Many-plumed moth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Many-plumed moths |
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| Twenty-plume Moth (Alucita hexadactyla) |
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Glossata
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Heteroneura
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Alucitidae
Leach, 1815
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The many-plumed moths are a special group of moths called the Alucitidae. They are famous for their very unusual wings! Instead of having solid wings like most moths, both their front and back wings are made of about six stiff spines. From these spines, many soft, flexible bristles spread out. This makes their wings look a lot like a bird's feather.
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Meet the Many-Plumed Moths
This family of moths is quite small. There are only about 9 different groups (called genera) and 130 different species of many-plumed moths known around the world.
Their Amazing Wings
Imagine a bird's feather, but on a moth! That's what the wings of many-plumed moths look like. Each wing has several strong, stiff "spokes" or spines. From these spines, many tiny, soft hairs or bristles spread out. This unique design helps them fly.
Where Do They Live?
Many-plumed moths mostly live in places that are not too hot and not too cold. These areas are called temperate or subtropical regions. You won't usually find them in very hot, tropical places.
Even in their main living areas, these moths can be quite rare. For example, in places like Great Britain and North America, you might only find one type of many-plumed moth. This one species is called the Twenty-plume Moth. In America, it was actually brought there from somewhere else.
The Twenty-Plume Moth
The Twenty-plume Moth (its scientific name is Alucita hexadactyla) is a small moth. You might see it flying around in the evening as the sun sets. Sometimes, you can find it resting with its unique "feather-like" wings spread out wide.
What Do They Eat?
The young Twenty-plume Moths, which are called larvae (like caterpillars), love to eat honeysuckle plants. Honeysuckle is a type of plant with sweet-smelling flowers.
Many Species in Europe
While some places have very few types of many-plumed moths, Continental Europe is different. There are many more species there. Most of these belong to a large group called Alucita.
See also
In Spanish: Alucitidae para niños
