Subject: Identification
Location: Hoghton, Lancs. UK. PR5 0JY.
September 6, 2014 8:26 am
I photographed this creature on the wall of my house, It appears to have a fixed wing cover for its flight wings. Unfortunately it disappeared in a flash as I wasn’t looking. I have checked several books but can’t see anything like it. I have from the photo calculated it’s dimensions as 30mm wingspan and
15mm. body length.
Signature: J.B. Lewis (Mr.)
Dear Mr. J.B. Lewis,
This is a Plume Moth in the family Pterophoridae, but we are not certain of the species.
Hi
We have just read that the moth which we often see in our home is a Plume moth. Could you please tell us what they feed on. Also during the autumn is it better to let them stay indoors or best to put them outside to survive.
Thank you.
Jeannette Pointon (Portsmouth, England)
Individual species feeding requirements can be found on the UK Moths site. Insects that find their way into homes, unless they are hibernating, are best put back outside.
I thought you might enjoy reading more about plume moths. Here’s a wiki link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pterophoridae.
The photographs of various species are particularly interesting. I wonder if any more such moths have found their way into your home ….
Best wishes,
Dar Churcher, Victoria, Canada