Rhododendron
Guides
Andrena cornelli
Azalea Mining Bee, azalea miner
Andrena cornelli is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Azalea Mining Bee. It is the only known bee species that is oligolectic on azalea (Rhododendron spp.), meaning it exclusively collects pollen from this plant genus. The species possesses widely spaced scopa hairs on its hind legs, an adaptation that allows it to carry the distinctive sticky pollen of azaleas. It is found in North America and is of ecological interest due to its highly specialized pollination relationship.
Euura lipovskyi
Azalea Sawfly
Euura lipovskyi, commonly known as the Azalea Sawfly, is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae. The species was first described from the eastern United States and has undergone recent taxonomic revision, with the combination Euura lipovskyi newly proposed. Larvae are specialized feeders on Rhododendron species in section Pentanthera. The species has shown notable range expansion in recent decades, now occurring in the Pacific Northwest, Europe, and Canada.
Graphocephala fennahi
rhododendron leafhopper
Graphocephala fennahi, commonly known as the rhododendron leafhopper, is a colorful leafhopper species native to the southeastern United States. Adults measure 8–10 mm in length, with males slightly smaller than females. The species exhibits striking coloration: green wings with purple tips featuring two orange stripes, yellow head and legs, and a purple stripe across the head extending over the eyes. Introduced to Great Britain in the 1930s and continental Europe in the 1970s, it has established populations in urban and ornamental settings. The species feeds exclusively on rhododendron sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Rhinocapsus vanduzeei
Azalea plant bug
Rhinocapsus vanduzeei, commonly known as the azalea plant bug, is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It is native to North America, with documented records from Canada and several eastern U.S. states including Georgia, New York, and West Virginia. The species is known to feed on azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) as its primary host plant, but has also been observed consuming Lepidopteran eggs, whiteflies, and thrips, suggesting a mixed feeding strategy that includes both plant and animal prey.
Sparganothis praecana
Sparganothis praecana is a tortricid moth with a transcontinental distribution spanning northern Europe and western North America. Adults are active during summer months in northern Europe. The species has been documented feeding on birch, blueberry, and rhododendron as larvae. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and S. p. habeleri restricted to the Austrian Alps.
Stephanitis pyrioides
Azalea Lace Bug
Stephanitis pyrioides, the azalea lace bug, is an invasive pest native to the East Palaearctic that has spread globally. It is a specialist feeder on Rhododendron species, particularly azaleas, causing characteristic white stippling damage to leaves through mesophyll feeding. The species undergoes multiple generations annually in temperate regions and has become a significant pest of ornamental horticulture.