Concealed-feeder
Guides
Acrobasis normella
Acrobasis normella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1908. The species is associated with hazelnut hosts, with larvae feeding on American hazelnut (Corylus americana) and beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta). It is known from Ontario, Canada, and the central and eastern United States. Like other Acrobasis species, it likely has a concealed larval lifestyle within host plant tissues.
Acrobasis suavella
Thicket Knot-horn, Blackthorn Knot-horn
Acrobasis suavella is a small pyralid moth native to Europe, with an established introduced population in southwestern Canada. Adults fly nocturnally during summer months and are readily attracted to light. The larva is a concealed feeder, constructing a silken gallery within which it feeds on host plant material over an extended autumn-to-spring period. The species has been the subject of genome sequencing as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project.
Dioryctria clarioralis
Blister Coneworm Moth
Dioryctria clarioralis, commonly known as the blister coneworm moth, is a species of pyralid moth found in the eastern United States. The larvae feed on various Pinus species, particularly attacking flower clusters and shoots. The species is part of a genus whose members are generally known as coneworm moths due to larval feeding habits in conifer cones and shoots.
Maruca vitrata
legume pod borer, maruca pod borer, bean pod borer, soybean pod borer, mung moth, spotted pod borer
Maruca vitrata is a pantropical moth and major agricultural pest of leguminous crops, particularly affecting cowpea, pigeon pea, mung bean, and soybean. Larvae feed on flower buds, flowers, and young pods, causing yield losses of 20–80% in susceptible cowpea varieties. The species has low genetic differentiation across its range due to high gene flow, with populations in India showing evidence of recent demographic expansion. It serves as host for several parasitoid wasps (Braconidae, Ichneumonidae) and flies (Tachinidae) that provide biological control.
Momphinae
mompha moths
Momphinae is a subfamily of small moths within Coleophoridae, historically treated as the separate family Momphidae. The group comprises approximately 115 described species, many of which remain poorly known. Larvae are concealed feeders with specialized habits: they function as leaf miners, seed borers, stem borers, gall inducers, or floral parasites. Host associations are typically narrow, with many species specializing on particular plant families including Onagraceae and Melastomataceae.
Periploca ceanothiella
Ceanothus stem gall moth
A small gall-forming moth in the family Cosmopterigidae that induces stem galls on Ceanothus species. The species has been recorded across much of North America, with adults active primarily from March to August. Larvae bore into host stems, causing distinctive gall formations, and overwinter within these structures.
Pyrausta
Mint Moths
Pyrausta is a speciose genus of crambid moths commonly known as mint moths. Larvae of various species feed on diverse host plants including mints (Mentha), monardas, Prunella vulgaris, and other herbaceous plants. Several species are significant agricultural or horticultural pests, notably Pyrausta nubilalis (European corn borer), a major pest of maize with a nearly worldwide distribution. The genus exhibits considerable variation in host specialization, with some species restricted to single host genera while others are polyphagous.
Pyrausta signatalis
Raspberry Pyrausta Moth
Pyrausta signatalis, commonly known as the raspberry pyrausta moth, is a small crambid moth native to North America. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1866. Adults are noted for their attractive coloration, while larvae are significant pests of Monarda species (bee balms), feeding destructively within developing flower buds and foliage. The moth has multiple generations per year and is particularly problematic in gardens where these popular ornamental and pollinator-supporting plants are grown.
Pyrausta unifascialis
One-banded Pyrausta
A North American crambid moth commonly known as the one-banded pyrausta. Adults are small, colorful moths with distinctive banded patterns. Larvae are creamy-colored caterpillars that feed within flower buds of Monarda species, causing significant damage to developing blossoms. The species has multiple generations per year and is considered a notable pest of ornamental beebalms.