Notodontidae

Definition

A family of medium-sized to large moths in the superfamily Noctuoidea, commonly called prominent moths, characterized by adults that often rest with wings folded tent-like and larvae that frequently bear fleshy projections or humps giving a humped or 'prominent' appearance. The family comprises approximately 3,800 described species distributed worldwide, with greatest diversity in tropical regions, particularly the Neotropics. Larvae of many species are forest defoliators, with some (e.g., processionary moths in Thaumetopoeinae) having urticating setae of medical and veterinary significance.

Etymology

From the type genus Notodonta (Greek 'notos' back, 'odontos' tooth, referring to the posterior tooth-like projection on the larval abdomen) + family suffix -idae.

Example

The puss moth (Cerura vinula) and buff-tip (Phalera bucephala) are familiar European Notodontidae whose larvae display the family's characteristic defensive postures and projections.

Synonyms

• prominent moths

Related Terms

• Noctuoidea
• Lepidoptera
• Thaumetopoeinae
• processionary moth
• Cerura
• Phalera
• defoliator
• urticating setae

Usage Notes

The common name 'prominent moths' refers specifically to the larval morphology; adults are typically cryptically colored and lack obvious 'prominences.' Notodontidae is placed within the bombycoid lineage of Lepidoptera, specifically the superfamily Noctuoidea, though historical classifications sometimes treated it as a separate superfamily. Subfamily classification remains fluid, with Thaumetopoeinae (processionary moths) sometimes elevated to family rank in recent phylogenetic treatments.