White Plume Moth
Common NameWhite Plume Moth
Scientific NamePterophorus lacteipennis
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)16
Primary Colorswhite, pale green
HabitatGardens, meadows, disturbed areas, and open woodlands where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeWidespread across Africa, Asia (including India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan), Australia, and parts of Europe.
Host PlantsLactuca, Sonchus, Crepis
Flight PeriodMultiple generations, year-round in tropical regions; spring to autumn in temperate zones.
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on leaves, and pupation typically occurs on the host plant before adults emerge.
Identification TipsRecognizable by its pure white to pale greenish coloration, deeply divided (plumed) wings, and characteristic T-shaped resting posture with wings spread horizontally.
Description
A small, slender plume moth characterized by its pale white to very light greenish body and deeply cleft, feathery wings, which are held out in a distinctive T-shape at rest.
