Lilac Borer - Hodges#2589
Podosesia syringae
This record describes Podosesia syringae (species). Recorded family: Sesiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult - a yellow color variation is found in the northern states and Canada (William H. Taft). Genitalia: Larva - body white with amber head, thoracic shield and spiracles. ( 3 ) Adults respond to (Z,Z)-3,13-ODDA (and blends) pheromone lures (Meyer & Cranshaw, 1994). Appears to mimic wasps in the genus Polistes
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Cossoidea
- Family
- Sesiidae (Clearwing Moths)
- Subfamily
- Sesiinae
- Tribe
- Synanthedonini
- Genus
- Podosesia (Ash/Lilac Borers)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern two thirds of the United States and southern Canada. Disjunct populations in central California and the Pacific Northwest.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae bore in the limbs and trunk of various Oleaceae, including ash ( Fraxinus ), lilac ( Syringae ), olive ( Olea ), privet ( Ligustrum ) and fringetree ( Chionanthus ). It can be a serious pest in commercial plant operations.
Life History
See Solomom in Print References. ( 3 ) Overwinter as larvae ( 4 ) One generation per year. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for the genus of one of its hosts, Syringae (lilac).
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Podosesia syringae. 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 Lilac Borer - Hodges#2589 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Beatriz Moisset , Graham M , Randy Hardy , Marci Hess , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Lilac Borer - Hodges#2589
What is Lilac Borer - Hodges#2589?
Lilac Borer - Hodges#2589 (Podosesia syringae) is a species in the family Sesiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Lilac Borer - Hodges#2589?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Forewing | Forewing length 10-17 mm. |
| Wingspan | Wingspan: ♂ 26-32 mm, ♀ 32-38 mm. Larva to 26-30 mm. Pupa 18-24 mm. |
How do you identify Lilac Borer - Hodges#2589?
Adult - a yellow color variation is found in the northern states and Canada (William H. Taft). Genitalia: Larva - body white with amber head, thoracic shield and spiracles. ( 3 )
Where is Lilac Borer - Hodges#2589 found?
Range: Eastern two thirds of the United States and southern Canada. Disjunct populations in central California and the Pacific Northwest.
What does Lilac Borer - Hodges#2589 eat?
The diet of the Lilac Borer - Hodges#2589 includes Larvae bore in the limbs and trunk of various Oleaceae, including ash ( Fraxinus ), lilac ( Syringae ), olive ( Olea ), privet ( Ligustrum ) and fringetree ( Chionanthus ). It can be a serious pest in commercial plant operations..
What is the life cycle of a Lilac Borer - Hodges#2589?
See Solomom in Print References. ( 3 ) Overwinter as larvae ( 4 ) One generation per year. ( 4 )