Insect
Clover Hayworm Moth
Hypsopygia costalisAlso known as Gold Triangle, Clover Hay Moth
Sporting a rich purplish-chestnut sheen and bold golden-yellow markings, this small snout moth rests with its wings held flat and its abdomen characteristically cocked upward. The larvae spin extensive silken webs through damp or decaying haystacks, where dense infestations can foul stored livestock forage with frass and moisture. Adults take flight primarily at dusk and during warm summer nights, frequently fluttering toward artificial lights around farms, outbuildings, and suburban yards.
NocturnalAgriculturalMoth
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyDried red clover, Alfalfa hay, Decaying plant thatch
Predators
- Insectivorous bats
- Jumping spiders
- Barn swallows
ThreatsModern bale wrapping techniques, improved dry storage practices, and pesticide use
HabitatsHay barns, stables, agricultural fields, meadows, and pastures
Life span1 to 2 months from egg to adult; adults live 1 to 3 weeks
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyPyralidae
- GenusHypsopygia
- SpeciesHypsopygia costalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans and pets, though larvae can spoil livestock fodder.
Responsible observation
- Night Viewing: Check illuminated walls, porch lights, and sheet setups near pastures after twilight.
- Storage Monitoring: Inspect the lower, damper tiers of haystacks for telltale webbing and larval silk.
Host Plant "Red Clover" by randihausken is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Predator (c) Donald Davesne, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Donald Davesne · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Christian Kahle · cc0
Family Member (c) Rosario Douglas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rosario Douglas · cc-by
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Species set
Moonlight Marvels
Clover Hayworm Moth is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
—/7
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.