Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Ironweed Borer Moth
Papaipema cerussata (Grote, 1864)


Family: Noctuidae
Subfamily: Noctuinae
Identification: Large and stout-bodied. Forewing violet with dark rust patches in lower median area and near apex. Basal, orbicular, claviform, and reniform spots represented by groups of white spots; note small white spot on costa above reniform spot. Hindwing dark grayish brown.
Wing Span: 4-5.5 cm.
Life History:
Flight: September-November.
Caterpillar Hosts: Ironweed.
Adult Food:
Habitat:
Range: Massachusetts to Virginia, west to Iowa and Mississippi.
Conservation:
NCGR:
Management Needs:
Comments: NULL