Arcane Grass Tubeworm Moth
Common NameArcane Grass Tubeworm Moth
Scientific NameApterona arcana
FamilyPsychidae
SubfamilyPsychinae
Wingspan (mm)0
Primary Colorsbrown, black, tan
HabitatGrasslands, dry meadows, steppe, often found on walls or rocks
Geographic RangeCentral and Eastern Europe (native); North America (introduced: e.g., Utah, Nevada, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington)
Host Plantsgrasses, clover, dandelion, lichens
Flight PeriodMales: May to July; Females: sessile
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae construct and carry a portable case made of silk and plant debris. Females are wingless and remain within or near their pupal case after emergence, awaiting winged males for reproduction.
Identification TipsWingless, cryptic female with a densely scaled, cylindrical body, often found attached to surfaces. Males are small, dark moths with feathery antennae. Larvae are identified by their distinctive, portable cases.
Description
The image displays a wingless female Arcane Grass Tubeworm Moth, densely covered in shaggy, mottled brown and black scales, giving it a cryptic, bark-like appearance. Its cylindrical body is attached to a surface, with small legs visible.
