Crambus whitmerellus
Klots, 1942
Whitmer's Grass-veneer
Crambus whitmerellus is a grass-veneer in the Crambidae, described by Alexander Barrett Klots in 1942. It is a North American associated with grassland . Two are recognized: the nominate form and C. w. browni from Alberta and northern Montana. The species is part of a large of grass-feeding moths commonly known as sod webworms or grass-veneers.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Crambus whitmerellus: /ˈkræmbəs wɪtmɛˈrɛləs/
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Habitat
Grasslands and prairie environments. The is specifically associated with open grassland areas rather than forested or wetland .
Distribution
Recorded in North America from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba in Canada; and Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah in the United States. The C. w. browni is restricted to Alberta and northern Montana.
Diet
Larvae probably feed on grasses. Specific grass have not been documented.
Ecological Role
As a grass-feeding , larvae likely function as herbivores in grassland . The probable larval diet suggests a role in nutrient cycling and as a potential food source for and .
More Details
Subspecies
Two are recognized: Crambus whitmerellus whitmerellus (nominate form) and Crambus whitmerellus browni Klots, 1942, which occurs in Alberta and northern Montana.