Southwestern Squash Vine Borer
Common NameSouthwestern Squash Vine Borer
Scientific NameMelittia calabaza
FamilySesiidae
SubfamilySesiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsorange, black, blue
HabitatGardens, agricultural fields, areas with cucurbit cultivation
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States, Mexico
Host Plantssquash, pumpkin, gourds, zucchini, cucumber
Flight PeriodJune to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on the stems of host plants. Larvae bore into the stems, causing wilting and plant death, and pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive fuzzy orange and black abdomen, clear wings with metallic blue-green tips, and its wasp-like flight near squash or pumpkin plants.
Description
A medium-sized clearwing moth characterized by a fuzzy, bright orange abdomen with distinct black spots or bands, and mostly transparent wings with iridescent blue-green tips.
