49.261 BF1157

Crocidosema plebejana

Zeller, 1847

Wingspan 12-16 mm.

A fairly recent colonist to the British Isles, first discovered in south Devon in 1900.

It is now frequent in the south, and is expanding its range. It is thought to have been introduced from warmer climes.

The moths fly between July and October, and can be found on the wing from early evening, after which they will come to light.

The larvae feed on tree-mallow (Lavatera arborea) and related species, internally in the seed capsules and shoots.