Meadow Rue Borer Moth
Common NameMeadow Rue Borer Moth
Scientific NamePapaipema unimoda
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)33
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, yellowish
HabitatMoist woodlands, wetlands, and areas where its host plant, Meadow-rue, grows.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, including parts of the eastern United States and Canada.
Host PlantsMeadow-rue (Thalictrum spp.)
Flight PeriodLate August to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are stem borers, feeding inside the stems of Meadow-rue plants. Pupation occurs within the stem or in the soil, and the species has one generation per year (univoltine).
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive combination of dark brown forewings with a large white reniform spot and a yellowish orbicular spot. Its association with Meadow-rue plants is also a key indicator.
Description
This is a medium-sized moth with dark brown forewings featuring a prominent white reniform spot and a yellowish orbicular spot. Its body is robust and covered in brown hairs.
