Heliothis phloxiphaga

Spotted Straw Moth

Introduction:

The Spotted Straw Moth is a striking noctuid species whose larvae feed on a variety of native desert wildflowers, including phlox and tarweeds. Its warm tawny wings marked with distinct dark spots allow it to blend seamlessly into arid shrublands and rocky washes across the Southwest.
Life Cycle: Eggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on buds and flowers, pupation occurs in soil, adults emerge to fly in spring through fall.

Size 1.25 to 1.5 in (3.2 to 3.8 cm)
Sexual Dimorphism: none
Metamorphosis: complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult)

Insect Data

Names and Taxonomy

Common Names: Spotted Straw Moth, Phlox Flower Moth
Synonyms: Anthoecia phloxiphaga
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Owlet Moths (Noctuidae)
Genus Information: Number of Species, 4 in CA, 3 in NV, 3 in AZ, 2 in UT

Distribution

Distribution: AZ, CA, CO, NV, UT
Seen: Red Rock Canyon, Spring Mountains, Mojave National Preserve
Habitat: Desert washes, dry slopes, pinyon-juniper woodlands, elevations up to 8,500 ft (2,590 m)
Food: Larvae feed on Phlox, Madia, Grindelia, and other Asteraceae species, adults feed on floral nectar.

Photographs

Spotted Straw Moth (Heliothis phloxiphaga)

Red Rock Canyon

Spotted Straw Moth (Heliothis phloxiphaga)

Spring Mountains

Vocabulary and Reference Material

Plant anatomy can help classify species, especilly if you know the terms to enter in the search engine.

Mojave vegetation biomes

Bird Markings are often colorful and one way to identify species.

Get in touch

I am usually out hiking, birding or traveling but you can reach me at:

buzardweb@gmail.com