Phytophagous
Guides
Cappaeini
Cappaeini is a tribe within the subfamily Pentatominae of shield bugs (family Pentatomidae). As a tribe-level taxon, it groups together related genera of stink bugs sharing derived morphological characteristics. The tribe is part of the highly diverse Pentatominae, which contains the majority of species in the Pentatomidae family. Members of Cappaeini are phytophagous, feeding on plant material.
Cecidocharini
Cecidocharini is a tribe of tephritid fruit flies within the subfamily Tephritinae. The tribe contains eight recognized genera, including economically significant gall-forming species such as those in *Procecidochares*. Members are distinguished by their association with plant galls, a trait that separates them from many other tephritid groups. The tribe was established by Hering in 1947.
Celticecis connata
Hackberry Aggregate Gall Midge
Celticecis connata is a gall midge (family Cecidomyiidae) described by Gagné in 2013. The species induces aggregate galls on hackberry (Celtis species). It belongs to a genus specialized on Celtis host plants. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations, indicating established populations in areas where hackberry occurs.
Ceutorhynchinae
Minute Seed Weevils
Ceutorhynchinae is a large subfamily of minute seed weevils within Curculionidae, comprising over 150 genera and more than 1,000 described species worldwide. The subfamily is predominantly phytophagous and exhibits strong associations with Brassicaceae, though host plant relationships vary across genera. The genus Ceutorhynchus is particularly diverse and includes significant agricultural pests such as the cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus), as well as species with potential for biological control of weeds. The subfamily shows highest diversity in the Holarctic region, especially the Palaearctic.
Cheilosia grossa
Large Bulb Fly, Foxy Bulb Fly
A large, robust hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, widespread across Europe. Adults are active in early spring, visiting willow catkins and other early-flowering plants. The species is notable for its phytophagous larvae that tunnel within thistle stems and roots, causing characteristic plant damage. Males exhibit distinctive hovering behavior at head height, occasionally forming loose swarms.
Chelymorpha phytophagica
Chelymorpha phytophagica is a species of tortoise beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: C. p. luteata and C. p. phytophagica. Like other members of the genus Chelymorpha, this species is associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, including morning glories and related vines.
Chlorochroa
shield bugs, stink bugs
Chlorochroa is a genus of shield bugs (stink bugs) in the family Pentatomidae, containing approximately 19-20 described species distributed across Europe and North America. Adults range from 8-19 mm in length and are broadly oval in shape. The genus is notable for its variable coloration, with adults typically green to brownish or almost black, often with a pale red, yellow, or whitish marginal band around the body. Several species are significant agricultural pests, feeding on a wide range of crops including apple, cotton, grape, alfalfa, and various fruits. Species within the genus are morphologically similar and are distinguished primarily by male genitalia structure and geographic distribution.
Chlorochroa belfragii
Belfragi's chlorochroan bug
Chlorochroa belfragii is a poorly studied stink bug species in the subgenus Rhytidolomia, family Pentatomidae. It is native to North America and has been documented in inland saline wetland habitats in southeastern Alberta, Canada. The species is phytophagous, with documented host associations to saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and Nuttall's alkaligrass (Puccinellia nuttalliana). Unlike many better-known Chlorochroa species, C. belfragii has received minimal research attention, and its full distribution, life history, and ecological role remain largely unknown.
Chlorochroa congrua
Chlorochroa congrua is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, described by Uhler in 1876. It belongs to the genus Chlorochroa, which includes several North American stink bug species. The species has been documented as prey for the predatory wasp Astata unicolor in Oregon, where it was observed being paralyzed and carried to the wasp's nest as provisions for its offspring. Beyond this predation record and basic taxonomic placement, detailed biological information about C. congrua remains limited in the available literature.
Chlorochroa opuntiae
Chlorochroa opuntiae is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, first described by Esselbaugh in 1948. It belongs to a genus of green-colored stink bugs found in North America. The species name 'opuntiae' suggests an association with Opuntia (prickly pear cactus), though specific ecological relationships require further documentation. It occurs in the western Nearctic region, with records from California and surrounding areas.
Chloropidae
frit flies, grass flies, eye gnats
Chloropidae are a large family of small flies comprising approximately 2000 described species in over 160 genera, distributed worldwide. Adults are minute to small (1.0–4.0 mm, rarely to 12 mm), typically yellow, black, gray, or greenish, with a shiny appearance due to sparse pubescence. The mesonotum often bears three to five dark longitudinal stripes. Larvae exhibit diverse life histories: most are phytophagous, feeding on grasses and cereal crops, with some species causing significant agricultural damage; others are saprophagous, predatory, parasitic, or kleptoparasitic. A few species in genera Hippelates and Siphunculina are attracted to lachrymal secretions and other body fluids of mammals, earning the name 'eye gnats' and serving as mechanical vectors of bacterial and viral pathogens.
Chlorops certimus
Chlorops certimus is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, described by Adams in 1904. It belongs to the genus Chlorops, a diverse group of small flies commonly associated with grasses and other monocot plants. The species is accepted in taxonomic databases but remains poorly documented in primary literature. Most Chloropidae are phytophagous, with larvae developing in stems or leaves of host plants.
Chrysoesthia sexguttella
Orache Leafminer Moth
Chrysoesthia sexguttella is a small gelechiid moth known as the orache leafminer moth. Adults are active in two generations per year, flying in spring (May–June) and late summer (August–September). The larvae are specialized leaf miners that feed internally on leaves of Chenopodium, Atriplex, and related plants in Amaranthaceae, creating distinctive contorted gallery mines. The species is widespread across Europe and Asia, with introduced populations in northeastern North America.
Clinodiplosis
Clinodiplosis is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae, Diptera) established by Kieffer in 1894. Species in this genus are gall inducers that form stem galls on host plants across multiple families including Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, and Urticaceae. The genus has been documented in Brazil and has distribution records in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the United States (Vermont).
Closterotomus
Closterotomus is a genus of plant bugs (Miridae) in the subfamily Mirinae, established by Fieber in 1858. The genus contains at least 34 species distributed across the Palearctic and North America. Several species are agricultural pests, notably C. trivialis on olive and citrus in Mediterranean regions and C. norvegicus (potato capsid) on lucerne, clover, and potato. Members are phytophagous, feeding primarily on flowers, buds, and unripe fruit.
Coquillettia
Coquillettia is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Uhler in 1890. The genus comprises more than 30 described species. Members are true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) within the suborder characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. As Miridae, they belong to the largest family of heteropteran insects, commonly known as capsid bugs or plant bugs.
Coreidae
Leaf-footed Bugs, Squash Bugs, Twig-wilters, Tip-wilters
Coreidae is a large family of predominantly phytophagous sap-sucking insects within the suborder Heteroptera, comprising over 1,900 species in more than 270 genera. Members are commonly known as leaf-footed bugs due to the characteristic leaf-like expansions on the hind tibiae of many species. The family is cosmopolitan but most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including Anasa tristis (squash bug) and Leptoglossus species that damage corn, citrus, and other crops. The family exhibits notable morphological diversity, with body lengths ranging from 7 to 45 mm and variable body shapes from broadly oval to elongated and slender.
Coreoidea
Leaf-footed Bugs and Allies
Coreoidea is a superfamily of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) within the infraorder Pentatomomorpha, encompassing more than 3,300 described species across five extant families. The group includes leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae), broad-headed bugs (Alydidae), scentless plant bugs (Rhopalidae), and the smaller families Hyocephalidae and Stenocephalidae. Members are predominantly phytophagous, with many species exhibiting enlarged hind leg structures. The superfamily's phylogenetic relationships with Lygaeoidea and Pyrrhocoroidea remain unresolved, with evidence suggesting potential paraphyly requiring taxonomic revision.
Corythucha gossypii
cotton lace bug, bean lace bug
Corythucha gossypii is a lace bug in the family Tingidae, commonly known as the cotton lace bug or bean lace bug. It is a recognized pest of cotton and castor bean (Ricinus communis), with documented feeding damage causing chlorosis and premature leaf drop. Laboratory studies indicate temperature-dependent development, with optimal development occurring at 25-28°C and oviposition inhibited at 20°C. The species has been reported from multiple host plants including cotton and at least 23 other plant species.
Corythucha heidemanni
alder lace bug
Corythucha heidemanni, commonly known as the alder lace bug, is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae. It is native to North America and has been documented across Canada and the United States. Like other lace bugs, it is a small, sap-sucking true bug with distinctive lacy wings. The species is associated with alder trees (Alnus spp.), though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Corythucha mollicula
Corythucha mollicula is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae. It is a small, sap-sucking true bug native to North America. Like other lace bugs in the genus Corythucha, it likely feeds on plant foliage and may be associated with specific host plants, though detailed host records for this particular species are limited in the available literature.
Cosmopepla binotata
twice-marked stink bug
Cosmopepla binotata is a small stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, characterized by a distinctive color pattern with two dark spots on the pronotum. The species occurs in Central America and North America, where it inhabits vegetation and feeds on plant material. Like other pentatomids, it possesses scent glands for chemical defense.
Cremnorrhinini
Cremnorrhinini is a tribe of plant bugs in the family Miridae, subfamily Phylinae, containing approximately 50 genera. The tribe is divided into two subtribes: Cremnorrhinina (with about 45 genera) and an unnamed subtribe containing the remaining five genera. Members are phytophagous and exhibit strong host plant associations, particularly with endemic plant families in their respective regions.
Cryptarcha
Cryptarcha is a genus of sap beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Shuckard in 1839. The genus contains at least 17 described species distributed across multiple continents. Some species are associated with cactus cultivation, where they can cause significant agricultural damage. Members exhibit both phytophagous and saprophagous feeding behaviors.
Curculioninae
flower weevils, acorn and nut weevils
Curculioninae is the largest subfamily of weevils (Curculionidae), containing over 23,500 described species in approximately 2,200 genera. It represents one of the most successful radiations of terrestrial animals. The subfamily is divided into around 30 tribes, with members commonly known as flower weevils or acorn and nut weevils based on larval and adult feeding on plant reproductive structures.
Cylindrocopturus quercus
Cylindrocopturus quercus is a species of twig and stem weevil in the tribe Zygopini, family Curculionidae. It is native to North America and associated with oak hosts (Quercus). As a member of the Zygopini, it likely exhibits the typical life history of twig-boring weevils, with larvae developing within woody stems.
Cyphostethus tristriatus
Juniper Shield Bug
Cyphostethus tristriatus, commonly known as the juniper shield bug, is a large shield bug in the family Acanthosomatidae. Native to the Palearctic region, it has been introduced and established in North America. The species exhibits intraspecific melanism, with a highly melanic morph documented in addition to the typical green coloration. It is associated with juniper as a host plant.
Dasineura pilosa
Dasineura pilosa is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Plakidas in 2016. As a member of the genus Dasineura, it is presumed to induce galls on host plants, though specific host associations and gall morphology for this species have not been documented in the provided sources. The genus is well-known for forming various types of plant galls on leaves, stems, or flowers.
Dentifibula viburni
Dentifibula viburni is a gall midge species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) originally described by Felt in 1907 as Contarinia viburni. The species is associated with Viburnum host plants, as indicated by its specific epithet. It belongs to the subfamily Cecidomyiinae, a group known for inducing plant galls. Very little published information exists regarding the biology, distribution, or economic significance of this particular species beyond its taxonomic description and nomenclatural history.
Diapheromeridae
Common Walking Stick Insects
Diapheromeridae is a family of stick insects within the order Phasmatodea. As of 2025, its exact position within Euphasmatodea remains unresolved (incertae sedis), not assigned to any known superfamily. The family contains two subfamilies: Diapheromerinae and Palophinae. Some species are notably large, with Paraphanocles keratosqueleton exceeding 30 cm in length. Members of this family are phytophagous and exhibit cryptic stick-like morphology typical of the order.
Earomyia
Earomyia is a genus of small flies in the family Lonchaeidae (Diptera). Species in this genus have been documented developing within the stems of toxic plants in the Melanthiaceae family, including Veratrum album and Toxicoscordion venenosum. At least one species, E. crystallophila, occupies decaying stem tissue solitarily. The genus is distributed across Europe and North America, with records from Scandinavia, Serbia, and the western United States.
Eccritotarsini
Eccritotarsini is a tribe of plant bugs within the family Miridae, subfamily Bryocorinae. It is the most species-rich tribe in Bryocorinae, with approximately 650 described species in 112 genera worldwide. The tribe is predominantly distributed in the Neotropics, though significant faunas occur in the Oriental region including India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Members are predominantly phytophagous, with documented associations particularly with Araceae monocots in some genera. The tribe has been subject to recent taxonomic revision in multiple regions due to its high diversity and poorly resolved species boundaries.
Elasmucha
Parent shieldbugs
Elasmucha is a genus of shield bugs in the family Acanthosomatidae, commonly known as parent shieldbugs. Species in this genus are notable for exhibiting subsocial behavior, specifically extended maternal care of eggs and early nymphal stages. Females guard egg masses and remain with offspring through early instars, actively defending against predators and parasitoids. The genus includes arboreal species associated with specific host trees, with documented seasonal host plant switching in some species.
Elicinae
Elicinae is a subfamily of tropiduchid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae) comprising four extant tribes (Elicini, Bucini, Parathisciini, Elibucini) and four extinct tribes. Members are distinguished from other tropiduchids by their steeply tectiform body shape and distinctive female genitalia. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution with notable concentration in Asia, and includes several species of agricultural and forestry significance.
Elipsocus hyalinus
Elipsocus hyalinus is a species of barklouse in the family Elipsocidae, characterized by yellowish-black coloration. It is widely distributed across Europe, with additional records from North America, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The species feeds on diverse plant material including fruits, berries, and foliage of numerous tree and shrub species.
Empoa aureotecta
Empoa aureotecta is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Sanders and DeLong in 1917. The genus Empoa belongs to the tribe Empoascini, a group of small, often greenish leafhoppers that feed on plant sap. Members of this genus and related taxa are known for producing brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that make their bodies superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The specific epithet "aureotecta" (from Latin aureus "golden" + tectus "covered") likely refers to a golden or yellowish coloration or covering characteristic of this species.
Epilachna
leaf-eating lady beetles, bean beetles
Epilachna is a genus of leaf-eating lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, comprising approximately 300 species primarily distributed in the Western Hemisphere. Unlike the predominantly predatory members of Coccinellidae, Epilachna species are phytophagous, feeding on plant foliage rather than other insects. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the Mexican bean beetle (E. varivestis) and the squash lady beetle. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some species historically placed in Epilachna now assigned to related genera such as Henosepilachna.
Epilachninae
leaf-feeding lady beetles, phytophagous lady beetles
Epilachninae is a subfamily of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) distinguished from other coccinellids by their herbivorous diet. Adults superficially resemble predatory lady beetles but feed exclusively on plant material, making several species significant agricultural pests. The subfamily comprises approximately 16% of described Coccinellidae species. Larvae are covered with bands of spiny projections, unlike the smooth larvae of predatory coccinellids. Many species are monophagous or narrowly oligophagous, feeding on specific host plants within Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and other families. Some species, particularly in the genus Henosepilachna, have been introduced to new regions where they have become invasive pests of solanaceous crops.
Eriophyes lepidosparti
Scalebroom Bud Mite
Eriophyes lepidosparti is an eriophyid mite commonly known as the Scalebroom Bud Mite. As a member of the family Eriophyidae, it is a microscopic, worm-like mite that inhabits plant tissues. Eriophyid mites are known for inducing various plant deformities including galls, erinea, and bud proliferation through their feeding activities. The specific host associations and geographic distribution of this species require further documentation beyond the available records.
Erythroneura vitifex
Vine Leafhopper
Erythroneura vitifex is a small leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as the Vine Leafhopper. It belongs to the diverse genus Erythroneura, which includes numerous species associated with grapevines and other plants. Like other members of its genus, it feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species was described by Fitch in 1856 and is documented from several central and eastern U.S. states.
Euaresta festiva
Euaresta festiva is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, first described by Loew in 1862. The genus Euaresta is associated with plants in the genera Ambrosia, Xanthium, and Dicoria, where the flies feed on flowers and seeds. This species belongs to a group of tephritid flies that have evolved specialized relationships with their host plants.
Euaresta stigmatica
Euaresta stigmatica is a fruit fly species in the family Tephritidae. It is known from southern California, where it develops on ragweed plants (Ambrosia spp., Asteraceae). The species was described by Coquillett in 1902. Immature stages have been documented in detail.
Euarestoides
Euarestoides is a genus of true fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, established by Benjamin in 1934. The genus comprises six species distributed across the New World, from Canada through the Caribbean and Central America to South America. Species are associated with host plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly ragweeds (Ambrosia), sagebrushes (Hymenoclea), and related genera. The genus was revised taxonomically in 2019, with three new species described from Peru, Brazil, and Colombia.
Eucalymnatus
tessellated scale
Eucalymnatus is a genus of soft scale insects in the family Coccidae. The best-known species, Eucalymnatus tessellatus, is native to South America and has spread to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Species in this genus are phytophagous and can become significant pests of ornamental plants, fruit trees, and palms in nurseries and landscapes.
Eucosmophora
Eucosmophora is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Walsingham in 1897. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with some species extending into the Nearctic. Members are characterized by their larval habit of creating blotch mines in host plant foliage. At least one species, E. schinusivora, has been extensively studied as a potential biological control agent for invasive Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius).
Eupodoidea
Eupodoidea is a superfamily of soft-bodied mites in the order Trombidiformes, comprising approximately nine families and over 160 described species. These mites are primarily terrestrial and occur across diverse environments from temperate grasslands to polar regions. The superfamily exhibits varied feeding strategies, including fungivory, phytophagy, and predation. Some species are economically significant as agricultural pests.
Eupteryx atropunctata
Eupteryx atropunctata is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. It is a small, plant-feeding insect that uses piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract nutrients from host plants. Like other members of the genus Eupteryx, it is associated with herbaceous and woody plants. The species was described by Goeze in 1778 and is currently accepted as valid, though it was previously listed as a synonym in some sources. It occurs in parts of Europe and Asia, with distribution records from Russia and Ukraine.
Eurygastrinae
Eurygastrinae is a subfamily of shield-backed bugs within the family Scutelleridae. Members are characterized by a greatly enlarged scutellum that forms a continuous shield covering the abdomen and wings. The subfamily is predominantly distributed in the Palearctic region, with notable genera including Eurygaster. Many species are associated with grasses and cereal crops, with some considered agricultural pests.
Eurytomidae
seed chalcids, eurytomid wasps
Eurytomidae is a family of chalcid wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea, comprising approximately 1,420 described species across 87 genera. Members exhibit diverse life histories: larvae are endophytic, developing within plant tissues (stems, seeds, or galls) as phytophages, parasitoids of other insects, or both. The family is cosmopolitan, occurring in virtually all terrestrial habitats. Some species are agricultural pests, notably the almond seed wasp (Eurytoma amygdali) and plum seed wasp (Eurytoma schreineri), while others serve as biocontrol agents. Phylogenomic studies have confirmed monophyly of the four recognized subfamilies (Buresiinae, Eurytominae, Heimbrinae, Rileyinae), though many large genera remain para- or polyphyletic.
Euschistus crenator
Euschistus crenator is a phytophagous stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) recognized as a key pest in soybean cultivation, causing direct damage to developing grains. The species occurs across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America, with confirmed populations in northern Brazil (Roraima and Pará states). Second-instar nymphs exhibit high susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi, and the egg parasitoid Telenomus podisi has been confirmed to parasitize its eggs. The species is frequently misidentified with Euschistus heros due to morphological similarities.