Heliothis phloxiphagus

Spotted Straw

This is a day-flying species, which can be seen over sand dunes in the summer. Like Cucullia montanae, the caterpillar feeds on the flowers of Gumweed Grindelia integrifolia, and it is a wonder how the caterpillars do not get caught in the gum. This caterpillar has a rather oily appearance, and I have wondered if this somehow protects it against getting stuck. After the caterpillars pupate, some moths emerge in the fall, others wait until the following spring.