FEATHERDUSTER AGONOPTERIX

FEATHERDUSTER AGONOPTERIX

Agonopterix pulvipennella
DEPRESSARIID FAMILY (Depressrariidae)

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The Featherduster moth has a forewing that is approximately 1/2 inch long. This is a small, flattish moth with long up-curving labial palps. The area behind the head is tan which is bordered at the bottom by a black bar. The forewing is light brown overall with tan and black speckling. There are 2 small black dots above the orbicular spot which is a blackish smudge. There is a tiny white dot below the orbicular spot in the median area. The hindwing is grayish-brown.

 

This moth has been seen and photographed twice, the first time coming to lights at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center on May 30, 2015 and the second time on March 14, 2016. All species of this family are attracted to lights.

 

The larvae eat the leaves of Goldenrod and Nettle. The caterpillars are usually leaf miners or leaf tiers.

 

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