Beautiful Plume Moth
Common NameBeautiful Plume Moth
Scientific NameAmblyptilia acanthadactyla
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, white
HabitatGardens, hedgerows, woodland edges, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia, North America (introduced)
Host PlantsGeranium, Stachys, Primula, Aquilegia, honeysuckle
Flight PeriodMay to June, August to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed internally on the stems or flowers of various herbaceous plants, pupating on the host plant. It is typically bivoltine.
Identification TipsKey features include its distinctive deeply divided, plume-like wings, which are held outstretched at right angles to the body when at rest, and its mottled brown and tan cryptic coloration.
Description
A slender moth characterized by its deeply cleft, feather-like wings, which are typically mottled brown and tan, often with white markings.
