Agathiphagidae

Definition

A family of primitive moths (Lepidoptera) containing the single living genus Agathiphaga, commonly called kauri moths. Members are small, caddisfly-like insects whose larvae are specialist seed-borers in cones of kauri pines (Agathis, Araucariaceae). The family represents one of the earliest-diverging lineages of Lepidoptera, retaining ancestral traits including functional mandibles in adults.

Etymology

From Agathis (host plant genus) + Greek -phagos (eating, devouring), with family suffix -idae.

Example

Agathiphaga queenslandensis, a kauri moth whose larvae tunnel through the fleshy bracts of Agathis australis cones in New Zealand and Queensland.

Related Terms

• Agathiphaga
• Micropterigidae
• Lepidoptera
• kauri moth
• mandibulate moth
• seed-borer

Usage Notes

Often compared to Micropterigidae as another mandibulate, basal lepidopteran family. The family's caddisfly-like appearance historically caused taxonomic confusion; Dumbleton originally placed Agathiphaga within Micropterigidae in 1952. Modern phylogenomics places Agathiphagidae as sister to Heterobathmiidae, together forming the most basal divergences of Lepidoptera. The family is notable for having only two described living species, both in the genus Agathiphaga.