WebIris borers spend the winter as eggs on old iris leaves and plant debris at the base of iris stalks. In early spring, they hatch into tiny caterpillars and climb up new foliage. The caterpillar ( 1½ to 2 inches in length) tunnels through the leaves, reaching the rhizome by mid-summer. They tunnel through the rhizome where the stem attaches. http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/Foliage/entomol/ncstate/cater11.htm

Noctuidae - dagger, noctuid moths Wildlife Journal Junior

WebIris plants attacked by iris borer will discolor, wilt, and die during late June and July. On close examination of affected plants, a pinkish-white caterpillar can be found feeding on the inside of rhizomes. Affected rhizomes also often are rotted and have a foul smell. WebAdult - Iris borer moths are mottled brown with yellow brown hind wings. Most of the time, the iris borer is represented only by its injury that is discovered when people dig the … cti eligibility

Headless Moths I – Cattail Borer (Family Noctuidae)

WebThe iris borer is the larvae of a moth called Macronoctua onusta, which are most often referred to as the “iris borer moth”. Macronoctua onusta is commonly found around North … WebInspect the rhizomes carefully for signs of iris borer damage and soft spots from disease. (If the plants had dark streaks on the leaves, then the rhizomes likely are infested with borers. The female borer moth lays its eggs on the leaves in the fall and the young caterpillars tunnel down the leaves to get to the rhizomes, leaving tell-tale ... WebForewings have a scalloped outer margin and a black streak along the reniform spot. Full-grown caterpillars are cylindrical, smooth, and up to 4.5 cm long. Caterpillars are the most destructive insect pests of the iris. Life Cycle. Iris borers overwinter as eggs on brown dried leaves of both iris and other types of plant debris. marco schubert