Vernonia-specialist
Guides
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.