Crambinae
The grass moths which include some of the most common of all our Lepid-
optera. Many come readily to lighted windows in late summer and may be
recognised by their elongate appearance when at rest, their long, narrow
forewings being closely wrapped round the abdomen. The forewings range
from white through ochreous to brown; some have a conspicuous pale median
streak. Most of the larvae feed on the roots and stem-bases of grasses and are
rarely seen; others feed on moss. The life histories even of some of the common
species are imperfectly known. Of the 39 species on the British list, 23 have
been recorded in Essex; those missing are either northern montane species or
rare immigrants.
Chilo phragmitella (Hubn.) Res., (1886)-1980. Phragmites, Glyceria maxima. Wdspd and c. but
under-recorded. 88 *Southend (Leeeh, 1886).
Calamotropha paludella (Hubn.) Res., 1947-1976, Typha latifolia. Loc.; a recent colonist which is
extending its range.
VC 18.58 Rainham, 1976 (GSR); 68 Mucking (RT); 69 Ingrave, 1970 and 1976 (KWG; IM); 78
Thundersley (DGD); 70 Little Baddow (GAP); 88 Leigh-on-Sea; Westcliff-on-Sea; Southend;
89 *Rochford (HCH); 90 Bradwell-on-Sea (AJD). VC 19. 01 Fingringhoe Wick NR, 1972
(AME).
Chrysoteuchia culmella (Linn.) (hortuella (Hubn.) Res., (1886)1980. Gramineae. Wdspd and
abdt. 88 *Southend (Leech, 1886).
Crambus pascuella (Linn.) Res., 1871-1980. Gramineae. Wdspd and v.c. 49 *High Beach (Boyd
diary).
C. silvella (Hubn.) NRR., 1900. Carex spp. Recorded once only. Barrett (1905: 86) and Beirne
(1952: 59) give Essex in the distribution, presumably on the basis of the following record.
VC 18.88 Eastwood, 17 June 1900 (Whittle, 1901).
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