Twenty-plume Moth - Alucita hexadactyla

Alternative names
Many-plumed Moth
Description

Wingspan 14-16 mm. The English name of this unusual little moth is something of a misnomer, as each wing is separated into 6 'plumes'. The scientific name is more accurate, meaning 'six-fingered'. It is the only British member of its family.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Gardens and open woodland.

When to see it

It can be found in the adult stage at almost any time of year, it is nocturnal and attracted to light.

Life History

The larva feeds on the leaves and buds of Honeysuckle.

UK Status

It is fairly common throughout Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)

Reference
44.001 BF1288

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Twenty-plumed Moth, Twenty-plume Moth or Many-plumed Moth, Twenty-plume Moth
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Alucitidae
Records on NatureSpot:
263
First record:
24/04/2004 (Skevington, Mark)
Last record:
30/09/2024 (Pochin, Christine)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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