Tehama bonifatella

Western Lawn Moth

Family: Crambidae · Class: Insecta · Order: Lepidoptera

Tehama bonifatella, commonly known as the Western Lawn Moth, is a small moth in the family Crambidae. This species represents one of the lesser-documented members of the grass moth family, with limited published information available regarding its physical characteristics and life history. Adults are presumed to be small-bodied moths typical of the Crambidae family, likely measuring 8 to 15 mm in wingspan, though precise measurements have not been documented in accessible literature. The range and distribution of Tehama bonifatella remain poorly defined in current taxonomic and ecological databases. The genus name Tehama suggests a potential connection to Tehama County in northern California, though this geographic association requires verification through additional research. Without comprehensive survey data, the current distribution of this species within California cannot be accurately described. Habitat requirements for the Western Lawn Moth are not well-documented in available scientific literature. As suggested by its common name, the species may be associated with lawn or grassland environments, which would be consistent with the ecological preferences of many Crambidae species. Members of this moth family typically inhabit areas with suitable grass hosts and are often found in disturbed habitats, agricultural areas, and residential landscapes where lawn grasses are maintained. The behavioral ecology and life history of Tehama bonifatella have not been thoroughly studied or documented. Most Crambidae species are nocturnal and attracted to artificial lights. Larvae of grass moths typically feed within grass stems or at the base of grass plants, creating tunnels or galleries as they develop. The timing of adult emergence, number of generations per year, and specific reproductive behaviors remain unknown for this species. Host plant associations have not been definitively established, though the common name suggests potential relationships with cultivated grasses used in lawn applications. The conservation status of Tehama bonifatella is not currently established through federal or state listing processes. The species does not appear on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species List, nor is it designated as a species of special concern by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as of December 2025. The lack of comprehensive biological and distributional data makes it difficult to assess population trends or conservation needs. This information gap represents a significant challenge for lepidopteran conservation in California, where many smaller moth species remain understudied. The limited available information about Tehama bonifatella highlights the need for additional taxonomic and ecological research on California's native moth fauna. Many small moth species lack basic biological data, making conservation assessments and management decisions difficult. Further field studies, taxonomic verification, and ecological investigations would be necessary to develop a complete understanding of this species' status, distribution, and conservation requirements within California's diverse ecosystems.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.