Arctiidae

Definition

A formerly recognized family of moths in the order Lepidoptera, now treated as the subfamily Arctiinae within family Erebidae. Historically encompassed tiger moths, footmen, lichen moths, and wasp moths—groups characterized by often aposematic coloration and larvae with dense setae commonly called woolly bears or woolly worms. The name persists in older literature, regional faunal works, and some museum collections, though modern classifications subsume these taxa into Erebidae following molecular phylogenetic revisions.

Etymology

From Arctia (type genus, from Greek arktos 'bear', referring to the hairy caterpillars) + Latin suffix -idae (family rank)

Example

Specimens labeled 'Arctiidae' in pre-2010 collections require taxonomic updating to Erebidae: Arctiinae; the woolly bear caterpillar of Pyrrharctia isabella, long classified under Arctiidae, exemplifies the dense larval setae that gave the group its name.

Synonyms

• Arctiinae (current rank)

Related Terms

• Erebidae
• Arctiinae
• tiger moth
• footman moth
• lichen moth
• woolly bear
• aposematism
• Noctuoidea
• Lepidoptera

Usage Notes

Arctiidae as a family rank is now taxonomically obsolete following molecular studies that merged Arctiinae, Lymantriinae, and other groups into an expanded Erebidae. The term remains common in older literature, field guides, and some regional checklists. When encountering Arctiidae in sources, verify whether the usage reflects historical taxonomy or outdated classification. Modern publications should use Arctiinae (subfamily) or specify Erebidae: Arctiinae. The larval common names woolly bear and woolly worm apply broadly across this group, though tussock moth properly refers to Lymantriinae larvae with distinct tufted setae.