Osmunda-associate
Guides
Papaipema speciosissima
osmunda borer, regal fern borer
Papaipema speciosissima is a noctuid moth commonly known as the osmunda borer or regal fern borer. The species was described in 1868 and is native to North America. As a member of the genus Papaipema, it is a fern-boring moth whose larvae develop inside fern stems or rhizomes. The specific epithet 'speciosissima' (most beautiful) suggests distinctive appearance among congeners.