Dolicharthria punctalis

Dolicharthria punctalis
Adult, Roussillon, France
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Crambidae
Genus: Dolicharthria
Species:
D. punctalis
Binomial name
Dolicharthria punctalis
Synonyms
  • Pyralis punctalis Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775
  • Stenia punctalis (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) (but see text)

Dolicharthria punctalis, the long-legged china-mark, is a species of moth of the family Crambidae. It is the type species of the proposed genus Stenia, which is usually included in Dolicharthria but may be distinct.[1]

Illustration from John Curtis's British Entomology Volume 6

It is found mainly in central and southern Europe, but has been recorded further north. The wingspan is 20–25 mm. The moth flies from May to September depending on the location.

Figs 7 larva after 3rd moult

The caterpillars feed on Centaurea (knapweeds), Plantago (plantain herb), Trifolium (clovers), Artemisia vulgaris (common wormwood) and even the marine eelgrass Zostera marina. Yet other unusual recorded[2] foods are dry leaves, plant waste, and old roots.

  1. ^ See references in Savela (2009)
  2. ^ Grabe (1942)