Hellinsia inquinatus

(Zeller, 1873)
Black-marked Plume Moth

Sort #: 760 | P3 #: 460087 | MPG #: 6186 | PFG Page #: 128
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Larval feeding type: On young foliage
Larval substrate: Ambrosia artemissiifolia (Common Ragweed), Ambrosia trifida (Giant Ragweed), Parthenium hysterophorus (Santa Maria Feverfew)
Phenology: Adult: 6/18 to 9/13 (27 records)

Comment: Forewings generally heavily sprinkled with grayish-black, with two black spots on the costa, a larger one at the start of the cleft and smaller one beyond that. Sometimes the species can be more brownish with a whitish patch around the cleft.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Fairly widespread, fairly common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1890
Last Year Reported: 2023

Distribution by County: Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket
Number of Records: 34