H. zea is a species of butterfly in the owl family (Noctuidae) widely distributed in the warmer regions of the Americas. The caterpillars feed polyphagically on a wide range of plants, causing high economic losses in corn, sorghum, cotton and tomato crops, among others. Butterflies show great migratory abilities and are able to temporarily colonize places with much colder climates (e.g., northern Canada, southern Argentina). In the current climatic conditions of Poland, the establishment of sedentary populations of H. zea is very unlikely, but in the case of the development of numerous populations in southern Europe, the territory of our country will be within the range of migrating individuals (a similar situation occurs in the case of its twin species H. armigera). There is also a risk that in case of infestation the species can cause damage to crops under covers - both ornamental plants and vegetables.