Pyraustinae

See text Pyraustinae is a large subfamily of the lepidopteran family Crambidae, the crambid snout moths.

The Pyraustinae were originally including the Spilomelinae; the present group was at that time considered a tribe Pyraustini.

Taxonomists' opinions differ as to the correct placement of the Crambidae, some authorities treating them as a subfamily (Crambinae) of the family Pyralidae.

[2] The Pyraustinae are characterised by atrophied spinula and venulae in the tympanal organs; a narrow fornix tympani; a longitudinal groove with androconial scales on the male mesothoracic tibiae; an often spinose antrum; and a sella (a medially directed clasper on the inside of the valvae), and an editum with modified setae on the male valvae.

Many species have larvae that bore into stems and fruit of plants, and several, notably from the genus Ostrinia, are serious agricultural pests.