Gelechiidae

35.032 Hollyhock Seed Moth Pexicopia malvella (Hübner, [1805])

Notable B

Similar species:

Forewing: 8.5 to 9.5mm

Habitats: Coastal grassland and shingle, river margins and gardens with the foodplants present.

Habits: The moth can be disturbed from the foodplant and comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the seeds of Marsh Mallow or Garden Hollyhock and occasionally Musk Mallow. On the European mainland it is also recorded as feeding on Garden Tree-mallow, Dwarf Mallow and Common Mallow. It overwinters as a full-fed larva in a silk cocoon at the feeding site, pupating there in late April.