Asteroid Moth
Common NameAsteroid Moth
Scientific NameCucullia asteroides
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyCuculliinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, dark brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host Plantsasters, goldenrods
Flight PeriodMay to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on aster and goldenrod leaves, then pupate in the soil over winter, emerging as adults in spring/summer.
Identification TipsLook for the overall slender appearance, the combination of brown and grey streaking on the forewings, and the lack of prominent spots or eye-like markings. The dark brown outer margin of the forewings is also characteristic.
Description
The Asteroid Moth is a medium-sized moth with slender, brown and greyish forewings featuring subtle longitudinal streaking and a darker outer margin. Its body is relatively slender and covered in fine hairs, and it has long, simple antennae.
