Lantana Plume Moth
Common NameLantana Plume Moth
Scientific NameLantanophaga pusillidactyla
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)11
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical areas, gardens, disturbed lands, areas with Lantana
Geographic RangeNative to Neotropics; introduced globally to regions with Lantana, including North America, Central America, South America, Africa, Asia, Australia
Host PlantsLantana camara, Lantana spp., Lippia spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates; multiple generations in warmer months elsewhere
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on Lantana leaves. Larvae bore into flower heads and stems, feeding on flowers and developing seeds. Pupation occurs on the plant. Multivoltine.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its unique T-shaped resting posture with wings held out horizontally and deeply cleft into plumes. Mottled brown/grey coloration and small size, often found near Lantana plants.
Description
A small, slender moth with distinctive T-shaped, deeply cleft wings that are mottled brown and grey, often with dark markings. Its body is also slender and brownish.
