Pyralidae

Definition

A family of small to medium-sized moths in the superfamily Pyraloidea (order Lepidoptera), characterized by prominent labial palps that project forward like a snout and often by a slender, triangular resting posture. Pyralidae are distinguished from the related family Crambidae (grass moths) by structural features of the tympanal organs and wing venation, though the two families were historically treated as a single group. The family includes economically significant species such as stored-product pests and wax moths.

Etymology

From Pyralis (type genus, from Greek pyr 'fire', referring to the fire-colored wings of Pyralis farinalis, the meal moth) + -idae (family suffix)

Example

The greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella), a pyralid whose larvae feed on honeycomb and beeswax, is widely used as a model organism for studying insect immunity and as live food for reptile and amphibian husbandry.

Synonyms

• pyralid moths
• snout moths

Related Terms

• Crambidae
• Pyraloidea
• Lepidoptera
• labial palps
• tympanal organ
• Galleria mellonella
• Ephestia elutella

Usage Notes

The circumscription of Pyralidae has been contentious: many older works treated Crambidae as a subfamily (Crambinae), making 'Pyralidae' in the broad sense one of the largest lepidopteran families. Current consensus (Munroe & Solis) maintains both as separate families within Pyraloidea. The vernacular 'snout moth' applies to both families. When precise identification is required, specialists examine abdominal tympanal organs: Pyralidae possess a full tympanal frame, whereas Crambidae have a reduced or absent frame.