Sweetgum
Guides
Diaspidiotus liquidambaris
Sweetgum Scale
Diaspidiotus liquidambaris is a scale insect in the family Diaspididae, commonly known as the Sweetgum Scale. It is a specialized feeder on sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) and related species. As a member of the armored scales, it produces a protective waxy covering over its body. The species was first described by Kotinsky in 1903 under the basionym Chemnaspidiotus liquidambaris. It occurs in the United States, where it can be a minor pest of ornamental and forest trees.
Paectes abrostoloides
Large Paectes Moth, Sweetgum Defoliator
Paectes abrostoloides is a small moth in the family Euteliidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Adults have a wingspan of 27–32 mm and are active from April to October across eastern and central North America. The species is notable for its larval association with sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua), earning it the common name 'Sweetgum Defoliator.'
Phyllocnistis liquidambarisella
Phyllocnistis liquidambarisella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae, specialized as a leafminer on sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua). The species creates distinctive, winding linear mines on the upper surface of host leaves, leaving an indistinct trail without a central frass line. It is known from the eastern and southern United States, with records spanning from New York to Florida and west to Texas.
Sciota basilaris
Yellow-shouldered Leafroller
A small moth in the family Pyralidae, commonly known as the Yellow-shouldered Leafroller. The species occurs in North America, with records from the northern United States and central Canada. Larvae are known to feed on sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) and other plants, rolling leaves for shelter. The species is of minor economic significance as a leafroller pest.
Sciota uvinella
sweetgum leafroller moth
Sciota uvinella is a small snout moth in the family Pyralidae, commonly known as the sweetgum leafroller moth. The species was described by Ragonot in 1887 and occurs in eastern North America. Its common name derives from the larval habit of rolling or folding leaves of its host plant, sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). The species is notable as a primary prey item for the four-toothed mason wasp, Monobia quadridens, which paralyzes the caterpillars to provision its nest cells.