Long-horned Grass Tubeworm Moth
Common NameLong-horned Grass Tubeworm Moth
Scientific NameAcrolophus arcanellus
FamilyAcrolophidae
SubfamilyAcrolophinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, dark brown
HabitatGrasslands, open fields, meadows, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas)
Host Plantsgrasses
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as 'grass tubeworms', construct silken tubes in the soil and feed on the roots of various grasses. Pupation occurs within these tubes.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, mottled brown and tan forewings, and distinctively long, backward-curving antennae, which are particularly noticeable in males.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled brown and tan forewings, characterized by its long, recurved antennae.
