Many-plume Moths
Alucitidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Alucitoidea
- Family: Alucitidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Alucitidae: //ˌæljʊˈsɪtɪdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Alucitidae, or many-plumed moths, are characterized by their uniquely modified wings with feather-like plumes. They are a small family with about 210 species worldwide, primarily found in temperate to subtropical regions. The taxonomy is somewhat unclear, with relationships to other moth families being explored.
Physical Characteristics
Wingspan 10-15 mm. Adults have feather-like plumes made of rigid spines and flexible bristles, normally spread apart like a fan when at rest; six plumes per wing for a total of twenty-four. Larvae have a pink body.
Identification Tips
Look for the distinctive feather-like wing structure and small size. Feather-like plumes are diagnostic characteristics.
Habitat
Found mostly in temperate to subtropical regions; larvae are borers in fruits, flowers, buds, or stems of host plants.
Distribution
Quebec and northeastern states to Florida, west to California, north to British Columbia and Northwest Territories, and represented in Europe and several other regions worldwide.
Diet
Larvae feed on honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) and snowberry (Symphoricarpos spp.), both of which belong to the family Caprifoliaceae.
Life Cycle
Adults fly in spring and again in late summer/fall; larvae develop inside flowers of host plants and pupate in delicate fish-net cocoons.
Evolution
The taxonomy of this family is somewhat disputed, with relationships to Tineodidae and Pterophoroidea being of significance; there are likely polyphyletic relationships involved.
Similar Taxa
- Tineodidae
- Pterophoroidea
- Copromorphoidea
Tags
- Alucitidae
- Many-plume Moths
- Lepidoptera
- Alucita