Lyonetiidae

Definition

A family of small, slender moths (Lepidoptera) comprising approximately 200 described species, characterized by very narrow forewings with pointed, often up- or down-turned apices that fold backward to cover the hindwings and abdomen; adults typically have a wingspan under 1 cm, and larvae are leaf miners.

Etymology

Example

The genus Lyonetia, the type genus of Lyonetiidae, includes species whose larvae produce distinctive serpentine mines in the leaves of rosaceous plants such as apple and cherry.

Related Terms

• Lepidoptera
• leaf miner
• Gracillariidae
• Nepticulidae
• microlepidoptera

Usage Notes

Sometimes grouped with other small leaf-mining moth families under the informal term 'microlepidoptera.' Distinguished from the related family Gracillariidae by wing shape and larval mine patterns. The family Prolyonetiidae, mentioned in some classifications, is treated by some authorities as a synonym or subordinate group.