Dame's Rocket Moth
Common NameDame's Rocket Moth
Scientific NamePlutella porrectella
FamilyPlutellidae
SubfamilyPlutellinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorscream, brown, grey
HabitatGardens, disturbed areas, woodlands, fields where host plants are present
Geographic RangeEurope, North America (introduced)
Host PlantsHesperis matronalis, Brassicaceae
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of Dame's Rocket and other plants in the mustard family. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, and the species typically has multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, long antennae, and the characteristic pale forewings with brown stripes and a dark spot near the apex. Often found near its primary host plant, Dame's Rocket.
Description
A small, slender moth with long antennae, featuring pale cream forewings marked with distinct longitudinal brown stripes and a darker patch near the wing tip.
