Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), an introduced perennial plant from South America, has become widely established throughout central and south Florida. Genetic studies have identified two cpDNA haplotypes of Brazilian peppertree in Florida; haplotype A is more common on the west coast while haplotype B is more common on the east coast. In addition, hybridization between these two introduced populations has occurred extensively in Florida. Two insect herbivores from South America have been selected as potential biological control agents against Brazilian peppertree: the leaf roller Episimus utilis Zimmerman (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), and the thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini Hood (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidiae). The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of these two herbivores when feeding on four Florida Brazilian peppertree genotypes (east coast, west coast, hybrid A, and hybrid B). Two procedures were used: 1) ten E. utilis larvae were placed on a single potted plant inside a clear cylinder, and 2) ten P. ichini neonates were placed inside a plastic vial containing moist filter paper and a plant shoot; six replicates per treatment were used for both procedures. The following measurements were compared between treatments: 1) total number of adults obtained, 2) developmental time, and 3) plant parameters (e.g. leaf or shoot toughness, plant nutrient content). The ecological significance of the results is discussed in the context of plant genotypes and host specificity.