Acrolophus spilotus
Davis, 1990
Spotted Grass Tubeworm Moth
Acrolophus spilotus is a small in the Acrolophidae, described by Donald R. Davis in 1990. It is one of many 'grass tubeworm moths' in the Acrolophus, a group whose caterpillars spin silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding. The is known from a limited distribution in the southeastern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acrolophus spilotus: /ˌækroʊˈloʊfəs spaɪˈloʊtəs/
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Identification
The Acrolophus can be distinguished from similar small by features of the labial palps and wing venation, though -level identification within the genus typically requires examination of genitalia. Acrolophus spilotus is one of several southeastern U.S. species in this genus; accurate identification to species usually requires examination.
Appearance
Wingspan approximately 16 mm. Specific coloration and pattern details are not well documented in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with grassland , consistent with the 'grass tubeworm moth' of the . Specific microhabitat preferences for this are not documented.
Distribution
Southeastern United States: recorded from Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Texas.
Life Cycle
Larval is presumed similar to other Acrolophus , which spin silken tubes at grass bases or roots and feed concealed within these structures. Specific details for A. spilotus are not documented.
Behavior
are attracted to light, as observed in blacklight surveys. No other are documented for this .
Similar Taxa
- Other Acrolophus speciesMany share similar size, association with grasses, and 'grass tubeworm moth' . -level identification requires careful examination.
- Tineidae mothsAcrolophidae was formerly placed within Tineidae, and members of both are small with concealed larval habits. Acrolophus are now separated based on morphological and molecular characters.
More Details
Taxonomic History
The Acrolophidae was historically treated as a of Tineidae. It is now recognized as a distinct family, though some classifications may still list Acrolophus under Tineidae.
Etymology
The specific epithet 'spilotus' likely refers to spotted or blotched markings (from Greek 'spilos' = spot), though the exact reference is not documented in original description.