About Helcystogramma rufescens (Haworth, 1828)
Helcystogramma rufescens is a moth species belonging to the family Gelechiidae. It can be found across most of Europe. This moth has a wingspan of 14 to 17 millimeters. The outer margin (termen) of its forewings is straight. The forewings are colored light reddish-ochreous, and are sometimes darker between the veins on the posterior portion. The second discal stigma may sometimes have a fuscous coloration. The hindwings are whitish-grey, with a reddish-ochreous tint.
The larva of Helcystogramma rufescens is white, with a dark grey subdorsal line and a lateral series of oblique dark grey marks. Its body dots are black. Segments 3 through 6 are black; segments 3 and 4 have white edging on their anterior side, and segment 6 bears a brown dorsal blotch. The larva's head and the dorsal plate of segment 2 are black.
Adult moths are active and can be seen in flight from June to August. The larvae feed on a variety of grass species. Documented host grasses include Brachypodium sylvaticum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Poa trivialis, Dactylis glomerata, Phalaris arundinacea, Melica nutans, Calamagrostis arundinacea, and Calamagrostis epigejos. Larvae of this species can be found from April to July.
