Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Crambus acutellus Walker, 1866
Botis venalis Grote, 1878
Numbers
the only species in this genus in North America; uncommon in Ohio
Size
wingspan about 22 mm, based on MPG specimen
Identification
Adult: forewing light yellow to orange or brownish with dark brown longitudinal streaks along veins
hindwing pale yellowish with whitish or pale gray shading
Range
Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Texas, north to Nebraska, Michigan, Ontario; also reported from Colorado
Habitat
wet grassy areas containing sedges; adults are nocturnal and attracted to light
Season
adults fly from May to August
Food
unknown but presumably sedges (Cyperaceae); larvae of the Eurasian species N. cilialis feed on Carex and Cladium sedges
Print References
Walker, F. 1866 b: Supplement 5. – List of the Specimens of Lepidopterous Insects in the Collection of the British Museum, London 35: 1753.
Internet References
live and pinned adult images by Hugh McGuinness and Jim Vargo respectively (Moth Photographers Group)
pinned adult image by John Glaser, plus flight season, habitat, distribution (Larry Line, Maryland)
pinned adult image (James Adams, Dalton State College, Georgia)
distribution plus type localities and food plants of similar Eurasian species (Markku Savela, FUNET)
presence in Ontario; list (NHIC; Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources)
presence in Florida; list (John Heppner, Florida State Collection of Arthropods)