Peachtree Borer vs Blue Striped Nettle Grub

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Peachtree Borer Blue Striped Nettle Grub
Scientific Name Synanthedon exitiosa Parasa lepida
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sesiidae Limacodidae
Size 25–33 mm wingspan 30-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Underground
Diet Fruit Feeders Herbivores
Regions North America Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar)
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Peachtree Borer

A clearwing moth that is the most destructive borer of peach trees in North America. Larvae feed in the bark at the soil line of stone fruit trees.

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Did You Know?

A single larva can girdle and kill a young peach tree in one season by feeding completely around the trunk base.

Blue Striped Nettle Grub

A small moth with vivid green forewings edged in dark chocolate brown. The caterpillar is bright green with blue longitudinal stripes and bears venomous urticating spines that cause intense pain.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's sting is so painful it is compared to a wasp sting, and the venomous spines can cause welts lasting several days.