Australian Alfalfa Moth
Common NameAustralian Alfalfa Moth
Scientific NameHeliothis punctifera
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHeliothinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, greenish
HabitatAgricultural fields, grasslands, open woodlands
Geographic RangeAustralia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands
Host Plantsalfalfa, cotton, tobacco, legumes, grasses
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, multiple generations
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on flowers and seeds of various plants. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the typical stout *Heliothis* body, mottled forewings with characteristic spots (though variable), and its presence in agricultural areas across Australia.
Description
A medium-sized moth with variable mottled brown or grey forewings, often showing indistinct kidney-shaped and circular spots, and paler hindwings with a dark marginal band.
