Information

The Pterophoridae or plume-moths are a family of Lepidoptera with unusually modified wings. The fore-wings consist of (usually) two curved spars with more or less bedraggled bristles trailing behind (compare the greater number of symmetrical plumes of the Alucitidae). The hind wings are similarly constructed on three spars. A few genera have normal lepidopteran wings.

The usual resting posture is with the wings extended laterally and narrowly rolled up. Often they resemble a piece of dried grass, and may pass unnoticed by potential predators even when resting in exposed situations in daylight. Some species have caterpillars which are stem- or root-borers while others are leaf-browsers.

Economically important pterophorids include the artichoke plume moth (Platyptilia carduidactyla), a pest in California, while the geranium plume moth (Platyptilia pica)and the Snapdragon plume moth (Stenoptilodes antirrhina) can cause damage to their respective host garden plants.

Other plume-moths have been used as biological control agents against invasive plant species - Lantanophaga pusillidactyla against shrub verbena (Lantana camara), and Oidematophorus beneficus against mist flower (Ageratina riparia).

Subfamilies in this Superfamily

Agdistinae, Deuterocopinae, Macropiratinae, Ochyroticinae, Pterophorinae

List of Species We Have Photos and Information On

(c) David McCormick 2008