Stem-borer
Guides
Mordellina
tumbling flower beetles
Mordellina is a genus of tumbling flower beetles in the family Mordellidae, comprising more than 30 described species. These beetles are characterized by their ability to tumble or jump when disturbed, a trait common to the family. At least one species, Mordellina ancilla, has been documented as a stem-borer in herbaceous plants. The genus occurs across North America and potentially other regions, though species-level distributions vary.
Mordellina ancilla
Tumbling Little-maid Flower Beetle
Mordellina ancilla is a species of tumbling flower beetle in the family Mordellidae. It is native to North America and has been documented as a stem-borer of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) in Ontario, Canada, representing the first known host record for this species on this introduced plant. The beetle feeds on stem pith during late stages of the host plant's biennial life cycle and continues feeding on dead plant material.
Noctuidae
owlet moths, cutworms, armyworms
Noctuidae is a large family of moths in the superfamily Noctuoidea, currently comprising approximately 1,089 genera and 11,772 species. The family is taxonomically unstable, having recently lost several subfamilies (Lymantriinae, Catocalinae, Calpinae) to the family Erebidae, making it now the second-largest family in Noctuoidea rather than the largest in Lepidoptera. Adults are predominantly nocturnal with cryptic brown, grey, or black coloration, though some tropical subfamilies exhibit bright coloration. Larvae are commonly known as cutworms or armyworms, with many species being significant agricultural pests.
Oberea
Oberea is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Obereini. Most species are stem borers of various plants, with documented associations including blackberries and their relatives, willows, aspen, and Euphorbia species. The genus has a broad distribution across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia and Africa. Several species have been investigated for biological control of invasive plants, including Oberea erythrocephala for leafy spurge management in Canada.
Oberea affinis
Raspberry Cane Borer
Oberea affinis is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Leng & Hamilton in 1896. Commonly known as the Raspberry Cane Borer, this species belongs to the genus Oberea, which contains numerous stem-boring beetles associated with various host plants. The species is part of the tribe Saperdini (or Obereini, depending on classification system) within the subfamily Lamiinae.
Oberea erythrocephala
Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle, Red-headed Leafy Spurge Stem Borer
Oberea erythrocephala is a slender, elongate longhorn beetle introduced to North America as a biological control agent for leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). Adults have distinctive red heads, black eyes, and grayish-black hind wings. The species is univoltine and oligophagous, feeding and developing only on certain Euphorbia species in the subgenus Esula. It was approved for release in the United States in 1980 and has since established populations across at least fifteen states and several Canadian provinces. The beetle is considered secondary to Aphthona flea beetles in leafy spurge management due to its narrower host range.
Oberea ocellata
Sumac stem borer
Oberea ocellata is a flat-faced longhorn beetle in the tribe Saperdini, commonly known as the sumac stem borer. It is a documented pest of woody plants, with larvae developing inside host stems and causing structural damage. The species has a three-year life cycle and is distributed across North America.
Ophiomyia
Ophiomyia is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae, established by Brazhnikov in 1897. The genus contains over 200 described species distributed worldwide, with particularly significant agricultural impact in tropical and subtropical regions. Several species, notably O. phaseoli, O. spencerella, and O. centrosematis, are major pests of leguminous crops, with larvae feeding internally in stems and leaves. The genus exhibits diverse host associations across multiple plant families, though many species show specialization on particular host genera.
Ophiomyia congregata
Ophiomyia congregata is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species was described by Malloch in 1913. As a member of the genus Ophiomyia, it is likely associated with stem or root mining in plants, though specific host associations and biological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Ophiomyia galiodes
Ophiomyia galiodes is a species of leaf-mining fly described in 2021. It belongs to the family Agromyzidae, a large group of small flies whose larvae feed internally in plant tissues. The species epithet "galiodes" refers to its association with Galium species (bedstraws). As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Opomyza germinationis
Opomyza germinationis is a univoltine fly species in the family Opomyzidae. The larva is a stem-boring pest of cereals and grasses, feeding on the central shoot and causing 'dead-heart' symptoms in young plants. Adults emerge in mid-summer and persist until early autumn, with oviposition occurring in September-November. The species has been documented as an agricultural pest in Britain and is present in Scandinavia.
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 arctivorens
Northern Burdock Borer, Thistle Stem Borer Moth
Papaipema arctivorens, commonly known as the northern burdock borer or thistle stem borer moth, is a noctuid moth species found in eastern and central North America. The species is notable for its specialized larval feeding on thistle and burdock stems, with larvae boring into the pith of host plants. Adults have a wingspan of 27–39 mm. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range from Quebec to northern Georgia.
Papaipema astuta
Stoneroot Stem Borer Moth
Papaipema astuta is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Stoneroot Stem Borer Moth. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus of moths whose larvae bore into stems of herbaceous plants. The species was described by Bird in 1907. Like other Papaipema species, it is associated with specific host plants, though detailed ecological studies remain limited.
Papaipema baptisiae
Dogbane Stem Borer Moth, Indigo Stem Borer, Wild Indigo Borer Moth
Papaipema baptisiae is a noctuid moth species described by Bird in 1902. It is commonly known as the Dogbane Stem Borer Moth, Indigo Stem Borer, or Wild Indigo Borer Moth. The species belongs to the genus Papaipema, a group of stem-boring moths whose larvae tunnel into the stems of herbaceous plants. Its Hodges number is 9485.
Papaipema beeriana
Blazing Star Borer Moth, Blazing Star Stem Borer, Liatris Borer Moth, Oriental Sea-kale
Papaipema beeriana is a noctuid moth whose larvae are specialist borers in the stems of blazing star (Liatris species). The species is endemic to North America and is of conservation concern due to its dependence on native prairie habitats and specific host plants. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The common name 'blazing star borer moth' directly references its obligate relationship with Liatris host plants.
Papaipema cataphracta
burdock borer
Papaipema cataphracta, commonly known as the burdock borer, is a noctuid moth distributed across eastern and central North America. Adults are active in late summer and fall. The larvae are root and stem borers, feeding on burdock (Arctium), lilies (Lilium), and thistles.
Papaipema cerussata
ironweed borer moth
Papaipema cerussata, commonly known as the ironweed borer moth, is a noctuid moth species found in eastern North America. The species is a stem-borer specialist, with larvae that feed internally on the stems of Vernonia noveboracensis. It has been documented across seventeen states from Maine to Georgia. The specific epithet 'cerussata' refers to the lead-white coloration characteristic of this species.
Papaipema duovata
Seaside Goldenrod Borer Moth, Seaside Goldenrod Stem Borer
Papaipema duovata is a noctuid moth specialized on seaside goldenrod. Adults are active in October and have a wingspan of approximately 36 mm. The species is listed as threatened in Connecticut. It was first described by Henry Bird in 1902 from specimens originally placed in Hydroecia.
Papaipema eryngii
Rattlesnake-master Borer Moth
Papaipema eryngii is a noctuid moth whose larvae are specialized stem borers of the rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium). The species has a restricted range in the central United States, tied to the distribution of its host plant. It is the only member of its genus known to have adapted to the defensive chemistry of this particular host. The species is listed as endangered in Illinois and was the subject of a declined federal protection petition in 2020.
Papaipema eupatorii
Joe-Pye Weed Borer Moth, Joe-Pye-weed borer, eupatorium borer
Papaipema eupatorii is a noctuid moth species native to North America. The common names reference its larval association with Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium/Eupatorium species). Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The species was originally described by Lyman in 1905 under the genus Gortyna.
Papaipema furcata
Ash Shoot Borer Moth, ash tip borer
Papaipema furcata is a noctuid moth whose larvae bore into the twigs of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) and box elder (Acer negundo). Adults are active from late summer through autumn, with a wingspan of 33–49 mm. The species ranges across eastern and central North America from Quebec to Georgia and west to Louisiana and Manitoba.
Papaipema insulidens
ragwort stem borer moth
Papaipema insulidens, commonly known as the ragwort stem borer moth, is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae. The species was described by Bird in 1902 and is native to North America. The common name suggests larval boring behavior in ragwort (Senecio) stems, though specific host associations require verification. It is assigned Hodges number 9488 in the North American moth numbering system.
Papaipema lysimachiae
Loosestrife Borer, Loosestrife Borer Moth
Papaipema lysimachiae, commonly known as the Loosestrife Borer, is a North American moth in the family Noctuidae. The species is notable for its specialized larval association with Lysimachia quadrifolia, where larvae bore into stems and roots. Adults are active in late summer and autumn.
Papaipema maritima
maritime sunflower borer moth, giant sunflower borer moth
Papaipema maritima is a noctuid moth species native to North America, first described by Henry Bird in 1909. The larvae are specialized stem borers that tunnel into the stems of giant sunflower (Helianthus giganteus), creating distinctive stem galls. The species has experienced significant population decline and is classified as a species of special concern in Connecticut, where it is believed to be extirpated. Its specialized host relationship and habitat loss contribute to its vulnerable conservation status.
Papaipema nebris
stalk borer
Papaipema nebris, commonly known as the stalk borer, is a noctuid moth whose larvae tunnel into the stems of herbaceous plants. The species is distributed across eastern North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, with the notable exception of Florida. Adults are nocturnal and active during summer months. The species is of agricultural concern due to larval damage to corn and other crops.
Papaipema nelita
coneflower borer, Coneflower Borer Moth
Papaipema nelita, commonly known as the coneflower borer, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae. The species was described by Strecker in 1898 and is native to North America. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are known as borers in the stems and roots of herbaceous plants. The species has been documented in Canada and the United States.
Papaipema nepheleptena
Turtlehead Borer Moth, turtle head borer moth
Papaipema nepheleptena, the Turtlehead Borer Moth, is a noctuid moth described by Dyar in 1908. The species is endemic to North America. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are specialized stem borers in herbaceous plants. The common name indicates an association with turtlehead plants (Chelone spp.), though this relationship requires confirmation from primary sources.
Papaipema polymniae
Cup Plant Borer, Leafcup Borer Moth
Papaipema polymniae is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Cup Plant Borer or Leafcup Borer Moth. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae feed exclusively on Polymnia uvedalis (leafcup), a native North American plant in the sunflower family. It has been documented in limited numbers in the northeastern United States.
Papaipema sauzalitae
figwort stem borer
Papaipema sauzalitae, commonly known as the figwort stem borer, is a noctuid moth species first described by Grote in 1875. The species belongs to the genus Papaipema, a group of stem-boring moths whose larvae tunnel into the stems of herbaceous plants. Its common name indicates a specialized relationship with figwort (Scrophularia) plants. The species is recorded from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9474.
Papaipema silphii
Silphium Borer Moth, silphius borer moth
Papaipema silphii, commonly known as the Silphium Borer Moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Bird in 1915. It belongs to the genus Papaipema, a group of moths whose larvae are specialized borers in the stems and roots of herbaceous plants. The species is found in North America and is associated with plants in the genus Silphium. The species has been assigned Hodges number 9498 in the North American moth numbering system.
Papaipema sulphurata
Water-willow Stem Borer, Decodon Stem Borer, Swamp Loosestrife Borer Moth
Papaipema sulphurata is a noctuid moth endemic to southeastern Massachusetts, including Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The species is an obligate specialist on Decodon verticillatus (water-willow or swamp loosestrife), with larvae that tunnel into stems and feed on vascular tissue. Adults fly in autumn, with a wingspan of 32–38 mm. The species is considered rare due to its restricted range and specific host plant requirements.
Papaipema unimoda
meadow rue borer, Meadow Rue Borer Moth
Papaipema unimoda is a noctuid moth commonly known as the meadow rue borer. Adults are active in late summer and fall, with a single annual generation. The species is notable for its larval habit of boring into the roots and stems of herbaceous host plants.
Parapamea buffaloensis
Lizard's-tail Borer Moth
Parapamea buffaloensis, commonly known as the Lizard's-tail Borer Moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1877. The species is native to North America and is associated with wetland habitats where its larval host plant, lizard's-tail (Saururus cernuus), occurs. The common name reflects its specialized relationship with this plant, as the larvae bore into the stems. Adults are nocturnal and have been documented through limited but consistent observations.
Pegomya
Pegomya is a genus of flies in the family Anthomyiidae comprising diverse species with varied larval feeding strategies. Larvae exhibit leaf mining, stem boring, gall induction, seed feeding, and mycophagy. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including those attacking sugar beet, spinach, and cruciferous crops. Some species have been investigated for biological control of invasive plants.
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.
Phylloecus trimaculatus
Rose Shoot Sawfly
Phylloecus trimaculatus, commonly known as the rose shoot sawfly, is a stem sawfly in the family Cephidae. Adults emerge in late April and oviposit inside the stems of Rosa and Rubus species. Larvae feed within host stems throughout the summer before dropping to the ground to overwinter. The species occurs from southern Canada through the eastern United States to the Great Plains.
Phymatopus
swift moths, ghost moths
Phymatopus is a genus of swift moths in the family Hepialidae, erected by Wallengren in 1869. The genus occurs across Eurasia and western North America, with species distinguished primarily by male genitalia morphology and forewing pattern variation. Members lack tibial spurs, proboscis, frenulum, and have very short antennae. The genus exhibits an unusual mating system where males release attractants to draw females, reversing the ancestral hepialid condition.
Rhinoncus longulus
Smartweed Node Weevil
Rhinoncus longulus is a small weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the Smartweed Node Weevil. The species is documented from multiple Canadian provinces and is associated with Polygonaceae host plants. Like other members of the genus Rhinoncus, this species likely develops within the stems or nodes of its host plants. The specific epithet 'longulus' refers to its somewhat elongated body form relative to congeners.
Rumatha bihinda
A snout moth species described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1922. Adult males have a wingspan of 30–35 mm, females 32–36 mm. The species is restricted to the southwestern United States. Larvae are stem-borers in Cylindropuntia cacti.
Schoenobiinae
Schoenobiinae is a subfamily of grass moths (Crambidae) established by Duponchel in 1846. The group comprises approximately 30 genera including Schoenobius, Scirpophaga, Donacaula, and Catagela. Many species are stem borers of monocot plants, with larvae feeding internally in stems of grasses, sedges, and rushes. Some genera contain significant agricultural pests, particularly of rice and other cultivated cereals.
Scrobipalpa
Scrobipalpa is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Janse in 1951. The genus contains over 100 described species distributed across Africa, Asia, Europe, and introduced populations in North America and Australasia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of sugar beet, quinoa, tobacco, and eggplant. The genus was historically split with Euscrobipalpa treated as a subgenus or separate genus, but this distinction is no longer recognized as valid.
Sesiinae
clearwing moths
The Sesiinae are a subfamily of clearwing moths within the family Sesiidae, established by Boisduval in 1828. Members are characterized by reduced wing scaling that creates transparent areas, mimicking wasps or hornets in appearance. The subfamily includes multiple tribes, notably Synanthedonini, which contains genera such as Carmenta, Tipulamima, and Macrotarsipodes. Species occur across multiple continents with documented host associations including Clerodendrum paniculatum (Lamiaceae) and Ipomoea batatas (Convolvulaceae).
Stenispa metallica
Black Smooth Hispine
Stenispa metallica is a species of hispine beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Adults are characterized by a shining black body with an obscure metallic tinge. The species has been recorded from a broad range of states in the eastern and central United States, as well as from Mexico. Larval development is associated with sedges and grasses, with Scirpus atrovirens documented as a confirmed host plant.
Sternechus
true weevils
Sternechus is a genus of true weevils (family Curculionidae) containing more than 50 described species. The genus is best known for Sternechus subsignatus, a significant agricultural pest of soybean in South America known locally as 'picudo grande' (big weevil). This species was first detected in southern Brazil in the 1970s and has since spread to northern Brazil and Argentina, where it causes economic damage through stem boring that can result in stand loss. Some species in the genus have been treated as distinct species in certain regions; for example, S. subsignatus in northern Argentina is sometimes considered S. pinguis. The genus is part of the extraordinarily diverse Curculionidae, which with approximately 60,000 species represents one of the largest families in the animal kingdom.
Stictobaris ornatella
flower weevil
Stictobaris ornatella is a species of flower weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, described by Casey in 1920. The species is known from North America and has been documented in only a small number of observations. Its larvae are specialized stem borers in Amaranth plants.
Strauzia perfecta
Strauzia perfecta is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, first described by Loew in 1873. It belongs to the genus Strauzia, a group of tephritid flies whose larvae develop in plant stems. The species is accepted as valid in major taxonomic databases. Specific biological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Suleima baracana
baracana moth
Suleima baracana is a tortricid moth whose larvae bore into stems of the Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Adults are small, cryptically colored moths that resemble bird droppings—specifically goldfinch waste—providing effective camouflage when resting on upper leaf surfaces. The species has been documented in Alberta, Canada, and is part of a guild of sunflower-specialist tortricid moths that exploit cultivated and native sunflowers.
Suleima helianthana
sunflower bud moth
Suleima helianthana, commonly known as the sunflower bud moth, is a tortricid moth species native to central North America. The species is a specialist pest of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.), with larvae that tunnel into stalks and buds. Two generations occur annually. While historically documented on cultivated and wild sunflowers, the species was first recorded on Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) in California's San Joaquin Valley in 2024, representing an emerging pest situation for small-farm producers.
Symmetrischema tangolias
South American potato tuber moth, Andean potato tuber moth, tomato stemborer
Symmetrischema tangolias is a gelechiid moth native to the Andean region of South America that has become a globally significant agricultural pest. The species infests solanaceous crops, particularly potatoes and tomatoes, with larvae burrowing into stems, leaves, petioles, and tubers. It has established invasive populations in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Chile. The species is adapted to cooler temperatures than the related potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella, with optimal development occurring between 14–17°C.