"Plume moths" come in many shades and patterns.
When at rest in their crucifix shape their wings are furled like sails but when they fly they reveal unusual, feather-like under-wings.
BEAUTIFUL PLUME MOTH, Amblyptilia acanthadactyla, is one of the commonest plume moths, usually recognisable by the warm rusty brown patches
in the dark brown wing tip.
Wingspan 17-23mm; UK flight time Jul, Sep-Oct and again in the spring. They hibernate as adults.
WHITE PLUME MOTH, Pterophorus pentadactyla (five-fingered), being all white and with elongated wings like feathers or plumes,
is one of the largest of the group and, with its feathered wings on show, demonstrates why they are called "plume" moths.
Wingspan 26-34mm; UK flight time Jun-Sep.
COMMON PLUME MOTH, Emmelina monodactyla, is a light brown-greyish coloured plume moth, also relatively common.
Wingspan 18-27mm; in the UK, flies most of the year.
PLUME MOTH, Platyptilia pallidactyla, is a light sandy brown plume moth with whitish patches. Wingspan 23-27mm; UK flight time Jun-Jul.