Dusky Plume
EN

Dusky Plume

Oidaematophorus lithodactyla

Unknown

Photo: iNaturalist: (c) richardjaybee, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by richardjaybee

Overview

Oidaematophorus lithodactyla, also known as the dusky plume, is a moth of the family Pterophoridae found from Europe to Asia Minor and Japan. It was first described by German lepidopterist, Georg Friedrich Treitschke in 1833.

The Dusky Plume faces significant pressure from habitat fragmentation and the loss of its specific host plants due to agricultural intensification and urban development. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the phenology of both the moth and its larval food sources, potentially disrupting critical breeding cycles. Increased use of pesticides in surrounding agricultural areas further compounds population declines through direct mortality and reduced reproductive success.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits rocky outcrops, limestone cliffs, and sparse grasslands where its larval host plants thrive in well-drained, calcareous soils. Adults are typically found in areas with scattered shrubs and herbaceous vegetation that provide both nectar sources and shelter from wind exposure.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Pterophoridae

Irish PlumeVU

Irish Plume

Platyptilia tesseradactyla

Unknown
Mountain PlumeVU

Mountain Plume

Stenoptilia islandicus

Unknown
VU

Calyciphora albodactylus

Unknown
Oidaematophorus vafradactylusVU

Oidaematophorus vafradactylus

Unknown

Threatened in Åland Islands

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Syndyas nigripes

Unknown
Chrysotus cupreusCR

Chrysotus cupreus

Unknown
VU

narulukkokiiluri

Syntormon filiger

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Dusky Plume classified as Endangered?
Dusky Plume is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Dusky Plume faces significant pressure from habitat fragmentation and the loss of its specific host plants due to agricultural intensification and urban development. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the phenology of both the moth and its larval food sources, potentially disrupting critical breeding cycles. Increased use of pesticides in surrounding agricultural areas further compounds population declines through direct mortality and reduced reproductive success.
Where does Dusky Plume live?
Dusky Plume occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, and Finland (plus 13 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Dusky Plume?
The main threats to Dusky Plume are habitat loss and human disturbance. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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