Black-marked Plume Moth
Common NameBlack-marked Plume Moth
Scientific NamePlatyptilia gonodactyla
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, gardens, disturbed areas, often near host plants
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, Asia (Palearctic), introduced to North America
Host PlantsTussilago farfara, Petasites hybridus, Artemisia vulgaris, Senecio jacobaea
Flight PeriodMay to June, and July to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the stems, flower heads, or leaves of various Asteraceae plants. Pupation typically occurs on the host plant.
Identification TipsRecognizable by its T-shaped resting posture and deeply cleft wings. The forewings are grey-brown with mottled patterns and a distinct black mark near the costa.
Description
A small, slender moth with deeply cleft, greyish-brown mottled wings, often held outstretched in a distinctive T-shape when at rest.
