Elbow-striped Grass-veneer
Common NameElbow-striped Grass-veneer
Scientific NameCrambus laqueatellus
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, white
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, lawns, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas)
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are grass feeders, living in silken tubes at the base of grass plants. Pupation occurs in cocoons in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pale, angled or 'elbow-shaped' stripe on the forewing, which is often bordered by darker scales. Its resting posture with wings folded tightly along the body is characteristic of grass-veneers.
Description
A small, slender moth with wings folded tightly along its body, displaying a cryptic pattern of light brown and tan with darker streaks and a prominent, often elbow-shaped, pale stripe along the forewing costa.
