Description
Thin, brown moths with a wingspan of about 40 millimetres. Common grass moths camouflage well on grasses and will fly if disturbed. Moths are active during the day. Larvae hide underground in tubular-shaped webs during the day and feed on new grass shoots during the night.
Common native plant hosts
| Scientific names | Māori/common names |
|---|---|
| Austroderia spp. | Toetoe, kākaho |
| Carex spp. | Sedge, cutty grass, bastard grass, hook grass, rautahi |
| Uncinia spp. | Hook grass, bastard grass |
Scientific names
Austroderia spp.
Māori/common names
Toetoe, kākaho
Scientific names
Carex spp.
Māori/common names
Sedge, cutty grass, bastard grass, hook grass, rautahi
Scientific names
Uncinia spp.
Māori/common names
Hook grass, bastard grass
Symptoms and damage
- common grass moths can cause damage to foliage when found in large numbers
- leaf blades may appear scarred or damaged
- leaf blades can turn brown and die off.
Prevention and control tips
- chemical insecticides
- sticky traps.