Papaipema araliae Bird and Jones, 1921
Aralia Shoot Borer Moth
NatureServe Global Rank: G3G4
Virginia State Rank: S2S3
VA DGIF Tier: None
Federal Legal Status: None
Virginia Legal Status: None
Description: One of the larger Papaipemas (40mm), it bears an overall reddish brown color on the forewing with one or two white anterior satellite spots surrounding the reniform spot. The orbicular and claviform spots are white and the basal patch is yellow. The hind wings are cream-colored with a thin brown line extending near the outer edge half way around the wing.
Similar species: This species is extremely difficult to separate from Papaipema tuila and P. arctivorens, and usually can be correctly identified only by inspection of the genitalia.
North American Range: Apparently two disjunct, limited areas: the Delmarva peninsula and south through coastal Virginia to eastern North Carolina; also central Tennessee, western Kentucky and southern Illinois.
VA Observations by Locality: Accomack
Flight season and broods: Eggs probably hatch in April. Larvae enter the soil to pupate. Pupation likely occurs in early August, eclosion in early October.
Habitat and Food Plants: Forested wetlands of mixed hardwoods, but sometimes more mesic, and can probably occur in a variety of other habitats. The only food plant is Aralia spinosa (Devil's Walking Stick).
Behavior and Ecology: Larvae bore into and kill the new growth of the host plant then bore into about a foot of the twig. Fresh borings are easy to see.
Population trend and potential threats: Wide spread eradication practices of the Gypsy Moth will probably not affect P. araliae. The greatest long-term threat may be habitat fragmentation.
Management practices: Any activity that reduces forest understory will impact this species.
References: Moth Photographers Group at the Mississippi Entomological Museum at Mississippi State University. Web application at: http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/large_map.php?hodges=9470 Accessed: 18Apr2013
NatureServe. 2012. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: September 10, 2012 ).
Schweitzer, Dale F., Mino, Marc C., Wagner, David L. September 2011. Rare, Declining, and Poorly Known Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) of Forests and Woodlands in the Eastern United States. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). FHTET-2011-01. Pp. 352-353.