies of Pima albiplagiatella but is now recognized as distinct. Larvae are specialized feeders on Astragalus and Lathyrus species. Populations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona produce two generations annually.
Plebejus icarioides parapheres
Plebejus icarioides parapheres is a subspecies of the Boisduval's blue butterfly complex, originally described from California. It is currently treated as a synonym of Icaricia icarioides parapheres in some taxonomic databases. The species group is associated with leguminous host plants and has been subject to conservation research due to habitat loss pressures affecting related subspecies.
Plebejus saepiolus
Greenish Blue, Icaricia saepiolus
Plebejus saepiolus, commonly known as the Greenish Blue, is a small lycaenid butterfly native to North America. It is closely related to other Plebejus species such as P. acmon (Acmon Blue) and P. melissa (Melissa Blue), with which it shares similar habitat preferences and morphological features. The species has been documented across western and northern regions of North America including Canada and the northern United States. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the characteristic blue coloration on the upper wing surfaces of males.
Proteides mercurius mercurius
Mercurial Skipper
Proteides mercurius mercurius is a subspecies of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is part of the widespread Mercurial Skipper complex, which occurs across the Americas from the southern United States through the Caribbean and into South America. The nominate subspecies is distinguished by its distribution and subtle morphological differences from other subspecies. It is a medium-sized skipper with rapid, darting flight characteristic of the family.
Pyrisitia proterpia
little yellow
Pyrisitia proterpia, commonly known as the little yellow, is a small butterfly in the family Pieridae. It occurs across the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America including Colombia. The species is associated with open habitats and has been documented in botanical gardens and natural areas.
Schinia jaguarina
Jaguar Flower Moth
Schinia jaguarina, commonly known as the Jaguar Flower Moth, is a noctuid moth species first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. The species is distributed across the Great Plains and adjacent regions of North America, with records from Canada south through Mexico. Adults are active primarily during summer months and are attracted to light. The larvae are specialized feeders on leguminous plants.
Sennius
seed beetles, pea and bean weevils
Sennius is a New World genus of seed beetles (subfamily Bruchinae) within Chrysomelidae, containing at least 20 described species. Species are organized into multiple species groups, with the S. abbreviatus group being the largest and most thoroughly studied, comprising 14 species. The genus is characterized by distinctive male genitalia morphology, particularly patterns of sclerites and internal sac structure. Several species have been described from Mexico, Central America, and South America, with ongoing taxonomic revisions revealing new species and clarifying host plant relationships.
Sennius medialis
Sennius medialis is a species of seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, first described by Sharp in 1885. Members of this genus are associated with leguminous host plants, though specific host records for this species remain limited. The species is known from both Middle and North America based on collection records.
Sibinia inermis
huisache sibinia weevil
Sibinia inermis, known as the huisache sibinia weevil, is a species of leguminous seed weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. The species was described by Clark in 1978. It is found in North America, with limited observational records available.
Sibinia ruidula
Sibinia ruidula is a species of leguminous seed weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Clark in 1978. It belongs to the tribe Tychiini, a group of weevils specialized on legume seeds. The species is known from North America. Very few observations exist in public databases.
Sibinia variegata
leguminous seed weevil
Sibinia variegata is a species of leguminous seed weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, described by Clark in 1978. It is found in North America and belongs to a genus associated with feeding on legume seeds.
Sinoe robiniella
Sinoe robiniella is a small gelechiid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active from spring through late summer, with timing varying by latitude. The species is specialized on leguminous host plants, with larvae feeding on black locust and related species. It was originally described as Anacampsis robiniella by Asa Fitch in 1859.
Syssphinx bicolor
honey locust moth
Syssphinx bicolor, commonly known as the honey locust moth, is a North American saturniid moth with variable wing coloration ranging from grayish to yellow, orange, or dark reddish brown. The species exhibits three annual broods with adults of different color morphs appearing sequentially—grayish first, then yellow to orange-brown, and finally darker with more spotting. Larvae feed on honey locust and Kentucky coffee tree, with distinctive color changes between gregarious young stages and solitary older instars.
Syssphinx hubbardi
Hubbard's Silk Moth, Hubbard's Silkmoth
Syssphinx hubbardi is a medium-sized giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae, with a wingspan of 56–76 mm. Adults are predominantly gray with bright pink hindwings that are exposed when the moth is startled. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with one generation per year in most of its range, though Texas populations may produce multiple generations. Adults are active from June through September, with peak activity in July and August.
Syssphinx montana
Montana Silkmoth
Syssphinx montana is a silkmoth in the family Saturniidae. Adults have a wingspan of 62–82 mm, with males smaller than females. The species is found in Mexico and rarely in southeastern Arizona. Adults are active from mid-July to early August and do not feed. Larvae feed on several leguminous host plants.
Syssphinx raspa
Raspa Small Silkmoth
Syssphinx raspa is a small silkmoth in the family Saturniidae, native to North and Middle America. It is closely related to Hubbard's Silkmoth (Syssphinx hubbardi), with which it shares similar biology and appearance. The species has a wingspan of approximately 56-76 mm. Adults are primarily gray with bright pink hindwings that are exposed when startled. Like other Syssphinx species, the caterpillars feed on leguminous host plants and pupate underground.
Tathorhynchus
Tathorhynchus is a monotypic moth genus in the family Erebidae, established by George Hampson in 1894. It contains a single species, Tathorhynchus exsiccata (the Levant blackneck or double-spotted snout), described by Julius Lederer in 1855. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, having been briefly transferred to Lygephila in 2003 before being restored to Tathorhynchus in 2005. The species exhibits two recognized subspecies with distinct geographic distributions.
Tathorhynchus exsiccata
Levant blackneck, Alfalfa Looper Moth
Tathorhynchus exsiccata is a moth species in the family Erebidae, known as the Levant blackneck. The nominate form occurs across the Canary Islands, North Africa, Tropical Asia, and Tropical Africa. It has been introduced to Dominica and Argentina. A distinct subspecies, T. e. fallax, occupies the northern half of Australia, Norfolk Island, and New Zealand.
Thorybes pylades
northern cloudywing
Thorybes pylades, commonly known as the northern cloudywing, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is recognized by its uniformly dark brown wings with small triangular clear spots. The species has a broad distribution across North America, with adults flying in spring and summer. Larvae feed on various legumes in the family Fabaceae.
Tychius lineellus
leguminous seed weevil
Tychius lineellus is a leguminous seed weevil in the family Curculionidae. It belongs to a group of North American Tychius species thought to have dispersed from Eurasia via Beringia. The species is probably related to T. sordidus and T. caesius, which are considered remnants of an old Holarctic fauna associated with the Arcto-Tertiary flora.
Tychius semisquamosus
Tychius semisquamosus is a species of leguminous seed weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Faust in 1893. It belongs to the semisquamosus group of North American Tychius species, which are associated with host plants in the genus Astragalus and Lotus. The species has been subject to taxonomic revision, with several previously described species (T. lamellosus, T. squamosus, T. intermixtus) now synonymized under this name. It represents part of a North American fauna derived from multiple independent dispersals from Eurasia.
Uresiphita
Uresiphita is a genus of crambid moths comprising approximately six recognized species distributed across North America, New Zealand, Europe, and the Middle East. The genus is notable for larval sequestration of quinolizidine alkaloids from leguminous host plants, a chemical defense mechanism against predators. Several species have expanded their ranges through association with introduced host plants.
Uresiphita reversalis
Genista Broom Moth, Sophora Worm
Uresiphita reversalis is a multivoltine crambid moth native to Mexico and the southwestern United States that has expanded its range north and east across North America. The caterpillars feed diurnally in groups on leguminous host plants, particularly members of the tribe Genisteae, and sequester quinolizidine alkaloids for chemical defense. The species has gained notoriety as both a pest of ornamental plants and a potential biocontrol agent for invasive broom species. Adults are small moths with distinctive white bodies and bright yellow or orange hindwings.
Walshia floridensis
Walshia floridensis is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by Ronald W. Hodges in 1978. It is endemic to Florida, with adults active during the winter months. The species is notable for its specific association with the legume Petalostemon pinnatum as a larval host plant.
Walshia miscecolorella
Sweet Clover Root Borer Moth, sweetclover root borer moth
Walshia miscecolorella is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, commonly known as the sweet clover root borer moth. It was described by V.T. Chambers in 1875. The species is notable for its broad North American distribution and year-round adult activity. Larvae feed on roots and lower stems of various leguminous plants and other species.
Xenochalepus ater
Xenochalepus ater is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Central America and North America, with records from the United States (Arizona, Texas) and Mexico (Guerrero, Jalisco, Morelos). The species has been recorded feeding on cultivated legumes including soybean (Glycine max) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Adults have also been collected on Robinia species, Rhamnus betulifolia, and Platanus wrightii.
Zabrotes victoriensis
Zabrotes victoriensis is a species of seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae, described by Kingsolver in 1990. The genus Zabrotes comprises seed beetles specialized on legume hosts, though species-specific biological data for Z. victoriensis remain limited. It is known from North America. The species epithet suggests a connection to Victoria, possibly referring to a type locality.