Helcystogramma rufescens
This record describes Helcystogramma rufescens (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 14-18 mm. This reddish-brown species inhabits a range of habitats. Rough pastures, unimproved grassland, downland and woodland rides. The nocturnal adults fly between June and August. The larvae overwinter on a number of grasses, especially Wood Small-reed and False-brome. Occurs fairly frequently in England, Wales and southern Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gelechiidae
- Genus
- Helcystogramma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Rough pastures, unimproved grassland, downland and woodland rides.
Seasonal Activity
The nocturnal adults fly between June and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae overwinter on a number of grasses, especially Wood Small-reed and False-brome.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurs fairly frequently in England, Wales and southern Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Helcystogramma rufescens. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Helcystogramma rufescens (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Helcystogramma rufescens
What is Helcystogramma rufescens?
Helcystogramma rufescens is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Helcystogramma rufescens found?
Habitat: Rough pastures, unimproved grassland, downland and woodland rides.
When is Helcystogramma rufescens active?
Helcystogramma rufescens: seasonal activity - The nocturnal adults fly between June and August..
What is the life cycle of a Helcystogramma rufescens?
The larvae overwinter on a number of grasses, especially Wood Small-reed and False-brome.