The Goldenrod Flower Moth is about 3/4 inch long. The forewing is white with a variable amount of light tan-gold markings. The orbicular spot is a tiny black dot. The large, black reniform spot is hour-glass shaped. The hindwing is white with a brownish subterminal line. The caterpillar is green to yellow with dark lines on the sides and is under an inch long when mature.
The frequency of occurrence of the Goldenrod Flower Moth in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is unknown. It is considered to be common, but it has only been photographed once at Neale Woods Nature Reserve in early August. This moth is usually seen on goldenrod flowers. The one shown here was probably attracted to lights in the building.
The host plants are goldenrods and asters. The caterpillars feed mostly at night. There is one generation a year with mature caterpillars in late summer and fall. Adults of some Schinia species feed only on flowers of the larval food plants.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Babs Padelford.