Rubiaceae
Guides
Aellopos clavipes
Clavipes Sphinx
Aellopos clavipes is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae, commonly known as the clavipes sphinx. It occurs from Venezuela through Central America to the southwestern United States. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions with distinct seasonal generations in some areas. Larvae feed exclusively on species in the coffee family (Rubiaceae).
Eupyrrhoglossum sagra
Cuban Sphinx
Eupyrrhoglossum sagra is a medium-sized sphinx moth (Sphingidae) native to tropical and subtropical lowlands of the Caribbean and Central and South America. Adults have a wingspan of 51–53 mm and display distinctive wing patterning including a semi-transparent submarginal spot on the forewing and a median yellow band on the hindwing. The species was first described by Felipe Poey in 1832 based on Cuban specimens. Larvae feed on Rubiaceae species, with documented hosts including Guettarda and Chomelia.
Hillia
Hillia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, containing 24 species indigenous to tropical America. The genus was established by Jacquin in 1760 and is classified within the subfamily Dialypetalanthoideae and tribe Hillieae. All species are native to the tropical regions of the Americas.
Mompha sp. (undescribed, Galium-feeding, midwestern)
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha (family Momphidae) associated with Galium hosts in the midwestern United States. Momphidae are small moths whose larvae typically mine leaves or bore into stems, fruits, or roots of their host plants. This taxon represents a documented but not formally described entity awaiting taxonomic study. Its specific morphological and biological characteristics remain unpublished in scientific literature.
Mompha undescribed-species-on-diodia
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha (family Momphidae) associated with plants in the genus Diodia. Momphidae are small moths commonly known as mompha moths or twirler moths, many of which are specialists on particular host plants. This taxon represents a known but not yet formally described entity, indicating ongoing research or recognition by specialists. The association with Diodia suggests potential specialization on this plant genus in the family Rubiaceae.
Mompha undescribed-species-on-galium-eastern
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha (family Momphidae) that has been documented feeding on Galium species in eastern North America. Like other Mompha species, it is a small moth likely associated with specific host plants in the Rubiaceae family. The species remains formally undescribed in scientific literature despite being recognized in field studies and regional biodiversity surveys.
Ophiomyia galiodes
Ophiomyia galiodes is a species of leaf-mining fly described in 2021. It belongs to the family Agromyzidae, a large group of small flies whose larvae feed internally in plant tissues. The species epithet "galiodes" refers to its association with Galium species (bedstraws). As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Timarcha
bloody-nosed beetles
Timarcha is a genus of flightless leaf beetles comprising over 100 species across three subgenera, with a disjunct distribution spanning the Mediterranean region and western North America. The genus exhibits several unusual traits for Chrysomelidae, including complete apterism (winglessness), fused elytra, and archaic genital morphology. All species are uniformly black and herbivorous, with host plant associations concentrated in Rubiaceae and Plumbaginaceae. The most familiar species is T. tenebricosa, commonly known as the bloody-nosed beetle, named for its defensive reflex bleeding behavior.
Toxomerus floralis
Florida Calligrapher
Toxomerus floralis is a New World hoverfly (family Syrphidae) native to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through South America. The species has been introduced to tropical Africa, where it is now established and widespread in West and Central Africa including Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and Cameroon. It represents only the second known established introduction of a non-African hoverfly species in the Afrotropics.