Pyralid and Crambid Snout Moths

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pyraloidea: //pɪˌræloʊˈɪdiə//

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Summary

Pyraloidea, also known as pyralid and crambid snout moths, is a moth superfamily composed of around 16,000 described species worldwide, recognized for their diverse feeding habits and ecological roles.

Physical Characteristics

Generally fairly small moths with a basally scaled proboscis and abdominal tympanal organs.

Identification Tips

To separate Crambidae from Pyralidae, consult literature discussing their morphological and ecological differences.

Habitat

Diverse habitats; larvae live in various environments ranging from aquatic habitats to terrestrial ecosystems.

Distribution

Approximately 16,000 described species worldwide with at least as many more to be described.

Diet

Larvae feed on living plants, either internally or externally, as leaf rollers, leaf webbers, leaf miners, borers, root feeders, seed feeders, and some on animal detritus.

Life Cycle

Complex life cycles with various feeding habits at the larval stage.

Reproduction

Details not specified; generally involve oviposition on host plants.

Predators

Certain larvae predate on scale insects.

Ecosystem Role

Important in biodiversity studies due to their diverse life history adaptations.

Economic Impact

Pests of economically significant crops and stored products, e.g., rice, corn, sugarcane, seeds, and grains.

Evolution

The superfamily has undergone significant reclassification; formerly included several families now classified as separate superfamilies.

Similar Taxa

• Microlepidoptera
• Hyblaeidae
• Thyrididae
• Pterophoridae
• Alucitidae
• Tineodidae

Misconceptions

Misclassification with various genera still unresolved; separates have evolved leading to confusion.

Tags

• Pyraloidea
• Lepidoptera
• snout moths
• pests
• agriculture