Heliozelidae

Definition

A family of small, diurnal monotrysian moths (Lepidoptera) distributed worldwide, commonly called shield-bearer moths. Larvae are leaf miners that cut distinctive shield-shaped cases from host leaf surfaces, giving the family its common name. Some species are agricultural pests of grapevines, cranberries, and walnuts. The family's taxonomy remains poorly resolved.

Etymology

From Greek helios (sun) + zelos (zeal, ardor), possibly alluding to diurnal activity

Example

Larvae of the grapevine shield-bearer moth (genus Antispila) mine Vitis leaves and cut oval shield-cases that drop to the soil for pupation.

Synonyms

• shield-bearer moths

Related Terms

• leaf miner
• monotrysia
• Antispila
• Coptodisca
• case-bearing
• Lepidoptera

Usage Notes

Family rank; belongs to the infraorder Monotrysia, a non-ditrysian (primitive) moth lineage characterized by females having a single genital opening. Contrast with Ditrysia, the much larger and more derived moth clade. The common name refers specifically to larval case-making behavior, not adult morphology.