LANCEOLATE MOTH
Helcystrogramma hystricella
TWIRLER MOTH FAMILY (Gelechiidae)
The lanceolate Moth has a wingspan of about .50 inch. The forewing is slender with a pointed apex. It is tan with dark brown streaks running the length of the wing. There are 3 dark spots in the median area. The terminal line is dark. The fringe scales are pale based and dark tipped. The hindwing is whitish with long white fringe scales. The thorax and inner margin of the forewing near the base are brown.
The frequency of occurrence is not known. It has been photographed once at Camp Brewster, Fontenelle Forest, in mid-August 2012. Adults fly from June through August. The adults are attracted to artificial lights.
Formerly named Brachmia hystricella. The larval food plants are various grasses. This species overwinters as a larva.
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