Ragweed Plume Moth
Common NameRagweed Plume Moth
Scientific NameOidaematophorus ambrosiae
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, dark brown
HabitatFields, disturbed areas, roadsides, gardens, anywhere ragweed grows
Geographic RangeNorth America (southern Canada to Mexico)
Host PlantsRagweed (Ambrosia spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stem borers or leaf miners on various ragweed species, undergoing typical complete metamorphosis from egg to larva, pupa, and adult.
Identification TipsKey features include the unique T-shaped resting posture, deeply divided wings, and mottled brown-grey pattern, often found in association with ragweed plants.
Description
A small, slender plume moth characterized by its deeply cleft, feathery wings held in a distinctive T-shape at rest, displaying mottled grey-brown coloration.
