Reed-boring Crambid Moth
Common NameReed-boring Crambid Moth
Scientific NameChilo phragmitella
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatReedbeds, fens, marshes, wetlands
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North Africa
Host PlantsPhragmites australis (common reed)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the stems of common reeds, overwintering within the lower parts of the stems. Pupation occurs inside the reed stem in spring.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad white stripe on the forewings and the prominent snout-like palps. Its association with reedbeds is also a strong indicator.
Description
A slender, straw-colored to brownish moth with a prominent broad white stripe running longitudinally along each forewing. It has distinctive, upturned palps that give it a snout-like appearance.
