Sack-bearer Moths

Mimallonidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mimallonidae: //ˌmaɪməˈlɒnɪdiː//

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Images

Summary

Mimallonidae, or sack-bearer moths, are a family of Lepidoptera found in the New World. They are known for their larval case-building behavior and have a reclassification that recognizes them as containing over 300 species within 43 genera.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan 2-5 cm. The larvae build open-ended cases (sacks) in which they overwinter.

Identification Tips

Adult mimallonids are externally similar to moths in the Bombycoidea and Drepanoidea families.

Habitat

Primarily found in tropical regions of the New World; caterpillars can live inside folded leaves or beneath silken networks.

Distribution

Mimallonidae are distributed in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Most species are found in the tropics with only five described species from the United States.

Diet

Larvae feed on several plant families including Anacardiaceae, Clusiaceae, Combretaceae, Fagaceae, Melastomataceae, Myrtaceae, and Rubiaceae.

Life Cycle

Not much has been published; many species are nocturnal, with some exhibiting diurnal behavior. Larvae build portable cases from silk and plant materials.

Ecosystem Role

Larval case-making behavior plays a role in their ecosystem, although specific interactions are not well documented.

Economic Impact

Some species are reported as pests of economically significant crops such as guava, eucalyptus, and cashew.

Evolution

Mimallonidae are considered the sole family of Mimallonoidea and are recognized as sister to all Macroheterocera within the clade Obtectomera.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

They may be confused with moths in other families due to superficial morphological similarities.

Tags

  • Moths
  • Lepidoptera
  • Mimallonidae
  • Sack-bearer Moths