Eastern Bordered Straw
Common NameEastern Bordered Straw
Scientific NameHeliothis peltigera
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHeliothinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbeige, brown, dark brown
HabitatOpen habitats, cultivated land, coastal areas, dunes, gardens, wasteland
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia; migratory to Northern Europe
Host PlantsCalendula, Ononis, Reseda, Senecio, Nicotiana, Medicago, Trifolium
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various herbaceous plants, pupating in the soil. The species typically has multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale ground color of the forewings, the distinct dark, wavy subterminal line, and the dark reniform stigma. The hindwings are pale with a broad dark border.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptic beige and brown forewings, featuring a prominent dark, wavy subterminal band and a distinct dark kidney-shaped spot.
