Osmunda Borer Moth

Papaipema speciosissima

October 18, 2003

I have all three of CT's Osmunda family ferns represented in my yard - Royal, Cinnamon and Interrupted.  The caterpillars of P. speciosissima bore into the stems of these plants.  I am suprised that this is the first time I've seen this moth.

It is similar in appearence to the other Papaipema on the site, the Northern Burdock Borer Moth, and they come out at about the same time.