Seq # 265140020

Helcystogramma rufescens (Haworth, 1828) Species

Last modified: Feb. 26, 2024, 5:42 p.m.


A rather common species throughout Belgium.


Details

Classification
Family: Gelechiidae > Subfamily: Dichomeridinae > Genus: Helcystogramma > Species: Helcystogramma rufescens
Vernacular names
Rietpalpmot (NL), Schilf-Palpenmotte (DE)
First mention in Belgium
De Fré Ch. 1858. Catalogue des Microlépidoptères de la Belgique. — Annales de la Société entomologique belge 2: 45–162. On page 130.
Status

Native


Distribution


Imago

Wingspan 17–19 mm.

Museum specimens

No pictures yet!

Specimens in nature


Genitalia


Caterpillar


Bionomics

The larva twists the leaves into tubes, making the edges fit neatly together and then it devours half the thickness of the central portion of the tube, which becomes discoloured; when finished, it changes to another leaf. It hibernates in the larval habitation (Gregersen & Karsholt 2022).
The adults become active at dusk and later come to light.

No pictures yet!

Flight periods

The adults have been seen from late May towards late October with a peak during July.


Observed on

Host plant (genera):
Poa and Arrhenatherum

The larva lives on different species of Poaceae, like: Calamagrostis epigejos and Brachypodium sylvaticum a.o.

No pictures yet!

Habitat

It inhabits fens, meadows, open forests and grassy pastures.

No pictures yet!