Platyedra subcinerea

Platyedra subcinerea, the mallow groundling or cotton stem moth, is a moth of the family Gelechiidae. It is found in most of Europe.^[2] It is an in introduced species in North America, where it has been recorded from New England and California, and has also been introduced to New Zealand.^[3][4] The habitat consists of wet meadows, marshes and gardens.

The wingspan is 14–21 mm. The forewings are tan, speckled and with a longitudinal series of alternating dots and streaks through the middle of the wing. The dots are usually surrounded by a lighter patch and the last dot may be double. The tips of the forewings are darker. The hindwings are very pale grey.^[5]

The larvae feed on Parietaria officinalis, Urtica species, Althaea officinalis, Lavatera thuringiaca and Malva sylvestris.^[6]

References[]