Epiblema strenuana, the stem-galling moth or ragweed borer, is a moth of the family Tortricidae. It is endemic to North America, but was introduced to Australia from Mexico to control the weeds of the family Asteraceae (Xanthium occidentale, Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Parthenium hysterophorus) 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.

harmful

Epiblema strenuana is considered a tree pest because it feeds on the foliage and stems of trees, causing damage to their overall health and growth.

tree pest

Epiblema strenuana can be considered garden pests because they have a tendency to infest and damage various garden plants, including ornamental plants and vegetables, by feeding on their leaves, stems, and fruits. This can lead to reduced plant health and yield in garden settings.

garden pest

Epiblema strenuana is considered a crop pest because it has been observed to infest and damage various crops, such as fruits and vegetables, by feeding on their foliage and fruits, leading to reduced crop yield and quality.

crop pest

Epiblema strenuana is considered a pest because it feeds on the foliage, stems, and fruits of trees, garden plants, and crops, causing damage to their overall health, growth, and yield.

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What does stem-Galling Moth eat?

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