Upper Midwest Stem Insect Survey

Stem borer (cf. Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Potentilla

Record Details

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Record no.:0410
Feeding guild:Stem borer
Taxonomy:cf. Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Papaipema sp.
Stages observed:trace
Hosts in Potentilla:P. norvegica (rough cinquefoil)

I found a wilting individual of the hostplant in my yard in 2023. Dissecting the stem revealed extensive tunneling inside. The characteristics of the plant damage strongly suggested the culprit was a Papaipema, but I was unable to confirm this because the larva was no longer present.

Page created: February 13, 2026. Last update: none