More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Moths of Zihuatanejo
ORDER LEPIDOPTERA
-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)
-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)
-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)
-Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera)
-Bagworms, Clothes Moths, and Allies (Superfamily Tineoidea)
-Fungus Moths, Clothes Moths, & Allies (Family Tineidae)
-Burrowing Webworm Moths (Subfamily Acrolophinae)
-Grass Tubeworm Moths (Genus Acrolophus)
The Grass Tubeworm Moths of the genus Acrolophus belong to the family Acrolophidae. These moths are small to medium-sized, often cryptically colored, and are primarily known for their tube-like larval shelters constructed from silk and plant debris. Adults have a short, fluttery flight pattern and are often seen resting on tree trunks, walls, or other vertical surfaces during the day. The larvae construct silken tubes on or near the ground, incorporating bits of soil, plant material, and debris. These tubes serve as both shelter and a feeding platform.
Grass Tubeworm Moths
Acrolophus (Genus)
Description
Acrolophus is a genus of small to medium-sized moths in the family Acrolophidae, commonly called tube moths. Adults are generally brown, grey, or tan with narrow, elongated wings and often have subtle mottling or streaking that provides camouflage against bark and dead vegetation. Larvae are distinctive for constructing silken tubes or cases in which they shelter while feeding.
Range
Acrolophus is primarily a New World genus, with many species occurring in North and Central America and additional species in South America. The genus is well represented in Mexico, including the Zihuatanejo area of Guerrero.
Habitat
Species of Acrolophus occur in a variety of terrestrial habitats, including tropical and seasonally dry forests, scrub, grasslands, agricultural areas, and disturbed vegetation. Larvae typically live in silken shelters among leaf litter, soil, grasses, or low vegetation, while adults are nocturnal and are often attracted to lights.
Diet
The larvae are primarily herbivorous or detritivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, roots, dead plant material, fungi, and other organic matter depending on the species. Their silken tubes provide protection while they feed and move through their surroundings. Adult moths generally take little or no solid food and may feed on liquids such as nectar or other plant fluids.