Giant Eucosma Moth
Common NameGiant Eucosma Moth
Scientific NameEucosma giganteana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorscream, brown, dark grey
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, grasslands, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeNorth America (parts of the United States and Canada)
Host PlantsHelianthus (sunflower species)
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stem borers, feeding within the stems or roots of their host plants, primarily sunflowers. Pupation typically occurs within the host plant or in the soil.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the distinctive mottled forewing pattern with prominent dark patches, and its association with sunflower plants as hosts. It is one of the larger Eucosma species.
Description
This is a medium-sized moth with creamy white forewings heavily mottled with irregular patches of dark brown and grey, giving it a camouflaged appearance. The hindwings are a plainer light brown.
