Gelechiidae

35.095 Moss Groundling Chionodes distinctella (Zeller, 1839)

Notable A

Similar species:

Forewing: 6.5 to 7mm

Habitats: Downland, breckland, coastal shingle, sand-dunes and other sandy habitats.

Habits: The moth can be disturbed on warm days. It comes to light and sugar.

Foodplant: The larva has been recorded in Scotland living in an almost vertical sand-covered silk tube in Sand-hill Screw-moss Syntricha ruralis ruraliformis and spun to the upper leaves of Common Bird's-foot Trefoil. It has also been found in Norfolk in Broom Fork-moss Dicranum scoparium without a tube, but with Sheep's Sorrel growing amongst it. It will apparently eat Sheep's Sorrel in captivity. It is thought probable that it also feeds on Cat's-ear. On the European mainland it has been recorded feeding on Field Wormwood and sorrel.