Texas Grass Tubeworm Moth
Common NameTexas Grass Tubeworm Moth
Scientific NameAcigona praeteritalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, open fields, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (primarily Texas), Mexico
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are known to feed on grasses and construct silken tubes among the host plant's roots or blades.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the distinctive cryptic pattern of brown, grey, and white mottling on the forewings, and its association with grassy habitats. The specific arrangement of light and dark patches is key for identification.
Description
A small, slender moth with forewings patterned in mottled shades of brown, grey, and white, providing excellent camouflage. It has a somewhat pointed forewing apex and a brownish-grey body.
