Ostrinia obumbratalis

Lederer, 1863

smartweed borer

Ostrinia obumbratalis, commonly known as the smartweed borer, is a in the Crambidae. It was first described by Julius Lederer in 1863. The species is native to North America, with a range extending from New Brunswick and Manitoba in Canada south to Louisiana and Florida in the United States. The larvae are known to feed on a variety of plants including several Polygonum species, as well as agricultural crops such as corn (Zea mays).

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ostrinia obumbratalis: //ɒˈstrɪniə oʊbʌmˈbreɪtəlɪs//

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Distribution

North America: recorded from New Brunswick and Manitoba (Canada) south to Louisiana and Florida (United States). Distribution records also include Saskatchewan, Canada.

Diet

Larvae feed on Polygonum , Ambrosia species, Xanthium species, Eupatorium species, and Zea mays (corn).

Host Associations

Polygonum - larval food plant
Ambrosia - larval food plant
Xanthium - larval food plant
Eupatorium - larval food plant
Zea mays - larval food plant

Human Relevance

Larvae feed on Zea mays (corn), indicating potential agricultural pest status, though specific economic impact data for this is not documented in available sources.

Similar Taxa

Ostrinia nubilalisBoth are congeneric in the Ostrinia that feed on corn (Zea mays); O. nubilalis () is a major agricultural pest with extensive research documentation, while O. obumbratalis has received less study

More Details

Taxonomic note

Originally described as Botys obumbratalis by Lederer in 1863; later transferred to Ostrinia. The genus Ostrinia contains several of agricultural significance, most notably ().