Lutatella Moth
Common NameLutatella Moth
Scientific NameHelcystogramma lutatella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyDichomeridinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, grayish-brown
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsLathyrus, Vicia, Trifolium, Lotus
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf-miners or feed in spun leaves of various leguminous plants. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, mottled brown forewings, and the prominent raised scale crest along the dorsum when at rest. Genitalia examination is often required for definitive species identification.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled brown forewings, featuring a distinctive raised dorsal crest of scales and a few indistinct darker spots.
