Sunflower Moth (Homoeosoma ellectellum)
The sunflower moth is a snout moth found throughout the Western hemisphere. They are easily recognizable from how they wrap their wings around their bodies, giving them a cigar-like appearance.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Pyralidae
- Genus: Homoeosoma
- Scientific Name: Homoeosoma ellectellum
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
Initially, they are yellow, but they become brown-or purple- striped with brown heads as they become older. It takes around 15-19 days for them to mature.
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Pupa
They pupate inside the flower head of the host plant with the help of webbing.
Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present but not prominent.
Color and Appearance
When opened, the wings are silvery-gray with a few dark spots and dark scales. When closed, the wings wrap themselves around the moth’s body.
Average wingspan: 18–20 mm
Flight pattern: Consistent
Season: June-July
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Egg
Female moths lay their eggs in the base of the developing heads of florets.
Quick Facts
| Distribution | North and South America |
| Habitat | Places where sunflowers grow including meadows, plains, and prarielands |
| Lifespan of Adults | Around a week |
| Host Plants | Primarily sunflowers, also canola, cotton, and oranges |
| Predators | Braconid wasps |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- American entomologist George Duryea Hurst first described this species in 1887.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Pyralidae
- Genus: Homoeosoma
- Scientific Name: Homoeosoma ellectellum
