Crambid Moths - Family Crambidae

This page contains pictures and information about Pyralid Moths in family Crambidae that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia.



Family PYRALIDAE was recently split into CRAMBIDAE and PYRALIDAE. The adults are still commonly known as Pyralid Moths.

Pyralidae and Crambidae are the two very large Moths families. Moths in these two familles usually rest with wings in triangular shape and put the first pair of long legs in front, the two antennae pass top of their head and pointed backwards. They often have visible maxillary palpi and labial palpi protrude forward in front of the head. They are from small to medium in size and have relatively long legs.



Pyralid caterpillars have many different types of habits. Most are concealed leaf-feeder, living in shelter of leaves tied with silks, in silken webs or in leaf cases jointed by silk. Some bore in stems or fruits while some live in plant materials on ground or in soil.

Subfamily Pyraustinae - Colourful Pyralid Moths

This is a large subfamily. Moths in this subfamily are usually brightly patterned. Forewings and hind wings usually have the same patterns. When rest, their wings are more or less spread out. The body is often slender and with long legs. The caterpillars usually join or fold green leaves as shelters or burrow in fruits, seed and soft stem.

Moths in this subfamily rest with their wings folded over the abdomen. Caterpillars in this subfamily feed on grasses and sedges.


Reference:
1. Moths - family Pyralidae - lifeunseen.com by Nick Monaghan.
2. A Guide to Australian Moths - Paul Zborowski, Ted Edwards, CSIRO PUBLISHING, 2007, p127.
3. Moths of Australia - I. F. B. Common, Melbourne University Press, 1990, p350 (CRAMBINAE ).
4. Northern Territory Insects, A Comprehensive Guide CD - Graham Brown, 2009.
5. Pyralidae Pyraustinae - LeapFrogOz 2011.
6. Some moths of PYRAUSTINAE in Australia - Don Herbison-Evans & Stella Crossley, 2011.