Unlike a typical moth, which has two pairs of scaly wings, Alucita has about twenty thin feathery plumes (with scales on the supporting ribs).

The wings have a bold zigzag pattern in white, black and brown, which together with the shiny backward-pointing hairs on each plume make the adult moth distinctive.

It is also popularly known as the many-plumed moth, while the specific name hexadactyla comes from the Greek for six-fingered.

[6] It is common and often found in gardens, but is readily overlooked because of its small size.

The larvae feed on honeysuckle (Lonicera species) tunnelling in the flower buds and leaves.