πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

Waterlily Borer Moth

Elophila gyralis

About Waterlily Borer Moth

A small pale brown moth with wavy dark lines across its wings. Its larvae are aquatic, living underwater in cases made from fragments of waterlily leaves.

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Did You Know?

The larvae breathe underwater using modified gills and never surface until they are ready to pupate.

How to Identify Waterlily Borer Moth

Waterlily Borer Moth (Elophila gyralis) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Crambidae. Adults typically measure 18-24 mm wingspan.

Waterlily Borer Moth Habitat

Waterlily Borer Moth is found in ponds & lakes habitats, particularly across Eastern North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Waterlily Borer Moth Diet and Feeding

Waterlily Borer Moth is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.

Where Is Waterlily Borer Moth Found?

Waterlily Borer Moth can be found in Eastern North America, where it inhabits ponds & lakes environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Waterlily Borer Moth can be found

Is Waterlily Borer Moth Dangerous?

Waterlily Borer Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Waterlily Borer Moth Role in Nature

Waterlily Borer Moth is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterlily Borer Moth

What does Waterlily Borer Moth look like?

The Waterlily Borer Moth typically measures 18-24 mm wingspan.

Where is Waterlily Borer Moth found?

The Waterlily Borer Moth is found in Eastern North America and typically inhabits ponds & lakes environments.

What does Waterlily Borer Moth eat?

The Waterlily Borer Moth feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.

Is Waterlily Borer Moth dangerous to humans?

The Waterlily Borer Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Waterlily Borer Moth?

The larvae breathe underwater using modified gills and never surface until they are ready to pupate.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Waterlily Borer Moth (Elophila gyralis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/waterlily-borer-moth

MLA:
"Waterlily Borer Moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/waterlily-borer-moth.