Callidulidae

Definition

A family of Lepidoptera, sole representative of the superfamily Calliduloidea, comprising the Old World butterfly-moths. Members exhibit diurnal and nocturnal flight behavior and are distributed from Southeast Asia through Australasia to Madagascar. The family contains eight genera arranged in three subfamilies, characterized by moth-like bodies with butterfly-like resting postures.

Etymology

From the type genus Callidula (diminutive of Latin callidus 'clever, cunning') + -idae (family suffix)

Example

Species in the genus Callidula rest with wings held vertically together, resembling butterflies, but possess the filamentous antennae typical of moths—an intermediate morphology that historically complicated their classification.

Related Terms

• Calliduloidea
• Lepidoptera
• butterfly-moth
• Heteroneura
• Ditrysia
• diurnal moth

Usage Notes

The common name 'butterfly-moth' reflects their intermediate morphology, not a hybrid origin. The family is sometimes overlooked in Lepidoptera surveys due to its restricted tropical distribution and small size. Day-flying species may be mistaken for butterflies in the field; examination of antennae (filamentous vs. clubbed) provides reliable distinction. The family's phylogenetic placement within Ditrysia has been historically unstable.