Artichoke Plume Moth
Common NameArtichoke Plume Moth
Scientific NamePlatyptilia carduidactyla
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)21
Primary Colorslight brown, tan, dark brown
HabitatFields, gardens, agricultural areas, thistle patches
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread in US and parts of Canada), introduced to Europe and Australia
Host PlantsArtichoke (Cynara scolymus), Thistles (Cirsium spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae bore into stems, flower heads, or leaf petioles of thistles and artichokes, causing damage. Pupation occurs on the host plant.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its unique T-shaped resting posture, deeply divided forewings and hindwings (each into two or three plumes), and the specific mottled brown pattern. The presence of artichoke or thistle plants is also a strong indicator.
Description
A small, slender moth with deeply cleft, plume-like wings held horizontally in a distinctive T-shape when at rest. Its coloration is mottled light brown and tan with darker brown markings.
