Sandhill Knot-horn
Common NameSandhill Knot-horn
Scientific NamePima fosterella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorspale yellow-brown, straw
HabitatSandy areas, sandhills, open woodlands, prairies
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host Plantssunflower, ragweed
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stem borers, feeding within the stems of various Asteraceae plants, and pupation occurs within the stem or in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall pale straw coloration, subtle longitudinal streaking on the forewings, and the prominent, upturned labial palps that give the head a 'snout-like' appearance.
Description
A small, slender moth characterized by its pale straw-colored forewings, often with faint darker longitudinal lines, and distinctive upturned, brush-like labial palps.
