Heliocheilus julia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Heliocheilus julia |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
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| Superfamily: |
Noctuoidea
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Heliothinae
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| Genus: |
Heliocheilus
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| Species: |
H. julia
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| Binomial name | |
| Heliocheilus julia (Grote, 1883)
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The Heliocheilus julia is a fascinating type of moth found in North America. It belongs to a large group of moths called Noctuidae, which are known for being active at night. This particular moth is often seen flying around lights after dark. Scientists are still learning about its full life story and what plants its caterpillars like to eat. It's a bit of a mystery!
Contents
About the Heliocheilus julia Moth
The Heliocheilus julia is a small, winged insect. Like all moths, it goes through a complete metamorphosis. This means it changes from an egg, to a larva (caterpillar), to a pupa, and finally to an adult moth.
What is an Owlet Moth?
Owlet moths are a very big family of moths called Noctuidae. They get their name because many of them are active at night, just like owls. This family includes many different kinds of moths, some of which are very common.
Attracted to Light
Like many night-flying insects, the Heliocheilus julia moth is drawn to artificial lights. This is why you might spot them near streetlights or house lights in the evening. Scientists are still studying exactly why moths are attracted to light.
Where the Moth Lives
The Heliocheilus julia moth lives in specific parts of North America. You can find it in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico.
Geographic Range
This moth's home stretches from central New Mexico west into eastern Arizona. It also lives further south, reaching areas like Jalisco, Mexico. This shows it prefers warmer climates.
Life Cycle and Flight Period
The Heliocheilus julia moth has a specific time of year when it is active. It completes its life cycle within a single period each year.
One Brood a Year
This moth has only one brood each year. A brood means all the offspring that are born or hatch at the same time. So, the Heliocheilus julia moth goes through its full life cycle, from egg to adult, just once a year.
When to Spot Them
You are most likely to see the adult Heliocheilus julia moths flying from late July through September. This is their main flight period when they are active and reproducing.
