Raspberry Crown Borer
Common NameRaspberry Crown Borer
Scientific NamePennisetia marginata
FamilySesiidae
SubfamilySesiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsyellow, black, brown
HabitatGardens, agricultural fields, forest edges where host plants grow
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread across the United States and Canada)
Host Plantsraspberry, blackberry, loganberry, boysenberry
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plant leaves; larvae bore into canes and then the crown and roots, where they overwinter. Pupation occurs in the crown, and adults emerge in summer, often completing a two-year life cycle.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its strong wasp mimicry, including clear wings and prominent black and yellow banding on the abdomen. Unlike true wasps, it possesses feathery antennae (especially males) and a moth's proboscis.
Description
This moth strikingly mimics a wasp, featuring a black and yellow striped abdomen, mostly clear wings with dark veins and margins, and feathery antennae. Its thorax is black with yellow markings, and its legs are yellowish-orange.
