Yellow Featherfoot
Common NameYellow Featherfoot
Scientific NameOxyptilus chrysodactyla
FamilyPterophoridae
SubfamilyPterophorinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsyellow, orange, brown, black
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host PlantsCirsium spp. (thistles), Centaurea spp. (knapweeds)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the flower heads and stems of thistles and knapweeds. Pupation occurs on the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic plume moth posture with tightly rolled wings. The yellowish-orange coloration with specific dark spots on the forewings, combined with the feathery legs, are key identifiers.
Description
A small, slender plume moth with yellowish-orange forewings marked with a few distinct black spots. Its wings are typically held tightly rolled at rest, giving it a stick-like appearance.
