Arctiidae

Pronunciation
/ärk-'tī-ə-ˌdē/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Arctiidae
Plural
Arctiidae

Definition

A family of mostly nocturnal moths known for their fuzzy, often brightly colored wings.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'arktos', meaning 'bear', referring to the woolly appearance of many larvae within this family.

Example

The Arctiidae family includes many species of woolly bear caterpillars, which are known for their bright colors and fuzzy bodies.

Related Terms

Usage Notes

Arctiidae are often referred to as 'woolly bears' or 'tiger moths'. They are a diverse group with over 11,000 species.