Douglasiidae

Definition

A small family of micromoths (Lepidoptera) comprising approximately 32 species, characterized by adults with 6–15 mm wingspan, reduced hindwing venation, and long fringed margins. Larvae are internal feeders, typically mining leaves or boring into stems and petioles of host plants in Boraginaceae, Lamiaceae, and Rosaceae. Primarily Palearctic in distribution with some Nearctic representatives. The family is named for British entomologist John William Douglas.

Etymology

Named after John William Douglas (1814–1905), British lepidopterist and hemipterist

Example

Tinagma, the largest genus in Douglasiidae, includes species whose larvae mine the stems of forget-me-nots (Myosotis, Boraginaceae).

Synonyms

• Douglas moths (collective common name for adults)

Related Terms

• Lepidoptera
• Tinagma
• micromoth
• leaf miner
• stem borer
• Palearctic realm
• internal feeder

Usage Notes

Use Douglasiidae for the family; 'Douglas moths' refers collectively to adults but is not a formal taxonomic name. Distinguish from similarly named taxa in other kingdoms (e.g., Douglasia, a plant genus). The family was historically treated as a subfamily within other lepidopteran groups but is now recognized as distinct at family rank.