Crambidae Collection

Mother of pearl (Pleuroptya ruralis) moth nectaring on Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) at night. Surrey, England, UK. July

Mint moth (Pyrausta aurata) feeding on Wild marjoram flower (Origanum vulgare), chalk grassland meadow, Wiltshire, UK, July

Pearl-band Grass Veneer (Catoptria margaritella) resting on blade of grass, Boswachterij Ruurlo, Gelderland, The Netherlands

Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) introduced pest species, caterpillar, feeding on Box (Buxus sempervirens) larval foodplant, Cannobina Valley, Italian Alps, Piedmont, Italy, August

Small Magpie (Eurrhypara hortulata) adult, resting on birch bark, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, June

White-spotted Sable Moth (Anania funebris) adult, drinking minerals from damp ground, Pontic Mountains, Anatolia, Turkey, July

Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) introduced species, adult, resting on fern frond, Cannobina Valley, Italian Alps, Piedmont, Northern Italy, July

Elophita nymphaeata specimen from the Natural History Museums Entomology collection

Hook-streaked Grass-veneer (Crambus lathoniellus) adult, resting on Common Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) flower, Ivinghoe Beacon, Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire, England, June

Brown China-mark (Elophila nymphaeata) adult, resting on leaf, Norfolk, England, august

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"Crambidae: A Fascinating World of Moths and Their Ecological Interactions" In the enchanting realm of nature, the crambidae family unveils a captivating array of moths with their intriguing behaviors. As night falls, the Mother of Pearl moth delicately flutters its wings while nectaring on vibrant Ragwort flowers, creating a mesmerizing nocturnal spectacle. Amidst chalky landscapes, the Mint moth gracefully feeds upon Wild marjoram blossoms, showcasing its golden hues against a backdrop of verdant foliage. Meanwhile, the Pearl-band Grass Veneer finds solace in resting upon a slender blade of grass in Boswachterij Ruurlo, Gelderland; an exquisite sight that epitomizes tranquility. However, not all members of this family bring delight to ecosystems. The Box Tree Moth emerges as an introduced pest species with its voracious caterpillars devouring leaves from Box trees (Buxus sempervirens). These destructive larvae transform into pupae before emerging as adult moths—a reminder that invasive species can disrupt delicate ecological balance. Yet amidst these challenges lie moments of beauty and resilience. The Small Magpie moth graces us with its presence as it rests gently on birch bark in Sheffield's South Yorkshire region. Its ethereal appearance reminds us that even within urban landscapes, nature persists and thrives. Venturing further afield to Anatolia's Pontic Mountains reveals another astonishing scene—the White-spotted Sable Moth indulging in minerals found within damp ground. This unique behavior showcases how insects adapt to obtain essential nutrients for survival. The diverse world continues to amaze—whether it be witnessing dark-form adults perched atop decaying vegetation or discovering them resting serenely on fern fronds within Italy's Cannobina Valley. Each encounter offers glimpses into their intricate lives and serves as a reminder of the intricate tapestry that nature weaves.