Metalmark moths

Definition

A family of small, diurnal or crepuscular moths (Lepidoptera: Choreutidae) characterized by metallic or iridescent markings on the wings, hence their common name. Adults often hold their wings in a tent-like posture at rest and exhibit distinctive jerky, skipping flight patterns. Larvae are leaf skeletonizers or leaf-rollers, frequently associated with ferns, nettles, and other herbaceous plants. The family's phylogenetic placement has been historically contentious, having been assigned to Yponomeutoidea and Sesioidea before recognition as the monotypic superfamily Choreutoidea within Apoditrysia; molecular studies continue to clarify their relationships to other ditrysian lineages.

Etymology

From the metallic or iridescent scale patterns on the wings of many species; family name Choreutidae from Greek choreutes, dancer, possibly alluding to their erratic flight.

Example

Tortyra slossonia, a North American choreutid, skeletonizes leaves of grape (Vitis) and related plants, with larvae feeding between silk-tied leaf surfaces.

Synonyms

• Choreutidae

Related Terms

• Choreutoidea
• Yponomeutoidea
• Sesioidea
• Apoditrysia
• leaf skeletonizer
• Ditrysia
• microlepidoptera

Usage Notes

The common name refers specifically to family Choreutidae, not to be confused with metalmark butterflies (family Riodinidae, order Lepidoptera), which share similar metallic wing markings but belong to a different suborder. Specialists may use 'choreutid' as an adjective or noun referring to members of this family. The superfamily Choreutoidea is monotypic, containing only Choreutidae.