Sunflower Bud Moth
Common NameSunflower Bud Moth
Scientific NameSuleima helianthana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatFields, prairies, gardens, and other areas where sunflowers or related Asteraceae grow.
Geographic RangeNorth America, particularly widespread in areas where sunflowers are cultivated.
Host Plantssunflower (Helianthus annuus), other Asteraceae species
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the buds, stems, or developing seeds of sunflowers and other Asteraceae, causing damage to the plant.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive dark, often broken, transverse bands on the forewings against a mottled grey-brown background. Its association with sunflowers is a key indicator.
Description
A small, mottled grey-brown moth with two prominent, irregular dark brown to black bands or spots across the forewings when at rest, often appearing as a single, broken band.
