Persimmon
Guides
Aceria theospyri
persimmon leaf blister gall
Aceria theospyri is a gall-forming eriophyid mite that produces distinctive leaf blister galls on persimmon (Diospyros virginiana). As a member of the superfamily Eriophyoidea, this microscopic mite has a worm-like, elongated body with only four legs. The species is highly host-specific, feeding exclusively on persimmon and causing characteristic blister-like deformities on leaves. Like other eriophyid mites, it has a short development period allowing rapid population buildup. The mite represents one of thousands of specialized plant-parasitic mites in this ancient lineage that radiated over 200 million years ago.
Agrilus fuscipennis
persimmon agrilus
Agrilus fuscipennis, commonly known as the persimmon agrilus, is a relatively large and striking jewel beetle distinguished by its vivid red pronotum and black elytra. It is among the most seldom encountered members of its genus in Missouri and surrounding regions. Unlike most Agrilus species, which develop in dead wood, A. fuscipennis mines the lower trunks, crown, and main roots of living persimmon trees. The species is rarely collected, with most records consisting of single specimens beaten from host plants.
Dicerca obscura
A large jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) with brownish-black coloration and cryptic appearance. Adults are strongly associated with dead or dying persimmon trees (Diospyros virginiana), though also recorded from staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina). The species name reflects its remarkable ability to blend into bark, making it difficult to detect despite its size.
Hypocala andremona
andremona moth, Hypocala Moth
Hypocala andremona is a moth species in the family Erebidae, originally described by Stoll in 1781. It occurs in North America and has been studied in relation to persimmon cultivation in Brazil. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8642.