Royal Fern Borer Moth
Common NameRoyal Fern Borer Moth
Scientific NamePhlogophora iris
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsorange, brown, white
HabitatBogs, fens, swamps, and moist woodlands where royal ferns are abundant
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Wisconsin and Louisiana
Host PlantsOsmunda regalis (Royal Fern)
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are borers, feeding internally within the rhizomes and lower stems of royal ferns. They overwinter as larvae.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic reddish-orange and dark brown forewing pattern with distinct white dashes, particularly the 'I' or 'Y' shaped marks. Its association with royal fern habitats is also a key indicator.
Description
A robust, medium-sized moth with a furry, reddish-orange to brown body and forewings. The forewings feature a distinctive, somewhat cryptic pattern of darker brown patches and prominent white, dash-like markings.
