Third Flower Moth
Common NameThird Flower Moth
Scientific NameSchinia tertia
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHeliothinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorscream, light brown, reddish-brown, dark brown
HabitatPrairies, open woodlands, fields, roadsides
Geographic RangeCentral and eastern North America (Ontario south to Florida, west to Texas and Kansas)
Host PlantsHelianthus mollis, other Helianthus species
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the flowers and developing seeds of sunflowers, pupating in the soil. Adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsKey features include the intricate mottled forewing pattern with cream, brown, and reddish-brown patches, a prominent dark reniform spot, and wavy transverse lines.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with forewings displaying a complex, mottled pattern of creamy white, various shades of brown, and reddish-brown, providing excellent camouflage.
