HIMMELMAN’S PLUME MOTH
Geina tenuidactylus
PLUME MOTHS (Pterophoridae)
This Plume Moth has a wing span of approximately 7/8 inch. The forewing is reddish-brown with white markings and a white fringe of hairs around the side and bottom of the wing. The abdomen is also reddish-brown with showy, white markings. The antennae and legs are checkered gray and white. The outer margin of the forewing is deeply notched. The hindwing is divided into 3 fringed lobes that look like plumes. The larvae are small, green and covered with blond hairs.
The frequency of occurrence of this moth at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is not known. One individual has been photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in late May. The adult frequents flowers and is attracted to artificial lights.
There are 4 species in the genus Geina. Geina buscki and Geina tenuidactylus are identical looking, so it’s possible that this could be G. tenuidactylus. The larva probably feeds on leaves of fruit such as grapes and raspberries.
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