Speedwell Plume Moth
Common NameSpeedwell Plume Moth
Scientific NameStenoptilia pterodactyla
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)23
Primary Colorsbrown, tan
HabitatGardens, meadows, waste ground, open woodlands, anywhere its host plants grow.
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia, introduced to North America.
Host PlantsVeronica chamaedrys, Veronica officinalis, Veronica serpyllifolia
Flight PeriodMay to June (first generation), July to September (second generation)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae feed internally within the leaves and stems of various Speedwell species. Pupation occurs on the host plant.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its T-shaped resting posture, the deeply cleft 'plumed' wings, and its association with Speedwell plants. The overall plain brown coloration helps distinguish it from other plume moths.
Description
A small, slender plume moth with distinctive deeply cleft, feather-like wings held out horizontally at rest, giving it a T-shaped appearance. Its coloration is typically plain yellowish-brown to light brown.
