Carpenter and Clearwing Moths

Cossoidea

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cossoidea: //kɔˈsoːideə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Prionoxystus robiniae P1380672a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Prionoxystus robiniae P1380459a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Prionoxystus macmurtrei by James Solomon, USDA Forest Service, United States. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Prionoxystus robiniae P1190086a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Givira anna 4383693 by John P. Friel. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Cossidae family moth - Comadia subterminata?, Great Basin National Park, Baker, Nevada by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Cossoidea is the superfamily of moths that includes carpenter moths and their relatives, known for their larvae that bore into living trees or shrubs and notable spiny pupae.

Physical Characteristics

Forewing lengths 0.5-7 cm, with females larger than males.

Habitat

Larvae bore into living trees or shrubs.

Life Cycle

Spiny pupae with moveable segments allow them to extrude out of their exit holes in stems and trunks during emergence of the adult.

Ecosystem Role

Internal feeders, playing a role in the ecology of forest and shrub ecosystems.

Evolution

Cossoidea is likely related to Sesioidea, Zygaenoidea, and possibly Tortricoidea, although further study on these relations is needed.

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • Lepidoptera
  • moths
  • Cossoidea
  • Carpenter Moths
  • Clearwing Moths