Hellinsia balanotes (Pterophorinae)

The adult moth is pale brown with a prominent dark dot on the hind margin of the foremost lobe. There is an arc of dark dots around the forewing margin. The moth has a wingspan of about 3 cms. The species occurs naturally in  southern USA, and northern Mexico, but now can also be found in Australia in  Queensland, and New South Wales. The species was imported from Florida into Australia to control the weed:  Groundsel Bush ( Baccharis halimifolia , Asteraceae).

Regional distribution

Hellinsia balanotes is listed in the following regions: