Ornativalva ornatella

Description

Ornativalva ornatella is a moth of the Gelechiidae family. It was described by Sattler in 1967. It is found in Romania, the southern part of European Russia, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Mongolia. Adults have variable markings. The anterior two-thirds of the forewings (up to the fold) may be almost entirely uniform grey, with the area between the fold and the inner margin ochreous. Normally though, the anterior half of the forewings is not as dark grey and the ochreous area along the inner margin extends to the apex. The longitudinal streak which extends from the base along the posterior margin of the cell is distinct in some specimens, but is absent in others. Adults have been recorded on wing from May to July, and in August. The host plant is unknown, but might be a Tamarix species.