Moths of North Carolina
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View PDFGelechiidae Members: Symmetrischema Members: 1 NC Records

Symmetrischema capsica (Bradley & Polovný, 1965) - Pepper Flowerbud Moth

No image for this species.
Taxonomy
Superfamily:
Gelechioidea		 Family:
Gelechiidae		Subfamily:
Gelechiinae		P3 Number:
59a1323		 MONA Number:
2032.00
Comments: Symmetrischema is a genus of New World moths with over 50 described species. They all feed on members of the Solanaceae, and some are significant pests on commercial crops.
Species Status: This is an introduced species that is native to the West Indies and Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago). It was introduced to the US prior to 1945, where it has been recorded in Florida and Texas. It is a commercial pest on peppers (Capsicum spp.) and larvae can cause significant damage to flower buds and developing flowers.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLD                                                                                 
Adult Markings: The adults have a mixture of yellowish-brown, pale white, and dark-brown scales on the head, thorax and forewing that produce an overall finely-mottled, yellowish-brown or whitish-brown appearance. The labial palp is tan-colored with dark-brown rings, with the second segment having three dark rings at the base, middle, and apex, and the third segment having a subterminal and basal ring. The antenna has alternating dark brown and pale annulations. The forewing is light yellowish-brown with a series of dark-brown spots and short, longitudinal dashes. These include a basal spot along the inner margin, three sub-basal spots at around one-fourth the wing length that form a fragmented fascia of sorts, and a series of diffuse blotches and longitudinal dashes in the subcostal region that extend from the sub-basal fascia to the apex. The hindwing is brown and the fringe on both wings is well-developed and thick.
Adult Structural Features: Illustrations of the male and female genitalia are available at Invasive.org.
Immatures and Development: The larvae feed on the developing flower buds and fruits of commercial peppers (Capsicum) and also native ground cherries. The larvae tunnel through the tissues in the buds and developing fruits, which frequently causes the fruits to drop prematurely. Pupation occurs either inside the fruits, or on the ground after the fruit drops. The larvae are whitish except for an amber-colored head and prothoracic shield.
Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos, especially where associated with known host plants.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: This species is native to the Caribbean region, but is well established in the Gulf Coast region, particularly the Rio Grande Valley and Florida. As of 2025, we have a single record from Fort Macon State Park.
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Symmetrischema capsicaAlamance Alexander Alleghany Anson Ashe Avery Beaufort Bertie Bladen Brunswick Buncombe Burke Cabarrus Caldwell Camden Carteret Caswell Catawba Chatham Cherokee Chowan Clay Cleveland Columbus Craven Cumberland Currituck Dare Davidson Davie Duplin Durham Edgecombe Forsyth Franklin Gaston Gates Graham Granville Greene Guilford Halifax Harnett Haywood Henderson Hertford Hoke Hyde Iredell Jackson Johnston Jones Lee Lenoir Lincoln Macon Madison Martin McDowell Mecklenburg Mitchell Montgomery Moore Nash New Hanover Northampton Onslow Orange Pamlico Pasquotank Pender Perquimans Person Pitt Polk Randolph Richmond Robeson Rockingham Rowan Rutherford Sampson Scotland Stanly Stokes Surry Swain Transylvania Tyrrell Union Vance Wake Warren Washington Watauga Wayne Wilkes Wilson Yadkin Yancey
Flight Dates:
High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
Piedmont (Pd)
Coastal Plain (CP)

Click on graph to enlarge 		Image showing flight dates by month for High Mountains greater than 4,000 feet, Low Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain: adults.
Flight Comments: The flight season is poorly documented, with records extending from May through September. AS of 2025, our one record is for 25 May.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Local populations are generally associated with agricultural fields where cayenne peppers are grown, and in disturbed sites with ground cherries.
Larval Host Plants: Larvae reportedly feed on Capsicum species (Robinson et al., 2010), including Cayenne Pepper (C. annuum), but also use ground cherries (Physalis spp.). - View
Observation Methods: The adults are attracted to lights and the larvae can be found in the fruits of peppers and ground cherries.
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: GNR SNR
State Protection:
Comments: This is an introduced pest on peppers and does not merit protection.