Tineidae

Definition

A large family of small moths in the order Lepidoptera, superfamily Tineoidea, commonly known as fungus moths or tineid moths. Members typically hold their narrow wings roof-like over the body at rest and many species feed on keratinous materials (hair, feathers, wool) or fungal substrates. The family includes economically important pests such as clothes moths (Tineola spp.) as well as numerous detritivores and mycophagous species.

Etymology

From New Latin Tinea (type genus, from Latin tinea, 'moth, bookworm') + -idae (family suffix)

Example

The common clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Tineidae), is a cosmopolitan pest of stored woolens and natural fibers, with larvae that digest keratin using symbiotic bacteria.

Synonyms

• fungus moths
• tineid moths

Related Terms

• Lepidoptera
• Tineoidea
• Tinea
• Tineola
• clothes moth
• keratinophagy
• mycophagy
• pest entomology

Usage Notes

Tineidae is one of the most species-rich families of Lepidoptera, though individual species are often difficult to identify without genital dissection. The family is distinguished from similar small moths (e.g., Oecophoridae, Depressariidae) by larval habit and wing venation. Some subfamily classifications remain unstable; Tineinae and Nemapogoninae are the most diverse lineages.