Marbled Grass-veneer
Common NameMarbled Grass-veneer
Scientific NameCrambus praefectellus
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Primary Colorsbrown, black, cream
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, lawns, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host PlantsKentucky bluegrass, fescue, timothy grass
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as sod webworms, feed on the roots and lower stems of various grasses, overwintering as larvae in silken tunnels in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the marbled forewing pattern with a distinct white streak along the costa, a dark terminal line, and the characteristic long, forward-projecting labial palps (snout) typical of grass moths.
Description
A small moth with forewings intricately patterned with dark brown, black, and creamy white scales, often featuring metallic golden-brown streaks and a prominent white costal stripe.
