Acrolophus quadrellus
Barnes & McDunnough, 1913
Acrolophus quadrellus is a small in the Acrolophidae, described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1913. The belongs to a commonly known as "grass tubeworm moths" due to larval of spinning silken tubes at grass bases or roots. It is recorded from Arizona and broader North America, though specific details about its remain limited.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acrolophus quadrellus: /ˌækrəˈloʊfəs kwəˈdrɛləs/
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Identification
As a member of Acrolophus, this likely exhibits the traits of small size and relatively plain, dull coloration typical of grass tubeworm moths. Definitive identification to species level requires examination of genitalia or other microscopic features; the species was distinguished from by Barnes and McDunnough based on structural characters. Without detailed original description or modern revision, field identification from similar Acrolophus species is not reliably possible from photographs alone.
Distribution
Recorded from North America, specifically including Arizona. The precise range boundaries are not well documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Acrolophus speciesMany share similar size, coloration, and grass-associated ; -level identification requires examination.
- Tineidae (clothes moths)Acrolophidae was formerly classified within Tineidae, and members of both can appear similar as small, dull-colored ; family distinction requires examination of wing venation and other structural characters.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The Acrolophidae was historically treated as a of Tineidae. Modern molecular and morphological studies have elevated it to family rank, though this classification remains in flux in some sources. The iNaturalist entry still lists Tineidae as the family, reflecting this taxonomic uncertainty or lag in database updates.