Eastern Grass-veneer
Common NameEastern Grass-veneer
Scientific NameCrambus laqueatellus
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, white, silver
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, lawns, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America (southeastern Canada to Florida, west to Texas and Kansas)
Host Plantsgrasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodApril to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as sod webworms, live in silken tunnels at the base of grass plants and feed on grass roots and stems. They overwinter as partially grown larvae and pupate in the spring, with adults emerging in late spring to early summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the broad, clean white longitudinal stripe on the forewings, bordered by darker brown stripes, and its characteristic cylindrical resting posture with prominent, snout-like labial palps extending forward.
Description
A small, slender moth with a distinctive resting posture, appearing cylindrical due to tightly folded wings. Its forewings feature a prominent, broad white longitudinal stripe bordered by darker brown or golden-brown stripes, often with a silvery sheen.
