Opostegidae

Definition

A family of small moths in the order Lepidoptera, commonly called white eyecap moths, distinguished by unusually large, reflective eyecaps (corneal extensions) that cover the compound eyes. The family is most diverse in the Neotropics, with larvae typically mining leaves of various host plants.

Etymology

From the type genus Opostega, name of uncertain derivation; family suffix -idae

Example

Opostegid larvae are concealed leaf miners, and adults are rarely encountered except at light traps due to their crepuscular habits.

Synonyms

• white eyecap moths

Related Terms

• Lepidoptera
• leaf miner
• compound eye
• Nepticulidae
• microlepidoptera

Usage Notes

Distinguished from the related family Nepticulidae (pigmy moths) by the prominent eyecaps; both families are treated as microlepidoptera. The family contains relatively few described species, and many tropical taxa remain undescribed.