Dowdy Plume Moth
Common NameDowdy Plume Moth
Scientific NamePlatyptilia pica
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)21
Primary Colorstan, brown
HabitatOpen fields, meadows, gardens, and disturbed areas where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeWidespread across North America, including much of the United States and southern Canada.
Host PlantsGnaphalium (cudweed), Antennaria (pussytoes), Solidago (goldenrod), various Asteraceae species
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the stems or feed on the flowers and leaves of various Asteraceae host plants, undergoing metamorphosis within the plant or nearby.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its unique resting posture where the deeply cleft, plume-like wings are held straight out from the body, forming a T-shape, and its drab, cryptic coloration.
Description
A small, slender moth characterized by its deeply cleft, feather-like wings, typically light brown to tan, which are held out horizontally in a distinctive T-shape when at rest.
