# Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth (*Acrolophus plumifrontella*) The Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth is a small, fuzzy moth that loves to hide in grass. It makes a cozy tube from grass blades to stay safe and warm, making it a special little home! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Acrolophus_plumifrontella_-_Eastern_Grass_Tubeworm_Moth-EasternGrass-tubewormMoth2013-06-16b_zps4f332608_%2816053873762%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acrolophus_plumifrontella_-_Eastern_Grass_Tubeworm_Moth-EasternGrass-tubewormMoth2013-06-16b_zps4f332608_%2816053873762%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth is a small moth, typically brownish-grey with darker speckles or markings on its forewings. It has a distinctive tuft of feathery scales on its head, giving it a somewhat fuzzy face, and a slender body. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Tineidae - **Genus:** Acrolophus ## Interesting facts - Adult Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moths don't eat at all, living only off energy stored as larvae! - Baby tubeworms spend months hiding safe inside their underground grass homes! - Its scientific name, \*plumifrontella\*, means "feathery forehead," describing its unique face! - They play a secret role as "night shift" pollinators for some plants under the moonlight! ## Special abilities - **Grass Tube Builder:** Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth larvae can construct silk-lined tunnels from grass and soil because it helps them stay hidden from predators. - **Master of Disguise:** Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moths have mottled brown and grey wings that help them blend perfectly with dry grass and tree bark. - **Night Vision Navigator:** Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moths can navigate in very low light because they have special large eyes that collect more light at night. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 20-30 mm - **Size:** 9-15 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-14 days - **Flight Speed:** 8 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Tiny tubeworms munch on grass roots, but adult moths prefer to not eat at all! - **Age differences:** Larvae feed on grass roots and detritus, while adult moths typically do not feed or consume only nectar. - **Primary Foods:** grass roots, decaying plant matter, nectar - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Bats hunt flying moths at night. - **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — Birds like jays prey on moths and caterpillars. - **Eats:** [Kentucky Bluegrass](https://www.snappit.app/explore/kentucky-bluegrass) (*Poa pratensis*) — Larvae feed on the roots of various grasses. ## 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. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [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 or insects unless you have an adult with you. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Eastern 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 Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth's wingspan? 20-30 mm ### How big is Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth? 9-15 mm ### How long does Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth live? 7-14 days ### How fast can Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth fly? 8 km/h ### What does Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth eat? Tiny tubeworms munch on grass roots, but adult moths prefer to not eat at all! ### Where is Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth usually found? Grasslands ### How does Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Jones Lake State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/jones-lake-state-park) — North Carolina, US · State Park ## 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: [Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-grass-tubeworm-moth)