Ironweed Plume Moth
Common NameIronweed Plume Moth
Scientific NameHellinsia homodactyla
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale brown, cream
HabitatMeadows, fields, open woodlands, areas with ironweed
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsIronweed (Vernonia spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the stems or feed on the flowers and seeds of ironweed plants. Pupation occurs on the host plant.
Identification TipsKey features include its characteristic T-shaped resting posture, deeply divided pale wings, small dark spots on the forewings, and strong association with ironweed host plants.
Description
A slender, pale tan to cream-colored moth with deeply cleft wings held in a distinctive T-shape at rest, featuring small dark spots on the forewings.
