Plume moths are easily recognized by their characteristic "T"-shaped resting posture and the lobed or divided wings of most species. While the family Pterophoridae is easily identified, species determinations are more challenging, often requiring dissection and preparation of genitalia slides. There are currently 154 described species known from North America north of the Mexican border. Descriptions of at least 10 new species are anticipated along with some fluctuation in the total number of species from changes in synonymies. The known species are listed below with links to photographs or additional information. Synonyms are not listed here but are available in a recent World Catalogue (Gielis 2003). Larval food plants are known for 76 of the described Nearctic species (Matthews & Lott 2005).

You will find the statement given above on Debbie Matthews' Website where the entire North American list of Pterophoridae is presented along with links to numerous photographs of pinned specimens and living moths. Because the identification of Plume Moths, when based solely on photographs, is so difficult, it should be understood that some of the identifications given here are at best tentative.