Eupatorium Plume Moth
Common NameEupatorium Plume Moth
Scientific NameAdaina ambrosiae
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Primary Colorspale brown, grayish-brown, white
HabitatOpen fields, meadows, disturbed areas, gardens, and other habitats where host plants grow.
Geographic RangeNorth America, widespread across the eastern and central United States, extending into Canada and Mexico.
Host PlantsEupatorium, Ambrosia, Solidago, Helianthus, Rudbeckia
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stem borers or feed within the flower heads of various composite plants, pupating on the host plant.
Identification TipsKey features include the deeply cleft, feather-like wings held horizontally at rest, forming a 'T' shape, and its pale mottled brown coloration. Often found near its host plants like Eupatorium and ragweed.
Description
A small, slender moth characterized by its pale brownish-white, deeply cleft wings mottled with darker speckles, often resting with wings held out horizontally in a 'T' shape.
