Grass Miner Moths
Elachistidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Gelechioidea
- Family: Elachistidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Elachistidae: /ɛˈlækɪˌstɪdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Elachistidae are a family of small moths common in various habitats. Their larvae can be found mining leaves or stems of plants, contributing to their ecological niche.
Physical Characteristics
Small to very small moths with wingspans usually around 1 cm; fine hair covering the wings' fringes, hindwings reduced in area with a wide hairy fringe.
Identification Tips
The presence of specific genital structures and the absence of maxillary palpi are key identification features.
Habitat
Leaf miners or stem miners predominantly on Poales.
Diet
Larvae are leaf tiers, leaf rollers, leaf miners, seed feeders, stem borers, or external feeders on many dicots and monocots.
Evolution
The family Elachistidae is likely paraphyletic, with many species closely related to the family Oecophoridae or basal lineages of gelechioids.
Similar Taxa
- Oecophorinae
- Agonoxenidae
- Ethmiidae
- Oecophoridae
Misconceptions
The Elachistidae family may be inaccurately represented due to taxonomic lumping of disparate species, complicating their classification.
Tags
- Lepidoptera
- Gelechioidea
- Elachistidae
- Grass Miner Moths