Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1219453

California Pyrausta Moth
Pyrausta californicalis

Observation date: July 24, 2019
Submitted by: caesura
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: These moths are dormant during the day until about 6 pm when they start congregating on our mint and feverfew plants in large numbers in July and August. I observed one drinking nectar today. They are very sensitive to proximity to larger animals, I was not able to get a camera closer than 1.5 feet and none landed near me until I sat motionless for approx 20 minutes. They seem more interested in feeding than interacting with each other. The feverfew flowers in the photo submitted are typically about 20 mm in diameter.
Status: Unknown
Verified by: mcduck
Verified date: March 09, 2022
Coordinator notes: None.