Acrolophus walsinghami
Common NameAcrolophus walsinghami
Scientific NameAcrolophus walsinghami
FamilyAcrolophidae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, cream
HabitatGrasslands, open fields, lawns, pastures, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (e.g., Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina)
Host Plantsgrasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are subterranean root feeders, primarily on grasses, and construct silken tubes in the soil. Pupation occurs underground, and adults are typically nocturnal.
Identification TipsKey features include the extremely shaggy head and thorax, and the mottled brown and cream forewings with a distinctive, irregular pale transverse band. The overall robust and 'furry' appearance is characteristic of the genus.
Description
A small, robust moth characterized by its very shaggy, hairy head and thorax. Its forewings are a mottled mix of brown, reddish-brown, and cream, featuring an irregular, pale, broken band across the middle.
