Araliad plume
Common NameAraliad plume
Scientific NamePlatyptilia pallidactyla
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Primary Colorswhite, pale green
HabitatMeadows, gardens, waste ground, woodland edges
Geographic RangeNorth America, Europe, Asia (Holarctic)
Host Plantsyarrow, mugwort, goldenrod, aralia
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the stems or feed on the flowers and leaves of various host plants, primarily in the Asteraceae and Araliaceae families. Pupation occurs on the host plant.
Identification TipsRecognizable by its unique plume-like wings, which are held out at right angles to the body when at rest, and its generally pale, unpatterned coloration. The slender body and antennae are also characteristic.
Description
A small, slender moth with pale whitish-grey wings deeply cleft into feathery plumes, giving it a delicate, almost stick-like appearance at rest.
