Cossoidea

Definition

A superfamily of moths (Lepidoptera) comprising internal-feeding species whose larvae bore into wood, stems, or roots, including the carpenter moths (Cossidae), clearwing moths (Sesiidae), and related families. Adults are typically heavy-bodied with reduced mouthparts; larvae possess modified, spiny pupae with movable abdominal segments that enable them to wriggle forward out of tunnel exit holes during emergence.

Etymology

From Cossus (type genus of family Cossidae, from Latin cossus, woodworm) + -oidea (superfamily suffix)

Example

The cossid goat moth Cossus cossus and the sesiid hornet moth Sesia apiformis both belong to Cossoidea, though they differ dramatically in adult appearance—cryptic gray-brown versus wasp-mimetic yellow and black.

Related Terms

• Sesioidea
• Cossidae
• Sesiidae
• Castniidae
• internal feeder
• boring insect
• Lepidoptera
• superfamily

Usage Notes

Often grouped with Sesioidea as sister superfamilies based on shared larval biology (internal feeding in plant tissues) and pupal morphology (spiny, movable-segmented pupae). The superfamily includes seven recognized families: Brachodidae, Castniidae, Cossidae, Dudgeoneidae, Metarbelidae, Ratardidae, and Sesiidae. Formerly, some families now placed here were classified differently, so older literature may treat Cossoidea more narrowly.