White-dotted Groundling
Common NameWhite-dotted Groundling
Scientific NameChionodes lugubrella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, heathlands, grasslands, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia (Palaearctic ecozone)
Host PlantsLotus corniculatus, Trifolium, Medicago, Ononis, Genista, Cytisus
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on various low-growing herbaceous plants, often spinning leaves together. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among debris or in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, brownish-tan forewings with darker streaks, and the single prominent white discal spot. The pointed head and upturned labial palps are also characteristic.
Description
A small, slender moth with brownish-tan forewings marked with darker longitudinal streaks and a distinctive white discal spot. Its head is somewhat pointed with prominent, upturned labial palps.
