astronomy-to-zoology: Twenty-plume Moth (Alucita hexadactyla) …a species of many-plumed moth

astronomy-to-zoology:

Twenty-plume Moth(Alucita hexadactyla)

…a species of many-plumed moth (Alucitidae) which is native to parts of Europe, but has been introduced into North America. Like other members of its family A. hexadactyla does not have the typical two pairs of scaled wings other moths have, instead it has ~20 thin plumes (which are also lined with small scales). Adult A. hexadactlya can be seen flying throughout most, if not all, of the year. A. hexadactlya caterpillars feed almost exclusively on honeysukle (Lonicera spp.) and are leaf miners, which means they will tunnel inside the leaf to feed whilst avoiding predators. 

Classification

Animalia-Arthropoda-Insecta-Lepidoptera-Alucitidae-Alucita-A. hexadactyla

Image: ©entomart