Stem-borer
Guides
Dicymolomia julianalis
Julia's Dicymolomia Moth
Dicymolomia julianalis is a crambid moth distributed across eastern North America and Cuba. Larvae exhibit broad dietary flexibility, feeding on seeds of thistles and legumes, as internal borers in cattails and cactus stems, and as predators on bagworm eggs and larvae. The species has been studied for its potential impact on musk thistle seed production.
Diopsidae
Stalk-eyed Flies
Stalk-eyed flies are a family of true flies distinguished by their most conspicuous feature: eyes mounted at the ends of long lateral projections called eyestalks. This unique morphology is directly linked to their mating behavior, with males typically possessing longer eyestalks than females and using them in visual displays during courtship. The family occurs primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, with some species extending into the Arabian Peninsula and other areas. Several species are known agricultural pests, particularly as stem-borers in rice and other Poaceae.
Diploschizia impigritella
yellow nutsedge moth, five-barred glyphipterid moth
A minute sedge moth with a wingspan of 7–9 mm, described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1862. Adults are active from early May to early November across much of North America. The larvae are stem borers in yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus), making this species a potential biocontrol agent against this agricultural weed.
Dorcasta
Dorcasta is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Apomecynini, established by Pascoe in 1858. The genus contains eight described species distributed in the Americas. Larvae of at least one species, Dorcasta cinerea, have been documented developing in the stems of buffalo gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima). Adults are associated with various woody and herbaceous host plants, though detailed life history information remains limited for most species.
Dorcasta cinerea
Dorcasta cinerea is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Apomecynini) described by George Henry Horn in 1860. The species is known from North America, with records from the United States and Mexico. A key biological trait is its larval association with buffalo gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima), a host plant relationship that distinguishes it from many cerambycids. Adults are active in spring, with collecting records from early May in Oklahoma.
Eana osseana
Eana osseana is a small tortrix moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Tortricinae. It has been treated under various taxonomic interpretations, with 'osseana-of-authors' referring to the species as historically recognized by European lepidopterists, distinct from related taxa now placed in separate species. The species occurs in Palearctic regions and is associated with dry, calcareous habitats. Adults are active in summer months.
Eichlinia calabaza
Southwestern Squash Vine Borer
Eichlinia calabaza is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Southwestern Squash Vine Borer. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where its larvae develop within the stems of wild and cultivated cucurbits. The species is a significant agricultural pest of squash, pumpkins, and related crops. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking in appearance.
Eichlinia cucurbitae
Squash Vine Borer
Eichlinia cucurbitae, commonly known as the squash vine borer, is a sesiid moth whose larvae are a major pest of cucurbit crops. The adult moth is a diurnal clearwing that mimics wasps in appearance and behavior. Larvae tunnel into the stems of host plants, disrupting vascular tissues and causing vine wilt and death. The species has a broad distribution in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions and typically produces two generations per year in temperate climates.
Elachiptera
frit flies
Elachiptera is a genus of small frit flies in the family Chloropidae, subfamily Oscinellinae. The genus contains approximately 81 valid species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia, with some species extending into the Oriental Region. Several species are known agricultural pests of cereal crops, with larvae feeding internally within stems of wheat and maize. The genus includes both fully winged and wingless (brachypterous) species.
Elasmopalpus
lesser cornstalk borer (for E. lignosellus)
Elasmopalpus is a genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae, described by Émile Blanchard in 1852. The genus is restricted to the Americas and currently comprises three species. The type species E. angustellus was described with the genus, while E. corrientellus was added in 1888 and E. lignosellus in 1848. The genus is considered closely related to Ufa. The most well-known species, E. lignosellus (lesser cornstalk borer), is a significant agricultural pest of Poaceae and Fabaceae crops throughout the Americas.
Epiblema
Epiblema is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Eucosmini, with approximately 100 described species distributed primarily in the Holarctic region. Several species have been extensively studied for their ecological interactions, including parasitoid relationships and cryoprotective adaptations for overwintering. Some species, notably E. strenuana (ragweed borer) and E. minutana, have been investigated as biological control agents for invasive Asteraceae weeds, though taxonomic revisions have clarified their distinct status. The genus exhibits diverse larval feeding habits, with some species boring into plant stems or forming galls.
Epiblema obfuscana
Blue-washed Goldenrod Borer
A small tortricid moth in the genus Epiblema, recognized by the common name Blue-washed Goldenrod Borer. The species was described by Harrison G. Dyar in 1903 and belongs to the leafroller moth family Tortricidae. Like other members of its genus, it likely develops as a stem or root borer in herbaceous plants. The specific epithet and common name suggest coloration with bluish or grayish tones.
Etainia
Etainia is a genus of minute moths in the family Nepticulidae, established by Beirne in 1945. It was formerly treated as a subgenus of Ectoedemia but has been elevated to generic status. The genus contains species distributed across North America and Europe, with larvae that are leafminers and stem borers on woody plants. At least two native North American species are known, including Etainia thoraceleuca, which feeds on Ericaceae.
Etainia thoraceleuca
Etainia thoraceleuca is a North American moth in the family Nepticulidae, described in 2024 as the second native American species in the genus. It is known from light-collected adults across California, Arizona, and Ontario, Canada. The species is a specialist feeder on Ericaceae, with larvae making short leafmines on Arbutus and Arctostaphylos species before continuing development in stems and branches. It is sister to the European species E. albibimaculella.
Eurrhypini
Eurrhypini is a tribe of grass moths within the family Crambidae. Members of this tribe are small to medium-sized moths with narrow wings and slender bodies. They are associated with grassy and wetland habitats, where their larvae feed on monocotyledonous plants. The tribe includes several genera distributed across temperate and tropical regions.
Euzophera
snout moths
Euzophera is a genus of snout moths (Pyralidae) established by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1867. The genus comprises approximately 70 described species distributed across multiple continents, with larvae that typically bore into plant tissues. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including stem borers of solanaceous crops and fruit borers of pomegranate. The genus exhibits considerable diversity in host plant associations, ranging from monophagous specialists to oligophagous generalists within particular plant families.
Fallapion occidentale
Black Sunflower Stem Weevil
Fallapion occidentale, commonly known as the black sunflower stem weevil, is a small weevil in the family Brentidae (primitive weevils) that feeds on sunflower plants (Helianthus spp.). Adults are black and approximately 3 mm in length. The species develops internally within sunflower stems and leaf petioles, with larvae feeding on pith tissue. It has been documented in association with the sunflower stem weevil (Cylindrocopturus adspersus) in Texas, though it causes minimal economic damage compared to other sunflower pests. Pupation occurs within the plant, with adults emerging in late summer.
Gillmeria pallidactyla
Yarrow Plume Moth
Gillmeria pallidactyla, commonly known as the Yarrow Plume Moth, is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae. It has a Holarctic distribution across North America and Eurasia. Adults are active from June to August, hiding in low vegetation during daylight hours and becoming active at dusk. The larvae are stem borers that overwinter in roots and feed on Achillea species in spring.
Globia laeta
red sedge borer, red sedge borer moth
Globia laeta, commonly known as the red sedge borer, is a small noctuid moth native to eastern North America. The species was first described by Herbert Knowles Morrison in 1875 and was formerly placed in the genus Capsula before that name was changed to Globia due to a preoccupied mollusk genus. The moth is notable for its specialized larval habit of boring into the stems of Sparganium (bur-reed) plants.
Globia oblonga
Oblong Sedge Borer Moth, oblong sedge borer
Globia oblonga is a noctuid moth commonly known as the oblong sedge borer. First described by Grote in 1882, this species was formerly placed in the genus Capsula before that name was abandoned due to a homonym conflict with a mollusk genus. The species is notable for its specialized larval biology: early instars are leaf miners on emergent aquatic plants, while later instars transition to stem-boring below the water line. Adults are medium-sized moths with wingspans of 35–50 mm.
Globia subflava
Yellow Sedge Borer Moth, Subflava Sedge Borer
Globia subflava is a noctuid moth native to North America, commonly known as the yellow sedge borer or subflava sedge borer. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1882 and is characterized by its stem-boring larval habit in wetland plants. Adults are active in mid-summer with a single annual generation.
Hellinsia balanotes
Baccharis Borer
Hellinsia balanotes is a plume moth (Pterophoridae) commonly known as the baccharis borer. It is native to the Americas from the United States through Central America, and has been introduced to Australia as a biological control agent for the invasive shrub Baccharis halimifolia. The species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1908.
Hellinsia glenni
Glenn's Plume Moth
Hellinsia glenni is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, described by Everett D. Cashatt in 1972. It occurs in scattered populations across North America, with records from Florida, Mississippi, and California. The species has a wingspan of approximately 26 mm. Its larvae are specialized stem borers of Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis).
Hellinsia grandis
Coyote Brush Borer Plume Moth
Hellinsia grandis, commonly known as the coyote brush borer plume moth, is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae. It is distributed across western North America from California through Mexico to Guatemala. The species is notable for its specialized larval association with Baccharis pilularis (coyote brush), where larvae bore into stems. Adults are active in August and have a wingspan of approximately 34 mm.
Hellinsia kellicottii
Goldenrod Plume Moth, Goldenrod Borer
Hellinsia kellicottii, commonly known as the Goldenrod Plume Moth or Goldenrod Borer, is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae. The species was described by Fish in 1881 and is native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 14–29 mm and are active from February to October depending on latitude. The larvae are specialized feeders on Solidago (goldenrod) species.
Hypocoena basistriga
White-veined Sedge Moth
Hypocoena basistriga is a small noctuid moth with a distinctive pattern of white-veined forewings against a dark brown background. It inhabits mesic environments across western North America, from Alaska to the western Great Lakes region. The species has a single annual generation with adults active in late summer and early fall. Larval biology remains undocumented, though related species are stem borers in monocots.
Janus integer
currant stem girdler
Janus integer, commonly known as the currant stem girdler, is a species of stem sawfly in the family Cephidae native to North America. As a member of the Cephidae, it belongs to a family of sawflies characterized by their cylindrical, elongated bodies and larvae that bore into plant stems. The common name indicates a specific association with currant plants (Ribes species), where larvae likely cause damage by girdling stems. The species has been documented across multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Newfoundland.
Languria mozardi
clover stem borer
Languria mozardi is a small lizard beetle (Coleoptera: Erotylidae) commonly known as the clover stem borer. Adults are red and black, measuring 4–9 mm in length. The species is native to North and Central America, with larvae developing inside the stems of host plants. Multiple host records document its presence on agricultural crops, including clover, canola, and soybeans.
Languria taedata
lizard beetle
Languria taedata is a polymorphic lizard beetle species distributed along the eastern coast of North America. Adults are dark, elongate beetles measuring 9–11 mm. The species exhibits notable color variation, including a distinctive all-piceous form ('Form C') found primarily along the western Gulf Coast—the first such form documented in the genus. Larvae develop internally within stems of Spartina alterniflora, the smooth cordgrass.
Lasioptera
Lasioptera is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae containing at least 140 described species. Species in this genus are primarily known for inducing galls on host plants, with larvae developing inside plant tissues. Some species have established complex relationships with fungi, including ambrosia fungus feeding. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the Mediterranean tomato gall midge (L. tomaticola) and a stem-boring pest on tomatoes reported from Greece and Turkey. The genus has a wide geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, North America, and other regions, with host associations including Rubus (raspberry/blackberry), tomato, Arundo donax (giant reed), Leea indica, and various other plants.
Listronotus maculicollis
annual bluegrass weevil
Listronotus maculicollis, the annual bluegrass weevil, is a highly destructive pest of short-mown turfgrass in eastern North America, particularly golf course putting greens, fairways, and tee boxes. Adults are small (up to 4.5 mm), dark-colored weevils with a distinct spotted or maculate pronotum. The species has expanded its range from the northeastern United States into the Midwest and Southeast since the 2000s. Larval feeding causes severe damage, with early instars acting as stem-borers and later instars feeding on the crown, resulting in irregular patches of dead turf. The weevil shows strong preference for Poa annua (annual bluegrass) over other turfgrass species, though it can develop on several cool-season grasses. Temperature, not photoperiod, drives daily activity patterns, with peak activity occurring at 14–17°C.
Lixus concavus
rhubarb curculio
Lixus concavus, commonly known as the rhubarb curculio, is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae. Adults are approximately 12 mm long, black with yellowish dusting, and possess a distinctive elongated snout with geniculate antennae. The species is univoltine, with one generation per year. While rhubarb is a common host, eggs laid in rhubarb tissue fail to develop; successful reproduction occurs in curly dock, sunflower, and thistle stalks.
Lorita
Lorita is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Cochylini, established by Busck in 1939. The genus contains four described species distributed in the Americas, with Lorita baccharivora known as a specialist feeder on Baccharis (saltbush). Adults are small moths with characteristic tortricid wing posture at rest.
Mayetiola destructor
Hessian fly, barley midge
The Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) is a major pest of wheat and other cereal crops. Adults are small, mosquito-like flies with dark wings, black thorax, and dark red abdomen. Females deposit eggs in clusters on wheat leaf surfaces; larvae feed on stem tissue, causing stunting, lodging, and reduced grain yield. Unlike most Cecidomyiidae, this species does not form galls. Native to Asia, it has spread globally and was one of the earliest documented invasive species in North America, first reported in 1779.
Mecas
Mecas is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) in the tribe Saperdini, distributed in North America. Species in this genus are stem- and root-borers, with larvae developing internally within host plant tissues. Some species have been documented as pests of cultivated sunflowers, while others are associated with native Asteraceae and other plants. The genus contains approximately 18 described species across three subgenera.
Mecas bicallosa
Mecas bicallosa is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Martin in 1924. The species occurs in North and Central America. Like other members of the genus Mecas, it is associated with plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), where larvae bore into stems and roots.
Mecas cana
Mecas cana is a longhorn beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, described by Newman in 1840. The species is distributed across North America, including the United States and Mexico. Two subspecies are recognized: Mecas cana cana (the nominate subspecies) and Mecas cana saturnina (LeConte, 1859). Like other members of the genus Mecas, this species is associated with plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), where larvae bore into stems and roots.
Mecas marginella
Mecas marginella is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1873. It is native to the United States and belongs to a genus whose members are commonly known as girdlers due to their habit of girdling plant stems. Like other Mecas species, it likely develops as a stem- and root-borer in host plants, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented.
Mecas pergrata
Mecas pergrata is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. Adults are 6–12 mm in length with gray pubescence. The species is a stem- and root-borer that exploits plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), including cultivated sunflowers. It is known from Mexico and the United States.
Mecinus janthinus
Toadflax stem weevil
Mecinus janthinus is a stem-boring weevil used as a classical biological control agent for invasive toadflax species (Linaria spp.) in North America. Originally introduced from Europe in the 1990s, it has established populations on Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica) and yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) in the United States and Canada. The species exhibits high host specificity, with postrelease studies in Colorado finding no evidence of nontarget herbivory on native plants even under no-choice starvation conditions. Genetic studies have revealed that M. janthinus as historically defined comprises two cryptic species: M. janthinus sensu stricto associated with yellow toadflax, and M. janthiniformis associated with Dalmatian toadflax.
Megathyminae
giant skippers, yucca giant skippers
Megathyminae is a subfamily of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as giant skippers. These are among the largest skippers, characterized by robust bodies, relatively small wings for their body size, and a strong association with succulent plants. The group contains approximately 20 species distributed primarily in arid regions of North America. Larvae are endophagous, feeding internally within the stems or roots of host plants, particularly yuccas and agaves.
Melanagromyza undescribed-blephilia-stem-borer
An undescribed species in the genus Melanagromyza, a group of stem-boring flies in the family Agromyzidae. The informal name indicates this species develops as a stem borer in plants of the genus Blephilia, a group of mint-family herbs native to North America. As an undescribed species, it lacks formal scientific description and has not been assigned a species epithet. The genus Melanagromyza contains numerous economically significant agricultural pests, though this particular species appears to be associated with wild host plants rather than cultivated crops.
Meromyza americana
Wheat Stem Maggot
Meromyza americana, commonly known as the Wheat Stem Maggot, is a chloropid fly species whose larvae are significant pests of small grain cereals. The species completes a second generation in spring, with adults emerging to lay eggs on barley, oats, rye, wheat, and other grass hosts. Larval feeding occurs within stems, causing characteristic whitehead symptoms in infested tillers. Despite its pest status, infestations rarely exceed 1% of tillers, making insecticide treatments generally unnecessary.
Meropleon diversicolor
multicolored sedgeminer moth
Meropleon diversicolor, commonly known as the multicolored sedgeminer moth, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 29 mm. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records spanning from Quebec and New Brunswick south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Oklahoma. The species is strongly associated with wetland habitats and has a larval stage that bores into sedges (Carex and related genera). Adults are active from June through October, with peak abundance in August and September.
Mesapamea secalis
common rustic
Mesapamea secalis, the common rustic, is a noctuid moth found across Europe, north-west Africa, Turkey, and northern Iran. It was first described by Linnaeus in 1758 and was formerly treated as conspecific with Mesapamea didyma and M. remmi, all three now recognized as distinct species. Adults fly from July to August, with larvae feeding on grass stems.
Metallus rohweri
Metallus rohweri is a sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by MacGillivray in 1909. It belongs to the subfamily Blennocampinae and is one of approximately five species in the genus Metallus. The genus is characterized by metallic coloration and association with Rubus host plants. This species is known from northeastern North America.
Microlarinus lypriformis
Puncture vine stem weevil
Microlarinus lypriformis is a stem-boring weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) introduced to North America as a biological control agent for puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris). Females oviposit into the stems of this host plant, and larvae feed internally on the pith, causing stem damage and plant mortality. Adults emerge through exit holes bored in the stem. The species has been used in combination with the seed-feeding weevil Microlarinus lareynii in biocontrol programs in the United States and Canada.
Mompha sp. (on Spermacoce)
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha, a family of small moths known for their narrow wings and association with specific host plants. This taxon is recognized from specimens reared or collected on Spermacoce species, a genus of flowering plants in the coffee family (Rubiaceae). As an undescribed species, it lacks formal scientific description and has not been assigned a species epithet. Its existence is documented through association with this particular host plant genus.
Mompha sturnipennella
Kentish Cosmet
Mompha sturnipennella is a small gelechioid moth in the family Momphidae, with a wingspan of 13–18 mm. It exhibits a bivoltine adult flight pattern, with one generation active in July–August and a second generation emerging in September, overwintering, and flying until May. The species is widely distributed across the Holarctic, occurring throughout most of Europe (excluding the Mediterranean south), Siberia, the Russian Far East, and Canada.
Monoptilota pergratialis
lima-bean vine borer moth
Monoptilota pergratialis, commonly known as the lima-bean vine borer moth, is the sole species in the genus Monoptilota. It is a small pyralid moth in the subfamily Phycitinae. The species is found in the central and southeastern United States. Larvae are known to bore into the stems of lima bean plants, causing damage to cultivated crops.