Golden Lance-wing
Common NameGolden Lance-wing
Scientific NameHelcystogramma rufescens
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyDichomeridinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, grey
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, introduced to North America
Host Plantsoak, birch, hazel, willow, hawthorn
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf-feeders, often spinning leaves together or mining them, before pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the unique lance-like resting posture with tightly folded wings, and the mottled brown and tan cryptic coloration.
Description
A small, slender moth characterized by its cryptic brown and tan coloration and a distinctive resting posture where its wings are held tightly along the body, creating a pointed, lance-like profile.
