Photo © Mike Wall

Helcystogramma rufescens

Checklist Number
35.031 [B&F: 0868]

Verification
Record will normally be accepted but photo evidence may be required - check with CMR if not sure of identity

Classification

Family:Gelechiidae
Subfamily:Dichomeridinae
Genus:Helcystogramma
Species:rufescens
Authority:(Haworth, 1828)

Common in rough pastures, unimproved grassland, downland and woodland rides throughout much of the British Isles, except northern Scotland and northern Ireland. Fairly well distributed in Hampshire, but very rarely recorded on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 14-18 mm. The ochreous coloration of the forewing veins, and the whitish hindwing (in female only) distinguish from fresh examples of the rare and endangered H. lutatella, however, a worn, pale, female H. lutatella could be overlooked as H. rufescens (MBGBI Vol 4 part 2). Larva feeds within leaves of various grasses, including False Oat-grass, Cock's-foot, False-brome, Tor-grass, Tall Fescue and Meadow-grass.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)