Thyridoidea

The superfamily is defined by the single family Thyrididae, whose members bear characteristic translucent, geometrically shaped spots (square or rectangular) on their wings. These 'windows' appear white or amber in color. North American species are small, with wingspans of 6–16 mm, while tropical species reach 26–34 mm. The family was historically confused with Pyraloidea but is now recognized as distinct based on cladistic analysis.

The family Thyrididae (and thus superfamily Thyridoidea) is predominantly pantropical, occurring in both Old World and New World tropics. North America harbors only about 12 species, with greater diversity in the eastern United States than the west. The superfamily is absent from polar regions and most temperate zones outside limited ranges.

Adults of some species, particularly in the genus Thyris, are diurnal and visit flowers for nectar. Other genera such as Dysodia are nocturnal and attracted to light. Adults of Thyris sepulchralis have been observed feeding on animal scat.

Larvae of some species are generalist feeders on cultivated plants including beans, grapes, and cotton, potentially causing minor agricultural impact. The group is of interest to lepidopterists due to its distinctive wing morphology and taxonomic distinctiveness.

• PyraloideaThyridoidea was historically included within Pyraloidea but is now recognized as a separate superfamily based on cladistic analysis. Both contain small moths, but Thyrididae are distinguished by their characteristic window-like wing spots.

• Lepidoptera
• Thyrididae
• window-winged moths
• picture-winged moths
• pantropical

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Eric: Window-winged Moths