# Grass Tubeworm Moths (*acrolophus*)

Grass Tubeworm Moths are small, fuzzy creatures that often hide in the grass. They spin cozy tubes made of silk and plant materials to protect themselves!

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger
- **Habitat:** Grasslands and fields, where they can find plenty of plants to hide in.
- **Also known as:** Grass Moth, Silk Moth, Tube Moth

![Grass Tubeworm Moths](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Acrolophus_sp..jpg&width=800)

Photo: Mike Boone, CC BY-SA 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acrolophus_sp..jpg)

## Appearance

The Grass Tubeworm Moths has a fuzzy, stout body and often camouflaged wings in muted shades of brown, grey, black, and tan. Their wings are typically held roof-like over their body, sometimes appearing tufted or rough, helping them blend seamlessly into their grassy habitats.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Lepidoptera
- **Family:** Tineidae
- **Genus:** Acrolophus

## Interesting facts

- Adult Grass Tubeworm Moths rarely eat, living off energy stored as caterpillars!
- Many species of Grass Tubeworm Moths are still undiscovered by scientists!
- Some caterpillars of these moths can live for over a year underground!
- Their antennae can be feathery, helping them sniff out mates in the dark!

## Special abilities

- **Root Shelter Builder:** Grass Tubeworm Moths can build unique silk tubes fortified with grass and soil around roots because this protects their larvae from predators and harsh weather.
- **Stealthy Disguise:** Grass Tubeworm Moths has intricately patterned, mottled wings that help them blend perfectly into dry grasses, allowing them to hide from hungry birds and bats.
- **Underground Forager:** Grass Tubeworm Moths larvae can tunnel through soil to find grass roots and decaying plant matter because this provides them with essential nutrients and a safe feeding environment.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 20-45 mm
- **Size:** 10-25 mm
- **Lifespan:** 7-18 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on grass roots and decaying plants, while adults usually don't eat.

- **Age differences:** Larvae feed on plant matter and detritus, while adults often do not feed at all.
- **Primary Foods:** grass roots, dead leaves, fungi, decaying wood
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Hunts adult moths using echolocation at night.
- **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Forages for caterpillars in grass and soil.
- **Eats:** [Kentucky Bluegrass](https://www.snappit.app/explore/kentucky-bluegrass) (*Poa pratensis*) — Larvae feed on the roots of this common grass species.

## Traits

- [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.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [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.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger

No special safety notes yet.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Grass Tubeworm Moths?

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 Grass Tubeworm Moths's wingspan?

20-45 mm

### How big is Grass Tubeworm Moths?

10-25 mm

### How long does Grass Tubeworm Moths live?

7-18 days

### What does Grass Tubeworm Moths eat?

Caterpillars munch on grass roots and decaying plants, while adults usually don't eat.

### Where is Grass Tubeworm Moths usually found?

Grasslands and fields, where they can find plenty of plants to hide in.

### How does Grass Tubeworm Moths hunt?

Foraging

### How many legs does Grass Tubeworm Moths have?

6

## Where to spot

- [Cherry Tree Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cherry-tree-park) — Florida, US · 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*)

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Source: [Grass Tubeworm Moths: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grass-tubeworm-moths)