Papaipema eryngii
Bird, 1917
Rattlesnake-master Borer Moth
Papaipema eryngii is a noctuid whose larvae are specialized stem borers of the rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium). The has a restricted range in the central United States, tied to the distribution of its plant. It is the only member of its known to have adapted to the defensive chemistry of this particular host. The species is listed as endangered in Illinois and was the subject of a declined federal protection petition in 2020.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Papaipema eryngii: //pəˌpaɪˈpɛmə ɛˈrɪndʒi.aɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Larvae can be distinguished from other Papaipema by their ability to survive within Eryngium yuccifolium stems; other congeneric larvae attempting to bore into this plant are killed by its chemical defenses. identification likely requires genitalia dissection or molecular methods to separate from similar Papaipema species.
Images
Habitat
Prairie and savanna supporting stands of rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium), its obligate plant.
Distribution
Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Extirpated from Iowa and North Carolina. Range is constrained by the distribution of its plant.
Diet
Larvae feed exclusively within the stems of Eryngium yuccifolium, boring into mature stalks or multiple young stalks to complete development. do not feed.
Host Associations
- Eryngium yuccifolium - obligateLarvae bore into stems; requires mature stalk or multiple young stalks to complete development. Kills the plant in the process.
Behavior
Larvae bore into the stalk of the plant, invert their position within the stem, and develop there. monitoring can be conducted by surveying host plants for the presence of borer holes.
Ecological Role
Acts as a herbivore and apparent regulator of Eryngium yuccifolium. Its specialized to plant chemistry represents a distinct ecological interaction within the Papaipema.
Human Relevance
Subject of conservation concern; listed as endangered in Illinois. The only Papaipema to undergo federal petition review for protection (declined 2020). surveys rely on detection of larval borer holes in plants.
Similar Taxa
- Other Papaipema speciesOverlap in geographic range and attempt to bore into Eryngium yuccifolium, but are unable to survive due to lack of to the plant's defensive chemical response.
More Details
Conservation Status
Federal protection petition declined in 2020 based on resiliency assessments. State-level protection remains in Illinois.
Population Monitoring
Surveys rely on presence of larval borer holes in plants rather than direct observation of , due to the cryptic nature of the larvae and potentially low detection rates.