35.032 BF809

Hollyhock Seed Moth Pexicopia malvella

(Hübner, [1805])

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Wingspan 17-20 mm.

Occurs locally in southern and eastern England, where it can occasionally be locally common, and is rare in South Wales. Old records from the Midlands, parts of Northern England and the Channel Islands indicate the species has undergone a range contraction which commenced in the early twentieth century.

The moth is on the wing from early June to mid-August.

The larvae feed inside the seeds of Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis) and Hollyhock (Althaea rosea) overwintering in a cocoon constructed within the larval workings.