Snout and Grass Moths

Family Pyralidae

Grape leaffolder moth (Desmia funeralis). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

The larvae of the family Pyralidae feed mainly on foliage or dried plant debris such as stored grain products. Some species are serious pests of crops and stored product. Some larvae bore into plant tissues or roll leaves. Other larvae are scavengers and eat dried or decaying organic matter. Some feed on scale insects and some live in bee nests. Pyralids are small and delicate moths with elongated or triangular front wings and broad hind wings. They are usually grey or brown and the labial palps are often well developed giving the appearance of a snout.