Pyrausta signatalis

Adults can be recognized by their small size, crambid moth characteristics (elongated labial palps forming a 'snout'), and distinctive raspberry-pink coloration. Larvae are identified by their presence within Monarda flower buds, creamy coloration, and association with chewed florets, holes in leaves, silk webbing, and small black frass pellets. The species is distinguished from other Pyrausta species by host association with Monarda and specific coloration patterns.

Aspen parkland, grasslands, and perennial flower beds or gardens where Monarda species (spotted beebalm, scarlet beebalm, wild bergamot) are present. The species is closely associated with its host plants and is found wherever these occur in suitable climate zones.

North America, recorded from British Columbia to Ontario in Canada, and south to North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Arizona in the United States. Additional records from Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan (Canada), and Vermont (USA).

Adults are active in late spring and early summer, with multiple generations per year. Larval activity peaks in late May and early June when Monarda flower buds are developing. Later generations continue through summer as long as host plants are flowering.

Larvae feed exclusively on Monarda species, including Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot), spotted beebalm, and scarlet beebalm. They consume developing flower buds, florets, sepals, and supporting leaves. Adult feeding habits are not documented.

• Monarda fistulosa - larval food plantWild bergamot; primary host
• Monarda didyma - larval food plantScarlet beebalm
• Monarda punctata - larval food plantSpotted beebalm

Eggs are laid in buds of leaves and flowers. Larvae hatch and feed within developing flower heads, producing silk and frass. Multiple generations occur per year, with later generations continuing to infest successive flower crops. Pupation details are not documented in available sources.

Larvae are concealed feeders, hiding within flower bud axils and among florets. They produce silk webbing within flower heads. Adults are active fliers and can be observed flitting around host plants. The species exhibits a 'marauding' pattern of damage, with just one or a few caterpillars sufficient to ruin a flower bud's display.

Herbivore that reduces floral resources for pollinators, predators, and parasitoids dependent on Monarda nectar and pollen. The species creates a garden management dilemma: uncontrolled populations eliminate flowers and their ecological benefits, while intervention is required to preserve these resources for beneficial insects.

Significant pest of ornamental Monarda species in gardens and landscapes. Manual control through crushing caterpillars is effective for small plantings. Organic insecticides (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, spinosad) are options for larger plantings, with caution required to avoid harm to pollinators—spinosad is highly toxic to bees and should not be used when flowers are in bloom or near blooming plants.

• Other Pyrausta speciesSimilar size, wing shape, and crambid characteristics; distinguished by coloration patterns and host plant associations
• Other crambid mothsShare elongated labial palps ('snout'); many are grass or stem borers rather than flower feeders

• pest
• garden
• pollinator plant pest
• multiple generations
• concealed feeder

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Eric: Blodgett Peak Bioblitz Report
• Archive — Bug of the Week
• Return of the monarda marauder: Raspberry pyrausta, Pyrausta signatalis — Bug of the Week
• Monarda marauder: Raspberry pyrausta, Pyrausta signatalis — Bug of the Week