Lilac Borer Moth
Common NameLilac Borer Moth
Scientific NamePodosesia syringae
FamilySesiidae
SubfamilySesiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, yellow
HabitatGardens, urban and suburban areas, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host Plantslilac, ash, privet, forsythia
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are wood-borers, tunneling into the stems and branches of host plants, causing wilting and dieback. Pupation occurs within the larval tunnels.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its strong resemblance to a paper wasp, dark opaque wings (unusual for many clearwing moths), and association with lilac and ash trees. The long, curved antennae are also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized, dark moth with opaque, dark brown to black wings and a robust, dark body, mimicking a paper wasp. It has long, slender, dark antennae and some yellowish hairs on its legs.
