Luxa Flower Moth
Common NameLuxa Flower Moth
Scientific NameSchinia luxa
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHeliothinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorscream, olive-brown
HabitatGrasslands, prairies, arid and semi-arid regions, open fields where host plants grow
Geographic RangeWestern North America, including parts of the Great Plains and intermountain west (e.g., Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan)
Host PlantsGaillardia pulchella, Gaillardia aristata
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the flowers and developing seeds of Gaillardia species, often camouflaged to blend in. Pupation typically occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the creamy white forewings with a contrasting dark olive-brown outer margin and the presence of scattered dark dots on the forewings. Association with Gaillardia host plants is also a strong indicator.
Description
A small, pale moth with creamy white forewings featuring a distinctive olive-brown or grayish-brown outer margin and scattered dark speckles. The hindwings are typically plain white.
