The history of studies of the Crambidae in Israel is summarized. Prior to this study, 104 species of the Crambidae were recorded in Israel according to published surveys. Another 56 grass moth species have been found in the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv, thus increasing the Israeli fauna of the Crambidae to 160 species, although the historical record of Chilo suppressalis in Israel was apparently based on misidentification. A checklist of all species with remarks on their general distribution pattern, distribution in Israel, flight periods and host plants is compiled.