Frilly Grass Tubeworm Moth
Common NameFrilly Grass Tubeworm Moth
Scientific NameAcrolophus fraterculus
FamilyAcrolophidae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorscream, light brown, dark brown
HabitatGrassy fields, meadows, open woodlands, lawns
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas)
Host Plantsvarious grasses
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are subterranean, constructing silken tubes among grass roots where they feed, earning them the name 'grass tubeworms.' Pupation occurs within these tubes.
Identification TipsLook for the stout, hairy body, the mottled brown and cream forewings with indistinct patterns, and the characteristic 'frilly' appearance, especially around the head and prominent, often upturned labial palps.
Description
A small, stout-bodied moth with a shaggy appearance, featuring mottled cream and brown forewings, and prominent, often hairy labial palps.
