Crambini

Crambini can be distinguished from related crambine tribes by the structure of the tympanal organs and the phallus attached medially to the juxta. As a group, they are small to medium-sized moths with relatively narrow wings.

Worldwide distribution, with documented species in New Zealand including members of the genus Orocrambus.

Larvae are root feeders or stem borers, primarily on grasses (Poaceae).

• Poaceae - larval food plantPrimary host family; larvae feed on roots and stems

Life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. For New Zealand species, egg size, shape, and color vary by species. Larval and pupal instar durations and adult flight periodicity have been documented for multiple Orocrambus species.

Larvae bore into stems or feed on roots of host plants. Specific behavioral details vary among species.

Larvae contribute to nutrient cycling through their feeding activity on grasses. Some species may influence plant community structure through stem boring and root feeding.

A few species are agricultural pests of sod grasses, maize, sugar cane, rice, and other Poaceae crops.

• Other Crambinae tribesDistinguished by tympanal organ structure and male genitalia configuration; other tribes lack the medially attached phallus to the juxta characteristic of Crambini

• grass-associated
• stem borer
• root feeder
• agricultural pest
• Poaceae

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon
• Information on the life cycles of some New Zealand Crambini (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Crambinae)