Lupine Flower Moth
Common NameLupine Flower Moth
Scientific NameSchinia suetus
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHeliothinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, white, grey
HabitatOpen areas, grasslands, meadows, prairies, often where lupines grow
Geographic RangeWestern North America (Canada and USA)
Host PlantsLupinus
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the flowers and developing seeds of lupine plants, pupating in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the unique reddish-brown and white blotchy pattern on the forewings and its presence on or near lupine flowers.
Description
A small moth with forewings distinctly patterned with irregular white blotches on a deep reddish-brown or maroon background, and a fuzzy, greyish-brown thorax.
