Pterophoridae

45.038 Plain Plume Hellinsia tephradactyla (Hübner, [1813])

Notable B

Similar species:

Forewing: 9 to 11mm

Habitats: Woodland or rocky coastal slopes.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed in the day. It flies from dusk and later comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva makes many holes in the leaves of Goldenrod. It feeds nocturnally preferring plants in the shade or on north facing slopes. During the day it rests under a leaf or on its stem. The partly grown larva hibernates and recommences feeding in March under one of the lower leaves. It pupates under a leaf or on a stem.