Crambid Snout Moths

Crambid Snout Moths are a large and varied group of small to medium-sized moths, usually with a wingspan between 10 and 40 millimetres. When resting, most of these moths hold their wings close to their body, giving them a distinctive cylindrical or triangular shape. The family name comes from the noticeable mouthparts that stick out like a snout in many species. Their colours vary a lot, ranging from pale straw and white to complex patterns of brown and grey. These moths live in many different environments, including wetlands, grasslands, gardens, and farmland. Many species are linked to particular types of plants, with their caterpillars often feeding inside rolled leaves, stems, or roots. The group includes species with aquatic larvae, like the China-mark moths, as well as species that feed on grasses. Crambid moths are found all over the world but are most diverse in tropical areas. In Britain, over 100 species have been recorded. The adult moths are often attracted to light and can be very common during the summer months.