Hemp Agrimony Plume

Hemp Agrimony Plume (Adaina microdactyla)

The Hemp Agrimony Plume is a small moth belonging to the plume moth family (Pterophoridae), characterized by its distinctive feathery wings that split into narrow, finger-like segments. Adults typically measure 18-22mm in wingspan and display pale brown to greyish coloration with intricate patterns. The species exhibits a close ecological relationship with hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum), its primary larval host plant.

Larvae feed within the stems and flower heads of this wetland plant, playing a specialized role as a herbivore in riparian ecosystems.

This moth demonstrates a remarkably broad but fragmented distribution across Europe, Asia, and parts of the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from Scandinavia to Southeast Asia and extending to Madagascar and Papua New Guinea. It inhabits wetland margins, riverbanks, and damp meadows where hemp agrimony thrives, typically in areas with consistent moisture levels.

The species faces mounting pressure from habitat degradation, particularly the drainage and modification of wetland systems for agriculture and development. Climate change may further impact suitable habitat availability, while the decline of hemp agrimony populations directly threatens the moth's survival due to its host-plant specialization.

Conservation efforts remain limited, with most protection occurring indirectly through wetland preservation initiatives across its range. The species benefits from habitat restoration projects targeting riparian ecosystems, though specific monitoring programs are scarce.

Current outlook remains uncertain due to insufficient population data and monitoring. The species' vulnerable status reflects documented declines in several European countries, though its extensive range may provide some resilience against localized extinctions.