Monophagous
Guides
Papaipema maritima
maritime sunflower borer moth, giant sunflower borer moth
Papaipema maritima is a noctuid moth species native to North America, first described by Henry Bird in 1909. The larvae are specialized stem borers that tunnel into the stems of giant sunflower (Helianthus giganteus), creating distinctive stem galls. The species has experienced significant population decline and is classified as a species of special concern in Connecticut, where it is believed to be extirpated. Its specialized host relationship and habitat loss contribute to its vulnerable conservation status.
Papaipema nebris
stalk borer
Papaipema nebris, commonly known as the stalk borer, is a noctuid moth whose larvae tunnel into the stems of herbaceous plants. The species is distributed across eastern North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, with the notable exception of Florida. Adults are nocturnal and active during summer months. The species is of agricultural concern due to larval damage to corn and other crops.
Parectopa geraniella
Parectopa geraniella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1935. The species is a leaf miner whose larvae feed exclusively on Geranium maculatum, creating distinctive linear mines that become contorted and blotch-like as they develop. It has been recorded from a limited range in the central United States.
Periphyllus negundinis
Box Elder Aphid
A North American aphid species specialized on box elder trees. Forms dense colonies on leaves and stems, often becoming conspicuous due to honeydew production and associated sooty mold. The species was first described in 1878 and remains a common, well-documented member of the aphid genus Periphyllus.
Phaedon desotonis
desoto leaf beetle, coreopsis leaf beetle
Phaedon desotonis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It has been observed in large populations on Coreopsis species in central Georgia, where it was previously considered rare. The species completes one generation per year, with peak larval abundance in April and greatest adult numbers in May.
Phorodon cannabis
Cannabis Aphid, Hemp Aphid
Phorodon cannabis is a monophagous aphid pest specialized on hemp (Cannabis sativa), causing significant damage in field and greenhouse cultivations. Native to Eurasia and North Africa, it was first detected in North America in 2016 and has since spread to multiple U.S. states and Canada. The species feeds on phloem sap, causing plant wilting, yellowing, and yield reduction, and transmits Cannabis Streak Virus. Optimal development occurs at 25°C, with mild abiotic stress paradoxically stimulating reproduction via hormesis.
Phyllocnistis liquidambarisella
Phyllocnistis liquidambarisella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae, specialized as a leafminer on sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua). The species creates distinctive, winding linear mines on the upper surface of host leaves, leaving an indistinct trail without a central frass line. It is known from the eastern and southern United States, with records spanning from New York to Florida and west to Texas.
Phyllocnistis subpersea
Phyllocnistis subpersea is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae, described in 2011. Adults are tiny, with forewings measuring 2–2.7 mm. The species is a specialist leafminer on Persea borbonia, creating distinctive serpentine mines on the undersides of leaves. Its specific name references this sub-leaf mining habit. The species has a restricted known distribution in southeastern United States coastal regions.
Phyllonorycter comptoniella
Phyllonorycter comptoniella is a micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species is known from a limited distribution in eastern North America, with records from southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Larvae are associated with sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina), and likely mine the leaves of this host plant. Adults are small and nondescript, typical of the genus.
Phyllonorycter holodisci
Phyllonorycter holodisci is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, described by Annette Braun in 1939. The species is endemic to western North America, with confirmed records from California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia. Its larvae are specialized leaf miners that feed exclusively on Holodiscus discolor, a shrub commonly known as ocean spray or creambush. The mine is constructed on the upper surface of the host leaf.
Phyllonorycter ledella
Labrador Tea Leaf Miner
Phyllonorycter ledella is a micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the Labrador Tea Leaf Miner. It is a small leaf-mining species with a wingspan of 9–10 mm. The species has a disjunct distribution across North America and is listed as endangered in Connecticut.
Phyllonorycter propinquinella
cherry blotch miner moth, cherry blotchminer
Phyllonorycter propinquinella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the cherry blotch miner moth. It is a leaf-mining species whose larvae feed on black cherry (Prunus serotina). The species is restricted to northeastern North America, with records from Canada and the eastern United States.
Phyllotreta armoraciae
Horseradish Flea Beetle
Phyllotreta armoraciae is a monophagous flea beetle specialized on horseradish (Armoracia rusticana). Research has identified its unique feeding chemistry: the beetle requires synergistic combinations of glucosinolates and flavonol glycosides (specifically kaempferol 3-O-xylosylgalactoside and quercetin 3-O-xylosylgalactoside) for feeding stimulation, marking the first documented case of a crucifer-feeding insect using non-glucosinolate allelochemicals as feeding stimulants. Two subspecies are recognized: P. a. armoraciae and P. a. biplagiata.
Phyllotreta chalybeipennis
Phyllotreta chalybeipennis is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is distributed in the Caribbean and North America. Both larvae and adults are associated with the host plant Cakile edentula (American sea rocket), with larvae mining leaves and adults feeding on foliage. Like other members of the genus Phyllotreta, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping.
Phylloxera caryaeren
pecan phylloxera, pecan stem phylloxera
Phylloxera caryaeren is a small, soft-bodied, gall-forming insect closely related to aphids that attacks pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis). It is considered the most damaging phylloxera species on pecans because it attacks shoots and developing nuts, unlike the pecan leaf phylloxera which only affects foliage. Heavy infestations can reduce current-year yield, impair tree vitality, and reduce production in subsequent years. The insect is sedentary and cannot fly long distances, so infestations spread slowly from tree to tree.
Platycorypha nigrivirga
tipu psyllid
Platycorypha nigrivirga, the tipu psyllid, is a Neotropical psyllid species that has become invasive in multiple temperate regions. It exhibits strict host specificity to Tipuana tipu (Fabaceae), feeding on phloem and causing leaf curling and premature defoliation. The species was first documented in Southern California in 2008 and has established populations in Europe and Africa. It is subject to biological control by a complex of generalist arthropod predators.
Pyrrhia aurantiago
Orange Sallow, Aureolaria Seed Borer
Pyrrhia aurantiago, commonly known as the Orange Sallow or Aureolaria Seed Borer, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. The species has a scattered distribution from New England west to Wisconsin and Missouri, extending south to Florida and Texas. It is listed as threatened in Connecticut. The common name "Aureolaria Seed Borer" reflects its documented association with Aureolaria (false foxglove) plants.
Rhinoncomimus latipes
mile-a-minute weevil
Rhinoncomimus latipes is a specialist weevil in the family Curculionidae, native to Asia and introduced to North America in 2004 as a biological control agent for the invasive vine Persicaria perfoliata (mile-a-minute weed). The species exhibits strict host specificity, having been found to successfully reproduce only on this plant. Adults overwinter in leaf litter and emerge in spring to feed and mate. The weevil has proven effective at reducing mile-a-minute populations where established, though its dispersal rate is relatively slow at approximately 4.3 km per year.
Rhyssomatus lineaticollis
Milkweed Stem Weevil
Rhyssomatus lineaticollis, commonly known as the milkweed stem weevil, is a specialized herbivore associated with milkweed plants (Asclepias spp.). Adults feed on stems and leaf petioles, while larvae develop inside seed pods. The species is notable for its monophagous to oligophagous relationship with milkweeds, including the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and the rare, threatened Asclepias meadii. Research indicates this weevil is relatively sedentary, with limited dispersal distances, functioning as a patchy population in fragmented agricultural landscapes. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America.
Sarucallis
crape myrtle aphid
Sarucallis is a monotypic genus of aphids in the family Aphididae. The sole described species, Sarucallis kahawaluokalani, is commonly known as the crape myrtle aphid. Adults measure 1.2 to 1.8 millimeters in body length. The genus is native to Asia and has become widely distributed globally through the ornamental plant trade, tracking the spread of its host plant, crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.).
Schinia trifascia
Three-lined Flower Moth
Schinia trifascia, commonly known as the three-lined flower moth, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 20–31 mm. Adults are active from July to October and have one generation per year. The species is notable for its close association with specific host plants in the aster family, with larvae feeding on Brickellia, Eupatorium, and Liatris.
Spartidelphax
Spartidelphax is a genus of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, established in 2014 to accommodate species associated with cordgrass (Spartina) in coastal salt marsh habitats. The genus was erected following taxonomic revision of the Delphacodes group, recognizing distinct morphological and ecological characteristics that separate it from related genera. Members are small, brachypterous or macropterous insects with the characteristic enlarged hind femora and movable spur on the hind tibia typical of delphacid planthoppers.
Sphenoptera jugoslavica
bronze knapweed root borer
Sphenoptera jugoslavica is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is monophagous on Centaurea diffusa (diffuse knapweed), forming spindle-shaped root galls in rosettes. The species is univoltine and was introduced to North America as a biological control agent for this invasive weed. Its effectiveness is limited by phenological requirements for arrested plant growth during oviposition.
Tebenna silphiella
rosinweed moth
Tebenna silphiella is a small moth in the family Choreutidae, commonly known as the rosinweed moth. It is restricted to prairie habitats in the central United States, where its larvae feed exclusively on Silphium integrifolium (rosinweed). The species has two generations per year, with adults active in May and larvae present from May through June.
Trichapion rostrum
baptisia seed pod weevil, wild indigo weevil
Trichapion rostrum is a weevil species in the family Brentidae, commonly known as the baptisia seed pod weevil or wild indigo weevil. Adults are entirely black with an elongated rostrum bearing antennae near its base. The species is tightly associated with wild indigo plants (genus Baptisia), where females deposit eggs in seed pods and larvae develop by feeding on seeds. Its seed predation can negatively impact host plant reproduction.
Xenolechia ceanothiella
Xenolechia ceanothiella is a gelechiid moth native to California. The larvae are leaf miners that feed exclusively on Ceanothus divaricatus, creating distinctive mines that begin linear and expand into blotches. Pupation occurs in a silk cocoon spun between two leaves. The species is known from limited records and appears to have a restricted distribution within its host plant's range.
Xyela
pine catkin sawflies, pine shoot gall sawflies
Xyela is a genus of primitive sawflies in the family Xyelidae, established in 1819. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with approximately 50 described species, including both extant and fossil taxa. Most species are associated with Pinus (pine) as larval hosts, developing inside staminate cones; one species, X. gallicaulis, forms shoot galls instead. Adults are early spring fliers often found on Salix or Alnus catkins near host pines.