Woolly Grass-veneer Moth
Common NameWoolly Grass-veneer Moth
Scientific NamePediasia trisecta
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorstan, brown, white, black
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, open fields, lawns
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread, especially eastern and central)
Host PlantsGrasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various grasses. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter. Typically has multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of projecting, hairy labial palps, a slender body, and the distinct forewing pattern of dark and white longitudinal stripes on a tan or brownish background.
Description
A small, slender moth with tan to brownish forewings featuring a prominent dark longitudinal stripe and a contrasting white stripe, often with a mottled appearance. Its labial palps are noticeably hairy and project forward.
