Artichoke Plume Moth

Artichoke Plume Moth Life StagesArtichoke Plume Moth Life Stages
Artichoke Plume Moth Caterpillars Feeding in Leaf StalkArtichoke Plume Moth Caterpillars Feeding in Leaf Stalk
Plume Moth Foliage Feeding DamagePlume Moth Foliage Feeding Damage
Pheremone Bait and Orange Delta Trap for Monitoring Plume Moth PopulationsPheremone Bait and Orange Delta Trap for Monitoring Plume Moth Populations

HOSTS

  • Artichoke
  • Weedy Thistles

OVERVIEW

Artichoke plume moths (Platyptilia carduidactyla) are part of the family Pterophoridae.

DESCRIPTION

Adult moths have brown, lobed wings that can reach .75-1.25 inches (18-31mm) across. Larvae have black head caps with yellow or white bodies. Newly hatched larvae will be about .04 inches (1 mm) long, while mature larvae can be up to .5 inches (12 mm).

BIOLOGY

Egg | Larva | Pupa | Adult
Adults will lay tiny eggs, about 0.02 inch or 0.5 mm, singly on the underside of leaves. After hatching, larvae feed on young foliage or tunnel into the host plant tissue to feed from the inside. Larvae will usually drop from the host plant to the ground to pupate among plant debris.

SYMPTOMS

Larvae usually feed on the artichoke head, although they can be found in any portion of the plant. Larvae can burrow through leaf tissue, crowns, and stalks.

SCOUTING

  • Early in the growing season, eggs and larvae can be found in the center of the plants on young leaf tissue. 
  • Once blossoms are produced, eggs will be laid on the leaves below the flower heads.  
  • Pheromone traps can be used to monitor adult populations.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

  • Infested buds should be removed and destroyed. 
  • Remove weedy thistles from around fields as they can serve as alternative hosts. 

INSECTICIDES

Coming soon












Always verify that the product you are using is labeled for artichoke plume moth control on artichokes. Pesticide products are available for both home gardeners and commercial growers.
Precautionary Statement: Utah State University and its employees are not responsible for the use, misuse, or damage caused by application or misapplication of products or information mentioned in this document. All pesticides are labeled with ingredients, instructions, and risks, and not all are registered for edible crops. “Restricted use” pesticides may only be applied by a licensed applicator. The pesticide applicator is legally responsible for proper use. USU makes no endorsement for any specific brand name products listed on this page.