Platyedra subcinerea

Wingspan 16 to18 mm. Although a rather plain looking pale brown species, this moth can be recognised by the blackish spot at the very base of the forewing, and the small black dot close to the centre of the wing, ringed paler.

Please provide good photographs and retain the specimen until record is confirmed.

Areas where the larval foodplant is present.

The adults occur from August and overwinter, sometimes hibernating in thatch, and reappearing in spring when they may be attracted to light.

The larvae feed mostly on the seeds and flowers of mallow (Malva sylvestris).

Local and possibly declining, this species is mainly restricted to the south of England and the Channel Islands. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland the 2021 record is the first for VC55.