Artichoke Plume Moth

Artichoke plume moth (Platyptilia carduidactyla)
The adult plume moth is beige to brownish beige in color with a wingspan of .75 to 1.25 inches and fringed hind wings. The females lay their eggs singly on the underside of artichoke leaves or on the bud stalk. The larvae are about .04 inch (1 mm) in length and pale yellow. The young larvae generally feed externally but tunnel into the leaf stalk after their first molt.

The larvae will feed on any part of the artichoke plant; economic damage is mainly from feeding on floral buds, as damaged shoots will often recover. The artichoke plume moth is mainly a problem where artichokes are grown as perennials.

For control products and more information please see our Caterpillars and Moths Control page.