The stilt bug Neoneides muticus, a characteristic insect of shale barr
ens, was observed on moss phlox, Phlox subulata (Polemoniaceae), in 31
mid-Appalachian shale barrens and outcrops in Maryland, Pennsylvania,
Virginia, and West Virginia. Overwintered adults mated and oviposited
as early as mid-April, and first-generation adults appeared by late J
une. A small second generation was found on moss phlox at only two sit
es. Other hosts in shale barrens were a fern, Cheilanthes lanosa (Adia
ntaceae); the composite Aster oblongifolius (Asteraceae); a mint, Scut
ellaria ovata (Lamiaceae); and a beardtongue, Penstemon canescens (Scr
ophulariaceae). The record of N. muticus from moss phlox is the first
for a berytid from the Polemoniaceae, and its association with woolly
lipfern, C. lanosa, is the second for this stilt bug on a fern species
.