Grass Moth
Crambidae
Observed at Mombasa, Kenya, January 2012. The wing span is about 2 cm.
There are probably hundreds of species of Crambidae found in Kenya. The majority are small, drably colored and fly only at night. They are most frequently seen beneath electric lights. Some species are very important pests of crops such as rice, corn and sugarcane. As a group they can usually be recognized by the enlarged labial palps appearing as an elongated snout. The snout performs sensory functions and cannot bite or sting people.