Swan-feather Dwarf
Common NameSwan-feather Dwarf
Scientific NameStenoptilia pterodactyla
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorspale grey, white
HabitatMeadows, damp grasslands, fens, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North Africa
Host PlantsVeronica chamaedrys, Veronica serpyllifolia
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae bore into the stems or feed on leaves and flowers of speedwells, pupating on the host plant.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, uniform pale coloration, and characteristic tightly rolled, feathery plume wings when at rest. Often found near its speedwell host plants.
Description
A small, slender plume moth with pale greyish-white wings that are deeply cleft into feathery plumes, held tightly along the body at rest, giving it a stick-like appearance.
