Plume Moths
Pterophoridae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Pterophoroidea
- Family: Pterophoridae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pterophoridae: /tɛroʊˈfɔrɪdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Pterophoridae, or plume moths, are a family of tiny moths with modified wings that give them a unique appearance. They are distinctive for their slender wings and resting posture, often camouflaging themselves against vegetation. Their larvae exhibit diverse feeding behaviors on herbaceous plants, and some species are used in biological control efforts against invaders.
Physical Characteristics
Wingspan 13-41 mm; adult wings slender, held at right-angles to the body when at rest, T-shaped profile viewed from above; forewing deeply notched along the outer margin; hindwing with three deep lobes, often fringed; legs long and slender, hind tibia 2-3 times longer than femur, sometimes with spines; abdominal terga 2 and 3 generally elongated. Larvae usually hairy or bristly, variously colored.
Identification Tips
Difficult to identify to genus or species; the forewings of plume moths usually consist of two curved spars with bedraggled bristles in trailing position; in contrast to Alucitidae, which have a greater number of symmetrical plumes; wing shape and resting posture resemble dried grass.
Habitat
Adults are commonly found on flowers of herbaceous plants, can be found both during the day and at night, with some species active year-round in southern regions.
Distribution
North America, encompassing various regions where herbaceous plants grow.
Diet
Adult moths feed on nectar and pollen of herbaceous plants; larvae are leafrollers or stem borers of various herbaceous plants, with some species feeding on carnivorous plants (e.g., Trichoptilus parvulus on Pink Sundew).
Life Cycle
Many species form a naked pupa attached by a cremaster to a surface, similar to that of some butterflies; a few species form partial cocoons. May have one to several generations per year.
Ecosystem Role
Some species serve as biological control agents against invasive plant species.
Economic Impact
Some species (e.g., Platyptilia carduidactyla) are pests of economically important crops like artichokes; others affect ornamental plants (e.g., Platyptilia pica, Stenoptilodes antirrhina).
Evolution
A fossil species from the genus Merrifieldia is known from the Oligocene of France; indications that the genus Agdistopis may represent a separate family.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often thought to be closely related to the larger moths and butterflies, though they are smaller and possess uniquely modified wings.
Tags
- Pterophoridae
- plume moths
- Lepidoptera
- insect identification