Choreutidae

metalmark moths

Subfamily Guides

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, commonly known as metalmark moths, are a of small Lepidoptera now placed in their own superfamily Choreutoidea. The family contains approximately 19 in three (Choreutinae, Brenthiinae, and possibly others), defined primarily by structural characteristics of larvae and pupae rather than . Many exhibit metallic scaling and distinctive , with some members of the genus Brenthia demonstrating documented mimicry of jumping spiders. The family has been subject to considerable taxonomic revision, having previously been placed in Yponomeutoidea and .

Prochoreutis by (c) Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Brenthia pavonacella by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.Brenthia pavonacella by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Choreutidae: //kɔˌreɪˈjuːtɪdiː//

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Identification

Distinguished from other small Lepidoptera by combination of small size, often metallic coloration, and habits. Choreutinae versus Brenthiinae separation relies on wing shape (pointed vs. obtuse), antennal scaling, and labial palpus structure. Some Brenthia identifiable by eyespot patterns that function in jumping spider mimicry. Larvae construct silken webbing on leaves and create characteristic escape holes along leaf .

Images

Appearance

Small , typically with wingspans under 20 mm. Many bear metallic , particularly in tropical such as Saptha which display bright green metallic bands. Wings often bluntly pointed in Choreutinae; Brenthiinae species possess obtuse wing tips. with heavily scaled basal flagellomeres in Choreutinae (absent in Brenthiinae). Labial palpus with parallel-sided basal segment in Choreutinae (narrowed basally in Brenthiinae). Some Brenthia species possess conspicuous eyespots on wings.

Habitat

Diverse worldwide; larvae associated with plants including figs (Ficus), nettles (Urtica), apple (Malus), and various woody and herbaceous plants. Urban areas support introduced such as Choreutis sexfasciella on ornamental Ficus. Tropical forest habitats contain spectacular metallic species such as Saptha.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution. Native in all major biogeographic regions. Several expanding ranges recently: Choreutis nemorana spreading from Mediterranean region northwards and eastwards into Central Europe since approximately 2006; Choreutis sexfasciella expanding throughout Mediterranean and into North America within last five years. Documented from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia, North America, and Pacific islands including Nicobar Islands.

Seasonality

active year-round in tropical regions; temperate active during warmer months. common; some species also attracted to lights.

Diet

Larvae skeletonize leaves of plants, feeding among silken webbing. Documented host plant include Asteraceae, Betulaceae, Boraginaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, Moraceae (primarily Ficus), Rosaceae, Sapindaceae, and Urticaceae. Specific associations: Anthophila fabriciana on Urtica (stinging nettles); Choreutis pariana on Malus (apple); Choreutis tigroides on Artocarpus (jackfruit); Choreutis nemorana and C. sexfasciella on Ficus ; Brenthia yangi on Grewia biloba (Malvaceae).

Host Associations

Life Cycle

Holometabolous. Larvae pass through five instars (documented in Brenthia yangi). Early instars (I–II) show no significant preference for escape hole position; later instars (III–V) preferentially construct escape holes along main leaf , with silken pillar size determining hole position. occurs within silken webbing or cocoons on plants or ground.

Behavior

Primarily with jerky, pivoting . may fluff wings at extreme angles when at rest. Documented mimicry: Brenthia display wing patterns resembling jumping spider (, , front legs) to deter ; this was formally described in 2006. Larvae construct silken webbing and feeding shelters on leaves.

Ecological Role

Herbivores as larvae, skeletonizing leaves and potentially causing economic damage to fig and other crops. Serve as for diverse including Ichneumonidae (Oiorhinus pallipalpis, Scambus inanis, Scambus elegans, Encrateola laevigata, Mesochorus vittator, Diadegma ) and Eulophidae (Elasmus). One species (Encrateola laevigata) acts as facultative pseudohyperparasitoid; Mesochorus vittator is a true hyperparasitoid.

Human Relevance

Some are economic pests: Choreutis nemorana threatens fig in expanding European range; Choreutis tigroides is a documented pest of jackfruit; Choreutis sexfasciella damages ornamental Ficus in urban areas. No licensed available for some . Local show potential for . Anthophila fabriciana is a familiar, conspicuous species around nettles in Europe.

Similar Taxa

More Details

Taxonomic history

placement long disputed. Previously assigned to Yponomeutoidea (as family Glyphipterigidae) and to . Now recognized as superfamily Choreutoidea (Minet, 1986). Relationships to other Apoditrysia lineages require reassessment with molecular data.

Subfamily classification

Three defined by structural characteristics of stages (larvae and pupae): Choreutinae, Brenthiinae, and possibly others. characters alone insufficient for subfamily placement.

Invasive spread

Multiple showing rapid range expansion: Choreutis nemorana from Mediterranean to Central Europe since 2006; Choreutis sexfasciella throughout Mediterranean and North America within five years. confirms identity of expanding .

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Sources and further reading