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Pterophoridae

Pronunciation:  [Terro·FOUR⋅i·dee]

Common Name:  Plume moths

Description:  Pterophorids have very narrow wings which they hold at right angles to the body when at rest.   Both fore- and hindwings are deeply notched or fringed.   All legs are long and slender with conspicuous spines at each joint.   The tops of the compound eyes often wrap slightly around the base of the antennae.  Larvae are leafrollers or stem borers.

Spot ID Key Characters:

  1. Slender wings held at right angles to body
  2. Long, slender legs with prominent spines
  3. Compound eyes wrap around base of antennae

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Order:  Lepidoptera