Monarda
Guides
Coleophora monardella
Coleophora monardella is a case-bearing moth in the family Coleophoridae, first described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1933. The species is known from limited records in North America, specifically Iowa and Ontario. Its larvae are specialized feeders on Monarda species, particularly Monarda fistulosa, and construct distinctive annulate (ringed) larval cases. The species epithet reflects its association with Monarda host plants.
Dufourea monardae
Beebalm Shortface Bee, monarda dufourea
A small sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Beebalm Shortface Bee. Females measure approximately 7 mm, males 6–7 mm. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in head shape, with females having a strongly protuberant face and males possessing a longer head. It is an oligolectic specialist, collecting pollen exclusively from bee balm plants (Monarda spp.). Active primarily during July and August across its North American range.
Physonota unipunctata
horsemint tortoise beetle, beebalm tortoise beetle, bergamot tortoise beetle, one-spotted tortoise beetle
Physonota unipunctata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the horsemint or beebalm tortoise beetle. The species is native to North America and has been documented from Canada to the United States. Historical taxonomic work from the late 19th century clarified species boundaries among related forms described by early American entomologists. The beetle shows seasonal phenology tied to host plant emergence, with adults appearing in June in the Montreal region.