Carthaeidae

Definition

A family of Lepidoptera containing a single living species, the dryandra moth (Carthaeus xanthocarpa). Carthaeidae is morphologically allied to Saturniidae (giant silk moths) through shared traits such as prominent eyespots on all wings, yet is distinguished by larval specialization on Proteaceae host plants, particularly Banksia species in southwestern Western Australia. The family exemplifies extreme host-plant specificity and geographic restriction in moth evolution.

Etymology

Example

The dryandra moth, sole representative of Carthaeidae, feeds exclusively on Dryandra and Banksia shrubs in Western Australia's kwongan and jarrah forest ecosystems.

Related Terms

• Saturniidae
• Lepidoptera
• Banksia
• host plant specificity
• monotypic family
• kwongan

Usage Notes

Carthaeidae is monotypic at both family and genus level. Specialists place it near Saturniidae based on larval and adult morphology, though its exact phylogenetic position within Bombycoidea remains under study. The family name is sometimes misspelled 'Carthaeiidae' in older literature.