Verbena Bud Moth
Common NameVerbena Bud Moth
Scientific NameEndothenia hebesana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, dark brown, black
HabitatGardens, fields, disturbed areas, and open woodlands where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, extending west to Texas and Kansas, and north into southern Canada.
Host PlantsVerbena spp., Scutellaria spp., Stachys spp.
Flight PeriodMay to September (north), year-round (south)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the flower buds and seed capsules of host plants, feeding internally. Pupation typically occurs within the host plant material or in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for its small size and distinctive mottled reddish-brown and dark brown forewing pattern. Often found in association with Verbena plants, its primary host.
Description
A small moth characterized by its mottled forewings, displaying a complex pattern of reddish-brown, dark brown, and black patches, providing excellent camouflage.
