Brindled Plume-moth
Common NameBrindled Plume-moth
Scientific NameAmblyptilia punctidactyla
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)20.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatGardens, heathland, open woodlands, meadows, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia, North America
Host PlantsGeranium, Stachys, Mentha, Origanum, Thymus, Calluna
Flight PeriodMay to July, and August to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the flowers, seeds, and leaves of various herbaceous plants. Pupation occurs on the host plant, and the species typically has two generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the unique T-shaped resting posture, the deeply divided forewings and hindwings, and the mottled grey-brown and white cryptic coloration, especially the white fringe at the wing tips.
Description
A small, slender plume moth characterized by its deeply cleft, mottled grey-brown wings with white markings, often resting with its wings held out in a distinctive T-shape.
