LEPID OP TER A . 
235 
parallel with the stalk, which renders it less conspicuous 
(Fig. 280). Many of the species are silvery white or are 
marked with stripes of that color. 
More than fifty of our species belong to the genus Cram - 
bus (Cram'bus). The moths of this genus are often seen; 
but the larvae usually escape observation. They occur 
chiefly near the surface of the ground, where they live in 
tubular nests constructed of bits of earth or vegetable 
matter. 
Family PllYClTlDiE (Phy-cit'i-dae). 
The Phycitids ( Phyc'i-tids ). 
Our most common members of this family are small 
moths with rather narrow but long fore wings, which are 
banded or mottled with 
various shades of gray 
or brown. The family 
is, however, a large one 
and other types of col¬ 
oration occur. The dis¬ 
tinctive characteristics 
are those given in the 
table above. Figure 281 
represents the venation 
of the wings. 
The larvae of the dif- 
erent species vary greatly 
in habits. Some live in 
flowers," some fold or roll 
leaves within which they 
live and feed; some are borers; others feed upon dried 
fruits, or flour and meal ; and one, at least, is preda¬ 
ceous, feeding on coccids. Usually the larva lives in a 
silken tube or case, lying concealed by day and feeding by 
night. 
Fig. 281.—Wings of T.lascala reductella. 
