Seed-feeder
Guides
Coccotrypes advena
seed borer
Coccotrypes advena is a small weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the seed borer. The species is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia but has established populations in North America and other regions worldwide. It is associated with seeds as a food source, reflecting its common name. As a member of the bark beetle group within Curculionidae, it exhibits the typical compact body form and reduced wing venation characteristic of this lineage.
Cochylichroa arthuri
Arthur's sunflower moth
Cochylichroa arthuri is a small tortricid moth commonly known as Arthur's sunflower moth. It was transferred from the genus Cochylis to the redefined genus Cochylichroa in 2019 based on phylogenetic analysis. The species is a specialist feeder on sunflower seeds and has a restricted North American distribution centered on the Great Plains and adjacent regions.
Cochylichroa hospes
Banded Sunflower Moth
A small tortricid moth native to North America, the banded sunflower moth is a significant pest of cultivated sunflowers. Adults are active in mid-summer and are attracted to sunflower heads at twilight for egg-laying. The species was transferred from the genus Cochylis to the redefined genus Cochylichroa in 2019 based on phylogenetic analysis.
Coleophora acamtopappi
A case-bearing moth species in the family Coleophoridae, described by Busck in 1915. The species is known from California and has specialized larval associations with specific host plants. Larvae construct distinctive three-valved silken cases and feed internally on seeds.
Coleophora borea
Coleophora borea is a small moth species in the family Coleophoridae, described by Braun in 1921. It occurs in the United States, with confirmed records from Ohio. The larvae are seed-feeders specializing on Fallopia scandens, and construct distinctive trivalved tubular silken cases for protection.
Coleophora quadrilineella
Coleophora quadrilineella is a case-bearing moth in the family Coleophoridae, first described by Chambers in 1878. The species is known from the United States, with records from Kentucky and Manitoba, Canada. Larvae are seed-feeders on Juncus (rush) species, constructing distinctive tubular silken seed cases.
Coleophora trifolii
large clover case-bearer, trefoil thick-horned tinea
A small moth in the family Coleophoridae with a wingspan of 15–20 mm, characterized by metallic bronze-green coloration and pale yellow scales fringing the eyes. Adults are diurnal and active from June to July. The larvae are seed-feeders, developing from July to September on Melilotus species. The species is distributed across Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor, Afghanistan, and North America.
Craponius
minute seed weevils
Craponius is a genus of minute seed weevils in the beetle family Curculionidae, established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. The genus contains at least three described species, including Craponius inaequalis, commonly known as the grape curculio, which is a recognized agricultural pest. Members of this genus are small weevils associated with seeds of various plants.
Derrima stellata
pink star moth
Derrima stellata, commonly known as the pink star moth, is a small noctuid moth native to eastern North America. The species has a wingspan of 21–30 mm and exhibits bivoltine flight periods in spring and summer. It was historically notable among lepidopterists for its poorly understood life history, which was resolved in 2024 when larvae were discovered feeding on seeds of dead pinweed (Lechea species). The species is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut, reflecting apparent rarity or habitat loss in parts of its range.
Euaresta bullans
Spiny Cocklebur Fruit Fly
Euaresta bullans is a fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, commonly known as the Spiny Cocklebur Fruit Fly. The species is native to South America and has been introduced to multiple regions including western North America, southern Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, and Australia. It is associated with plants in the genera Ambrosia, Xanthium, and Dicoria, where it feeds on flowers and seeds.
Euschistus politus
Euschistus politus is a brown stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, found in North America. In southern Illinois, it has been observed to have one generation per year, with adults overwintering and emerging in spring. Both nymphs and adults feed on developing seeds of various plants, including soybeans. The species develops through five nymphal instars before reaching adulthood.
Japanagromyza
Japanagromyza is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae, comprising more than 80 described species. Species occur across the Oriental, Afrotropical, Neotropical, and Palaearctic regions. Larvae are internal feeders, with documented habits including leaf-mining and seed-feeding on diverse host plants. Several species are recognized as pests of economically or ecologically significant plants, including orchids and legumes.
Leptoglossus clypealis
western leaf-footed bug
Leptoglossus clypealis, commonly known as the western leaf-footed bug, is a phytophagous true bug native to western North America. Adults measure 18–19 mm in length and are characterized by brown coloration with leaf-like expansions on the hind tibiae and a pale band across the wings. The species has been documented as a pest of agricultural crops, particularly almonds and pistachios, causing kernel damage and fruit drop. Its range has expanded eastward in recent decades, with genetic studies confirming populations in Texas represent native range extensions rather than recent introductions.
Mimoschinia
rufous-banded pyralid moth
Mimoschinia is a monotypic genus of crambid moths containing a single species, Mimoschinia rufofascialis, commonly known as the rufous-banded pyralid moth or barberpole caterpillar. The species exhibits a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, western Canada, the southwestern and western United States, and Mexico. The genus is characterized by small size, with adults displaying a wingspan of 14–18 mm and showing extended seasonal activity from January through October.
Nanophyes brevis
Nanophyes brevis is a species of straight-snouted weevil in the family Brentidae, subfamily Nanophyinae. The species was described by Boheman in 1845. Like other members of the genus Nanophyes, it is a small weevil associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic plants. The genus is known for species that develop in seeds or stems of plants, particularly in the family Lythraceae.
Neotephritis finalis
Sunflower Seed Maggot
Neotephritis finalis, commonly known as the sunflower seed maggot, is a univoltine tephritid fly that is a significant pest of cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in North America. Adults emerge in late June to early July, mate on sunflower heads, and females oviposit into developing heads during the R3-R4 growth stages. Larvae feed gregariously on developing seeds from July through August, causing direct damage that reduces seed quality and yield. The species completes one generation per year, with third instar larvae exiting heads to pupate in soil and overwinter as pupae.
Niesthrea
scentless plant bugs, hibiscus scentless plant bugs
Niesthrea is a genus of scentless plant bugs in the family Rhopalidae, tribe Niesthreini. The genus comprises approximately 20 described species distributed primarily in the New World, from the United States through Central and South America. Species in this genus are associated with plants in the family Malvaceae, with some species serving as important biological control agents against agricultural weeds such as velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti). The best-studied species, Niesthrea louisianica, exhibits striking orange, black, and white coloration and has been extensively investigated for its potential in integrated pest management programs.
Oncopeltus sanguineolentus
Blood-colored Milkweed Bug
Oncopeltus sanguineolentus, the blood-colored milkweed bug, is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae found in Central and North America. The species belongs to the same genus as the well-studied large milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus), but has received less scientific attention. Like congeners, it is associated with milkweed plants and exhibits aposematic coloration warning predators of chemical defenses.
Oxycarenus hyalinipennis
cotton seed bug
Oxycarenus hyalinipennis, commonly known as the cotton seed bug, is a small seed-feeding true bug in the family Oxycarenidae. It is a polyphagous pest of Malvaceae, with Gossypium (cotton) as its preferred host. The species is native to the Mediterranean region and Africa but has expanded its range to the Caribbean in recent decades. It completes three to four generations per year under favorable conditions.
Padaeus trivittatus
boxelder bug
Padaeus trivittatus, commonly known as the boxelder bug, is a true bug in the family Pentatomidae. Adults and nymphs feed primarily on seeds of boxelder, maples, and ash trees. The species is notable for aggregating in large numbers on sunny building exteriors in autumn and seeking winter shelter in homes and structures. It completes one to three generations per year depending on geographic location. Despite its nuisance status as a home invader, it does not bite, sting, or reproduce indoors.
Pyrrhocoris apterus
firebug, European firebug
Pyrrhocoris apterus, commonly known as the firebug or European firebug, is a striking true bug recognized by its vivid red and black coloration. Native to the Palaearctic region, it has expanded its range to North America, Central America, India, and Australia. The species exhibits pronounced gregarious behavior, with larvae and adults frequently forming aggregations of tens to hundreds of individuals. It is primarily seed-feeding, specializing on lime tree and mallow seeds. A notable feature is its non-functional wing polymorphism: populations contain rare long-winged (macropterous) individuals alongside the typical short-winged (brachypterous) form, though the species is effectively flightless.
Rhyssomatus
Rhyssomatus is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) containing at least 180 described species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybean and other leguminous crops. Several species have been intensively studied due to their economic impact, including R. nigerrimus (Mexican soybean weevil), R. subtilis (black soybean weevil in Argentina), and R. lineaticollis (milkweed stem weevil in North America). Species exhibit diverse life histories ranging from monophagous specialists to oligophagous generalists on legumes.
Scantius aegyptius
Mediterranean red bug
Scantius aegyptius, commonly known as the Mediterranean red bug, is a ground-dwelling true bug in the family Pyrrhocoridae. It is recognized by its striking red and black aposematic coloration. The species is native to the Mediterranean region and has established invasive populations in North America, particularly in California since 2009. It feeds primarily on seeds and seed pods of plants in the family Malvaceae.
Smicronyx fulvus
Red Sunflower Seed Weevil
Smicronyx fulvus, commonly known as the red sunflower seed weevil, is a small seed-feeding weevil in the family Curculionidae. Adults are 2.5–3 mm long and reddish-brown in color. The species is a significant pest of cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in North America, with larvae developing inside developing achenes and reducing seed oil content by approximately 30% per larva. It has a univoltine life cycle with adults present throughout the growing season.
Smicronyx sordidus
Gray Sunflower Seed Weevil
Smicronyx sordidus, commonly known as the gray sunflower seed weevil, is a seed-feeding weevil in the family Curculionidae. Adults are pale gray and approximately 6–8 mm long. The species has a single annual generation and is a recognized pest of cultivated sunflowers, particularly affecting confectionery and hybrid seed varieties. Larvae develop inside sunflower seeds, destroying the kernel from within before dropping to the soil to overwinter.
Toxotrypana curvicauda
papaya fruit fly
Toxotrypana curvicauda, commonly known as the papaya fruit fly, is a tephritid fruit fly native to the Americas and now established in Florida and other parts of the southern United States. Males are highly territorial, defending papaya fruit surfaces through aerial combat using specialized midleg armature. Females are attracted to male-produced sex pheromones and oviposit directly into papaya fruits, where larvae develop within the seeds. The species is a significant agricultural pest of papaya (Carica papaya) and has been recorded on alternative hosts including Jacaratia mexicana and Morrenia odorata.
Trichapion tenuirostrum
Trichapion tenuirostrum is a species of straight-snouted weevil in the family Brentidae. The genus Trichapion is distinguished by its elongate, slender rostrum and association with leguminous host plants. This species is recorded from the Canadian prairie provinces. Like other members of the genus, it likely develops in seeds or pods of Fabaceae, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented.
Tychius stephensi
red clover seed weevil
Tychius stephensi is a small weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the red clover seed weevil. The species is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America, where it is now widespread. It is associated with leguminous host plants, particularly species of Trifolium (clover). As a seed weevil, it develops within the seeds of its host plants.