Cattail Borer Moth
Common NameCattail Borer Moth
Scientific NameBellura obliqua
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, grayish-brown
HabitatWetlands, marshes, pond edges, and other areas with abundant cattails
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsTypha latifolia, Typha angustifolia
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stem borers, feeding internally within the stems and rhizomes of cattails. Pupation occurs inside the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for its mottled brown and tan forewings, the raised scale tuft on the forewing, and its strong association with cattail marshes. Its resting posture often resembles a broken twig or plant debris.
Description
A medium-sized, cryptically colored moth with mottled brown and tan forewings, often featuring subtle darker streaks and a distinctive raised tuft of scales. Its coloration provides excellent camouflage against plant debris.
