Parthenium
Guides
Contarinia partheniicola
Contarinia partheniicola is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Cockerell in 1900. The specific epithet "partheniicola" indicates an association with Parthenium plants, suggesting a host-specific relationship with Parthenium hysterophorus or related species. As a member of the genus Contarinia, it likely shares the typical biology of gall midges, with larval stages inducing gall formation on host plant tissues. The species has been documented in the iNaturalist database with 26 observations, indicating some level of detection in the field, though detailed biological studies appear limited.
Zygogramma
Zygogramma is a large genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Chrysomelinae, comprising approximately 100 species with 13 species occurring north of Mexico. The genus is characterized by its association with plants in the family Asteraceae, particularly ragweeds (Ambrosia) and related genera. Several species, especially Z. bicolorata, have been extensively studied and deployed as biological control agents against invasive weeds. The genus is distinguished from related genera such as Calligrapha by fused tarsal claws.