Plant-associated
Guides
Acuticauda solidaginifoliae
Goldenrod Leaf-fold Aphid
Acuticauda solidaginifoliae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Williams in 1911. It is commonly known as the Goldenrod Leaf-fold Aphid, indicating an association with goldenrod plants (Solidago species). The specific epithet 'solidaginifoliae' directly references this host relationship. Like other aphids in the genus Acuticauda, it likely possesses the characteristic elongated cauda that gives the genus its name.
Aphis vernoniae
Ironweed aphid
Aphis vernoniae is an aphid species described by Thomas in 1878. The common name "Ironweed aphid" suggests an association with plants in the genus Vernonia (ironweeds). As a member of the genus Aphis, it shares characteristics with other aphids in this large and economically significant genus. The species appears to be rarely documented, with minimal observational records available.
Asynaptini
Asynaptini is a tribe of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, subfamily Porricondylinae. Members are small, delicate flies whose larvae develop in association with plants, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented for most taxa. The tribe is distinguished by morphological features of the adult antennae and genitalia. It is one of several tribes within the non-galling lineage Porricondylinae, which diverged from the gall-forming Cecidomyiinae.
Calinda collaris
Calinda collaris is a species of psyllid, a small sap-sucking insect in the family Triozidae. First described by Crawford in 1910, this species belongs to a genus of jumping plant lice that feed on various host plants. Like other psyllids, it undergoes incomplete metamorphosis and is associated with specific plant hosts, though detailed biological information remains limited in published literature.
Coquillettidia
A genus of mosquitoes erected by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1905, distinguished primarily by unique features of male genitalia. The genus name honors entomologist Daniel William Coquillett. It comprises 57 species in three subgenera: Coquillettidia (primarily Afrotropical with some Asian, Australasian, Palearctic, and one North American species), Austromansonia (restricted to New Zealand), and Rhynchotaenia (confined to the Neotropical Region). Larvae are unique among mosquitoes in attaching to submerged plant roots and stems throughout development using modified respiratory structures.
Enchenopa on-sideroxylon-lanuginosum
Enchenopa on-sideroxylon-lanuginosum is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae. The specific epithet indicates an association with Sideroxylon lanuginosum (gum bumelia), suggesting this species is host-specific to this plant. The genus Enchenopa includes species known for complex vibrational communication and host plant specialization. This particular species appears to be named for its documented association with gum bumelia, a plant that serves as a larval host for other insects such as the cerambycid beetle Plinthocoelium suaveolens.
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.
Gimnomera
Gimnomera is a genus of flies in the family Scathophagidae, established by Rondani in 1866. The genus includes at least eight Nearctic species, three of which were described as new in a 2020 revision. Larvae of studied species feed on reproductive structures of specific host plants in the Scrophulariaceae family, with life cycles tightly synchronized to host phenology. Adults are predaceous on small insects.
Leptopa
Leptopa is a genus of scathophagid flies (Diptera: Scathophagidae) established by Zetterstedt in 1838. The genus was recently resurrected as a senior synonym of Parallelomma (Ozerov & Krivosheina, 2023). It occurs primarily in the Palearctic region, with documented species from Japan, Korea, and northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. At least four species are recognized from Japan, including two recently described species: L. kanmiyai and L. yezonica. The genus belongs to the subfamily Delininae within the dung fly family Scathophagidae.
Leptopharsa clitoriae
Leptopharsa clitoriae is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae, first described by Heidemann in 1911. It belongs to a genus of small, plant-feeding true bugs characterized by their distinctive reticulated, lace-like forewings. The species name references its association with Clitoria, a genus of leguminous plants. It is one of numerous North American tingids, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Tarsonemoidea
Tarsonemoidea is a superfamily of minute mites within the order Trombidiformes, comprising families such as Tarsonemidae and Podapolipidae. These mites are characterized by reduced body segmentation and often exhibit highly modified leg structures adapted for clinging to hosts or substrates. Many species are associated with plants, fungi, or insects, with some acting as agricultural pests while others serve as biological control agents.
Tetanops luridipennis
Tetanops luridipennis is a picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, originally described by Loew in 1873. The genus Tetanops comprises approximately six species, with larvae that develop in the roots of living plants—a trait unusual among ulidiids, which are typically associated with decaying organic matter rather than living plant tissue. The specific epithet "luridipennis" refers to the yellowish or sallow coloration of the wings.