Stem-galling moth
Epiblema strenuana
''Epiblema strenuana'', the stem-galling moth or ragweed borer, is a moth of the Tortricidae family. It is endemic to North America, but was introduced to Australia from Mexico to control the weeds of the family Asteraceae in 1982. It is occasionally misspelled as ''Epiblema strenuanum''.
The wingspan is about 15 mm.
The larvae mainly feed on ''Asteraceae'' species, including ''Ambrosia'' and ''Xanthium''. It has also been recorded on ''Chenopodium'' species. The first instar larva burrows into the leaf to feed. Later, it burrows into the centre of a growing shoot, feeding on the terminal meristem. It induces the plant to thicken the stem, creating an elongated gall. In this gall, the caterpillar subsequently lives, feeds and pupates.
The wingspan is about 15 mm.
The larvae mainly feed on ''Asteraceae'' species, including ''Ambrosia'' and ''Xanthium''. It has also been recorded on ''Chenopodium'' species. The first instar larva burrows into the leaf to feed. Later, it burrows into the centre of a growing shoot, feeding on the terminal meristem. It induces the plant to thicken the stem, creating an elongated gall. In this gall, the caterpillar subsequently lives, feeds and pupates.
