Small Heliothodes Moth
Common NameSmall Heliothodes Moth
Scientific NameHeliothodes diminutiva
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHeliothinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, black, white
HabitatOpen, dry areas, grasslands, prairies, desert scrub
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (e.g., Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, Texas) and northern Mexico
Host PlantsHeliotropium spp., Nama spp.
Flight PeriodMarch to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae feed on various plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), particularly Heliotropium and Nama species, before pupating.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, hairy greyish-brown body, mottled tan-brown forewings, and especially the dark hindwings with a prominent, contrasting white band across the middle.
Description
A small, hairy moth with mottled tan and brown forewings, and striking dark hindwings featuring a broad white band. Its body is densely covered in greyish-brown fur.
