Yponomeutidae

Definition

A family of small to medium-sized moths in the order Lepidoptera, commonly called ermine moths, characterized by larvae that often form conspicuous communal silken webs on host plants. Adults typically display white or pale wings with dark spotting. The family comprises several hundred species, predominantly tropical, with some temperate species recognized as minor agricultural and forestry pests.

Etymology

From the type genus Yponomeuta + -idae (family suffix)

Example

The bird-cherry ermine (Yponomeuta evonymella) is a widespread Palearctic species whose larvae can completely defoliate Prunus trees with their dense communal webbing.

Synonyms

• Ermine moths

Related Terms

• Yponomeutoidea
• Lepidoptera
• Saridoscelinae
• Yponomeutinae
• communal webbing
• defoliator
• microlepidoptera

Usage Notes

Family rank is stable; formerly sometimes treated more broadly. Larval webbing distinguishes them from superficially similar gelechioid moths. Not to be confused with unrelated 'ermine' patterning in other Lepidoptera families.