This first volume of Microlepidoptera of Europe deals with the plume moths (Pterophoridae), an easily recognizable family which, however, still harbours a lot of problems with regard to species-level taxonomy.
The Pterophoridae of Europe (excluding the former Soviet Union) and the Canary Islands and Madeira are treated. All species occurring in this area are included and most of them illustrated in full colour. All species are briefly redescribed mentioning the main characteristic features of the imagines, and the genital structures. A description of the life cycle is given, and also a note on the distribution. A distribution catalogue has been constructed. It is based on own collection data and verified references. The male and female genitalia are illustrated with line drawings. A checklist of hostplants is given.
The following new synonyms have been established: Capperia sequanensis Gibeaux, 1990 is synonymized with Capperia loranus (Fuchs, 1895); Hellinsia alpinus (Gibeaux & Picard, 1992) is synonymized with Hellinsia carphodactyla (Hübner, [1813]); and Merrifieldia inopinata Bigot, Nel & Picard, 1993 is synonymized with Merrifieldia malacodactylus (Zeller, 1847).