Mimallonidae

Definition

A family of New World Lepidoptera containing over 300 species in 43 genera, commonly known as sack-bearer moths for the larval behavior of constructing portable silk cases. Adults are externally similar to Macroheterocera families such as Bombycoidea and Drepanoidea, complicating historical superfamilial placement. The family is predominantly Neotropical.

Etymology

From Greek mimallo (a kind of nymph or dancer) + -idae (family suffix); common name refers to larval case-building behavior.

Example

Larvae of the genus Lacosoma build distinctive sack-like cases from silk and plant material, carrying them while feeding—behavior that gives the family its common name.

Synonyms

• sack-bearer moths

Related Terms

• Macroheterocera
• Bombycoidea
• Drepanoidea
• Lepidoptera
• Neotropical
• larval case

Usage Notes

Adult Mimallonidae lack the frenulum-bristle coupling found in many other moth families; wing venation and genitalia are used for definitive identification. Historical classification has placed the family in Bombycoidea, Drepanoidea, or as incertae sedis within Macroheterocera; current molecular studies generally support placement near Bombycoidea.