Sambucus
Guides
Achatodes zeae
Elder Shoot Borer Moth, Spindle Worm
Achatodes zeae, known as the elder shoot borer moth or spindle worm, is a noctuid moth whose larvae bore into the shoots of elder bushes (Sambucus nigra). The species was first described in 1841 and gained agricultural attention in 1927 following an outbreak in Wisconsin. Its life cycle spans approximately one year, with extended egg dormancy and larval development focused on elder vegetation.
Desmocerus aureipennis
Golden-winged Elderberry Borer
Desmocerus aureipennis is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lepturinae. Commonly known as the Golden-winged Elderberry Borer, this species occurs in the United States and Canada. It is one of four recognized subspecies within the Desmocerus aureipennis species complex. Like congeners, it is associated with elderberry plants (Sambucus), though specific ecological details for this subspecies are less documented than for the threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle (D. californicus dimorphus).
Desmocerus aureipennis cribripennis
Desmocerus aureipennis cribripennis is a subspecies of elderberry longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Like other members of the genus Desmocerus, it is associated with elderberry plants (Sambucus). The species complex exhibits bright aposematic coloration involving orange and blue or black patterns. This subspecies occurs in western North America and is part of a group that has been studied for chemical ecology and conservation biology.
Desmocerus aureipennis lacustris
Desmocerus aureipennis lacustris is a subspecies of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It belongs to a genus whose members are tightly associated with elderberry plants (Sambucus), with larvae developing in living stems and roots. Adults display striking aposematic coloration combining metallic blue with orange or yellow markings. The subspecies is native to western North America and is part of a complex of Desmocerus taxa that includes the federally threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus).
Desmocerus californicus
California Elderberry Borer, Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle
Desmocerus californicus is a longhorned beetle endemic to the United States, with two recognized subspecies. The nominate subspecies D. c. californicus occurs in California, while D. c. dimorphus (the valley elderberry longhorn beetle) is restricted to the Central Valley of California and is federally listed as threatened. Adults are active for only a few weeks per year and feed on Sambucus pollen.
Schizomyia umbellicola
Elderberry Gall Midge
Schizomyia umbellicola is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces galls on elderberry (Sambucus species). The species was first described by Osten Sacken in 1878. As a member of the genus Schizomyia, it shares the characteristic biology of forming distinctive plant galls during larval development. The common name 'Elderberry Gall Midge' reflects its specific association with elderberry hosts.