Artichoke plume
moth—Platyptilia carduidactyla
Adults of the artichoke plume moth vary in color from buff to brownish buff, with a wing expanse of
0.75 to 1.25 inches. Both fore and hind wings are divided into lobes, giving the appearance of several
pairs of wings; the hind wings are fringed. Young larvae are pale yellow; older larvae are off white
and turn yellow to pink at maturity.
Life cycle
DamageLarvae may chew holes in choke bracts, new stems, and leaves and bore into stem and buds. Larvae may
also bore into the crown below the soil surface.
Solutions
Cut all plants down to ground level for 2
or 3 months once a year. Chop and cover cuttings with at
least 6 inches of soil. Remove all thistles and related plants. Predaceous
nematodes may limit the pest if properly applied, although
they are not reliable. Soak replant stumps or apply nematodes
when you find plume moth larvae about 0.25 inch in the
center of plants. Use a pressurized sprayer to apply a solution
of nematodes once a week for three weeks. | 
Artichoke
plume moth larva
Artichoke
plant injured by plume moth
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