Grape root borer

Grape root borer
Rufus Isaacs, MSU Entomology

Adult grape root borers are clearwing moths with a dark brown body and yellow-orange bands on the abdomen. Moths are active during the day and are seen on vines in July. The female moths lay up to 300 eggs on or near the vine, and newly hatched larvae find their way into the soil and vine roots.

Larvae feed on the roots for up to two years (perhaps longer), moving to larger roots as they grow. Damaged vines have reduced vigor and may eventually die. This species is found in much of the eastern United States but is more damaging in southern states.


Adult root borer moths mimic wasps for protection.	Larvae spend two years feeding on roots and can reduce vine vigor or kill vines.

Additional information

Recommendations from the Michigan Fruit Management Guide

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Funding for this web site provided by Project GREEEN, American Farmland Trust, EPA Region 5's Strategic Agricultural Initiative program, The National Foundation for IPM Education, the Center for Agricultural Partnerships and the MSU Integrated Pest Management Program
in collaboration with MSU Extension and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station.
Updated 12/21/07 Contact: J.N. Landis.