Ragweed Borer Moth
Common NameRagweed Borer Moth
Scientific NameEpiblema strenuana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, metallic bronze, cream
HabitatFields, disturbed areas, roadsides, gardens, anywhere host plants grow
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread across the United States and southern Canada)
Host Plantscommon ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stem borers, creating galls in the stems of ragweed and other host plants. Pupation occurs within the stem, and adults emerge to lay eggs on new host plants.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the mottled brown and grey forewings with a metallic luster, and a distinctive pale, often broken, streak along the leading edge of the forewing. Its association with ragweed is a key indicator.
Description
A small, mottled brown and grey moth with a somewhat rectangular shape when at rest, featuring a subtle metallic bronze sheen on the forewings and a pale streak along the costa.
