Pearl Grass-veneer
Common NamePearl Grass-veneer
Scientific NameChilo plejadellus
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsgolden-brown, white, dark brown
HabitatWetlands, marshes, wet meadows, areas with wild rice
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America, from Quebec to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba
Host PlantsZizania aquatica (wild rice)
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stem borers, primarily in wild rice, overwintering as larvae before pupating in spring within the host plant stems.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pearlescent white streaks on the golden-brown forewings, particularly the two prominent ones, in wetland habitats where wild rice grows.
Description
A slender moth with long, narrow golden-brown forewings adorned with prominent, pearlescent white streaks outlined in dark brown, and a pointed head.
