Plants and Animals
Papaipema aweme Aweme borer
Key Characteristics
The Aweme borer moth has an average wingspan of 1.4 inches (3.5 cm). The forewings (i.e., upper wings) are light wood brown with contrasting dark brown ordinary spots and a sinuous dark postmedial line (i.e., third line usually about one-third of the way in from the outer margin of the forewing). The median or middle area of the forewing and the outer margins of the forewings are darker. The hind wings (i.e., lower wings) are light brown or yellowish.
Status and Rank
US Status: No Status/Not Listed
State Status: SC - Special Concern (rare or uncertain; not legally protected)
Global Rank: G3G4 - Rank is uncertain, ranging from vulnerable to apparently secure
State Rank: S1 - Critically imperiled
Occurrences
| County | Number of Occurrences | Year Last Observed |
|---|---|---|
| Alger | 1 | 2024 |
| Charlevoix | 1 | 1925 |
| Luce | 1 | 2016 |
| Mackinac | 1 | 2024 |
| Schoolcraft | 1 | 2024 |
Information is summarized from MNFI's database of rare species and community occurrences. Data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed.
Habitat
Important habitat characteristics of Aweme borer moth sites include graminoid rich fens that are dominated by sedges (Carex lasiocarpa, C. chordorrhiza, C. limosa, etc.), are very wet, and are adjacent to, or contain, raised Sphagnum moss hummocks. The larva bores into the stems and rhizomes of bog buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata).
Specific Habitat Needs
Host plant needed in: Northern fen; Patterned fen; Poor fen.
Natural Community Types
For each species, lists of natural communities were derived from review of the nearly 6,500 element occurrences in the MNFI database, in addition to herbarium label data for some taxa. In most cases, at least one specimen record exists for each listed natural community. For certain taxa, especially poorly collected or extirpated species of prairie and savanna habitats, natural community lists were derived from inferences from collection sites and habitat preferences in immediately adjacent states (particularly Indiana and Illinois). Natural communities are not listed for those species documented only from altered or ruderal habitats in Michigan, especially for taxa that occur in a variety of habitats outside of the state.
Natural communities are not listed in order of frequency of occurrence, but are rather derived from the full set of natural communities, organized by Ecological Group. In many cases, the general habitat descriptions should provide greater clarity and direction to the surveyor. In future versions of the Rare Species Explorer, we hope to incorporate natural community fidelity ranks for each taxon.
Management Recommendations
Specific threats to this species are unknown, but may include development, introduced parasites, and pesticide use. The sites where Papaipema aweme have been observed should be protected. Adequate and suitable habitat at P. aweme sites needs to be maintained including sufficient densities of bog buckbean.
Active Period
Flight from first week of August to second week of September
Survey Methods
The best way to survey for this species is by blacklighting at night during the adult flight period, a technique whereby a sheet is stretched across two trees or poles and an ultraviolet light is used to attract moths to the sheet. Moths can be collected directly from the sheet. Insects come to light usually in largest numbers on still, dark, cloudy nights when both temperature and humidity are high. P. aweme may prefer stormy conditions (or just before thunderstorms/rain). Reports of this species must be documented with either a voucher specimen or good photograph and verification by a species expert.
Blacklighting
Survey Period: From first week of August to second week of September
Time of Day: Evening/Night
Humidity: Humid
Cloud Cover: Overcast
Air Temperature: Warm
Wind: No Wind
Survey Method Comment: Ideal survey conditions but surveys can be conducted under other conditions as well.
References
Survey References
- Covell, Charles. A Field Guide to the Moths of Eastern North America. Peterson Field Guide Series, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA. 496 pp.
- Johnson, K.E., Badgero, D.R., and McBride, A. 2017. Natural history and distribution of Papaipema aweme (Noctuidae). Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society 71(4): 199-210.
- Martin, J.E.H. 1977. The Insects and Arachnids of Canada (Part 1): Collecting, preparing, and preserving insects, mites, and spiders. Publication 1643. Biosystematics Research Institute, Ottawa.
Technical References
- Forbes, W.T.M. 1954. Lepidoptera of New York and Neighboring States, Noctuidae, Part III. Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station, NY. 433 pp.
- Johnson, K.E., Badgero, D.R., and McBride, A. 2017. Natural history and distribution of Papaipema aweme (Noctuidae). Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society 71(4): 199-210.
- Jones, J. 2015. Recovery strategy for the Aweme Borer Moth (Papaipema aweme) in Ontario. Ontario Recovery Strategy Series. for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario. vi + 21 pp.
- Stehr, F. W. 1997. Michigan Lepidoptera Survey Sites and Seasonal Occurrence of Michigan's Listed Species Annual Report 1997. 30 pp.+ MI Lepidoptera Survey Data Collection Form