Crambidae
Guides
Abegesta remellalis
white-trimmed abegesta, white-trimmed brown pyralid moth
A medium-sized crambid moth found in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are active during summer months and are readily identified by the distinctive white markings on otherwise brownish-orange forewings. The species was first described in 1899 and remains relatively well-documented through recent observations.
Acentropinae
China-mark Moths
Acentropinae is a subfamily of aquatic moths within the family Crambidae, comprising approximately 730 species in 78 genera. It represents the largest lineage of moths with at least one life stage adapted to aquatic environments. The subfamily includes two tribes: Argyractini and Acentropini (the latter including the former Nymphulinae). Larvae are aquatic and feed on submerged vegetation, while adults are terrestrial but associated with wetland habitats.
Achyra occidentalis
Achyra occidentalis is a crambid moth described by Packard in 1873. It exhibits two distinct color morphs: a dark form and a pale form, with adults active during different periods of the year. The species is restricted to arid regions of the southwestern United States. Forewing length ranges from 10–12 mm.
Aethiophysa
Aethiophysa is a genus of crambid moths established by Munroe in 1964. The genus contains approximately 13 described species distributed across North America, the Caribbean, and the Neotropics. Species were previously classified under other genera, with several transferred from Pyralis and related groups. The genus belongs to the subfamily Glaphyriinae within the family Crambidae.
Aethiophysa dualis
Aethiophysa dualis is a crambid moth described from South Texas in 1914. It belongs to the subfamily Glaphyriinae, a group of small to medium-sized moths within the Crambidae family. The species is known from a restricted geographic range in southern North America.
Aethiophysa invisalis
Invisible Crambid
Aethiophysa invisalis is a small moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the Invisible Crambid. It was first described by French entomologist Achille Guenée in 1854. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas, with records from eastern North America through Central America to South America. Despite its common name, it is not particularly cryptic; the name likely refers to its small size and inconspicuous appearance among vegetation.
Agathodes monstralis
Sky-pointing Moth
Agathodes monstralis is a species of moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the Sky-pointing Moth. The species was described by Guenée in 1854 and is placed in the subfamily Spilomelinae. It is one of several species in the genus Agathodes, which are distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. The common name refers to a characteristic resting posture where the moth holds its wings and body oriented upward.
Agriphila
grass-veneer moths
Agriphila is a genus of small crambid moths comprising approximately 40 species distributed across temperate Eurasia and adjacent regions. Species were historically classified under the related genus Crambus until the mid-20th century, when Agriphila gained wider taxonomic recognition. Several species are economically significant as pests of cereal crops, particularly wheat. The genus has become a subject of genomic research, with published genome sequences for A. straminella and A. tristella.
Agriphila straminella
Pearl Veneer, Straw Grass-veneer moth
Agriphila straminella is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of 16–20 mm, found across Europe and the Palearctic region. Adults are active from June to September, with flight timing varying by location. The species is attracted to light traps. Larvae feed on grasses including sheep's fescue, smooth meadowgrass, and wheat.
Almita
Almita is a genus of crambid moths described by Bernard Landry in 1995. The genus contains two known species: A. portalia and A. texana, both described in the same publication. It belongs to the family Crambidae, a large group of pyraloid moths commonly known as grass moths. Very little is known about the biology or ecology of this genus.
Almita portalia
Almita portalia is a small moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Bernard Landry in 1995. The species is known from a very limited geographic range in the southwestern United States, with records only from Arizona and California. It belongs to the genus Almita, a group of crambid moths about which little biological information has been published.
Anageshna
Anageshna is a genus of snout moths (family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae) established by Munroe in 1956. The genus belongs to the diverse grass moth group, though specific morphological and biological traits distinguishing it from related genera require specialist examination. Observations indicate presence in North America, particularly the northeastern United States.
Anania funebris
White-spotted Sable
Anania funebris is a diurnal day-flying moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the white-spotted sable. It is widespread across Europe, northern Asia, and North America. The species exhibits a distinctive black-and-white wing pattern and has two recognized subspecies separated by geography: A. f. funebris in Eurasia and A. f. glomeralis in North America.
Anania leuschneri
Anania leuschneri is a moth species in the family Crambidae, described by Eugene G. Munroe in 1976. It is a small North American pyraloid moth with a restricted distribution in the southeastern United States. The species is poorly known in terms of its biology and ecology, with most information limited to taxonomic description and locality records.
Anania plectilis
Anania plectilis is a moth in the family Crambidae, described by Grote and Robinson in 1867. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). The species is currently treated as a synonym of Anania tertialis in some taxonomic databases.
Anania quebecensis
Quebec phlyctaenia moth, Quebec Anania Moth
Anania quebecensis is a moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Eugene G. Munroe in 1954. It occurs in eastern North America, ranging from Ontario and Maine south to Maryland and Virginia. The species belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized moths commonly known as phlyctaenia moths.
Anania tertialis
Guenée's Pearl
Anania tertialis is a species of moth in the family Crambidae, described by Achille Guenée in 1854. Commonly known as Guenée's Pearl, this species is native to North America. The species has been documented in over 1,000 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively well-observed among North American crambid moths.
Anatralata versicolor
Venerable Bantam
Anatralata versicolor is a small moth species belonging to the family Crambidae. It is the sole member of its genus, making it monotypic. The species is native to western North America, with a range extending from California through Idaho to British Columbia. It occupies diverse habitats including mountainous regions and low-elevation coastal grasslands in central California.
Antigastra
sesame webworm, sesame leaf webber, sesame capsule borer
Antigastra is a genus of crambid moths (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) established by Lederer in 1863. The genus contains at least three described species, with Antigastra catalaunalis being the most economically significant. This species is a major agricultural pest of sesame (Sesamum indicum) across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, where larvae feed on leaves, flowers, and seed capsules. The genus is placed in the subfamily Spilomelinae, a diverse group of grass moths and relatives.
Apilocrocis
Apilocrocis is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was established by Amsel in 1956 and contains approximately 11 described species distributed across the Americas, from the United States through Central America to South America. Species within this genus are relatively small crambid moths, with several described by Hampson in the early 20th century and additional species described by Munroe in 1968.
Apogeshna
Apogeshna is a genus of snout moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. It was established by Munroe in 1956 and contains two described species: A. infirmalis and A. stenialis. The genus is known from North America, with records primarily from the eastern United States including Vermont.
Apogeshna acestealis
Apogeshna acestealis is a moth species described by Walker in 1859. It is currently treated as a junior synonym of Apogeshna stenialis, commonly known as the checkered apogeshna moth. The species belongs to the family Crambidae and subfamily Spilomelinae. Records indicate it has been documented in Vermont and other parts of the United States.
Arenochroa flavalis
Arenochroa flavalis is a small moth species and the sole member of its genus. It belongs to the family Crambidae, commonly known as grass moths. The species is found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. It was first described by Fernald in 1894, originally placed in the genus Loxostege.
Argyractini
Argyractini is a tribe of aquatic moths within the subfamily Acentropinae (Crambidae). The tribe includes several genera of small to medium-sized moths whose larvae are adapted to life in freshwater habitats. Adults are generally nocturnal and are attracted to light. The group is primarily distributed in the New World, with most species occurring in the Neotropical region.
Argyractis
Argyractis is a genus of crambid moths in the subfamily Acentropinae (formerly Nymphulinae), established by Hampson in 1897. The genus contains approximately 13 recognized species distributed primarily in the Americas. At least one species, Argyractis subornata, has been studied as a potential biological control agent for invasive waterhyacinth. Members of this genus are associated with aquatic habitats and exhibit aquatic larval stages.
Argyractis drumalis
Argyractis drumalis is a small aquatic moth in the family Crambidae, subfamily Acentropinae. It is endemic to Florida and associated with freshwater aquatic habitats. The species is named for Fort Drum, its type locality. Adults are active year-round with peak presence from February through November.
Argyria
Argyria is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Crambinae. The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1818. Members of this genus are part of the diverse snout moth fauna, with nearly 6,000 observations recorded on iNaturalist. The genus name derives from Greek 'argyros' (silver), likely referencing the silvery or pale coloration typical of many crambid moths.
Asciodes
Asciodes is a genus of snout moths (Crambidae: Spilomelinae) containing five described species. The genus was established by Guenée in 1854 with Asciodes gordialis as the type species. Species are distributed across the Americas from the southern United States through the Caribbean to South America. Larvae of at least some species feed on plants in the order Caryophyllales.
Asciodes quietalis
Asciodes quietalis is a moth species originally described by Walker in 1859 as Scoparia quietalis. It is currently treated as a synonym of Asciodes gordialis, a species in the family Crambidae (subfamily Spilomelinae). The taxon has been documented in 46 iNaturalist observations. As a synonym, it does not represent a currently recognized valid species, and biological information attributed to this name should be referred to the accepted species Asciodes gordialis.
Atomopteryx
Atomopteryx is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was established by Walsingham in 1891. It contains approximately ten described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species-level taxonomy and biology remain poorly documented.
Aulacodes
Aulacodes is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1854. The genus comprises approximately 40 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, primarily in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Species were historically classified in the subfamily Hydrocampinae, though modern Crambidae taxonomy has restructured many of these groups. The genus is distinguished from related crambid genera by specific wing venation patterns and genitalia characteristics, though detailed biological studies of most species remain limited.
Aulacodes cf-aechmialis
Aulacodes cf-aechmialis is a moth in the family Crambidae, subfamily Acentropinae. The 'cf.' designation indicates this identification is provisional, based on comparison with the described species Aulacodes aechmialis. Acentropinae moths are predominantly associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. This taxon belongs to a genus of small moths whose larvae are typically aquatic and feed on submerged vegetation.
Azochis
Azochis is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, established by Francis Walker in 1859. The genus contains approximately 16 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species have been recorded from Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The genus is characterized by typical crambid morphology with nocturnal adult activity patterns.
Bicilia iarchasalis
Bicilia iarchasalis is a crambid moth described by Francis Walker in 1859. Adults are active during two periods: March through May and August through September. The species has a broad Caribbean-Gulf distribution, with larvae feeding specifically on Rivina humilis.
Billaea
Billaea is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 80 described species. Most larvae are parasitoids of beetle larvae, particularly cerambycids and lucanids, with some species attacking lepidopteran hosts in the family Pyralidae. Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for agricultural and forestry pests, including palm weevils and sugarcane borers.
Tachinidaeparasitoidbiological-controlCerambycidaeDryophthoridaeCrambidaeviviparousplanidiaforest-pestagricultural-pestoil-palmsugarcanepalm-weevilwood-borersoutheast-AsiaSouth-AmericaEuropeBulgariaBrazilTurkeyMexicoPeruintegrated-pest-managementnatural-enemyhost-searchingkairomonessuperparasitismmass-rearingGalleria-mellonellalaboratory-hostfrassgallerytunnelpupal-parasitoidlarval-parasitoidectoparasitoidendoparasitoidColeopteraLepidopteraDipteraBrachyceraDexiinaeDexiiniRobineau-Desvoidy-183080-speciesglobal-distributionforestryagricultureornamental-palmsdate-palmcoconutRhynchophorusDiatraeaPrionusXylotrechusclimate-matchingestablishment-potentialMediterraneanMiddle-EastCaliforniainvasive-speciesred-palm-weevilAmerican-palm-weevilred-ring-diseasevector-controlnatural-mortalitypest-managementsustainable-agriculturehost-specificitytrophic-associationnew-host-recordparasitism-ratefield-parasitismlaboratory-rearingadult-longevityfecunditysex-ratiopupal-viabilitypupal-durationplanidia-lengthfood-resourcespollenhoneysucroseflowering-plantsspontaneous-floracompanion-plantshabitat-managementconservation-biological-controlaugmentative-biological-controlclassical-biological-controlquarantinehost-rangecircumstantial-evidencetaxonomic-confusionB.-rhynchophoraeB.-menezesiB.-adelphaB.-claripalpisB.-rutilansB.-cerambycivoraB.-steiniB.-fortisB.-irrorataB.-pectinataB.-setosaB.-trianguliferaB.-lataB.-intermediaB.-biserialisB.-giganteaB.-rubensB.-maritimaB.-marmorataB.-aurifronsB.-verticalisB.-flavaB.-chinensisB.-brevicaudaB.-kurahashiiB.-micronychiaB.-papeiB.-setigeraB.-yintiaolingB.-rufescensB.-triquetrusB.-rubidaB.-rufiventrisB.-brasiliensisB.-friburgensisB.-giacomeliB.-kosteraeB.-plaumanniB.-shannoniB.-africanaB.-argentaureaB.-atkinsoniB.-capensisB.-communisB.-decisaB.-edwardsiB.-erectaB.-ficorumB.-grandisB.-impigraB.-interruptaB.-kolomyetziB.-luteolaB.-malayanaB.-minorB.-monohammiB.-montanaB.-morosaB.-nipigonensisB.-orbitalisB.-ovataB.-quadrinotaB.-rhingiaeformisB.-robustaB.-satisfactaB.-sibleyiB.-sjostedtiB.-solivagaB.-trivittataB.-trochanterataB.-vanemdeniB.-velutinaB.-versicolorB.-villeneuveiB.-vitripennisB.-ziminiB.-lateralisB.-lativentrisBlepharomastix
Blepharomastix is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, described by Julius Lederer in 1863. The genus contains approximately 80 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Many species were described by early 20th century lepidopterists including Hampson, Dyar, and Schaus. The genus is currently treated as a synonym of Lamprosema in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing revisions within the Spilomelinae subfamily.
Blepharomastix achroalis
Blepharomastix achroalis is a small crambid moth distributed across the Caribbean and southeastern United States. Originally described as Pyrausta achroalis by Hampson in 1913, it has been reclassified to the genus Blepharomastix. The species exhibits a multivoltine flight pattern in Florida, with adult activity spanning most of the year except April and September.
Blepharomastix potentalis
Blepharomastix potentalis is a small crambid moth described from Arizona in 1914. It is a rarely encountered species with limited documentation, known from only a handful of observations. The species belongs to a genus of grass moths whose larvae generally feed on grasses and sedges.
Blepharomastix undescribed-species
Blepharomastix is a genus of crambid moths in the subfamily Spilomelinae. The designation "undescribed-species" indicates a species that has been recognized by researchers but not yet formally described and named in scientific literature. Specimens may exist in collections or field observations may document its presence, but without a published species description, its formal taxonomic status remains incomplete. The genus Blepharomastix includes species primarily distributed in the Neotropical region.
Calamotropha
Calamotropha is a genus of grass moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Crambinae. Species in this genus are distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with particular diversity in the Oriental and Afrotropical regions. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with numerous species described from China and other regions. Adults are generally small to medium-sized moths with characteristic crambine morphology. Larval stages are typically associated with grasses and related plants.
Cangetta
Cangetta is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was established by Moore in 1886. Species within this genus are distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, with records from South Africa, Malawi, Cameroon, Congo, and other regions. The genus contains approximately 14 recognized species.
Carectocultus
Carectocultus is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Schoenobiinae. The genus was established by A. Blanchard in 1975 and contains three recognized species. Members of this genus are associated with wetland habitats and are distributed across parts of North America. The genus includes the species Carectocultus perstrialis, which was described as early as 1831.
Catoptria oregonicus
Western Catoptria, Oregon Catoptria Moth
Catoptria oregonicus is a small crambid moth found in western North American mountain meadows. Described by Grote in 1880, this species is active during mid to late summer. It is one of several Catoptria species in the region, distinguished by its specific geographic range and habitat preferences.
Chabula
Chabula is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Pyraustinae. The genus was established by Moore in 1886 and contains at least two described species: Chabula acamasalis (described by Walker in 1859) and Chabula vedonalis (described by Swinhoe in 1894). These moths belong to the diverse snout moth group, characterized by their elongated labial palps.
Chabula acamasalis
Chabula acamasalis is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of approximately 20 mm. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning South Asia, East Asia, and Australia. The species is characterized by dark brown forewings marked with contrasting white patches. First described by Francis Walker in 1859 from a specimen originally placed in the genus Zebronia.
Chalcoela iphitalis
Sooty-winged Chalcoela, Sooty-winged Chalcoela Moth
Chalcoela iphitalis is a small moth in the family Crambidae that functions as a brood parasite of social paper wasps. The species is notable for its striking coloration: the head, thorax, and anterior forewings are yellow-orange, while the posterior forewings and hindwings are gray-silver with black marginal spots. Adults are active from May to August across North America. The larvae are specialized predators of wasp pupae and pre-pupae within Polistes and Mischocyttarus nests, and represent a rare case of a lepidopteran acting as a parasitoid of hymenopterans.
Chilo
borers
Chilo is a genus of crambid moths (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) commonly known as borers. Species in this genus are primarily recognized as agricultural pests of graminaceous crops, particularly sugarcane. The genus includes economically significant species such as C. tumidicostalis (Plassey borer), C. sacchariphagus indicus (internode borer), C. auricilius (stalk borer), and C. suppressalis (striped rice stem borer). These moths are characterized by larval stages that bore into plant stems, causing substantial yield losses in tropical and subtropical agricultural regions.
Chilo plejadellus
Rice Stalk Borer Moth
Chilo plejadellus, commonly known as the rice stalk borer moth, is a crambid moth described by Zincken in 1821. It is a significant agricultural pest whose larvae tunnel into rice stalks. The species has been studied for its sex pheromone chemistry, with (Z)-13-octadecenal identified as the primary female-produced attractant. Field applications of synthetic pheromone have proven effective for population monitoring.
Chilonini
Chilonini is a tribe of grass moths within the family Crambidae. Members are generally small to medium-sized moths with narrow wings and slender bodies. The tribe includes several economically significant stem-boring pest species, particularly in the genus Chilo, which attack cereal crops including maize, rice, and sugarcane. Chilonini species are distributed across tropical and temperate regions worldwide, with highest diversity in the Old World tropics.
Choristostigma
Choristostigma is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, established by Warren in 1892. The genus contains approximately ten described species distributed across North America, including C. roseopennalis, which has been documented at ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light traps in mountain oak woodland habitats. Species within this genus are small to medium-sized crambid moths, though detailed morphological and biological information remains limited in the published literature.