# Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth (*Acrolophus popeanella*) Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth is a small, fuzzy moth that loves to hide in grass. It has a special way of making a cozy tube from grass leaves to stay safe and warm. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Clemens'_grass_tubeworm_moth_%2881237%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clemens'_grass_tubeworm_moth_%2881237%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth is a small, often shaggy-looking moth with dull yellowish to brownish-gray forewings that can have subtle darker markings. Its hindwings are plain gray. This coloring helps it blend perfectly with dried grasses and soil, making it hard to spot. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Tineidae - **Genus:** Acrolophus ## Interesting facts - Adult moths have extra-fuzzy antennae that help them smell and feel their way in the dark. - Baby tubeworms live underground in little silken tunnels made from grass! - Their wings are covered in tiny scales, like roof tiles, giving them their unique colors. - These moths can sometimes 'play dead' by falling to the ground if they feel threatened! ## Special abilities - **Grass Tube Architect:** Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth larvae can construct silk-lined tubes from grass and soil, which helps them hide from predators while they feed. - **Nighttime Navigator:** Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth can fly actively at night, guided by sensitive antennae to find mates and avoid danger in the dark. - **Root Muncher:** Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth larvae can digest tough grass roots because they have specialized mouthparts for chewing underground. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 20-30 mm - **Size:** 10-15 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-14 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding The young munch on grass roots, but adult moths usually don't need to eat! - **Age differences:** Larvae feed on grass roots; adults are generally non-feeding or consume dew/nectar minimally. - **Primary Foods:** Grass roots, Grass stems - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Kentucky Bluegrass](https://www.snappit.app/explore/kentucky-bluegrass) (*Poa pratensis*) — Larvae feed on roots. - **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Adult moths are prey. - **Eaten by:** [House Sparrow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-sparrow) (*Passer domesticus*) — Birds can catch moths. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Don't touch moths you find outside; they might be scared! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth's wingspan? 20-30 mm ### How big is Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth? 10-15 mm ### How long does Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth live? 7-14 days ### What does Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth eat? The young munch on grass roots, but adult moths usually don't need to eat! ### Where is Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth usually found? Grasslands ### How does Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Abbeville Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/abbeville-historic-district) — South Carolina, US · Historic District ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/clemens-grass-tubeworm-moth)