Bidens Borer Moth
Common NameBidens Borer Moth
Scientific NameEpiblema otiosana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, cream, reddish-brown
HabitatFields, disturbed areas, wetlands, roadsides, and other habitats where host plants grow.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas.
Host PlantsBidens frondosa, Bidens cernua, Bidens aristosa
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the stems of various *Bidens* species, feeding internally. They typically overwinter as mature larvae or pupae within the host plant stems.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive creamy white patch on the forewing's costa, which contrasts sharply with the otherwise dark, mottled brown and reddish-brown wing. A dark spot near the tornus is also a key feature.
Description
A small moth characterized by mottled dark brown and reddish-brown forewings, featuring a prominent creamy white patch along the costa and a distinct dark spot near the tornus.
