Thistle-feeder
Guides
Eucosma cana
Hoary Bell
Eucosma cana, commonly known as the hoary bell, is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 16–23 mm. It is widespread across Europe, parts of Asia including China and Japan, and Central Asia. The species is univoltine, with adults active from June to August. Larvae develop within the flowerheads of thistles and related plants, feeding on Cirsium, Carduus, and Centaurea nigra.
Lema cyanella
Californian Thistle Leaf Beetle
Lema cyanella is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae investigated as a biological control agent for Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense). In Europe, it has been observed breeding primarily on C. arvense, though laboratory studies demonstrate broader feeding and reproductive capacity on Cirsium, Carduus, and Silybum genera. The species was introduced to New Zealand in 1981 and evaluated for release in North America. Females lay an average of 1564 eggs, with development from egg to adult taking approximately 17.6 days under controlled temperature conditions.
Phyciodes orseis
California Crescent, Orseis crescentspot
Phyciodes orseis is a small nymphalid butterfly endemic to western North America, with its core range in northern California and Oregon. It inhabits mountain valleys, meadows, and stream canyons, where it has been documented as part of ecosystem monitoring efforts on the Fremont-Winema National Forests. The species has experienced range contraction, with historical records from the San Francisco Bay Area now considered mislabeled or representing extirpated populations.
Phyciodes pallida
Pale Crescent, Pallid Crescentspot
Phyciodes pallida is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as the pale crescent or pallid crescentspot. It occurs in western North America. Adults have a wingspan of 33–44 mm. The species has at least two recognized subspecies: P. p. pallida and P. p. barnesi.
Scrobipalpa acuminatella
pointed groundling
A small gelechiid moth with distinctive pointed forewings, found across Europe, Asia, and recently established in Canada. The species is notable for its association with thistles and related Asteraceae plants. Adults fly from spring through summer, with larvae mining or feeding on host foliage.
Sphaeroderma testaceum
artichoke beetle
Sphaeroderma testaceum, commonly known as the artichoke beetle, is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Israel, and has been introduced to Atlantic Canada. Adults are active from late spring through early autumn and feed on leaves of thistles and related plants. The species is notable as a pest of artichokes and other cultivated thistles.