Pterophoridae

45.004 Triangle Plume Platyptilia gonodactyla ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Common

Similar species:

Forewing: 9 to 13mm

Habitats: Wasteground, quarries, embankments and rough grassland.

Habits: The moth flies at dusk and later comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the leaves of Colt's-foot and possibly Butterbur. The autumn generation larva initially mines the leaves, then overwinters in a stem base. In the spring it feeds on the spun buds and flowers and later the seeds, which may cause the heads to wilt. It pupates in the seed-head in a downy cocoon. The summer generation larva also mines a leaf, then feeds on the undersides of it causing "windows". It pupates under the leaf.