Anania extricalis

Distinguished from similar crambid moths by forewing pattern of light greyish brown ground color with dark grey lines. The pale grey hindwings provide additional contrast. Accurate identification may require examination of genitalia or wing venation patterns, as many Pyraustinae exhibit similar coloration.

Wingspan approximately 25 mm. Forewings light greyish brown with dark grey lines. Hindwings pale grey.

Associated with host plants including alder (Alnus), balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera), and paper birch (Betula papyrifera), suggesting riparian, wetland edge, and boreal forest habitats.

North America: Newfoundland to Florida, west to Texas and Saskatchewan.

Larvae feed on leaves of Alnus species, Populus balsamifera, and Betula papyrifera.

• Alnus - larval hostlarvae feed on leaves
• Populus balsamifera - larval hostlarvae feed on leaves
• Betula papyrifera - larval hostlarvae feed on leaves

Larval herbivore on woody deciduous plants; specific ecological functions not documented.

• Ostrinia nubilalisEuropean corn borer shares family Crambidae and general moth appearance; distinguished by different host plants (primarily Zea mays), larger size (wingspan ~25 mm vs. ~20 mm for O. nubilalis), and different wing pattern (yellowish-brown with lateral wavy dark bands in O. nubilalis vs. greyish brown with dark grey lines in A. extricalis)
• Anania hortulataCongeneric species with similar size and wing venation; distinguished by wing pattern details and different larval host plants

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