Phytophagous
Guides
Acanalonia clypeata
Acanalonia clypeata is a small planthopper in the family Acanaloniidae, native to the Southwestern United States. It measures approximately 7 mm in length and 3 mm in width. The species has been documented feeding on a range of desert-adapted host plants.
Acanthocephala thomasi
giant agave bug
Acanthocephala thomasi, commonly known as the giant agave bug, is a large leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Despite its common name, observations indicate it utilizes multiple host plants including Baccharis sarothroides (desert broom), not exclusively agave species.
Acanthocheila
lace bugs
Acanthocheila is a genus of lace bugs (family Tingidae) established by Stål in 1858. The genus comprises approximately 17 described species. Lace bugs in this genus exhibit the characteristic reticulated, lace-like forewings typical of the family Tingidae. Species within Acanthocheila are primarily associated with host plants, though specific host associations remain incompletely documented for many species.
Aceria aceris
maple gall mite, maple erineum mite
Aceria aceris is a gall-forming eriophyid mite that infests maple species (Acer), producing distinctive erineum galls on leaf surfaces. The mite has a worm-like, elongated body with four legs and annular ridges typical of the superfamily Eriophyoidea. It is one of numerous Aceria species specialized on maple hosts, with populations often associated with specific maple species or varieties.
Aceria baccharipha
Baccharis Leaf Blister Mite
Aceria baccharipha, known as the Baccharis Leaf Blister Mite, is an eriophyid mite in the family Eriophyidae. Like other members of the superfamily Eriophyoidea, it is a worm-like, four-legged mite that parasitizes plants. The species is associated with Baccharis plants, where it causes leaf blistering damage. Eriophyid mites represent one of the largest adaptive radiations of plant-parasitic arthropods, with most species specializing on specific host plants.
Aceria brachytarsus
pouch gall mite, walnut purse gall mite
Aceria brachytarsus is an eriophyoid mite species that induces leaf-pouch galls on walnut trees (Juglans spp.). Formerly classified as Eriophyes brachytarsus, this microscopic arachnid is known for producing distinctive bladder-like galls on foliage. The species has been documented in California, Iran, Spain, and Belgium.
Aceria erinea
Walnut Blister Mite
Aceria erinea is a gall-forming eriophyid mite that induces characteristic blister-like galls on the leaves of common walnut (Juglans regia). First described by Alfred Nalepa in 1891, this microscopic arachnid is a specialized plant parasite with a highly restricted host range. The mite's feeding activity causes distinctive erineum galls—fuzzy, felt-like patches on leaf surfaces. Like other eriophyid mites, it has a worm-like body with only four legs and undergoes rapid development, completing its life cycle in approximately one to two weeks under favorable conditions.
Acericecis ocellaris
ocellate gall midge, maple eyespot gall, maple leaf spot gall
Acericecis ocellaris is a gall midge that induces distinctive blister-like eyespot galls on maple leaves. The galls feature concentric rings of yellow and red pigments surrounding a central chamber where the larva feeds. This species is the type species of the genus Acericecis and was first described by Carl Robert Osten-Sacken in 1862. It completes a single generation per year, with adults emerging in spring to mate and oviposit on young maple foliage.
Aclypea bituberosa
Western Spinach Carrion Beetle, Spinach Carrion Beetle
Aclypea bituberosa is a phytophagous carrion beetle in the family Silphidae, notable for being herbivorous rather than necrophagous like most of its relatives. Adults and larvae feed on leaves and shoots of various crop plants, particularly spinach and beets, causing occasional agricultural damage. The species has a single generation per year, overwintering as adults. It is restricted to the northwestern quarter of North America.
Aclypea opaca
dark carrion beetle, beet carrion beetle
Aclypea opaca is a carrion beetle in the family Silphidae, commonly known as the dark carrion beetle or beet carrion beetle. The species is native to northern and central Europe and has been introduced to North America, where it occurs in Alaska and the Northwest Territories. Unlike many carrion beetles, species in the genus Aclypea are phytophagous, feeding on living plant material rather than carrion.
Acmaeodera parkeri
Acmaeodera parkeri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Cazier in 1940. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of several plant species, including Allionia incarnata (creeping four o'clock), Talinum whitei (White's flameflower), and Evolvulus arizonicus (Arizona blue-eyes).
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caliginella
Acrobasis caliginella is a snout moth (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) described by George Duryea Hulst in 1878. The species is restricted to the southwestern United States, with confirmed records from California and Arizona. Larvae feed on multiple oak species (Quercus spp.), including coast live oak and interior live oak. Like other Acrobasis species, it likely develops as a concealed feeder in host plant tissues.
Acrocercops
Acrocercops is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae. Species in this genus are primarily known as internal feeders on plant foliage, creating mines within leaves. Several species have been extensively studied as models for host race formation and host-associated speciation, particularly A. transecta, which exhibits distinct host races on distantly related plant families. The genus includes both native and invasive species, with some members recognized as agricultural pests.
Aculus minutissimus
Aculus minutissimus is a minute eriophyid mite, commonly known as a gall mite or rust mite. It is among the smallest arthropods, with a worm-like body and only two pairs of legs in the adult stage. Species in this genus are frequently associated with specific host plants, though detailed host records for A. minutissimus remain limited. The mite is known from numerous observations, suggesting it is relatively widespread but easily overlooked due to its microscopic size.
Adelphocoris
plant bugs
Adelphocoris is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, tribe Mirini. Multiple species are significant agricultural pests, particularly in Chinese cotton production following widespread Bt cotton adoption. The genus includes at least three economically important species—A. suturalis, A. lineolatus, and A. fasciaticollis—that exhibit distinct geographic distributions, seasonal dynamics, and host plant associations. Species within this genus show complex life histories involving migratory behavior, diapause, and multi-generational development on diverse host plants.
Aetalionidae
Aetalionid Treehoppers
Aetalionidae is a family of treehoppers in the superfamily Membracoidea, distinguished from the more diverse Membracidae by morphological features including a front femur fused to the trochanter and a completely exposed scutellum. The family is predominantly Neotropical in distribution, with two recognized subfamilies: Biturritiinae (exclusively Neotropical) and Aetalioninae (containing the Neotropical genus Aetalion and the Paleotropical genus Darthula). Females exhibit maternal care by guarding egg masses, and many species form aggregations on tree branches where they produce honeydew and associate with ants and stingless bees.
Agromyza alnibetulae
Agromyza alnibetulae is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species is associated with alder (Alnus) and birch (Betula) host plants, as indicated by its specific epithet. Larvae create serpentine or blotch mines in leaves. Adults are small, typically 2-3 mm in length, with the reduced wing venation characteristic of the genus.
Agromyzidae
leaf-miner flies, leaf miner flies
Agromyzidae is a large family of small flies comprising approximately 2,500 species worldwide. Adults are minute to small (0.9–6.5 mm), with distinctive head sclerotization patterns and reduced wing venation. The family derives its common name from the larval feeding habit: larvae are predominantly leaf miners that feed between the upper and lower epidermis of plant leaves, creating visible mines that are often species-specific in shape. Some species are significant agricultural pests, particularly in the genera Liriomyza, Phytomyza, and Ophiomyia.
Agromyzinae
mining flies, leaf-miner flies
Agromyzinae is a subfamily of small flies within the family Agromyzidae, commonly known as mining flies or leaf-miner flies. The subfamily was established by Fallén in 1823 and contains multiple genera including Agromyza, Japanagromyza, Melanagromyza, Ophiomyia, and Epidermomyia. Species in this subfamily are best known for their larval habit of feeding within plant tissues, creating distinctive mines in leaves, stems, or other plant parts. The subfamily has a global distribution with documented diversity in Europe, Asia, and other regions, with over 100 species confirmed from Ukraine alone and 13 species recorded from southern India.
Aleyrodoidea
whiteflies
Aleyrodoidea is a superfamily of small hemipteran insects commonly known as whiteflies. The superfamily contains a single family, Aleyrodidae, with more than 1,550 described species. Whiteflies are phytophagous insects that feed on plant sap, typically from the undersides of leaves. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the citrus blackfly (Aleurocanthus woglumi) and the Bemisia tabaci species complex.
Altica
Metallic Flea Beetles
Altica is a large genus of flea beetles comprising approximately 300 species distributed nearly worldwide. The genus name derives from Greek 'haltikós' meaning 'jumper,' referring to the adult beetles' ability to jump when disturbed. Species are small, metallic blue-green to bronze beetles that are morphologically similar and often distinguished only by male genitalia. Both larvae and adults are phytophagous, with most species showing strong host plant specificity. The genus is best represented in the Neotropical realm, with significant diversity in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions.
Amastris lycioda
A treehopper in the family Membracidae, first described by Ball in 1933. The species name 'lycioda' reflects its documented association with plants in the genus Lycium. The first Texas record was published in 2024, establishing a specific host plant relationship with Lycium berlandieri.
Amauromyza
Amauromyza is a genus of leaf-miner and stem-borer flies in the family Agromyzidae, comprising over 60 described species. Most species are phytophagous, with larvae feeding internally in plant tissues. The genus includes significant agricultural pests such as Amauromyza karli, which has recently emerged as a major constraint to quinoa production in the western United States. Species exhibit variation in feeding ecology, with some mining leaves and others boring stems.
Ampelomyia viticola
grape tube gallmaker, grape-leaf trumpet-gall, conical grape gall
Ampelomyia viticola is a gall midge that induces distinctive tubular galls on grape vine leaves in eastern North America. The galls are narrow, conical structures measuring 7–10 mm long, typically crimson in color though green when young or on leaf undersides. Each gall contains a single larval chamber housing one pale yellowish-green to orange larva. The species was transferred from Schizomyia to the new genus Ampelomyia in 2019.
Aneugmenini
Aneugmenini is a tribe of sawflies within the family Tenthredinidae. Members of this tribe are phytophagous and associated with various host plants. The tribe contains multiple genera, including the well-known genus *Aneugmenus*. Sawflies in this group are morphologically diverse but share characteristics typical of Tenthredinidae, including a broad connection between the thorax and abdomen (lacking the narrow 'wasp waist' of Apocrita).
Anisoscelis
leaf-footed bugs
Anisoscelis is a genus of leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae: Anisoscelini) distributed from the southern United States through Central and South America. The genus currently comprises approximately nine species, though species counts vary due to taxonomic revisions. Members are associated with passion vine plants (Passifloraceae) as host plants. Several species exhibit expanded, leaf-like hind tibial structures. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with former subgenus Bitta now restored to generic rank.
Antron quercusechinus
urchin gall wasp
Antron quercusechinus is a gall-inducing cynipid wasp that induces the distinctive 'urchin gall' on oak trees. The gall is spherical, approximately 1.5 cm in diameter, and covered with prominent spines that give it a sea urchin-like appearance. The species primarily targets blue oaks (Quercus douglasii) but has been observed on other white oaks. Heavy infestations can produce thousands of galls on individual trees.
Aonidiella aurantii
California red scale, red scale
Aonidiella aurantii, commonly known as California red scale or red scale, is an armored scale insect and major agricultural pest of citrus and other crops. Native to South China, it has spread globally through human-mediated transport of infected plant material, first appearing in California between 1868 and 1875. The species is now established across six continents and infests over 77 plant families, with citrus remaining its primary economic host. Heavy infestations cause fruit pitting, shoot distortion, leaf drop, and tree death.
Apioninae
Pear-shaped Weevils, Seed Weevils, Clover Weevils
Apioninae is a subfamily of small weevils within the family Brentidae, commonly known as pear-shaped weevils, seed weevils, or clover weevils. The subfamily contains at least 20 genera and approximately 80 described species, though diversity is likely higher. Members are characterized by their compact, pear-shaped body form and elongated rostrum. All species are phytophagous, with many exhibiting specialized associations with particular host plant families, particularly Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, and Polygonaceae. Some species are significant agricultural pests of legumes and jute, while others have been employed as biological control agents for invasive plants.
Aprostocetus
Aprostocetus is a large genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, established by Westwood in 1833. With approximately 800 described species, it has a global distribution across all major zoogeographic regions. Species are primarily ectoparasitoids or endoparasitoids of insects inhabiting plant galls, including gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), gall wasps (Cynipoidea), and other hosts spanning Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Blattodea, Orthoptera, and Neuroptera. Some species are phytophagous, inducing galls directly on plants. The genus is economically significant as a source of biological control agents for invasive pests.
Argidae
Argid Sawflies
Argidae is a large family of sawflies (Hymenoptera: Symphyta) comprising approximately 800 species worldwide, with greatest diversity in tropical regions, particularly the Neotropics. The family is distinguished from other Symphyta by the reduction of the antenna to three flagellomeres, with the terminal segment often elongated and forked in males. Larvae are phytophagous and frequently exhibit gregarious feeding behavior; some species display maternal care of eggs and young larvae.
Asterolecaniidae
pit scales, asterolecaniids
Asterolecaniidae is a family of scale insects commonly known as pit scales. They are characterized by inducing depressions or pits in host plant tissues, often causing shoot distortion. The family contains approximately 25 genera and 243 described species, with greatest diversity in the northern hemisphere. Many species are associated with oaks, bamboos, and ornamental plants, and some form galls.
Attenuipyga vanduzei
Attenuipyga vanduzei is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Osborn and Ball in 1898. The genus Attenuipyga is distinguished by its slender, attenuated body form. This species has been recorded from multiple states across the central and eastern United States, suggesting a relatively broad geographic range within temperate North America. Like other members of Cicadellidae, it is a phytophagous insect that feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Aulagromyza
Aulagromyza is a genus of leaf-miner flies in the family Agromyzidae, comprising approximately 50 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Species in this genus are primarily phytophagous, with larvae that feed internally within leaf parenchyma, creating distinctive blotch or serpentine mines. Several species are monophagous or oligophagous, showing strong host associations with particular plant genera including Fraxinus (ash), Lonicera (honeysuckle), and Populus (poplar). The genus is of ecological interest due to its role in leaf herbivory and its interactions with parasitoid wasps.
Banasa
Banasa stink bugs
Banasa is a genus of phytophagous stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae, tribe Pentatomini. These plant-feeding true bugs are primarily associated with woody plants, particularly conifers and broadleaf trees. The genus contains at least eleven species in North America, with additional species described from South America including the recently described B. maculata from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Species identification typically requires microscopic examination of morphological characters.
Banasa dimidiata
green burgundy stink bug
Banasa dimidiata is a North American stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, commonly known as the green burgundy stink bug. Adults range 8.5–11.0 mm and display a distinctive color pattern of vibrant green anteriorly and burgundy-brown posteriorly. The species is a plant feeder associated with trees, shrubs, and berries, particularly blueberries. It occurs transcontinentally across Canada and the United States, with peak activity from June through July.
Banasa sordida
Muddy Stink Bug
Banasa sordida is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, commonly known as the Muddy Stink Bug. It occurs in North America, with documented populations in coastal California where it has been recorded feeding on Monterey cypress and Gowen cypress. Like other members of the genus Banasa, it is a phytophagous true bug that feeds on plant sap.
Banasa subcarnea
Banasa subcarnea is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, native to North America. It belongs to a genus of eleven species in North America, several of which are visually similar and require microscopic examination for reliable identification. Like other Banasa species, it is associated with woody plants and is not considered an agricultural pest.
Berytidae
stilt bugs, thread bugs
Berytidae, commonly known as stilt bugs or thread bugs, is a family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) characterized by exceptionally long, slender legs and elongated bodies. The family contains approximately 200 species worldwide, classified into three subfamilies: Berytinae, Gampsocorinae, and Metacanthinae. Members range from 3-10 mm in length and display coloration from brown to yellow. While most species are phytophagous, feeding on plant sap, some exhibit predatory behavior on small insects. Several species are economically significant as pests of cultivated crops, particularly tomatoes and tobacco, where feeding damage can cause flower abortion, fruit distortion, and unsalable produce.
Bryocorinae
Bryocorinae is a subfamily of plant bugs (Miridae) characterized by extraordinary morphological heterogeneity despite relatively modest species diversity compared to other mirid subfamilies. Five tribes are currently recognized: Bryocorini, Dicyphini, Eccritotarsini, Felisacini, and Monaloniini. The subfamily exhibits diverse feeding strategies, with members ranging from predominantly phytophagous to predacious. Several species, particularly in the genus Macrolophus, are economically important as biological control agents. The subfamily has a global distribution with particular diversity in the Neotropics.
Bryocoris pteridis
Bryocoris pteridis is a small plant bug in the family Miridae, specialized on fern feeding. It is widespread across Europe and the Palearctic, occurring from lowlands to alpine elevations up to 1500 m. The species exhibits wing polymorphism, with brachypterous forms predominating. It completes one or occasionally two generations per year, with adults active from June through September.
Buprestinae
jewel beetles, metallic wood-boring beetles
Buprestinae is a subfamily of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) comprising approximately 1,500+ species worldwide. The subfamily contains five recognized tribes: Anthaxiini, Buprestini, Chrysobothrini, Melanophilini, and Xenorhipidini. Members are characterized by their brilliant metallic coloration and sculptured bodies. Adults are primarily phytophagous, with many species visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. Larvae are predominantly wood-borers, though some exhibit leaf-mining habits in tropical regions. Several species are significant forestry pests or invasive species.
Burnettweldia plumbella
Beaked Twig Gall Wasp
Burnettweldia plumbella is a gall wasp that induces distinctive galls on oak trees. The species was transferred from the genus Disholcaspis to the newly erected genus Burnettweldia in 2021. It is commonly known as the beaked twig gall wasp due to the pointed tip of the galls it produces. The wasp has been documented on multiple oak species in western North America.
Caliothrips cinctipennis
bean thrips
Caliothrips cinctipennis is a minute phytophagous thrips in the family Thripidae, commonly known as bean thrips. Adults measure approximately 1 mm in length and are distinguished by black-and-white banded forewings. The species is a documented pest of soybean (Glycine max) and has been recorded in both North and South America. Populations can increase rapidly under dry conditions due to a short life cycle of approximately two weeks from egg to egg.
Calligrapha diversa
Calligrapha diversa is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Carl Stål in 1859. It belongs to the C. argus species group, characterized by distinctive elytral patterning including a single spot enclosed by humeral lunule and a complete arcuate band laterally confluent with a subsutural stripe. The species has one of the largest geographic ranges in its group, extending from the southwestern United States through Central America to northern South America. It has been recorded feeding on plants in the families Malvaceae and Solanaceae.
Calligrapha floridana
Calligrapha floridana is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Schaeffer in 1934. The species is found in North America. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it likely exhibits the characteristic dome-shaped body and distinctive elytral patterning for which the genus is named. Information specific to this species is limited.
Calligrapha fulvipes
Calligrapha fulvipes is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Stål in 1859. The genus Calligrapha is characterized by dome-like body shape and distinctive coloration patterns of black with white or red markings. Species within this genus are among the most host-specific phytophagous beetles, with most species relying on a single plant genus as host. The specific host associations and detailed biology of C. fulvipes are not well documented in available sources.
Calligrapha vicina
Calligrapha vicina is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, described by C. Schaeffer in 1933. It occurs in northeastern North America, with records from New Brunswick, Ontario, and Québec in Canada. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits strong host plant specificity, though its specific host associations remain undocumented. The genus Calligrapha is characterized by dome-shaped bodies and distinctive black and white or reddish color patterns on the elytra.
Caloptilia belfragella
Dogwood Caloptilia Moth
Caloptilia belfragella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the Dogwood Caloptilia Moth. Its larvae are leaf miners that feed on several host plants including dogwoods (Cornus), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), and blueberries (Vaccinium). The species occurs in eastern North America from Quebec south to Texas.
Cameraria
Cameraria is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae. Larvae feed internally on leaf tissue, creating distinctive mines. The genus includes both native and invasive species, with Cameraria ohridella being a notable invasive pest of horse-chestnut trees in Europe. Species are associated primarily with host plants in the families Sapindaceae (Aesculus, Acer) and Fagaceae (Quercus, Castanea).