Grass Webworm Moth

Crambus agitatellus

July 13, 2006

Here's a new family for the site - the Crambidae, which were recently separated out from the Pyrallidae by virtue of the presence of a praecinctorium, a structure in the ears which connects two tympanic membranes.  The pyrallids lack this.  

The Crambids tend to be small with a long snout and rest with rolled wings.  They feed on grasses and low plants.

Some call this group "Snout Moths".  Some call them "Grass Moths".  I call them "Lawnmower Moths", as they make up a large number of the moths that flee the grass at the approach of your lawnmower.