Lasiocampidae

Definition

A family of medium-sized to large moths (Lepidoptera) characterized by dense body hair, reduced or non-functional mouthparts in adults, and larvae that are often gregarious tent caterpillars or solitary lappet caterpillars with fleshy lateral projections. The family comprises approximately 2,000 described species worldwide and constitutes the sole family of superfamily Lasiocampoidea.

Etymology

From genus Lasiocampa (Greek lasios 'hairy' + kampe 'caterpillar') + family suffix -idae

Example

The eastern tent caterpillar Malacosoma americanum (Lasiocampidae) builds conspicuous silk tents in cherry and apple trees, with larvae aggregating in groups that thermoregulate by basking together.

Synonyms

• eggars
• Lappet moths
• snout moths
• tent caterpillar moths

Related Terms

• Lasiocampoidea
• Malacosoma
• Lasiocampa
• tent caterpillar
• lappet moth
• Gloveria
• Eriogaster

Usage Notes

Common names vary regionally: 'eggar' refers to the egg-shaped cocoon of some species; 'lappet moth' describes the fleshy lappets on larvae; 'tent caterpillar' applies to gregarious Malacosominae. Adults lack functional proboscides and do not feed. Distinguished from related families by wing venation and larval morphology. The family is taxonomically stable as the only member of its superfamily, though subfamily classifications have been revised.