Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth
Common NameEastern Grass Tubeworm Moth
Scientific NameAcrolophus arcanellus
FamilyAcrolophidae
SubfamilyAcrolophinae
Wingspan (mm)23
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsorange, brown, dark brown
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, open fields, lawns, and other areas with host grasses
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsgrasses (Poaceae family)
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are known as 'grass tubeworms' and live in silken tubes underground, feeding on the roots of various grasses. Pupation occurs within these subterranean tubes.
Identification TipsLook for its robust, hairy appearance and the characteristic mottled reddish-brown forewings with darker markings. It often rests with its wings folded tent-like over its body.
Description
This is a small to medium-sized moth with a robust, hairy body. Its forewings are mottled reddish-brown to orange-brown, featuring darker brown spots and streaks, and some scattered whitish scaling.
