Hooked Smudge
Common NameHooked Smudge
Scientific NameAgriphila sp.
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorspale brown, straw, dark brown
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open woodlands, fields
Geographic RangeWidespread in temperate regions (Holarctic)
Host Plantsgrasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically grass feeders, often residing in silken tubes at the base of grass stems or in the soil. Pupation occurs in a cocoon underground or within leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the characteristic resting posture with wings tightly wrapped and prominent, upturned labial palps. The streaky, pale brown forewings with a slightly upturned apex are also distinctive. Species identification often requires microscopic examination of genitalia.
Description
A small, slender moth with pale brown, streaked forewings held tightly wrapped around its body, giving it a very narrow profile. It features prominent, upturned labial palps and a slightly upturned wing apex.
