Gumweed Plume Moth
Common NameGumweed Plume Moth
Scientific NameAmblyptilia punctidactyla
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsbrown, white, dark brown
HabitatMeadows, fields, gardens, and disturbed areas where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeWidespread across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Host PlantsGumweed (Grindelia spp.), Aster (Aster spp.), Goldenrod (Solidago spp.), Fleabane (Erigeron spp.)
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple generations)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the flowers and seeds of various Asteraceae plants, pupating on the host plant. This species is multivoltine, producing several generations annually.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include its characteristic T-shaped resting posture, the deeply cleft 'plumed' wings, and the mottled brown and white coloration with noticeable white fringes along the wing margins.
Description
A small plume moth distinguished by its deeply cleft, T-shaped wings, which are mottled brown and white with darker streaks and prominent white fringes.
