Cossina

Definition

A taxonomic section and nested subsection within the ditrysian Lepidoptera, distinguished by the presence of a dorsal heart vessel in the adult. As a section, Cossina comprises two subsections: Cossina (pupae bearing dorsal spines) and Bombycina (pupae lacking dorsal spines). As a subsection, Cossina contains superfamilies such as Cossoidea (carpenter moths) and Tortricoidea (leafroller moths). The name applies at two hierarchical levels, a practice reflecting historical classification of macrolepidopteran moths.

Etymology

Example

The subsection Cossina includes the carpenter moths (superfamily Cossoidea), whose larvae bore into wood, while its sister subsection Bombycina contains the silkworm moths and relatives with smooth, spineless pupae.

Related Terms

• Ditrysia
• Bombycina
• Cossoidea
• Tortricoidea
• Glossata
• macrolepidoptera

Usage Notes

Cossina is used at two ranks (section and subsection), which can cause ambiguity; context or explicit rank citation is needed. It contrasts with its sister subsection Bombycina primarily by pupal armature. The section Cossina is part of the larger clade Ditrysia, itself characterized by females having two genital openings.