Eupterotidae

Definition

A family of moths in the order Lepidoptera, comprising more than 300 described species. Members are typically medium-sized to large, with broad, often hairy wings and reduced mouthparts in adults; larvae feed on diverse plant hosts including trees and shrubs.

Etymology

From Greek 'eu-' (well, true) + 'pteron' (wing) + '-idae' (family suffix), alluding to the well-developed wings characteristic of the group.

Example

The African genus Eupterote includes colorful, densely hairy species whose caterpillars feed on Acacia and other leguminous trees.

Related Terms

• Lepidoptera
• Bombycoidea
• Saturniidae
• Eupterote
• macro-moth
• seta
• reduced proboscis

Usage Notes

Sometimes treated as a subfamily (Eupterotinae) within Bombycidae or Erebidae in alternative classifications; current molecular phylogenetics generally supports family rank. Adults lack functional mouthparts in many species, reflecting short adult lifespan focused on reproduction. Larval setae can cause urticaria in humans and livestock.