Clover Hayworms ruin good hay, but can also cause trouble in homes decked out with dried floral arrangements.
The overall color of Clover Hayworm Moths fall between wine-purple and deeper shades of purple. A wide yellow fringe borders the bottoms of the forewings. Each wing has two yellow angled marks on the outer edge. Faint yellow lines curve across the wings, connecting the left and right spots. These colors and markings are similar to those seen in the Pink-fringed Dolichomia and the Yellow-fringed Dolichomia. Eyes are large and legs are yellow.
The caterpillar of this moth is called the Clover Hayworm. Clover hay is harvested and bundled for use as horse feed. The larvae worm their way into haystacks and cover them with caterpillar silk. Inside, they feed on the leaves of the clover plant, ruining the bundles. A full-on infestation can occur inside hay barns making them an agricultural pest. Their diet also leaves room for other dried plant matter and homes decorating with dried flowers may also see activity. Dried herbs are also attractive food sources. In their natural environment, however, the Clover Hayworm Moth and its larvae are not considered a nuisance.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Pyralidae
Genus:Hypsopygia
Species:costalis
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Hypsopygia costalis
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 13mm to 19mm (0.51in to 0.74in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: purple, red, yellow, pink; brown
