Hourglass Plume Moth
Common NameHourglass Plume Moth
Scientific NameStenoptilia pterodactyla
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open woodlands, damp areas
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North America
Host PlantsPlantago lanceolata, Plantago major
Flight PeriodMay to June, July to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed internally within the leaves and stems of plantain species, eventually pupating on the host plant before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsLook for the unique T-shaped resting posture with wings held outstretched and deeply divided into feather-like lobes. The mottled brown and grey coloration is also characteristic.
Description
A small, slender moth characterized by its deeply cleft, 'plumed' wings, typically mottled in shades of brown and grey, often resting with its wings held out horizontally in a distinctive T-shape.
