Thoreau's Flower Moth
Common NameThoreau's Flower Moth
Scientific NameSchinia thoreaui
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHeliothinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, white
HabitatOpen fields, prairies, disturbed areas, and roadsides where host plants are abundant.
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America, from the Great Plains eastward to the Atlantic coast.
Host PlantsAmbrosia artemisiifolia, Ambrosia trifida
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically found feeding on the flowers and seeds of ragweed species. They undergo complete metamorphosis, pupating in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pattern of dark brown patches on a lighter, mottled background, sharply outlined in white. Its association with ragweed is also a key indicator.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grayish-brown forewings, featuring distinct dark brown patches outlined by a thin, wavy white line.
