Vagabond Crambus Moth; Vagabond Sod Webworm Moth

Uncommon in Alberta, but probably of no concern.

Late August to early September.

A North American species where it is widespread south of the Boreal Forest (Fernald 1896, Dyar 1904, McDaniel et al. 1984, Scholtens 1996 and Handfield (1997). In Alberta, Bowman (1951) has it from the Lethbridge, Lloydminster and Edmonton areas.

A medium to large sized crambid (25 mm wingspan, ranging from 20-39 mm). The forewing is dull yellowish (clay coloured) with numerous longitudinal streaks formed by brown scales in the intervenular spaces; AM, PM and ST lines not evident; the terminal line has a row of seven black dots; fringe golden bronze. The front of the head is produced and conical. Similar in color and streaking to Agriphila plumbifimbriella and A. ruricolella but larger, lacking AM, PM and/or ST lines and flying later. Wingspan and flight time similar to Agriphila attenuata but forewings not as narrow, also lacking an ill-defined white streak and a subterminal line that runs obliquely into the costa. McDaniel et al (1984) also mention that vulgivagella has a conical front while ruricolella does not.

Grassland areas.

No local information. The early stages have been described by Felt (1894). Hibernation occurs as half grown larvae. Single brooded.

No local information. This is a very common moth in the northeastern United States, where it is a serious agricultural pest. The larvae feed on the tender roots of young grass, wheat, rye and other grains (Fernald 1896).