Inlaid Grass-veneer
Common NameInlaid Grass-veneer
Scientific NameCrambus alienellus
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, brown, tan
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, open fields, forest edges
Geographic RangeNorth America (eastern and central United States, parts of Canada)
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are subterranean or feed at the base of grass stems, consuming roots and stems of various grasses. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent, broad, pure white median stripe on the forewings, which may have a slight indentation or 'notch' near the base. Its resting posture, with wings folded tightly along the body, is typical of grass-veneers.
Description
A slender moth characterized by a broad, pure white stripe running down the center of its forewings, bordered by darker brown or golden-brown stripes, giving it a streamlined appearance when at rest.
