Pterophoridae: Pterophorinae

1513 (ABH45.030) White Plume Moth Pterophorus pentadactyla, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR05485

 Photo © Peter Bissell
White Plume Moth
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Pupal casing
Pupal casing
 Photo © Peter Bissell


General Information

The pure white wings of this species split from about halfway into feathery plumes (2 on the forewing, 3 on the hindwing).

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Wingspan: 24-35mm.
Foodplant(s): Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
Flying: Two overlapping generations, June-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Grassland, fens, waste ground and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 108 (40%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 31 March to 15 October

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 05 May to 12 July

Similar Species


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Hairy
Colours:
Green, yellow, black, white
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5