Malvaceae-feeding
Guides
Chionodes mariona
Chionodes mariona is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 9–10 mm, distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are distinguished by glossy black forewings marked with two cream-colored spots. The larvae are specialized herbivores feeding on plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae), including Abutilon, Malvastrum, Sida, and Wissadula species. Larval development produces distinctive yellowish-white caterpillars with prominent red blotches.