Sunflower head moth

Sunflower head moth and are attracted to blooming sunflowers to lay eggs. Larvae begin to tunnel into seeds and other head tissue from July to August and each larva can destroy four to six seeds during development. Younger sunflower moth larvae feed primarily on florets and pollen. Older larvae tunnel through immature seeds and other parts of the head. As the larvae feed and spin silken threads, the dying florets and frass give the sunflower head a trashy appearance.