Orange-spotted Flower Moth
Common NameOrange-spotted Flower Moth
Scientific NamePyrausta orphisalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyPyraustinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, red
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Canada south to Florida, west to Texas)
Host PlantsMonarda, Pycnanthemum, other Lamiaceae (mints)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf-tiers or borers on various mint plants (Lamiaceae). The species typically has multiple broods per year and overwinters as a larva.
Identification TipsKey features include the contrasting orange-yellow spots on dark wings and the bright orange-red abdomen with black bands. Often found in association with its mint host plants.
Description
A small moth with dark brown to black wings prominently marked with irregular bright orange-yellow spots. Its abdomen is strikingly orange-red with distinct black bands.
