Borer
Guides
Epiblema benignata
Benign Borer
Epiblema benignata, commonly known as the Benign Borer, is a small moth in the family Tortricidae. The genus Epiblema includes species often associated with herbaceous plants, with larvae typically boring into stems or roots. This species is part of a diverse group of tortricid moths found in North America.
Macronoctua onusta
iris borer, Iris Borer Moth
Macronoctua onusta, commonly called the iris borer, is a noctuid moth native to North America. Adults are large, dull brown moths with distinctive smoky dark gray patterning and a uniquely shaped reniform spot. The species is a foodplant specialist whose larvae bore into the rhizomes of iris plants, making it a notable pest in gardens and horticulture. Adults fly in autumn, primarily September and October.
Oberea tripunctata
dogwood twig borer
Oberea tripunctata, commonly known as the dogwood twig borer, is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Adults emerge in early June and feed on dogwood twigs, causing girdling damage. Females lay eggs singly on healthy twigs; larvae bore into twigs and overwinter in stems, with some individuals taking up to two years to complete development. The species is considered a minor pest of flowering dogwood and has been recorded from additional hosts including elm, azalea, viburnum, and various fruit trees.
Papaipema
Papaipema is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, erected by John B. Smith in 1899. The genus comprises approximately 50 described species, most of which are commonly known as "borers" due to their larval feeding habits. Species are distributed primarily across North America, with many exhibiting highly specialized host plant associations. Larvae tunnel into stems, roots, or rhizomes of specific native plants, making many species of conservation concern due to habitat loss and host plant rarity.
Papaipema araliae
Aralia shoot borer moth, Hedge veronica, Hercules' Club Borer Moth
Papaipema araliae is a noctuid moth described by Bird & Jones in 1921. The species belongs to the genus Papaipema, a group of borers associated with herbaceous plants and woody stems. It is recorded from North America. The specific epithet 'araliae' indicates an association with plants in the genus Aralia.
Papaipema cerina
golden borer moth
Papaipema cerina, the golden borer moth, is a bright yellow noctuid moth found in the Great Lakes region of North America. Adults are active from September through mid-October. The species is uncommon to rare and is associated with diverse wetland and forest habitats. Larvae are borers that feed on lilies, May apple, and certain grass species.
Papaipema pterisii
Bracken Borer Moth
Papaipema pterisii, commonly known as the bracken borer moth, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species is named for its association with bracken fern, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. Like other members of the genus Papaipema, it is presumed to have a borer lifestyle, with larvae tunneling into plant stems or rhizomes. The species was described by Bird in 1907 and has been recorded across a broad North American range.
Papaipema rigida
rigid sunflower borer, Joe-Pye Weed and Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth
Papaipema rigida is a noctuid moth commonly known as the rigid sunflower borer. The species is native to North America and is one of approximately 50 species in the genus Papaipema, a group of borers specialized on herbaceous plants. The common name references its association with rigid sunflower (Helianthus rigida) and related composite plants. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1877.
Peoria gematella
Gemmed Cordgrass Borer
Peoria gematella, commonly known as the Gemmed Cordgrass Borer, is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae. The species is associated with cordgrass habitats, as indicated by its common name. As a member of the genus Peoria, it belongs to a group of small moths whose larvae are typically borers in plant stems or roots.
Proteoteras moffatiana
gray-flanked proteotera, maple shoot borer, maple bud borer moth
Proteoteras moffatiana is a tortricid moth species described by Fernald in 1905. It is commonly known as the gray-flanked proteotera or maple shoot borer, reflecting its association with maple host plants. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 3235. As a member of the subfamily Olethreutinae, it belongs to a group of tortricids that typically develop as borers in plant tissues.
Sesiidae
Clearwing Moths
Sesiidae, known as clearwing moths, is a family of diurnal moths in the order Lepidoptera comprising 165 genera and over 1,500 species. The family is distinguished by Batesian mimicry of Hymenoptera, with transparent wing areas created by reduced scaling, elongated bodies, and wasp-like coloration and flight behavior. Most species are tropical, though significant diversity occurs in the Holarctic region including over 100 European species. Larvae are concealed borers in wood, stems, or roots, with some species causing serious economic damage to fruit trees, timber, and crops.
Synanthedon acerni
Maple Callus Borer, Maple Callus Borer Moth
Synanthedon acerni, the maple callus borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults are active primarily during late spring and early summer, with flight periods varying by latitude. The species is associated with maple trees, where larvae develop as borers in host tissue.
Synanthedon acerrubri
Maple Clearwing Moth, Red Maple Borer
Synanthedon acerrubri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the maple clearwing moth or red maple borer. The species is a wood-boring pest of maple trees in eastern North America. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking in appearance, with transparent wings and banded abdomens. Larvae tunnel into the trunks and branches of host trees, causing structural damage.
Synanthedon bibionipennis
Strawberry Crown Moth
Synanthedon bibionipennis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the strawberry crown moth. Adults are active from April to August and are diurnal. The species has one generation per year. Larvae are borers that feed internally on the crowns and roots of various rosaceous plants.
Synanthedon exitiosa
peachtree borer, Peachtree Borer Moth
Synanthedon exitiosa, commonly known as the peachtree borer, is a clearwing moth native to North America and a significant pest of stone fruit trees. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in both size and wing appearance. Larvae bore into the trunks and root crowns of Prunus species, feeding on cambium and phloem tissue, often causing tree death. Adult females use semiochemical cues, including compounds from larval gum frass, to locate suitable oviposition sites.
Synanthedon kathyae
Holly Borer Moth
Synanthedon kathyae is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Holly Borer Moth. Like other sesiids, adults are wasp mimics with reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species is diurnal and generally not attracted to lights, making it difficult to encounter except by chance observation or pheromone lures.
Synanthedon mellinipennis
Ceanothus Borer Moth
Synanthedon mellinipennis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Ceanothus Borer Moth. Like other sesiids, it exhibits wasp mimicry through transparent wings and hymenopteran-like body form. The species is associated with Ceanothus host plants, with larvae boring into stems or roots. Adults are diurnal and generally not attracted to light traps.
Synanthedon pictipes
lesser peachtree borer, lesser peach tree borer
Synanthedon pictipes, commonly known as the lesser peachtree borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults are diurnal wasp mimics with narrow, nearly scaleless wings and a black-and-white color pattern. The species is a significant pest of stone fruit trees, particularly peach, with larvae boring into trunks and branches. It occurs across eastern North America from Canada to Texas.
Synanthedon proxima
dogwood borer
Synanthedon proxima, commonly known as the dogwood borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. It is native to North America and primarily associated with Cornus species. The species is recognized as a significant pest of ornamental dogwoods, particularly in urban and suburban landscapes. Adults exhibit wasp-mimicking appearance typical of the family, with transparent wings and often yellow or orange coloration. Larval stages bore into the stems and trunks of host plants, causing structural damage.
Synanthedon pyri
Apple Bark Borer
Synanthedon pyri, commonly known as the Apple Bark Borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults are diurnal and exhibit wasp mimicry, with transparent wings and wasp-like coloration. Larvae are wood-borers that infest the bark and cambium of fruit trees, particularly apple (Malus spp.), causing damage to commercial orchards. The species is native to North America and has been documented as a pest of economic concern in apple-growing regions.
Synanthedon rhododendri
Rhododendron Borer Moth
Synanthedon rhododendri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the rhododendron borer moth. The species is a specialist pest of rhododendrons and related Ericaceae, with larvae boring into stems and crowns of host plants. Adults are diurnal and exhibit wasp-mimicking appearance typical of the family. The species occurs in the Nearctic region.
Synanthedon rileyana
horsenettle borer, Riley's clearwing moth
Synanthedon rileyana is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, notable for its effective wasp mimicry. Adults are diurnal and active from late spring through early autumn. The species is distinguished from similar clearwing moths by complete yellow banding on all abdominal segments and a red discal cell on the forewing. Larvae are borers in horsenettle (Solanum carolinense), a weedy plant common to sandy agricultural areas.
Synanthedon scitula
dogwood borer, pecan borer, Dogwood Borer Moth
Synanthedon scitula is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae and a significant pest of woody plants. Larvae tunnel into burrknot tissue and cambium of host trees, causing damage ranging from localized feeding to tree death. The species has one generation per year, with adults active from June through September. It is widely distributed across North America and has been recorded from numerous host species including dogwood, pecan, apple, and many other hardwoods.
Synanthedon viburni
Viburnum Clearwing Borer, Arrowwood Borer
A clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae that develops as a borer in viburnum shrubs. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking, with transparent wings and dark bodies. The species is a documented pest of native arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) and European cranberry bush viburnum (V. trilobum), causing crown damage that can kill established plants.
Vitacea admirandus
Vitacea admirandus is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, first described by Edwards in 1882. As a member of the genus Vitacea, it belongs to a group of moths whose larvae are specialized borers in woody plants, particularly grapevines (Vitis spp.). The genus is notable for containing economically significant pests of cultivated grapes in North America. Adults are diurnal and wasp-like in appearance, a common mimicry strategy in this family.
Xiphydria maculata
Spotted Wood Wasp
Xiphydria maculata is a wood wasp in the family Xiphydriidae. Adults are known to visit flowers for nectar. The larvae develop as borers in dead or dying hardwood trees, particularly maple and other deciduous species. This species is part of a group of primitive wasps that lack the narrow waist characteristic of most other Hymenoptera.