Vernonia
Guides
Aphis vernoniae
Ironweed aphid
Aphis vernoniae is an aphid species described by Thomas in 1878. The common name "Ironweed aphid" suggests an association with plants in the genus Vernonia (ironweeds). As a member of the genus Aphis, it shares characteristics with other aphids in this large and economically significant genus. The species appears to be rarely documented, with minimal observational records available.
Hellinsia paleaceus
Ironweed Plume Moth
Hellinsia paleaceus is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, commonly known as the Ironweed Plume Moth. It is widely distributed across North America from Canada to the southern United States, with an isolated population in Puerto Rico. The species is tightly associated with Vernonia species (ironweeds) as larval host plants. Adults are active from spring through late summer, with a wingspan of 19–26 mm.
Polygrammodes flavidalis
Ironweed Root Moth
Polygrammodes flavidalis is a crambid moth commonly known as the ironweed root moth. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records spanning from Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas. The common name references its association with ironweed plants (genus Vernonia).
Publilia reticulata
Publilia reticulata is a colonial treehopper (Membracidae) that feeds on New York ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis). It exhibits spatial segregation from the co-occurring aphid Aphis vernoniae through differential microhabitat use on shared host plants, with P. reticulata concentrated on middle leaves while A. vernoniae occupies inflorescences early in the season. The species maintains this position even as A. vernoniae shifts to senescent leaves late in the season, minimizing actual overlap despite apparent spatial convergence.