- Scientific name: Papaipema stenocelis
- Species of Greatest Conservation Need (MA State Wildlife Action Plan)
- Threatened (MA Endangered Species Act)
Description
Chain fern borer, Papaipema stenocelis
The chain fern borer (Papaipema stenocelis) is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of 35-40 mm (1.4-1.6 in) (Covell 1984). The forewing is bright orange in color, with darker, brownish-orange shading between the reniform and orbicular spots and in the basal area, and pink shading distal to the postmedial line. The postmedial line is double, the distal line thicker than the proximal, largely straight but curving smoothly inward near the costa. The median line and antemedial lines are thick, diffuse, and relatively straight; all lines are dark, brownish-orange in color. The reniform spot is solid white and vertically elongate; the orbicular and claviform spots are also solid white, both smaller than the reniform, with either or both vertically elongate. The hind wing is a uniform tan, tinged with a shade of pink or orange; a faint discal spot may be present. The head and thorax are concolorous with the orange of the forewing, and the abdomen is concolorous with the pink or orange-tinged tan of the hind wing. The osmunda borer (Papaipema speciosissima) is similar, but larger and typically lighter, yellowish-orange in color, with a sharp bend in the median line and the postmedial line more sharply curved as compared to the chain fern borer.
Life cycle and behavior
In Massachusetts, chain fern borer moths fly in September and early October. Eggs overwinter, and hatch in early summer. The larvae bore into and feed on the stems and roots of Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica), becoming fully grown and pupating by late August or early September.
Distribution and abundance
The chain fern borer is endemic to the coastal plain of eastern North America, ranging from Massachusetts south to Florida, and west along the Gulf Coast to Louisiana (Covell 1984). In Massachusetts, this species is found in suitable habitat on the coastal plain in the eastern part of the state.
Distribution in Massachusetts.
1999-2024
Based on records in the Natural Heritage Database.
Habitat
In Massachusetts, the chain fern borer inhabits acidic wetlands with Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica), including wooded swamps, shrub swamps, and shrubby bogs.
Healthy habitats are vital for supporting native wildlife and plants. Explore habitats and learn about conservation and restoration in Massachusetts.
Shrubby opening in wooded swamp with Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica), habitat for the chain fern borer. Habitat managed by MassWildlife at Hockomock Swamp Wildlife Management Area.
Threats
The chain fern borer is threatened by habitat loss and hydrologic alteration that disrupts the natural flooding of its habitat. Other potential threats include invasion by exotic plants, eutrophication or other water pollution, aerial insecticide spraying, non-target herbicide application, and off-road vehicles. The effect of a warming climate may not be detrimental to this species in Massachusetts; its range extends south to Florida, suggesting adaptation to warm temperatures.
Conservation
Land protection and habitat management are the primary conservation needs of the chain fern borer in Massachusetts. In particular, wooded swamps, shrub swamps, and shrubby bogs with Virginia chain fern should be conserved, restored, and managed to maintain habitat for this species and other species dependent on such habitat.
Survey and monitoring
The distribution of the chain fern borer in Massachusetts is relatively well documented. Known populations of this species should be surveyed to document persistence at least once every 25 years; every 10 years is more desirable when practicable.
Management
Management of wooded swamps, shrub swamps, and shrubby bogs with Virginia chain fern should include restoring and/or maintaining natural hydrology and control of invasive exotic plants. Habitat condition should be monitored and management adapted as needed.
Research needs
The natural history and conservation needs of the chain fern borer are relatively well known. However, the future effects of a warming climate on this species are unpredictable and should be documented.
References
Covell, C.V. 1984. A Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America. Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, Massachusetts. 496 pp.
Contact
| Date published: | March 24, 2025 |
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