Ragwort Stem Borer Moth - Hodges#9488
Papaipema insulidens
This record describes Papaipema insulidens (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Ragwort Stem Borer Moth - Hodges#9488 (Papaipema insulidens) is a species in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as owlet moths, belonging to the order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths). It is classified within the subfamily Noctuinae, tribe Apameini, superfamily Noctuoidea. This species belongs to the genus Papaipema (Borer Moths). As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: Bird reported the wingspan as 32-37 mm. Powell & Opler reported the forewing length to be 14-17 mm.. It is found in Papaipema insulidens occurs in wetlands and along creeks and rivers..
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Apameini
- Genus
- Papaipema (Borer Moths)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Papaipema insulidens occurs in wetlands and along creeks and rivers. ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: "This species is a borer in the stems of its hostplants. It has been found in various umbels (Apiaceae), lilies, and composites such as tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaeae) in the Northwest. This moth is locally common in some parts of western Oregon in association with this invasive plant. Crumb (1956) also lists lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) and cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum) as food plants." ( 3 ) Other host plants include Spotted Water Hemlock ( Cicuta maculata ), Purplestem Angelica ( Angelica atropurpurea ), and Hemlock Waterparsnip ( Sium suave )
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Papaipema insulidens. 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 Ragwort Stem Borer Moth - Hodges#9488 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , marcie oconnor
Frequently Asked Questions About Ragwort Stem Borer Moth - Hodges#9488
What is Ragwort Stem Borer Moth - Hodges#9488?
Ragwort Stem Borer Moth - Hodges#9488 (Papaipema insulidens) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Ragwort Stem Borer Moth - Hodges#9488?
Bird reported the wingspan as 32-37 mm. Powell & Opler reported the forewing length to be 14-17 mm.
Where is Ragwort Stem Borer Moth - Hodges#9488 found?
Habitat: Papaipema insulidens occurs in wetlands and along creeks and rivers. ( 3 )
What does Ragwort Stem Borer Moth - Hodges#9488 eat?
The diet of the Ragwort Stem Borer Moth - Hodges#9488 includes This species is a borer in the stems of its hostplants. It has been found in various umbels (Apiaceae), lilies, and composites such as tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaeae) in the Northwest. This moth is locally common in some parts of western Oregon in association with this invasive plant. Crumb (1956) also lists lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) and cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum) as food plants. ( 3 ) Other host plants include Spotted Water Hemlock ( Cicuta maculata ), Purplestem Angelica ( Angelica atropurpurea ), and Hemlock Waterparsnip ( Sium suave ).