Immidae

Definition

A family of small to medium-sized, often brightly colored, diurnal moths in the superfamily Immoidea (order Lepidoptera). Members are predominantly pantropical, with larvae that feed on leaves of both dicotyledons and conifers including Podocarpus. The family's phylogenetic placement within Obtectomera remains uncertain. The genus Imma contains over half of the family's approximately 250 described species.

Etymology

Example

Imma mylias, a common Immidae species in Southeast Asia, exhibits the family's typical diurnal activity and bright coloration that mimics unpalatable butterflies.

Related Terms

• Immoidea
• Lepidoptera
• Obtectomera
• Imma
• diurnal moth
• pantropical

Usage Notes

The family Immidae constitutes the sole family of the superfamily Immoidea. Formerly treated as a subfamily or tribe within other lepidopteran groups, its elevation to family rank reflects ongoing revision of moth higher-level systematics. The uncertain position within Obtectomera indicates this taxonomy remains provisional pending molecular phylogenetic studies.