Hellinsia stramineus complex

Straw-colored Plume Moth

Sort #: 1345 | P #: 630107.3 | MPG #: 6206
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Larval feeding type: ? in the flower heads
Larval substrate: Solidago (Goldenrod)
Phenology: Adult: 8/03 to 9/03 (13 records)

Comment: In the latest North American list (Pohl & Nanz, 2023) H. "pectodactylus" was split into three species (H. stramineus, H. angustus and H. poulini). BOLD:ACF3437 has been confirmed for Massachusetts (2 specimens) and that DNA BIN almost certainly refers to H. angustus. This is a small (15-19mm) pale yellow Hellinsia, usually narrowly shaded brown from the base near the dorsum across the wing and into the first lobe, reaching the costa at 3/4. BOLD:AAB6414 (probably H. poulini) might also occur, but so far has only been found in eastern Canada. The shading appears to be more pronounced.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Fairly widespread, uncommon
Status in N. America: Holarctic
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1898
Last Year Reported: 2025

Distribution by County: Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes
Number of Records: 14