Acrolophus walsinghami

Möschler, 1890

Acrolophus walsinghami is a small in the Acrolophidae, first described by Möschler in 1890. The Acrolophus, commonly known as "grass tube moths," includes whose larvae construct silken tubes at grass bases or roots for concealment while feeding. are attracted to light and have been documented during moth surveys in late summer. The species has undergone taxonomic reclassification, formerly placed in the family Tineidae before being moved to Acrolophidae.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acrolophus walsinghami: /əˈkroʊləfəs wɔlˈsɪŋəˌmaɪ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Habitat

Associated with grassy environments, based on the larval characteristic of the : constructing silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots. have been attracted to blacklights in residential and semi-urban settings.

Distribution

Puerto Rico; also reported from Florida and the Virgin Islands in some sources, though the iNaturalist and GBIF records primarily confirm Puerto Rico. The name honors Lord Walsingham, a prominent British entomologist.

Seasonality

have been observed in late July, with activity likely extending through summer months based on National Week records from comparable latitudes.

Host Associations

grasses (Poaceae) - larval food plantLarvae construct silken tubes at grass bases or roots for concealment while feeding, based on -level

Life Cycle

Complete (, larva, pupa, ). Larvae are known as "grass tube moths" for their habit of spinning silken tubes at grass bases or roots. Specific details for this are not documented.

Behavior

are and attracted to artificial light sources. Larvae are concealed feeders within silken tubes.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as herbivores feeding on grasses. may serve as prey for and contribute to pollination to a limited degree.

Human Relevance

Not a documented pest . are occasionally encountered during surveys and biodiversity documentation efforts.

Similar Taxa

Acrolophus popeanellaAnother member of the same with similar grass-tube larval habits and ; distinguished by specific wing pattern and geographic distribution
other Tineidae/Acrolophidae mothsFormer placement and similar small size; separated by wing venation, palp structure, and larval tube construction

More Details

Taxonomic History

The Acrolophus was formerly classified in the Tineidae (clothes moths and relatives) but has been reclassified into the family Acrolophidae based on phylogenetic studies. This reflects ongoing revisions in Lepidoptera .

Etymology

The epithet 'walsinghami' honors Thomas de Grey, 5th Baron Walsingham (1839-1927), a British entomologist and politician who was a significant figure in 19th-century entomology.