Tamarix
Guides
Cryptocheilus attenuatum
Cryptocheilus attenuatum is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Banks in 1933. Like other members of its genus, it is a solitary wasp that hunts spiders to provision nests for its larvae. The species has been documented visiting flowers for nectar, particularly at blooming saltcedar (Tamarix) trees in Colorado. Observations suggest males may establish territories around nectar sources to encounter females.
Cryptocheilus terminatus subopacus
Cryptocheilus terminatus subopacus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It has been documented in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where individuals were observed visiting flowers of an invasive Saltcedar (Tamarix sp.) tree for nectar. Like other members of the genus Cryptocheilus, it is presumed to hunt spiders as prey for its larvae, though specific prey records for this subspecies are not documented in the provided sources. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation in coloration or morphology from the nominate form.
Diorhabda
tamarisk beetle, saltcedar leaf beetle
Diorhabda is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Galerucinae. Most species within the genus feed on Tamarix (tamarisk or saltcedar), though at least one species, D. tarsalis, is a pest of Chinese licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis). The genus is native to Europe and Asia, with several species introduced to North America as biological control agents for invasive Tamarix. The D. elongata species group comprises five sibling species specialized on Tamarix: D. elongata, D. carinata, D. sublineata, D. carinulata, and D. meridionalis.
Diorhabda carinulata
Northern Tamarisk Beetle, Saltcedar Beetle, Saltcedar Leaf Beetle, Tamarisk Leaf Beetle
Diorhabda carinulata is a leaf beetle native to Central Asia, introduced to North America as a classical biological control agent for invasive saltcedar (Tamarix spp.). Adults and larvae feed exclusively on Tamarix foliage, causing defoliation that can reduce tamarisk biomass by 75–85% over multiple years. The species has established successfully in the western United States, with populations evolving shorter critical day lengths for diapause induction that enable range expansion. Its introduction has generated conservation concerns due to impacts on nesting habitat for the federally endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.
Eucerceris rubripes
Eucerceris rubripes is a species of weevil wasp in the family Crabronidae, tribe Cercerini. The genus Eucerceris was subject to extensive taxonomic revision by George R. Ferguson, who specialized in Cerceris and related genera. Like other cercerine wasps, females provision nests with weevils (Curculionidae) as food for their larvae. The species has been recorded visiting flowering saltcedar (Tamarix) for nectar in Colorado.
Opsius
Opsius is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, established by Fieber in 1866. The genus contains approximately 19 described species distributed across the Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Oriental regions, including Europe, North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Central Asia, and India. Species in this genus are obligate associates of Tamarix plants (Tamaricaceae), completing their entire life cycles on these hosts. The genus has gained attention as a potential bioindicator for environmental monitoring due to documented sensitivity to pollutants.
Opsius stactogalus
tamarix leafhopper
Opsius stactogalus, commonly known as the tamarix leafhopper, is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae. It is strongly associated with Tamarix plants and serves as a host for the parasitoid fly Tomosvaryella frontata (Diptera: Pipunculidae). The species occurs in Europe, Africa, and the Azores.