Hellinsia elliottii

(Fernald, 1893)
Elliot's Plume Moth

Sort #: 1343 | P #: 630105 | MPG #: 6204
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Larval feeding type: On the leaves
Larval substrate: Eutrochium maculatum* (Spotted Joe-Pye Weed)
Phenology: Adult: 6/17 to 7/30 (26 records)

Comment: Ground color is pure white, similar to H. homodactyla and cannot always be reliably distinguished from a photo. The species can be distinguished by the presence of median and terminal tufts on the middle tibiae. Both species have a single tuft on the fore tibiae. Larva is similar to O. eupatorii and can occur on the same plant at the same time, but is a more uniform brighter green, with pure white hairs.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Widespread, common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1910
Last Year Reported: 2026

Distribution by County: Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket
Number of Records: 46