Imitable Crambid
Common NameImitable Crambid
Scientific NameCrambus agitatellus
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Primary Colorsbrown, white, silver, black
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, lawns, open woodlands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba)
Host Plantsgrasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodMay to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the roots and stems of various grasses, often forming silken tunnels near the base of the plants. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in cocoons in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the prominent white stripe running through the center of the forewing, bordered by brown, and the row of black dots on the hindwing margin. Its resting posture with wings wrapped tightly around the body is typical of grass moths.
Description
A small, slender moth with forewings patterned with alternating longitudinal white and brown stripes, often with a metallic sheen, and a row of black dots along the termen of the hindwings.
