Characteristics
- Small to medium-sized moths (wingspan 10–35 mm)
- Narrow wings, often triangular, held roof-like when resting
- Well-developed proboscis, sometimes scaly
- Crepuscular or nocturnal flight, sometimes diurnal (Udea, Pyrausta, etc.)
- Coloration ranges from dull and cryptic to metallic or bright hues
Habitat
Pyraloidea are found in:
- Meadows, hedgerows, gardens, fallows, marshes, reed beds
- Agricultural areas, silos, homes (domestic species)
- Aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats for some species
- Moist or dry forests depending on the genus
Biology
- Eggs laid on or within the host plant or nutritional substrate
- Highly diverse larvae: herbivores, saprophages, aquatic feeders, storage pests
- Some species build shelters or silk tunnels
- Pupation occurs in a silk cocoon, often in soil or leaf litter
- Several generations per year for widespread species
Included families
- Crambidae – A large, highly diverse family often found in open habitats
- e.g. Udea, Agriphila, Crambus, Catoptria
- Pyralidae – Includes domestic or pest species (Plodia, Ephestia, Aglossa)
Notable species
- Pyrausta aurata – Small purple and gold moth, active by day
- Udea lutealis – Pale species common in fallows
- Plodia interpunctella – Indian meal moth, common in homes
- Crambus perlella, Agriphila tristella – Grassland species, low skimming flight
Special features
- Some larvae are aquatic (e.g. Nymphula, Elophila, etc.)
- Several species are pests of stored goods
- Discreet activity but sometimes abundant at night lights
- A very rich group, often difficult to identify
A realistic illustration of a Pyrausta aurata on a flower, a Crambus in a dry meadow, or a cross-section of an aquatic larva will be added later.