Alucita hexadactyla

Alucita hexadactyla (twenty-plume moth) is a "micromoth" of the many-plumed moth family (Alucitidae). It is found in Europe and has been introduced into North America.

Twenty-plume moth
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Alucitidae
Genus: Alucita
Species:
A. hexadactyla
Binomial name
Alucita hexadactyla
Synonyms

Description
Feeding signs of a larva

The wingspan is 14–16 mm. Unlike a typical moth, which has two pairs of scaly wings, Alucita has about twenty thin feathery plumes (with scales on the supporting ribs). It perches with the wings outspread like a fan. The wings have a bold zigzag pattern in white, black and brown, which together with the shiny backward-pointing hairs on each plume make the adult moth distinctive. It is also popularly known as the many-plumed moth, while the specific name hexadactyla comes from the Greek for six-fingered.[2][3] Single brooded, it can be found at any time of the year.[4] It is common and often found in gardens, but is readily overlooked because of its small size.

The larvae feed on honeysuckle (Lonicera species) tunnelling in the flower buds and leaves. Holes and darkening of the buds indicate larval feeding. There is disagreement as to whether the larvae are leaf miners or gall causers.[5][6]

References
  1. "Alucita hexadactyla". Fauna Europaea. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  2. Chinery, Michael (2005). Collins Complete Guide to British Insects. London: HarperCollins. p. 270. ISBN 978 0 00 729899 0.
  3. "Twenty-plume Moth (Alucita hexadactyla)". Photography Obsession. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  4. Stirling, Phil; Parsons, Mark; Lewington, Richard (2012). Field Guide to the Micro Moths of Great Britain and Ireland. Gillingham, Dorset: British Wildlife. p. 186. ISBN 978 0 9564902 1 6.
  5. Ellis, W N. "Alucita hexadactyla Linnaeus, 1758 many-plume moth". Plant Parasites of Europe. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  6. Redfern, Margaret; Shirley, Peter; Bloxham, Michael (2011). British Plant Galls (Second ed.). Preston Montford: Field Study Council. p. 157. ISBN 978 1 85153 284 1.



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