Maple-feeder
Guides
Acericerus
Acericerus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Eurymelinae, tribe Idiocerini. The genus was established by Dlabola in 1974 and is recorded from parts of northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Like other idiocerine leafhoppers, members of this genus are associated with woody host plants. The genus contains multiple species, though detailed species-level taxonomy and biology remain incompletely documented.
Acronicta retardata
retarded dagger moth, Maple Dagger
Acronicta retardata, commonly known as the retarded dagger moth or Maple Dagger, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 25–32 mm and are active from April to August depending on location. The species produces multiple generations annually. Larvae are specialized feeders on maple leaves, specifically red maple (Acer rubrum) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum).
Caloptilia packardella
Caloptilia packardella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species is known from Quebec, Canada, and several northeastern and midwestern U.S. states. Its larvae feed on maple species (Acer), creating blotch mines in leaves.
Catastega aceriella
Maple Trumpet Skeletonizer Moth
A small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 13–17 mm, distributed across eastern North America. The species is associated with maple trees, with larvae that skeletonize leaves. Multiple generations may occur annually.
Cenopis pettitana
Maple-Basswood Leafroller Moth
Cenopis pettitana, known as the Maple-Basswood Leafroller Moth, is a tortricid moth native to eastern North America. The species was originally described as Sparganothis pettitana by Robinson in 1869 and later transferred to the genus Cenopis. It is a leaf-rolling species whose larvae feed on maple and basswood foliage. The moth is relatively well-documented with over 5,500 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is common and frequently encountered in its range.
Chionodes obscurusella
boxelder leafworm moth
Chionodes obscurusella, commonly known as the boxelder leafworm moth, is a small gelechiid moth native to North America. The species has a wingspan of approximately 12 mm and exhibits distinctive forewing patterning with black spots and dashes on a dull ochreous-fuscous background. Larvae are leaf-tiers, constructing shelters by tying leaves together on their host plants. The species is part of a Nearctic species group associated with hardwood trees in the genera Acer, Quercus, and Salix.
Drepanaphis keshenae
Drepanaphis keshenae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, subfamily Drepanosiphinae. First described by Granovsky in 1931, this species belongs to a genus of aphids that are typically associated with maple trees (Acer spp.). The genus Drepanaphis is characterized by distinctive morphological features and life history traits tied to their host plant relationships. Like other members of its subfamily, D. keshenae is presumed to have complex life cycles involving both sexual and asexual reproduction phases, with host alternation potentially occurring between maple species.
Dryocampa rubicunda
rosy maple moth
Dryocampa rubicunda, commonly known as the rosy maple moth, is a small saturniid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are distinguished by their striking pink and yellow coloration, which varies from cream or white to bright pink or yellow. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism: males have narrower, less rounded wings and bipectinate antennae for detecting female pheromones, while females have broader wings and simple antennae. Larvae, known as greenstriped mapleworms, feed on maple leaves and can cause temporary defoliation in outbreak years.
Eubaphe mendica
Beggar, Beggar Moth
Eubaphe mendica, commonly known as the beggar or beggar moth, is a small geometrid moth native to eastern North America. The species exhibits a bivoltine to trivoltine life cycle with adults active from late spring through early autumn. Larvae are specialized feeders on maple and violet species. The common name "beggar" likely derives from the moth's drab, worn-looking appearance.
Hypena baltimoralis
Baltimore Hypena, Baltimore Bomolocha
A moth of the family Erebidae, described by Guenée in 1854. Adults fly from April to October with multiple generations per year, more numerous in southern portions of its range. The species is strongly associated with deciduous forests and maple-feeding larvae.
Macaria pustularia
Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth
Macaria pustularia, commonly known as the Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth, is a geometrid moth species distributed across eastern and central North America. The species is well-documented with over 20,000 observations, indicating it is relatively common and conspicuous. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The common name references its association with maple host plants and the 'spanworm' habit of its larvae, which move with a looping gait characteristic of geometrid caterpillars.
Proteoteras naracana
Proteoteras naracana is a small tortricid moth native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 15–17 mm and are active from April through July. The larvae feed on maple species (Acer), though specific details of their feeding habits remain poorly documented. The species is recorded from eleven U.S. states ranging from Massachusetts to Alabama.