California Grass-veneer Moth
Common NameCalifornia Grass-veneer Moth
Scientific NameCrambus sperryellus
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsgolden, silver, brown, black
HabitatGrassy areas, meadows, lawns, open woodlands
Geographic RangeWestern North America, primarily California
Host Plantsgrasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are subterranean or live at the base of grass stems, feeding on roots and stems. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive golden-orange longitudinal stripe on the forewings against a silvery-brown background. It typically rests with its wings wrapped tightly around its body.
Description
A small, slender moth with metallic silvery-brown forewings prominently marked with a broad, irregular golden-orange longitudinal stripe and some dark spots near the termen.
