AMERICAN LOTUS BORER MOTH

AMERICAN LOTUS BORER MOTH

Ostrinia penitalis
CRAMBID SNOUT MOTH FAMILY (Crambidae)

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This moth is about 1 inch long when wings are folded, and it has a wingspan of about 1 inch when open. This specimen was identified with the help of David Reed and other images in BugGuide. It is light brown with a darker zig-zag pattern on it’s wings.

 

The abundance of this moth in our two nature centers is yet unknown. It’s larvae feed on American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea), of which there is usually plenty growing in the Great Marsh in Fontenelle Forest. Adults fly from May through September. The adult deposits eggs on the leaves of the host plant. The young larvae secure themselves to the leaf by strands of silk, so they are not dislodged by wind or waves. The older larvae are covered by silk. They finally bore into the stem of the leaf to pupate. This moth was photographed at night, attracted by strong lights.

 

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