Alluring Schinia Moth
Common NameAlluring Schinia Moth
Scientific NameSchinia lucens
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHeliothinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, cream, green
HabitatPrairies, open fields, roadsides, areas with sunflowers
Geographic RangeCentral and eastern North America, from southern Canada to Texas and Florida
Host PlantsHelianthus mollis, Helianthus tuberosus, various Helianthus species
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the seeds of various sunflower species, pupating in the soil. Adults emerge in late summer and fall.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive combination of orange and cream banded forewings, a fuzzy orange body, and prominent bright green eyes. Often found in association with sunflowers.
Description
A small moth with a fuzzy, orange-brown body and forewings that feature alternating bands of darker orange-brown and lighter cream-yellow. It is notable for its bright green eyes.
