| Alucitidae |
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Alucita hexadactyla, a many-plumed moth
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| Author: | Leach, 1815 |
| Type species: | Alucita hexadactyla |
| Diversity: | 9 genera
130 species |
| Genera |
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Alinguata
Alucita
Hebdomactis
Hexeretmis
Microschismus
Paelia
Prymnotomis
Pterotopteryx
Triscaedecia
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The Alucitidae or many-plumed moths are a family of Lepidoptera with unusually modified wings. Both fore- and hind-wings consist of about six rigid spines, from which radiate flexible bristles creating a structure similar to a bird's feather.
The family is small with about 130 species described. Both in Britain and North America only one of these is found - Alucita hexadactyla. This smallish moth can often be found fluttering in the evening twilight or resting with its 'wings' outstretched. Its larvae feed on honeysuckle (Lonicera).
