Changeable Grass-veneer
Common NameChangeable Grass-veneer
Scientific NameCrambus mutabilis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)23
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, silver
HabitatLawns, meadows, grassy fields, open woodlands
Geographic RangeNorth America (southern Canada to much of the United States)
Host Plantsvarious grasses
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are subterranean, feeding on the roots and lower stems of various grasses. They pupate in silken cocoons in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, slender body, and characteristic 'grass-veneer' resting posture with wings tightly folded. The subtle, streaky grey-brown coloration with a possible silvery sheen helps distinguish it.
Description
A small, slender moth with a distinctive resting posture where its wings are tightly folded along its body, giving it a cylindrical or wedge-shaped appearance. Its forewings are typically mottled grey, brown, and silvery-white with subtle longitudinal streaks.
