Stalk Borer Moth
Common NameStalk Borer Moth
Scientific NamePapaipema nebris
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white, yellow
HabitatMeadows, agricultural fields, gardens, disturbed areas, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host Plantscorn, tomato, potato, ragweed, giant ragweed, burdock, smartweed, dock
Flight PeriodLate August to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are borers, tunneling into the stalks of a wide variety of herbaceous plants. They pupate in the soil, and adults emerge in late summer/fall to lay eggs.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent pale diagonal band across the forewing and the small white or yellow reniform and orbicular spots. The overall mottled brown and grey coloration provides excellent camouflage.
Description
A medium-sized, cryptically colored moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, featuring a distinctive pale, often yellowish, diagonal band and several small white or yellow spots.
