The Pterophoridae is a distinctive family of small moths known as "plume moths". These are found on all continents apart from Antarctica. This project aims to bring together relevant observations and to make it easier to identify these moths.

Many species come readily to light and can often be seen on windows. A number of species have distributions covering several continents.

Species-level identification is often difficult, but a number of characters make it possible to recognise many photographed individuals. The shape of the forewings and the number and depth of splits are important. Patterns on forewings, abdomens and legs are frequently informative.

A comprehensive global catalogue was produced in 2003 and listed 1136 species in the family, along with three species in the closely related Macropiratidae. These two families form the Pterophoroidea. less ↑