Yarrow Plume Moth
Common NameYarrow Plume Moth
Scientific NameGillmeria pallidactyla
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsbeige, light brown, cream
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, gardens, waste ground, and other areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia, and introduced to North America
Host PlantsAchillea millefolium, Tanacetum vulgare, Artemisia
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are internal stem-borers, feeding within the stems and flowerheads of yarrow and related plants. Pupation occurs on the host plant.
Identification TipsKey features include the deeply divided, plume-like wings, pale mottled brown coloration, and the characteristic resting posture with wings spread horizontally.
Description
A small, slender moth characterized by its distinctive deeply cleft, feather-like wings, which are typically held out horizontally at rest. Its coloration is generally pale beige to light brown with subtle darker mottling.
