Elegant Grass-veneer
Common NameElegant Grass-veneer
Scientific NameCrambus praefectellus
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorswhite, brown, tan
HabitatGrassy areas, fields, lawns, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host Plantsvarious grasses
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are subterranean, feeding on the roots of various grasses. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Identification TipsLook for its characteristic resting posture with wings tightly folded. The forewing pattern of mottled brown and white, often with a distinct white longitudinal streak, is key for identification.
Description
A small, slender moth with a distinctive resting posture where its wings are wrapped tightly around its body. Its forewings are mottled with shades of white, brown, and tan, often featuring a prominent white streak and a metallic sheen.
