Alternaria Plume Moth
Common NameAlternaria Plume Moth
Scientific NameSingularia alternaria
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)21
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatOpen fields, grasslands, disturbed areas, gardens, where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread across the continent).
Host PlantsArtemisia (e.g., sagebrush, wormwood)
Flight PeriodMay to October (often bivoltine, with two generations per year).
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are internal feeders, boring into the stems or feeding on the flowers and leaves of their host plants, primarily species of Artemisia.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its characteristic T-shaped resting posture with wings held outstretched at right angles to the body, and the deeply divided, plume-like wings. The mottled grey-brown pattern and striped abdomen are key features for this species.
Description
A small, slender moth with deeply cleft, feather-like wings that are mottled grey, brown, and white. Its abdomen is typically striped longitudinally.
