American Sunflower Moth
Common NameAmerican Sunflower Moth
Scientific NameHomoeosoma electellum
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, tan
HabitatAgricultural fields, prairies, open areas, gardens
Geographic RangeNorth America (southern Canada to Mexico)
Host Plantssunflower, ragweed, thistle, coneflower
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on developing seeds within sunflower heads, often considered a pest. They overwinter as larvae in the soil or plant debris, pupating in spring, with multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, slender body, and cryptically patterned grayish-brown forewings, often found in areas with sunflowers or other Asteraceae. The palps are typically upturned.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled grayish-brown forewings speckled with darker scales, and a pale head with prominent dark eyes and long antennae.
