Chararica hystriculella
Common NameChararica hystriculella
Scientific NameChararica hystriculella
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, grassy areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (southeastern United States north to New York and west to Missouri)
Host PlantsGrasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Larvae are likely borers or surface feeders on grasses.
Identification TipsLook for the small size, slender body, and the distinctive white transverse band across the cryptically patterned brown and grey forewings.
Description
A small, slender moth with cryptic brown and grey forewings, characterized by a prominent white transverse band and darker markings, often resting with wings folded tightly along its body.
