Specialist-herbivore
Guides
Acalyptris lotella
Acalyptris lotella is a minute moth in the family Nepticulidae, known for its highly specialized larval biology. The species is endemic to California and represents one of the few documented cases of stem-mining behavior in this genus. Its larvae create internal tunnels within the stems of Lotus scoparius, a chaparral shrub. The species was originally described as Microcalyptris lotella in 1987 and later transferred to Acalyptris.
Acasis viridata
Olive-and-black Carpet, Olive-and-black Carpet Moth
Acasis viridata, the olive-and-black carpet moth, is a small geometrid moth native to North America. It was described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1873. The species has a single generation per year and is active in spring and early summer. Larvae are specialized feeders on flower heads of Viburnum cassinoides.
Acrobasis ostryella
Acrobasis ostryella is a snout moth (family Pyralidae) described by Charles Russell Ely in 1913. The species has one generation per year and occurs in eastern North America. Larvae are specialized feeders on Ostrya virginiana (American hophornbeam), constructing silk tubes at the base of leaves where they overwinter. The species is one of approximately 60 Acrobasis species in North America, many of which are associated with woody host plants.
Aculops cannabicola
hemp russet mite, HRM
Aculops cannabicola, the hemp russet mite, is a highly specialized eriophyoid mite and among the most serious pests of Cannabis sativa. First described from Hungary in 1960, it has since been detected across multiple continents including North America, Central Asia, and Europe, with its first Italian record in 2021. The mite causes distinctive rust-colored damage to leaves, curling of leaf edges, and russeting, and can reduce flower and seed production by 50-90%. It feeds on all plant parts including leaves, petioles, inflorescences of both sexes, and glandular trichomes, drastically reducing resin production. Control is notoriously difficult; the mite persists year-round in dry, warm habitats and complete eradication typically requires destroying all plants and sterilizing surfaces.
Adela septentrionella
Ocean Spray Fairy Moth, Fairy Longhorn Moth
Adela septentrionella is a small fairy longhorn moth in the family Adelidae, described by Walsingham in 1880. The species is characterized by the exceptionally long antennae typical of male adelids, with forewings measuring 4.5–5.7 mm. Adults are active from mid-April to mid-July across their western North American range. The larvae are specialized feeders on the buds of Holodiscus discolor (ocean spray), a woody shrub in the rose family.
Adoxophyes negundana
Shimmering Adoxophyes Moth, Shimmering Gold Adoxophyes Moth
A small tortricid moth with forewings 7.5–9.5 mm in length. Adults are active from June to early September. The species is specialized on boxelder (Acer negundo), with larvae that roll leaves to feed and develop.
Agapema anona
greasewood silkmoth, Mexican agapema, Condalia Silk Moth
Agapema anona is a giant silkmoth in the family Saturniidae, found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Larvae feed exclusively on plants in the genus Condalia, while adults lack functional mouthparts and do not feed. The species inhabits arid environments including desert foothills and alluvial fans. Three subspecies are recognized, distinguished by geographic distribution.
Agapema dyari
Chihuahuan Agapema
Agapema dyari is a giant silkmoth in the family Saturniidae, endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert region of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species is characterized by distinctive wing patterning and is among the smaller members of the genus Agapema. Adults are short-lived and do not feed; their primary function is reproduction. Larvae feed on specific host plants, though detailed life history documentation remains limited.
Agaveocoris
Agave Bugs
Agaveocoris is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Henry & Menard in 2020. The genus comprises species associated with agave plants, reflecting their specialized ecological niche. As a recently described genus, taxonomic and biological knowledge remains limited. The common name "Agave Bugs" reflects this host association.
Agonopterix alstroemeriana
Poison hemlock moth, Hemlock moth, Defoliating hemlock moth
Agonopterix alstroemeriana, commonly known as the poison hemlock moth, is a small moth in the family Depressariidae. Native to the Palearctic region, it was accidentally introduced to North America in 1973 and has since established across the contiguous United States. The species is a specialist herbivore exclusively associated with Conium maculatum (poison hemlock), a highly toxic plant containing piperidine alkaloids. Its larval feeding can cause significant defoliation of host plants.
Agonopterix lecontella
Agonopterix lecontella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, first described from Pennsylvania in 1860. The species is distinguished by its dark ocherous forewings with scattered blackish-brown dots. Its larvae are known to feed on the wild indigo Baptisia tinctoria. The species remains poorly documented, with few observations recorded.
Alatuncusia bergii
Berg's alatuncusia moth
Alatuncusia bergii is a small crambid moth described by Möschler in 1890. It occurs in the Caribbean region and southern Florida, where adults fly from July through December. The larvae feed exclusively on Capparis cynophallophora, a caper family shrub.
Amorphicola amorphae
false indigo psyllid
Amorphicola amorphae, commonly known as the false indigo psyllid, is a jumping plant louse in the family Psyllidae. It is a specialist herbivore associated with false indigo plants (Amorpha spp.). The species has been documented in scattered localities across the central and western United States. As a member of the Sternorrhyncha, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant vascular fluids.
Anatralata
Anatralata is a monotypic genus of Crambidae moths established by Munroe in 1961. The sole species, Anatralata versicolor, occurs in western North America from coastal central California north to British Columbia and east to Idaho. Adults are small moths with forewings 5–7 mm in length, active from spring through mid-summer.
Ancylis discigerana
Yellow Birch Leaffolder Moth, Birch Leaffolder
Ancylis discigerana is a small tortricid moth specialized on yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis). The species completes one generation annually, with larvae that fold leaves to feed within protected shelters. It is restricted to northeastern North America where its host tree occurs.
Andricus quercuspetiolicola
Oak Petiole Gall Wasp
Andricus quercuspetiolicola is a species of cynipid gall wasp that induces distinctive galls on white oaks (Quercus alba). The species name reflects its biology: 'quercus' for oak and 'petiolicola' indicating its habit of forming galls on leaf petioles and midribs. Adult wasps are small and inconspicuous, while the galls they produce are the most visible sign of their presence. Like other Andricus species, this wasp has a complex life cycle typically involving alternation between sexual and asexual generations on different oak tissues, though specific details for this species remain incompletely documented.
Anthocharis midea
Falcate Orangetip
A univoltine pierid butterfly native to eastern North America, characterized by the orange-tipped forewings of males and distinctive green marbled hindwing undersides. Adults emerge in early spring and live approximately one week. The species specializes on Brassicaceae host plants, with documented ecological trap dynamics involving the invasive plant Alliaria petiolata.
Anthonomus rufipennis
Anthonomus rufipennis is a specialist herbivorous weevil in the family Curculionidae that exhibits seasonal dormancy in dry tropical forests. Populations migrate between a reproductive host tree and a refuge host epiphyte to survive the dry season. The species is facultatively multivoltine, with reproductive activity tied to the availability of flower buds on the host tree. It has been studied as a model for insect dormancy in seasonally dry environments.
Apantesis behrii
Apantesis behrii is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Stretch in 1872. The species occurs in the western United States from Oregon south through California, with highest abundance in the Siskiyou and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. It inhabits dry, rocky mountain environments and has a narrow adult flight period from early August to late September. Larvae feed on specific host plants including Lotus humistratus and Amsinckia species. The species was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis based on phylogenetic revision.
Apodemia duryi
Organ Mountain metalmark, Mexican metalmark, Dury's Metalmark
Apodemia duryi is a species of metalmark butterfly in the family Riodinidae, native to the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. The species is named after its collector, W. Dury, and is primarily associated with dry, rocky habitats in mountain ranges. Adults are active during the warmer months and are known to visit flowers for nectar.
Apodrepanulatrix liberaria
New Jersey tea inchworm, Barrens Carpet
A small geometrid moth with a wingspan of 25–35 mm, found in eastern North America. The species is notable for its specialized larval diet on New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) and its endangered status in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Adults are active during the growing season, with larvae feeding on a single host plant genus.
Archips goyerana
baldcypress leafroller, BCLR
Archips goyerana, the baldcypress leafroller, is a tortricid moth native to the Gulf Coast region of the United States. The species has undergone significant range expansion since 1983, spreading from forested wetlands in southern Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi. Larvae are specialized herbivores of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) and have been identified as a serious pest of this tree species, particularly in restoration plantings.
Argyrostrotis flavistriaria
Yellow-lined Chocolate Moth
Argyrostrotis flavistriaria, commonly known as the yellow-lined chocolate moth, is a nocturnal moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by Jacob Hübner in 1831, it is primarily distributed in the southeastern United States. The species is notable for its specialized larval host relationship with Cyrilla racemiflora.
Argyrotaenia niscana
Argyrotaenia niscana is a small tortricid moth species found in the western and southern United States. Adults have a wingspan of 14–16 mm and are active during spring, summer, and early autumn. The larvae feed exclusively on Adenostoma species, particularly chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), a chaparral shrub.
Aristotelia adceanotha
Aristotelia adceanotha is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Keifer in 1935. It is native to western North America, with confirmed records from California and Washington. The species has a wingspan of 11–12 mm and exhibits distinctive wing patterning with orange-roseate, dark fuscous brown, and white markings. Larvae are specialized feeders on Ceanothus cuneatus, a native shrub in the buckthorn family.
Aristotelia adenostomae
Aristotelia adenostomae is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. It was described by Keifer in 1933 and is known only from California. The species has forewings measuring 4.3–6 mm. Its larvae feed specifically on Adenostoma fasciculatum, a shrub in the rose family commonly called chamise or greasewood.
Aroga epigaeella
Aroga epigaeella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae. The species is named for its larval host plant, Epigaea repens (trailing arbutus). Adults are active from spring through early autumn across a broad range of the eastern and south-central United States. The species exhibits distinctive forewing patterning with contrasting white spots against a dark ground color.
Asphondylia apicata
Creosote Apex Gall Midge
Asphondylia apicata is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Gagné in 1990. Like other members of its genus, it induces distinctive galls on host plants through a poorly understood mechanism involving chemical manipulation of plant hormones. The genus Asphondylia is notable for inducing galls on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and other plants, with multiple species often specializing on a single host species. The specific epithet "apicata" refers to the apex or tip of plant structures where galls may form.
Asphondylia bigeloviaebrassicoides
Asphondylia bigeloviaebrassicoides is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Townsend in 1893. Like other members of the genus Asphondylia, this species induces galls on plant tissue. The specific epithet suggests an association with plants in the genus Bigelowia and potentially Brassicaceae hosts, though detailed host records remain limited. Gall midges in this genus are known for their highly specialized relationships with host plants and their ability to manipulate plant development to create protected feeding structures.
Asphondylia ceanothi
Ceanothus Bud Gall Midge
Asphondylia ceanothi is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces bud galls on Ceanothus plants. The species was described by Felt in 1908. Like other Asphondylia species, it manipulates plant tissue to form a protective gall structure where the larva develops. The specific host plant association is with Ceanothus species, a genus of flowering shrubs in the buckthorn family.
Asphondylia ratibidae
Prairie Coneflower Gall Midge
Asphondylia ratibidae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. Like other members of the genus Asphondylia, this species induces galls on its host plant. The specific epithet 'ratibidae' indicates an association with plants in the genus Ratibida, commonly known as prairie coneflowers. Gall midges in this genus are highly specialized, with each species typically restricted to a single host plant species or genus.
Aspilanta hydrangaeella
Aspilanta hydrangaeella is a minute leaf-mining moth in the family Heliozelidae, recently transferred from Antispila to the new genus Aspilanta based on phylogenetic evidence. Adults have a wingspan of 5.0–5.8 mm and are distinguished from congeners by white-tipped antennae. The larvae are specialized leaf miners of hydrangea plants, cutting out a shield-shaped pupal case from the leaf before emergence. The species occurs in the eastern United States.
Astrotischeria ambrosiaeella
Astrotischeria ambrosiaeella is a small moth in the family Tischeriidae, first described in 1875. The species is known for its leaf-mining larvae that feed on giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida). It occurs across a broad geographic range in North America, from California to the southeastern United States.
Atymna castaneae
Atymna castaneae is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Asa Fitch in 1851. It is a specialist herbivore restricted to chestnut trees (Castanea spp.), feeding on both the American chestnut (C. dentata) and Allegheny chinquapin (C. pumila). The species epithet directly reflects this host association. Its historical distribution across eastern North America has been impacted by the decline of its primary host due to chestnut blight.
Auletobius cassandrae
Auletobius cassandrae is a leaf-rolling weevil in the family Attelabidae, first described by Voss in 1922. It is native to eastern North America and is known to feed exclusively on the leaves of sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina), a nitrogen-fixing shrub in the bayberry family. The species belongs to a genus characterized by leaf-rolling behaviors used to create protected chambers for egg-laying and larval development.
Bactericera shepherdiae
Bactericera shepherdiae is a small psyllid species in the family Triozidae, described by Tuthill in 1938. It is associated with buffaloberry plants (Shepherdia spp.), specifically Silver Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) and Canadian Buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis). The species is poorly documented and appears to be uncommon, with limited records from western North America. It is one of approximately 24 Bactericera species known from North America north of Mexico.
Battus polydamas
Polydamas Swallowtail, Gold Rim Swallowtail, Tailless Swallowtail
Battus polydamas is a tailless swallowtail butterfly distinguished by black wings with yellow submarginal spots and red hindwing lunules. First described by Linnaeus in 1758, it occurs throughout the Neotropics and southern United States. Larvae are obligate specialists on Aristolochia (pipevine) plants, sequestering toxic aristolochic acids for chemical defense against predators.
Battus polydamas polydamas
Polydamas Swallowtail, Gold Rim Swallowtail, Tailless Swallowtail
The Polydamas swallowtail is a tailless swallowtail butterfly distinguished by its black wings with red or pink spots and a characteristic gold band along the wing margins. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions and are notable for their complete lack of tail-like extensions on the hindwings—a unique trait among New World swallowtails. The species serves as a model for Batesian mimicry, with its aposematic coloration warning predators of its chemical defenses derived from toxic host plants.
Blastobasis yuccaecolella
Blastobasis yuccaecolella is a small moth in the family Blastobasidae, described by Dietz in 1910. The species has a highly specialized association with Yucca baccata, with larvae developing inside decaying seed pods of this host plant. It is known from the eastern United States, with Pennsylvania being the primary documented location.
Blepharidopterus chlorionis
Honeylocust plant bug, Honey Locust Plant Bug
Blepharidopterus chlorionis, commonly known as the honeylocust plant bug, is a mirid bug and significant pest of honey locust trees (Gleditsia triacanthos). Nymphs and adults feed on expanding leaf tissues using piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing leaves to crinkle, twist, cup, and become stunted. Damage is most severe in spring when new foliage emerges, though trees often produce a second flush of leaves in summer that masks early injury. The species completes one generation per year, with eggs overwintering in twigs and hatching when buds break in spring.
Boloria astarte
Astarte Fritillary
Boloria astarte, commonly known as the Astarte fritillary, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It has a broad distribution across northwestern North America and northeastern Siberia. The species exhibits a wingspan of 42–51 mm and is active from mid-June to mid-August. Its larvae feed exclusively on spotted saxifrage (Saxifraga bronchialis).
Boloria epithore
Pacific Fritillary
Boloria epithore, the Pacific Fritillary, is a small to medium-sized fritillary butterfly endemic to western North America. It is distinguished from other Boloria species by its geographic restriction to the Pacific coastal region and associated mountain ranges. The species completes its life cycle in association with Viola ocellata as the sole documented larval host plant. Adults are active during a relatively brief flight period in early summer.
Bootettix argentatus
Creosote Bush Grasshopper
Bootettix argentatus is a slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the creosote bush grasshopper. The species exhibits extreme dietary specialization, feeding exclusively on the creosote bush Larrea divaricata. It is distributed across arid regions of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Bruchus pisorum
pea weevil, pea beetle, pea seed beetle
Bruchus pisorum is a seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly but incorrectly known as the pea weevil due to historical taxonomic confusion with true weevils (Curculionidae). It is a significant agricultural pest of cultivated pea (Pisum sativum), with larvae developing inside pea seeds. The species is now cosmopolitan in distribution, having spread from its native range in Western Asia through human-mediated transport in stored seeds. It is univoltine, with adults overwintering and emerging in spring to infest pea crops.
Bucculatrix cuneigera
ribbed cocoon-maker moth
Bucculatrix cuneigera is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Bucculatricidae, described by Edward Meyrick in 1919. It occurs in eastern North America from Quebec and Ontario south to North Carolina. Adults have a wingspan of 9-10.5 mm and are active from May to July. The larvae are specialist feeders on Aster species, mining the leaves of their host plants.
Buckleria parvulus
Sundew Plume Moth
Buckleria parvulus, commonly known as the sundew plume moth, is a minute plume moth in the family Pterophoridae. First described in 1921 (though some sources cite 1965 for a later reclassification or redescription), it is among the smallest members of its family. The species is notable for its highly specialized larval diet: it feeds exclusively on sundews (Drosera species), making it one of the few insects adapted to consume these carnivorous plants. Its distribution is restricted to the southeastern United States.
Calephelis rawsoni
Rawson's metalmark
Calephelis rawsoni, commonly known as Rawson's metalmark, is a small riodinid butterfly described by Wilbur S. McAlpine in 1939. It inhabits moist, shaded environments in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is notable for its restricted association with specific larval host plants in the genus Eupatorium.
Callophrys johnsoni
Johnson's Hairstreak
Callophrys johnsoni, commonly known as Johnson's Hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It occurs in coniferous forests of western North America from British Columbia to central California. The species has a highly specialized larval diet, feeding exclusively on dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium species). Adults are active in late spring and early summer, with a single generation per year.
Callophrys mossii
Moss's elfin, stonecrop elfin, Schryver's elfin
Callophrys mossii is a small North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as Moss's elfin, stonecrop elfin, or Schryver's elfin. It is distributed in isolated populations from British Columbia south to southern California and east to Wyoming and Colorado. The species is univoltine, with adults active from March to June. Larvae are specialized feeders on stonecrop family plants (Crassulaceae), particularly Sedum, Sedella, Dudleya, and Parvisedum species. Multiple subspecies have been described, reflecting geographic isolation across its range.
Callophrys spinetorum
Thicket Hairstreak
Callophrys spinetorum, the thicket hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae described by William Chapman Hewitson in 1867. It is distributed across western North America from British Columbia through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico and Mexico, and through California to Baja California. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae feed exclusively on dwarf mistletoes in the genus Arceuthobium, exhibiting remarkable mimicry of their host plants.