Forest Pests: Insects, Diseases & Other Damage Agents

Pyralids (Family Pyralidae)

Maier, C.T., C.R. Lemmon, J.M. Fengler, D.F. Schweitzer, and R.C. Reardon. 2004. Caterpillars on the Foliage of Conifers in the Northeastern United States. FHTET-2004-1. Morgantown, WV: USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team; 151 p.

Most of the caterpillars in this third largest family of Lepidoptera have a cylindrical body that is tapered at each end. They have five pairs of prolegs in the normal positions, although sometimes they are reduced in size in specialized feeders. The crochets on the prolegs tend to be arranged in a circular or ellipsoidal pattern. Mature caterpillars range in length from 8 to 40 mm.

The caterpillars feed in concealed situations where they eat either living or dead plant material. Some bore into stems, roots, and leaves; others mine, fold, or web leaves as they feed. A few live in the nests of social insects, such as bees, or are predatory on scale insects. Those that eat seeds and dried, stored products probably have the greatest economic importance. Although most species are terrestrial, a few in one group are aquatic. Notable pest species include the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella, and the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis.

Adult moths generally are relatively small and have dull coloration. A few, however, are large or brightly colored. Many bear a striking superficial resemblance to species in other lepidopteran families. The adults of nearly all species are active during the night. The moths are readily attracted to lights or to certain flowers, but not to baits.

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