Uraniidae

Definition

A family of moths (Lepidoptera) containing approximately 700 species in 90 genera and four subfamilies (Auzeinae, Uraniinae, Microniinae, Epipleminae). Distributed throughout tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Indo-Australia. Many species, particularly in Uraniinae, exhibit bright, iridescent coloration convergent with butterflies and are reportedly aposematically toxic to predators.

Etymology

From Urania (type genus, from Greek Ourania 'heavenly') + -idae (family suffix)

Example

The day-flying sunset moths of the genus Chrysiridia (subfamily Uraniinae) were historically misclassified as butterflies due to their striking metallic green and orange wing patterns and diurnal behavior.

Synonyms

• swallowtail moths (common name)

Related Terms

• Lepidoptera
• Uranioidea
• Uraniinae
• aposematism
• mimicry
• Ditrysia
• Glossata

Usage Notes

Sometimes called 'swallowtail moths' for the tailed hindwing extensions in some genera, though this name is also applied to other moth groups. The family is placed in the superfamily Uranioidea within the subsection Bombycina. Not to be confused with the butterfly family Papilionidae, which shares the 'swallowtail' common name. The bright coloration of Uraniinae species represents a rare case of butterfly-like aposematism among moths.