Crambid Moth

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

Observed at night in Wundanyi, Taita Hills, Kenya, May 2017. 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 mouldy leaf 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 19 Sept. 2017.