Momphidae

Definition

A family of small moths (Lepidoptera) comprising approximately 115 described species, characterized by wingspans up to 21 mm, wings folded roof-like over the body at rest, and larvae that are concealed feeders—typically leaf miners or stem/seed borers rather than external feeders.

Etymology

From the type genus Mompha, with the family suffix -idae.

Example

Larvae of Mompha sturnipenella mine the leaves of evening primroses (Oenothera), creating distinctive blotchy mines while feeding internally between the leaf surfaces.

Synonyms

• mompha moths

Related Terms

• Lepidoptera
• leaf miner
• stem borer
• concealed feeding
• Gelechioidea
• Coleophoridae

Usage Notes

Sometimes treated as a subfamily Momphinae within Coleophoridae in older classifications; modern sources (e.g., GBIF, recent Lepidoptera phylogenies) recognize Momphidae as a distinct family within the superfamily Gelechioidea. The common name 'mompha moths' refers to the type genus but applies to the family broadly.