Polygonaceae
Guides
Aphalara
jumping plant lice, psyllids
Aphalara is a genus of jumping plant lice (psyllids) in the family Aphalaridae and tribe Aphalarini. The genus contains approximately 37 recognized valid species distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. Many species are specialized herbivores of Polygonaceae, particularly Polygonum and Rumex, with some groups showing strict host associations. The genus includes A. itadori, a widely studied biological control agent for invasive knotweeds (Reynoutria/Fallopia spp.) in Europe and North America. Species exhibit diverse biologies including gall induction on host plants and vibrational communication during mate search.
Apodemia mormo deserti
Apodemia mormo deserti is a subspecies of the Mormon metalmark butterfly, a riodinid butterfly found in arid regions of western North America. The subspecies designation 'deserti' indicates adaptation to desert environments within the broader range of the species. The Mormon metalmark complex has been subject to taxonomic revision, with various subspecies recognized based on geographic and morphological differences. Like other members of the genus, this butterfly is associated with specific host plants in the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae).
Gastrophysa polygoni
Knotweed Leaf Beetle
Gastrophysa polygoni is a small leaf beetle in the subfamily Chrysomelinae, described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Adults reach approximately 5 mm in length and display distinctive coloration: metallic green wing cases (elytra), green-blue body, and orange thorax. The species is native to Europe and has become established in North America, where it was introduced early in colonial settlement. It feeds primarily on Polygonaceae plants, serving as a beneficial biological control agent for weeds such as knotweeds and docks, though it occasionally damages cultivated buckwheat. The beetle exhibits complex reproductive behaviors including olfactory examination of airspace, track marking by females, and post-copulatory cleaning rituals.
Mantura floridana
Mantura floridana is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Crotch in 1873. The species is found in North America, with larvae that are leaf miners feeding on Fallopia scandens. Larvae appear yellow through the leaf epidermis due to their leaf-mining habit.
Perapion pulchrum
Perapion pulchrum is a small weevil species in the family Apionidae, commonly known as seed weevils. The genus Perapion is characterized by its association with Polygonaceae host plants. This species is part of a group of minute beetles with elongated rostrums adapted for feeding on developing seeds.
Rhinoncomimus
Rhinoncomimus is a genus of minute seed weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by Wagner in 1940. The genus comprises approximately eight described species distributed in Eastern Asia, with China representing a center of diversity. One species, R. latipes (the mile-a-minute weevil), has been extensively studied and deployed as a biological control agent for the invasive vine Persicaria perfoliata in North America. The genus is characterized by host associations with Polygonaceae, particularly Persicaria and Polygonum species.
Rhinoncus bruchoides
Rhinoncus bruchoides is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae, first described by Herbst in 1784. The species has been documented in Belgium and Nova Scotia, Canada. As a member of the genus Rhinoncus, it belongs to a group of weevils associated with Polygonaceae plants. The species name 'bruchoides' refers to its resemblance to seed beetles in the family Bruchidae.
Rhinoncus longulus
Smartweed Node Weevil
Rhinoncus longulus is a small weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the Smartweed Node Weevil. The species is documented from multiple Canadian provinces and is associated with Polygonaceae host plants. Like other members of the genus Rhinoncus, this species likely develops within the stems or nodes of its host plants. The specific epithet 'longulus' refers to its somewhat elongated body form relative to congeners.