Solanaceae-feeder
Guides
Carmenta mimuli
coronopus borer
Carmenta mimuli, commonly known as the coronopus borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. The species exhibits two color morphs: a dark typical form found in Arizona, and a lighter whitish non-typical form distributed across the southwestern United States from Kansas to Arizona. Adults are active from late spring through late autumn. The larvae are known to feed on perennial Solanaceae plants.
Epicauta vittata
striped blister beetle, old-fashioned potato beetle
Epicauta vittata is a blister beetle native to eastern North America, known for its distinctive black and yellow striped coloration and its status as a significant agricultural pest. Adults feed voraciously on a wide range of crop plants, particularly solanaceous species, and are capable of forming dense aggregations that move en masse through fields. The species contains cantharidin, a toxic terpenoid that poses serious health risks to livestock, particularly horses, when beetles are accidentally consumed in hay. The complex life cycle includes a mobile triungulin larval stage that parasitizes grasshopper egg cases before becoming a sedentary grub.
Epitrix cucumeris
potato flea beetle
Epitrix cucumeris is a small flea beetle native to North America and a major agricultural pest of potatoes. Adults measure 1.5–2 mm and feed on foliage, while larvae may damage tubers. The species has been introduced to Europe, including Portugal, Spain, and the Azores. Identification requires detailed examination due to similarity to congeners.
Leptinotarsa juncta
False Potato Beetle
Leptinotarsa juncta, the false potato beetle, is a chrysomelid beetle native to eastern North America. It is closely related to the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) but is distinguished by its more limited geographic range and less severe economic impact. The species feeds on solanaceous plants and is found primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States.
Lineodes integra
Eggplant Leafroller Moth, Nightshade Leaftier
Lineodes integra is a small moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the eggplant leafroller moth or nightshade leaftier. The species is native to the Americas, with a broad distribution from the southern United States through Central America to South America. It is recognized as a pest of cultivated Solanaceae crops, with larvae that feed on leaves and developing fruit. The species was first described by Zeller in 1873.
Loxostege floridalis
Christmas-berry webworm moth
Loxostege floridalis, commonly known as the Christmas-berry webworm moth, is a species of snout moth in the family Crambidae. It was first described by entomologists William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1913. The species has a restricted distribution in North America, with confirmed records only from Florida and Texas. Adults are active during the cooler months, with flight records spanning September through May.
Manduca occulta
Occult Sphinx
Manduca occulta, the occult sphinx, is a large sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae. Adults have a wingspan of 105–120 mm and are visually similar to Manduca diffissa tropicalis, requiring genital examination for definitive identification. The species occurs from Panama through Central America and Mexico to the southern United States, with occasional strays reaching southern Florida. It completes one generation per year in Costa Rica, with adults active from May to June.
Rhectocraspeda periusalis
Eggplant Webworm Moth
Rhectocraspeda periusalis is a small crambid moth commonly known as the eggplant webworm moth. It exhibits sexual dimorphism in adult size and is active year-round in tropical and subtropical regions. The species is notable as a pest of solanaceous crops, with larvae feeding on eggplant, tomato, pepper, tobacco, and various nightshades. Its distribution spans the Caribbean, southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
Scrobipalpula lycii
Scrobipalpula lycii is a species of gelechiid moth described in 2001. It is known only from California, where it appears to be associated with Lycium californicum. The species is poorly documented, with no confirmed observations in citizen science databases.