Micropterigidae

Definition

A family of primitive, mandibulate moths representing the most basal extant lineage of Lepidoptera; the sole family in superfamily Micropterigoidea and suborder Zeugloptera. Adults retain functional mandibles for chewing (uniquely among living Lepidoptera) and feed on pollen, often in aggregations. Larvae possess abdominal prolegs with terminal crochets and feed on leaf litter, mosses, or liverworts. The family's fossil record extends to the Jurassic.

Etymology

From Greek mikros (small) + pterux (wing), referring to the small wings of these diminutive moths.

Example

Micropterix calthella, a European species, is frequently observed feeding on pollen of Ranunculus and other herbaceous flowers in spring.

Related Terms

• Zeugloptera
• Micropterigoidea
• Mandibulate
• Proleg
• Crochet
• glossatan

Usage Notes

Sometimes called 'mandibulate archaic moths' or 'sabre-toothed micro-moths' in informal contexts. Distinguished from all other Lepidoptera by the combination of adult mandibles, lack of a proboscis, and larval prolegs with crochets. The family's phylogenetic position as sister to all other living Lepidoptera makes it critical for understanding lepidopteran evolution.