Cossidae
- Pronunciation
- /ko-SIGH-dee-ee/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Plural
- Cossidae
Definition
A family of moths characterized by their robust bodies, often with rough scaling on the head, and a tendency to bore into plant stems.
Etymology
Named after the type genus *Cossus*; the origin of the name is not clearly defined, but it may relate to an old term for a large moth.
Example
The Cossidae family includes many species of wood-boring moths, some of which are considered agricultural pests.
Related Terms
- Lepidoptera
- Wood-boring
- Cossinae