Pediasia ribbeellus
Scientific NamePediasia ribbeellus
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, grey
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, dry grassy areas
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe (e.g., Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Balkan Peninsula) and North Africa
Host Plantsgrasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodMay to October (often bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are grass feeders, typically living in silken tubes at the base of grass stems.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, slender body, prominent snout-like labial palps, and the distinctive streaked, cryptic coloration that mimics dry grass, often resting longitudinally on grass stems.
Description
A small, slender moth with a pointed head and a cryptic pattern of brown, tan, and grey longitudinal streaks on its forewings, allowing it to blend seamlessly with dry grass stems.
