Sri Lanka Plume Moth
Common NameSri Lanka Plume Moth
Scientific NamePterophorus niveodactyla
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, cream
HabitatGardens, grasslands, open disturbed areas, agricultural fields
Geographic RangeWidespread in Old World tropics and subtropics, including Sri Lanka, Africa, Asia, and Australia
Host PlantsBidens pilosa, Lactuca sativa, Sonchus oleraceus
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically external feeders on the leaves or flowers of various herbaceous host plants. Pupation often occurs on the host plant.
Identification TipsKey features include its distinctive T-shaped resting posture and the deeply divided, plume-like wings. The mottled brown and cream coloration with darker streaks helps in identification.
Description
A small, slender moth with deeply cleft, feathery wings that are typically held out to the sides in a T-shape when at rest. Its coloration is mottled brown and cream, providing camouflage.
