Chionodes praeclarella is a moth of the family Gelechiidae. It is found in most of North America.[1] It also is found in Europe, where the range is limited to Austria, Switzerland and Italy.[2]
The wingspan is 18–20 mm. The forewings are light brown, with a strong purplish sheen, especially towards the apex. The exterior edge of the cell and the apical veins are roughly indicated by ill-defined, purplish-black longitudinal lines, more or less confluent towards the apex. The hindwings are light fuscous.[3]
The larvae have been recorded feeding on Polygonaceae species.