Plume Moth

Description:

The hindwing has two patches of black scales on its dorsum, which protrude when the rest of the hindwing is covered by the forewing. Amblyptilia acanthadactyla may be distinguished by its warm reddish brown colour from the greyish brown of A. punctidactyla.

Habitat:

The larvae feed in June and in August on the flowers and young leaves of a large range of plants, including restharrow, Hedge woundwort, cranesbills and cultivated geraniums, goosefoots, heathers and mints. On the continent, it has also been reported on Salvia, Teucrium scorodonia, Lavandula, Euphrasia, Carlina, Vaccinium, Calamintha and Nepeta.

Notes:

There are two generations, with moths on the wing in July and again from September onwards, flying after hibernation until May. The adults are attracted to light. Information obtained from: http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=1108 and http://www.hantsmoths.org.uk/species/149... and http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/galler...