Straw Conch
Common NameStraw Conch
Scientific NameAgriphila tristella
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)26
Primary Colorsstraw, brown, cream
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, open fields, gardens, heathland
Geographic RangeWidespread across Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa
Host PlantsPoa, Festuca, Dactylis, various grasses
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the roots and lower stems of various grasses, often living in silken tubes at the base of the plants or just below the soil surface. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the pale straw ground color, the specific pattern of dark brown streaks (especially the angled discal mark), and the prominent snout-like labial palps. Often disturbed from grass during the day.
Description
A small, slender moth with pale straw-yellow forewings marked with irregular dark brown streaks and a distinctive, often broken, V-shaped or angled dark line in the discal area. Its labial palps are prominent and project forward.
