Lepidoptera Platyptilia Gonodactyla Moth
This is one of the commonest of the Pterophorida, generally appearing in our gardens and in waste places towards the end of May, and continuing with us for some time. It starts from its retreat at or before sunset, and remains on the wing after dark.
Its fore wings are ochreous grey, with a narrow brown costal margin, and a triangular brown patch on the costa. Beyond this patch the wing is cleft. The hind wings consist of three distinct brownish plumes, the third of which has a small tuft of black scales projecting from the middle of the inner margin.
The caterpillar feeds on the flower stalks of the coltsfoot during March and April.