Sumac
Guides
Acronicta rubricoma
Hackberry Dagger, ruddy dagger moth
Acronicta rubricoma, commonly known as the Hackberry Dagger or ruddy dagger moth, is a noctuid moth found in eastern and central North America. The species has a wingspan of 38–44 mm. Adults are active from April to October with two generations per year. The larvae feed on elm, hackberry, and sumac.
Caloptilia ovatiella
Caloptilia ovatiella is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, described by Opler in 1969. The species is endemic to California, United States. Larvae are specialized feeders on sumac species (Rhus) and laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), creating distinctive blotch mines in host leaves. Like other Caloptilia species, adults likely exhibit the characteristic resting posture with forewings held roof-like over the body.
Caloptilia undescribed-rhus
An undescribed species in the genus Caloptilia, recognized as a leaf blotch miner moth associated with Rhus (sumac) host plants. As a member of the Gracillariidae family, it exhibits the characteristic larval behavior of creating blotch mines within leaf tissue. The species remains formally undescribed in scientific literature, known primarily from observations and informal documentation.
Carolinaia rhois
Sumac-Grass Aphid
Carolinaia rhois is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Sumac-Grass Aphid. The species is associated with sumac (Rhus) as a primary host and grasses as secondary hosts, following the typical heteroecious life cycle of many aphids. Taxonomic records indicate some historical confusion regarding authorship, with both Monell (1879) and Tissot (1928) cited in different sources. The species has been documented through limited but verified observations, primarily in North America.
Cryptocephalus quadruplex
Black and Red Sumac Leaf Beetle
Cryptocephalus quadruplex is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species occurs across North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and the United States. As a member of the case-bearing leaf beetles, its larvae construct protective cases from fecal matter and sometimes plant debris. The species has been observed on sumac (Rhus) and other vegetation in prairie and open woodland habitats.
Episimus argutana
Sumac Leaftier Moth
Episimus argutana, commonly known as the Sumac Leaftier Moth, is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae. The common name refers to the larval habit of tying leaves together with silk. The species is known from parts of eastern North America.
Melaphis
staghorn sumac aphid
Melaphis is a genus of woolly aphids in the family Aphididae, subtribe Melaphidina. The genus contains at least three cryptic species in North America: Melaphis rhois (the staghorn sumac aphid), Melaphis asafitchi, and Melaphis minuta. These aphids are notable for inducing galls on sumac and exhibiting ovoviviparity in sexual females.
Melaphis rhois
Staghorn sumac aphid, Sumac gall aphid
Melaphis rhois is a woolly aphid that induces distinctive galls on sumac leaves (Rhus typhina and R. glabra). It was first described by Asa Fitch in 1866 and has a complex life cycle involving alternation between sumac and moss hosts. The species is part of a cryptic species complex; molecular and morphometric analyses have revealed at least three sympatric species in North America previously grouped under this name. It exhibits exceptionally low genetic diversity and pronounced population structure due to restricted gene flow among isolated galls.
Perdita rhois
Rhus Fairy Bee
Perdita rhois is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Cockerell in 1901. It is commonly known as the Rhus Fairy Bee, a name referencing its association with Rhus (sumac) plants. The species occurs in Central America and North America, where it functions as a pollinator. As a member of the genus Perdita, it belongs to one of the most diverse bee genera in North America, characterized by small size and often specialized host-plant relationships.
Poblicia fuliginosa
sumac speckled lanternfly
Poblicia fuliginosa is a large planthopper in the family Fulgoridae, native to the eastern and central United States. Adults are predominantly dark with minute pale speckles on the forewings and a concealed bright red abdomen. The species is strongly associated with sumac (Rhus) species as its primary host plant. Described by Guillaume-Antoine Olivier in 1791, its generic placement was disputed until a 2025 revision confirmed its placement in Poblicia. The species is notable for its exceptional wariness and jumping ability, making it difficult to capture.
Pococera asperatella
Maple Webworm Moth
Pococera asperatella, commonly known as the maple webworm moth, is a pyralid moth native to North America. Adults are characterized by their powdery gray coloration. The species has one generation per year. Larvae feed on foliage of hardwood trees, particularly maple (Acer) and sumac (Rhus) species. The caterpillars are known prey of the four-toothed mason wasp (Monobia quadridens), which paralyzes them to provision its nest cells.
Stigmella intermedia
pygmy leaf-mining moth
Stigmella intermedia is a minute pygmy moth in the family Nepticulidae, characterized by a wingspan of only 3–3.5 mm. The species is known from the Nearctic region, with records from Ohio, Arkansas, Kentucky, Ontario, and Vermont. It is a specialist leafminer whose larvae feed on sumac species (Rhus typhina and Rhus aromatica), creating distinctive linear mines with broad blackish frass lines. The species typically produces two generations per year, with larvae maturing in July and overwintering, though occasionally a third generation occurs.