Common NameFlax BollwormSeasonalityAdults are on the wing from late May through July.IdentificationA small (2.4-2.6 cm. wingspan) moth with a pale brown forewing and black and white hindwing. The forewing has darker red-brown scaling at the base, a dark brown median band incorporating the large black reniform spot, a narrower dark brown subterminal band constricted in the middle and separated by a thin pale line from a slightly paler brown terminal band and a red-brown fringe. Hindwing is white with a large black discal cresent and a broad black terminal band containing an indistinct pale spot near the anal angle; fringe white. Separated from H. phloxiphagus by smaller size, brown rather than tan forewing color and the lack of fine spotting on the forewing. H. oregonicus is darker, has a broader dark median band and a large orbicular spot, frequently fused with the reniform and median band.
Scientific NameHeliothis ononisCommon Name
Flax Bollworm
Habitat
Prairie grassland, meadows, cropland, roadsides and clearings.
Seasonality
Adults are on the wing from late May through July.
Identification
A small (2.4-2.6 cm. wingspan) moth with a pale brown forewing and black and white hindwing. The forewing has darker red-brown scaling at the base, a dark brown median band incorporating the large black reniform…
A small (2.4-2.6 cm. wingspan) moth with a pale brown forewing and black and white hindwing. The forewing has darker red-brown scaling at the base, a dark brown median band incorporating the large black reniform spot, a narrower dark brown subterminal band constricted in the middle and separated by a thin pale line from a slightly paler brown terminal band and a red-brown fringe. Hindwing is white with a large black discal cresent and a broad black terminal band containing an indistinct pale spot near the anal angle; fringe white. Separated from H. phloxiphagus by smaller size, brown rather than tan forewing color and the lack of fine spotting on the forewing. H. oregonicus is darker, has a broader dark median band and a large orbicular spot, frequently fused with the reniform and median band.
Life History
The flax bollworm feeds on a variety of low plants, but can also be a rather serious pest in cultivated flax crops. Like other members of the family, they feed on flower parts and the developing seeds, in the case of…
The flax bollworm feeds on a variety of low plants, but can also be a rather serious pest in cultivated flax crops. Like other members of the family, they feed on flower parts and the developing seeds, in the case of flax leaving an empty husk.
Conservation
None. Occasional agricultural pest.
Diet Info
Like most members of the genus, it will utilize a number of low plant species. Flax (Linum) is a favored host, and it can be a serious pest on cultivated flax .
Range
Primarily western, from south-central Manitoba west to BC, north to NWT and Yukon, and Alaska and south to Colorado. Also found in Eurasia.
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Citation
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Page Citation for Heliothis ononis
Page Citation
"Species Details - Heliothis ononis, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-274. Accessed 04 Mar. 2025.
References
AuthorHardwick, D. F.
TitleA monograph to the North American Heliothentinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
Publication Date1996
Pages281
Specimen Information
There are 24 specimens of this Species.
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24 results plotted on map in 12 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.