Heliothinae
Guides
Baptarma
Baptarma is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Heliothinae. The genus was established by Smith in 1904 and contains at least one described species, Baptarma felicita. As a heliothine noctuid, it belongs to a diverse group of moths often associated with agricultural habitats.
Derrima stellata
pink star moth
Derrima stellata, commonly known as the pink star moth, is a small noctuid moth native to eastern North America. The species has a wingspan of 21–30 mm and exhibits bivoltine flight periods in spring and summer. It was historically notable among lepidopterists for its poorly understood life history, which was resolved in 2024 when larvae were discovered feeding on seeds of dead pinweed (Lechea species). The species is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut, reflecting apparent rarity or habitat loss in parts of its range.
Helicoverpa zea
corn earworm, cotton bollworm, tomato fruitworm, soybean podworm
Helicoverpa zea is a major agricultural pest moth native to the Americas. The larvae are highly polyphagous, feeding on reproductive structures of numerous crop plants including corn, cotton, tomato, and soybean. The species has developed widespread resistance to many insecticides and Bt toxins. Adults are nocturnal seasonal migrants capable of traveling hundreds of kilometers on wind currents. Recent hybridization with the invasive Old World bollworm (H. armigera) has introduced additional resistance genes through introgression.
Heliocheilus
Heliocheilus is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Heliothinae, established by Grote in 1865. The genus contains species distributed across multiple continents, with at least one species, Heliocheilus albipunctella, recognized as a significant agricultural pest of pearl millet in sub-Saharan Africa. Formerly known as Canthylidia, this genus is part of a diverse group of noctuid moths with varied ecological roles.
Heliocheilus julia
Barbie Moth
Heliocheilus julia is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1883. The species is known from limited geographic records in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Its life history remains undocumented, including unknown larval host plants and immature stages. Adults are attracted to lights and fly during late summer. The proposed common name "Barbie Moth" has not achieved formal recognition.
Heliocheilus toralis
Heliocheilus toralis is a small noctuid moth found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. The species was described by Grote in 1881 and is characterized by a wingspan of 23–25 mm. It belongs to the subfamily Heliothinae, a group whose larvae often feed on developing seeds.
Heliolonche
Heliolonche is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Heliothinae, established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. The genus comprises five recognized species distributed in western North America. Species in this genus are small noctuids with distinctive wing patterns. The genus name derives from Greek roots suggesting sun and spear, though the etymological significance is unclear.
Heliolonche carolus
Chicory Flower Moth
Heliolonche carolus is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1936. It is commonly known as the Chicory Flower Moth. The species is recorded from western North America, specifically California and Arizona. As a member of the subfamily Heliothinae, it is likely associated with flowering plants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Heliolonche pictipennis
Red-lined Moth
Heliolonche pictipennis, commonly known as the Red-lined Moth, is a small noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1875. It is native to western North America, with documented occurrences in California and Arizona. The species has a wingspan of 16–17 mm. Larvae are known to feed on specific host plants including Malacothrix glabrata and Rafinesquia neomexicana.
Heliothis belladonna
Heliothis belladonna is a noctuid moth described by Henry Edwards in 1881. The species is known from North America, with records from Washington state. As a member of the subfamily Heliothinae, it belongs to a group that includes many agricultural pest species, though specific ecological details for H. belladonna remain poorly documented.
Heliothis oregonica
Oregon Gem Moth
Heliothis oregonica, commonly known as the Oregon Gem Moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. First described by Henry Edwards in 1875, this small moth exhibits a disjunct distribution pattern across North America, with populations in western mountain regions and an isolated occurrence in Quebec. Adults are active during summer months.
Heliothodes
Heliothodes is a small genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Heliothinae, containing two described species: H. diminutivus and H. joaquin. The genus was established by Hampson in 1908. At least one species, Heliothodes diminutiva, is a specialist herbivore of tarweed (Madia elegans) in California, where its caterpillars feed on developing flower buds and can completely sterilize host plants.
Heliothodes diminutiva
Small Heliothodes Moth
Heliothodes diminutiva is a small owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, native to western North America. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae feed on the reproductive structures of tarweed (Madia elegans), a sticky annual plant in the Asteraceae family. Adult females lay eggs on developing flower buds, and emerging caterpillars can consume all flowers and buds, potentially sterilizing host plants. This species has been extensively studied in the context of plant indirect defense mechanisms, where trapped insect carrion on sticky plants attracts predators that reduce herbivory.
Microhelia
Microhelia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Heliothinae, established by Hampson in 1910. The genus contains at least one described species, Microhelia angelica. It belongs to the diverse noctuid moth fauna, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in scientific literature.
Microhelia angelica
Microhelia angelica is a small noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1900. It occurs along the Pacific coast of North America from California to Washington. The species has a wingspan of 9–13 mm, making it one of the smaller members of the subfamily Heliothinae. Little is known of its biology beyond basic collection records.
Psectrotarsia hebardi
Stoneroot Flower Moth
Psectrotarsia hebardi is a small noctuid moth in the subfamily Heliothinae, described by Skinner in 1917. It is known from a restricted range in the Appalachian region of the eastern United States. The common name refers to its larval association with stoneroot (Collinsonia canadensis).
Psectrotarsia suavis
Pink Prairie Moth
Psectrotarsia suavis is a small noctuid moth in the subfamily Heliothinae, commonly known as the Pink Prairie Moth. It occurs across the south-central United States and into northern Mexico. The species is characterized by its relatively small size and pinkish coloration.
Pyrrhia
Pyrrhia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Heliothinae, containing approximately eight described species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region. The genus includes the Bordered Sallow moth (Pyrrhia umbra), for which a complete genome sequence has been generated as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project. Species within this genus are medium-sized noctuid moths with characteristic wing patterns.
Pyrrhia aurantiago
Orange Sallow, Aureolaria Seed Borer
Pyrrhia aurantiago, commonly known as the Orange Sallow or Aureolaria Seed Borer, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. The species has a scattered distribution from New England west to Wisconsin and Missouri, extending south to Florida and Texas. It is listed as threatened in Connecticut. The common name "Aureolaria Seed Borer" reflects its documented association with Aureolaria (false foxglove) plants.
Pyrrhia exprimens
Purple-lined Sallow
Pyrrhia exprimens, commonly known as the purple-lined sallow, is a moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Heliothinae. It has a transcontinental distribution spanning North America and northern Eurasia. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1857 and is characterized by moderate size with distinctive wing patterning.
Schinia
flower moths
Schinia is a large genus of flower moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Heliothinae. The genus exhibits a Holarctic distribution, with the vast majority of species occurring in North America. Many species have restricted geographic ranges and specialized larval host plant relationships. Adults are typically colorful and often rest on flowers, where they may be camouflaged against the blossoms.
Schinia acutilinea
Acute-lined Flower Moth, Angled Gem
Schinia acutilinea is a small noctuid moth found in arid western North America. Adults have a wingspan of 25–27 mm and are active in August. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1878 and was synonymized with Schinia accessa by David F. Hardwick in 1996, though subsequent research by Michael G. Pogue suggests this lumped multiple distinct species.
Schinia albafascia
Schinia albafascia is a noctuid moth in the genus Schinia, a diverse group of flower-associated moths known for their colorful appearance and specialized host plant relationships. The species occurs in western North America from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast. Adults are active from mid-summer through early autumn. The larvae feed specifically on Ericameria nauseosa, a shrubby member of the sunflower family.
Schinia antonio
Schinia antonio is a small moth in the family Noctuidae, endemic to southern Texas. It has a wingspan of approximately 9 mm. The larvae are known to feed on species of Aphanostephus, a genus of flowering plants in the aster family. As a member of the genus Schinia, it likely exhibits the flower-associated behavior typical of this group, though specific adult behaviors remain poorly documented.
Schinia arcigera
Arcigera Flower Moth
Schinia arcigera is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Arcigera Flower Moth. First described by Achille Guenée in 1852, this species is widely distributed across North America. The adult moths are active during late summer and early autumn, with flight periods varying by latitude. The larvae are specialized feeders on several species of asters and related plants in the family Asteraceae.
Schinia arefacta
arefacta flower moth
Schinia arefacta, the arefacta flower moth, is a noctuid moth endemic to Florida and Georgia. It belongs to a large genus of flower moths known for their colorful appearance and close association with host plant flowers. The species was described by H. Edwards in 1885. Like other members of the genus Schinia, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and rest on their host plants.
Schinia argentifascia
Schinia argentifascia is a small moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Barnes & McDunnough in 1912. It is known from arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. The species is associated with Ericameria (rabbitbrush) as a larval host. Like other members of the genus Schinia, adults likely rest on or near their host plant flowers.
Schinia aurantiaca
Schinia aurantiaca is a small noctuid moth native to western North America. The species exhibits bright orange coloration and has a wingspan of approximately 17 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on flowers of Eriastrum sapphirinum and Gilia species. Two subspecies are recognized: S. a. aurantiaca and S. a. tenuimargo.
Schinia bicuspida
Schinia bicuspida is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 23 mm. It occurs across the south-central and southwestern United States. The larvae feed on specific host plants in the aster family, including Isocoma drummondii and Machaeranthera annua. Like other members of the genus Schinia, adults are likely associated with the flowers of their larval host plants.
Schinia biforma
Schinia biforma is a small noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1906. It occurs in the south-central United States, with documented records from Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The species has a wingspan of approximately 21 mm. Larvae are known to feed on Amblyolepis setigera, a member of the sunflower family.
Schinia brunnea
A noctuid moth species described in 1913, restricted to desert regions of southern California. Adults fly from late summer to early fall. Very little is known about its biology beyond basic distribution and phenology.
Schinia buta
Schinia buta is a small noctuid moth endemic to the arid regions of southeast California and northwest Nevada. The species has a wingspan of approximately 28 mm. Its larvae are known to feed specifically on Brickellia californica, a member of the aster family. Like other members of the genus Schinia, adults likely rest on or near their host plant flowers.
Schinia carrizoensis
Carrizo flower moth
Schinia carrizoensis is a species of flower moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Osbourne in 2010. It is known only from central California. The wingspan is approximately 31 mm. As a member of the genus Schinia, it likely shares the characteristic behavior of resting on host plant flowers during the day, though specific details for this species remain limited.
Schinia chryselloides
Schinia chryselloides is a small noctuid moth described in 2005, closely related to Schinia chrysellus. It occurs in the south-central United States from eastern Colorado through New Mexico to Texas. Adults fly during summer months and have a wingspan of approximately 21 mm.
Schinia ciliata
Snakeweed Flower Moth
Schinia ciliata, commonly known as the Snakeweed Flower Moth, is a small noctuid moth in the subfamily Heliothinae. It is distributed across the southwestern and south-central United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 22 mm and is closely associated with its larval host plant, Gutierrezia sarothrae. Adults are diurnal and often found resting on or near flowers of their host plant.
Schinia coercita
Schinia coercita is a noctuid moth described by Grote in 1881. It is a member of the flower moth genus Schinia, which contains over 120 species in North America. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and California. Like other Schinia species, adults are likely associated with host plant flowers for feeding and oviposition.
Schinia crotchii
Schinia crotchii is a small noctuid moth in the subfamily Heliothinae. It was formerly treated as a synonym of Schinia cupes but has been restored to full species status based on systematic revision. The species has a restricted distribution in western North America, with larvae that feed specifically on Castilleja exserta.
Schinia cupes
Schinia cupes is a small noctuid moth in the subfamily Heliothinae, described by Grote in 1875. The species is characterized by a wingspan of approximately 30 mm. It exhibits bivoltine flight periods, with adults active in spring and again in late summer. The larvae are specialized feeders on specific host plants in the southwestern United States.
Schinia diffusa
Schinia diffusa is a small noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1891. The species is characterized by a wingspan of 23–28 mm and is known to occur in North America, with confirmed records from Colorado and Texas. Larvae feed specifically on Machaeranthera annua, an annual asteraceous plant. Like other members of the genus Schinia, adults are likely associated with the flowers of their larval host plants.
Schinia dobla
Schinia dobla is a noctuid moth first described by Smith in 1906. The species is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona, California, and Nevada. Its larvae are documented to feed on Ambrosia dumosa, a desert shrub in the sunflower family. Like other members of the genus Schinia, adults likely rest on or near their host plant flowers.
Schinia edwardsii
Schinia edwardsii is a small noctuid moth in the genus Schinia, a diverse group of flower-associated moths often called "flower moths." The species was described by Smith in 1906 and is restricted to the northwestern United States. Like other Schinia species, adults are likely diurnal and associated with specific host plant flowers.
Schinia felicitata
Schinia felicitata is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 27–28 mm, distributed from northern Mexico northward to southern California and southwest Utah. The larvae feed specifically on Oenothera deltoides (desert evening primrose). Like other members of the genus Schinia, adults are likely flower-visitors, though detailed behavioral observations for this species are limited.
Schinia ferrisi
Schinia ferrisi is a noctuid moth described in 2004 by Pogue and Harp. The species is known from a restricted range in the southwestern United States, specifically southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Adults are active in September. As a member of the genus Schinia, it likely shares the group's characteristic association with specific host plants for larval development, though direct observations of this species' biology remain limited.
Schinia gaurae
Clouded Crimson Moth, Clouded Crimson
Schinia gaurae, the clouded crimson moth, is a Noctuidae moth species described by James Edward Smith in 1797. It is widely distributed across North America from the Great Plains to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species exhibits univoltine or bivoltine life history depending on latitude, with larvae specializing on Gaura species. Adults are notable for their distinctive crimson and white coloration.
Schinia honesta
Black-Spotted Gem
Schinia honesta, commonly known as the black-spotted gem, is a small noctuid moth first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881. It is one of approximately 123 species in the genus Schinia found in North America north of Mexico. The species is characterized by its relatively small size, with a wingspan of about 25–26 mm. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with specific host plants for larval development, though detailed life history information remains limited.
Schinia hulstia
Hulst's Flower Moth
Hulst's Flower Moth is a small noctuid moth described by Tepper in 1883. The species was named in honor of George Duryea Hulst, an entomologist and authority on the Catocalinae. It is found across the Great Plains and adjacent regions of western North America, with a wingspan of approximately 24 mm.
Schinia illustra
Schinia illustra is a small moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1906. It is found in the western United States, specifically in Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The wingspan measures 24–26 mm. Like other members of the genus Schinia, adults are likely associated with flowers for nectar and resting.
Schinia immaculata
Schinia immaculata is a small noctuid moth endemic to riparian habitats along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, Arizona. First described in 2004, it is one of the more recently recognized species in the diverse genus Schinia. Adults fly in spring with a wingspan of approximately 20 mm. The larval host plant remains unknown, though the species occurs in vegetation dominated by tamarisk, mesquite, acacia, and desert shrubs.
Schinia indiana
Phlox Moth
Schinia indiana, commonly known as the Phlox Moth, is a small noctuid moth native to the Midwestern United States. The species exhibits a close ecological association with its larval host plant, Phlox pilosa, feeding on its flowers and seed pods. Adults are diurnal and often rest on the host plant flowers, where their coloration provides camouflage. The species was described by Smith in 1908.
Schinia intrabilis
Schinia intrabilis is a small noctuid moth native to the southwestern United States. Adults are active in early spring, with a single generation per year. The species has a wingspan of approximately 23 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on Pluchea sericea, a shrub in the aster family.