45.030 Pterophorus pentadactyla White Plume Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 45.030 Pterophorus pentadactyla White Plume Copyright Martin Evans

Pterophoridae

45.030 White Plume Pterophorus pentadactyla (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species:

Forewing: 12 to 16mm

Habitats: Dry grassland, hedgerows, wasteground and gardens.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed in the day. It flies from dusk visiting flowers such as valerians. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The young larva feeds on the underside of a leaf of Hedge Bindweed, Field Bindweed or possibly Sea Bindweed. It makes small holes without affecting the upper surface of the leaf. After overwintering in the leaf litter, it feeds on the leaves and flowers of the foodplants. It pupates under a leaf or on the stem of the foodplant.