Agonopterix alstroemeriana — Poison Hemlock Moth

(Clerck, 1759)

Hodges# 0874.1

Etymology

Agonopterix: Combines the Greek agon, meaning “contest” or “an assembly,” and pterix, meaning “wing.”

alstroemeriana: Name after the Swedish naturalist, Baron Clas Alstromer (1736 – 1794), who was a student of Carl Linnaeus. The Latin suffix “iana” is used to form proper nouns.

Pronunciation

ag-uhn-op-triks al-stre-mirh-ee-ay-nuh

Other Common Names

Hemlock moth and Defoliating Hemlock Moth

Documented Occurrences

This map shows the verified sightings of the poison hemlock moth in Indiana. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).

GAIN LP Sightings of the Poison Hemlock Moth

Date	County	Observer	Notes	Image1	Image2
2023-06-21	St. Joseph	Mysore, Keshava
2023-06-21	St. Joseph	Mysore, Keshava
2023-04-14	Lake	Halon, Joelle
2023-04-08	Porter	Joll, Chris
2023-04-08	Porter	Joll, Chris
2023-04-03	Lake	Welton, Rick
2022-12-24	Porter	Hallock, Rob
2022-12-24	Porter	Hallock, Rob
2022-12-24	Porter	Hallock, Rob
2022-12-24	Porter	Hallock, Rob

Observation Details	Images
Date: 2023-06-21 County: St. Joseph Observer: Mysore, Keshava Notes:
Date: 2023-06-21 County: St. Joseph Observer: Mysore, Keshava Notes:
Date: 2023-04-14 County: Lake Observer: Halon, Joelle Notes:
Date: 2023-04-08 County: Porter Observer: Joll, Chris Notes:
Date: 2023-04-08 County: Porter Observer: Joll, Chris Notes:
Date: 2023-04-03 County: Lake Observer: Welton, Rick Notes:
Date: 2022-12-24 County: Porter Observer: Hallock, Rob Notes:
Date: 2022-12-24 County: Porter Observer: Hallock, Rob Notes:
Date: 2022-12-24 County: Porter Observer: Hallock, Rob Notes:
Date: 2022-12-24 County: Porter Observer: Hallock, Rob Notes:

Agonopterix alstroemeriana Sightings by Month

Notes

• Accidentally, introduced into North America, the poison hemlock moth was first observed in New York in 1973.
• This moth overwinters as an adult.

Floral Associates

Poison hemlock moth larvae are specialized feeders on poison hemlock (Conium maculatum).

Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Family	Taxonomic Name	Common Name
Order: Apiales
Apiaceae	Conium maculatum	poison hemlock