Ostrinia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ostrinia: /oʊˈstrɪniə/

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Summary

Ostrinia is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, with several species known to be agricultural pests, including the European corn borer and the Asian corn borer, which significantly affect corn yield.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan 20-32 mm. Adult: forewing yellowish to orangish with jagged or zigzag lines and variable darker shading. Larva: body pale brown or pinkish-gray with dark gray middorsal line on abdominal segments.

Identification Tips

Look for the jagged zigzag lines on the forewings of adults; larva has a distinctive gray middorsal line.

Habitat

Eastern two-thirds of North America; commonly found in corn fields, gardens, and commercial crop plantations.

Distribution

Primarily distributed across eastern North America; also found in other regions depending on species.

Diet

Larvae feed on corn and a variety of other vegetables and herbaceous plants.

Life Cycle

One generation per year in the north; three or four generations in the south.

Reproduction

Moths are nocturnal and are attracted to light for mating.

Ecosystem Role

Some species act as agricultural pests, impacting crop yields and possibly introducing fungal pathogens.

Economic Impact

Major agricultural pests; particularly notable is Ostrinia furnacalis, causing significant yield losses in maize.

Collecting Methods

• Light trapping at night
• Sweep netting in vegetation

Preservation Methods

• Pinning specimens
• Ethanol preservation

Similar Taxa

• Cirphis
• Fusarium (for pest relation)

Misconceptions

Some may confuse the European corn borer with other moth species due to similar coloration.

Tags

• Lepidoptera
• Agricultural pest
• Moths