- Scientific name: Photedes inops
- Species of Greatest Conservation Need (MA State Wildlife Action Plan)
- Special Concern (MA Endangered Species Act)
Description
Cordgrass borer, Photedes inops
The cordgrass borer (Photedes inops) is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of 25-39 mm (1.0-1.5 in). The forewing is tan in color, with dark brown subterminal, postmedial, and antemedial lines. The postmedial line is relatively smoothly curved, the antemedial line is jagged, and the subterminal line is smoothly curved, wider and more diffuse than the postmedial and antemedial lines. The reniform and orbicular “spots” consist of dark brown, oblong rings, the reniform “spot” with a black dot in the lower portion of the ring. The hind wing is light tan in color; faint brown shading toward the wing margin, a faint brown median line, and/or a faint brown discal spot may be present. The head and thorax are concolorous with the forewing, and the abdomen is concolorous with the hind wing.
Life cycle and behavior
In Massachusetts, cordgrass borer moths fly from late August through late September. Eggs hatch in the autumn, and first instar larvae overwinter, resuming feeding in the spring. The larvae bore into and feed on prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), becoming fully grown and pupating in July.
Distribution and abundance
The cordgrass borer is found in coastal habitat along the Atlantic coast from New Brunswick south to Connecticut; and in prairie habitat in the Midwest (Michigan and Ohio west to North Dakota and Nebraska) and southern Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta (MPG 2025). In Massachusetts, the cordgrass borer occurs along the coast south of Boston.
Distribution in Massachusetts.
1999-2024
Based on records in the Natural Heritage Database.
Habitat
In Massachusetts, the cordgrass borer inhabits fresh or brackish coastal marshes and margins of coastal salt ponds.
Healthy habitats are vital for supporting native wildlife and plants. Explore habitats and learn about conservation and restoration in Massachusetts.
Brackish coastal marsh with prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), habitat for the cordgrass borer. Habitat managed by DCR at Horseneck Beach State Reservation.
Threats
The cordgrass borer is threatened by habitat loss and hydrologic alteration that disrupts the natural tidal flooding of its habitat. Other potential threats include invasion by exotic plants (especially common reed, Phragmites australis), eutrophication or other water pollution, aerial insecticide spraying, non-target herbicide application, and off-road vehicles. This species is vulnerable to climate change; in addition to being a northern species, its habitat is threatened by sea level rise.
Conservation
Land protection and habitat management are the primary conservation needs of the cordgrass borer in Massachusetts. In particular, fresh or brackish coastal marshes and margins of coastal salt ponds should be conserved, restored, and managed to maintain habitat for this species and other species dependent on such habitats.
Survey and monitoring
The distribution of the cordgrass borer in Massachusetts is 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 fresh or brackish coastal marshes and margins of coastal salt ponds benefits a suite of rare and threatened species. Restoration and maintenance of natural tidal flooding and control of common reed (Phragmites australis) and other invasive exotic plants are of primary importance. Habitat condition should be monitored and management adapted as needed.
Research needs
The natural history and conservation needs of the cordgrass borer are relatively well known. However, this species is vulnerable to climate change; the future effects of a warming climate on this species should be studied.
References
MPG. 2025. Moth Photographers Group [website]. Mississippi Entomological Museum, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi. https://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/
Contact
| Date published: | March 24, 2025 |
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