Dolicharthria punctalis

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] It is found mainly in central and southern Europe, but has been recorded further north.

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.

Illustration from John Curtis 's British Entomology Volume 6
Figs 7 larva after 3rd moult