Crambid Moth

a Crambidae moth from Kakamega, Kenya, Oct. 2016. Photo © by Michael Plagens

Observed at an electric light. Kakamega Forest, Kenya, October 2016. The wing span is about 12 mm.

Also known as snout moths because of the elongated mouthparts from the anterior of the head. This moth would normally sit on a yellowed leaf of a tree or amongst fallen leaves and thus hide from birds. The caterpillar stage of crambids often tunnel into shoots, flowers or developing fruit. Amateur entomologists can add knowledge by rearing larvae to adults thereby matching the different stages of the many, many species.

Crambidae -- Snout Moth Family

More Information:


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens. Page created 13 March 2017.