Ragweed Borer - Hodges#3172
Epiblema strenuana
This record describes Epiblema strenuana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
See redescription in Gilligan et al. Specimen identified by DNA analysis (BOLD) - Adult: forewing medium to dark brownish-gray extensively covered with fine pale dots; pale patch at anal angle usually contains two small black marks; hindwing brownish-gray. Adults are extremely variable in pattern and color. Page creation based on identification of this photo by Richard Brown. Epiblema strenuana (Tortricidae) is considered a species complex, with small gray and large brown morphs, of which this moth is the former. … Terry Harrison, 14 December, 2012 (Note: this is at least partially resolved in Gilligan et al. .)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Olethreutinae
- Tribe
- Eucosmini
- Genus
- Epiblema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Quebec and Ontario to Florida ( 5 ) , east to Texas ( 6 ) . Bug Guide map Moth Photographers Group map
Seasonal Activity
Most records of adults are from April to September. ( 7 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae bore inside stems of ragweed ( Ambrosia spp.), Lambsquarters ( Chenopodium album ), pigweed ( Amaranthus spp.), and cocklebur ( Xanthium spp.)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Specific epithet from Latin strenua meaning "vigorous, strenuous."
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Epiblema strenuana. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Ragweed Borer - Hodges#3172 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban | Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Steve Nanz , Maury Heiman , Randy Hardy , Blocky
Frequently Asked Questions About Ragweed Borer - Hodges#3172
What is Ragweed Borer - Hodges#3172?
Ragweed Borer - Hodges#3172 (Epiblema strenuana) is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Ragweed Borer - Hodges#3172?
Forewing length 4.5-8.5 mm.
How do you identify Ragweed Borer - Hodges#3172?
See redescription in Gilligan et al. Specimen identified by DNA analysis (BOLD) - Adult: forewing medium to dark brownish-gray extensively covered with fine pale dots; pale patch at anal angle usually contains two small black marks; hindwing brownish-gray. Adults are extremely variable in pattern and color.
Where is Ragweed Borer - Hodges#3172 found?
Range: Quebec and Ontario to Florida ( 5 ) , east to Texas ( 6 ) . Bug Guide map Moth Photographers Group map
What does Ragweed Borer - Hodges#3172 eat?
The diet of the Ragweed Borer - Hodges#3172 includes Larvae bore inside stems of ragweed ( Ambrosia spp.), Lambsquarters ( Chenopodium album ), pigweed ( Amaranthus spp.), and cocklebur ( Xanthium spp.).
When is Ragweed Borer - Hodges#3172 active?
Ragweed Borer - Hodges#3172: seasonal activity - Most records of adults are from April to September. ( 7 ).