Exoporia
Guides
Hepialidae
Ghost moths, Swift moths
Hepialidae, commonly known as ghost moths or swift moths, comprise approximately 700 species in 82 genera and represent the most diverse family of the infraorder Exoporia. These moths exhibit numerous ancestral characteristics, including very short antennae, absence of a functional proboscis, and homoneurous wing structure with similar forewings and hindwings. Species range dramatically in size from small moths to a record wingspan of 250 mm in Zelotypia. The family shows highest diversity in ancient landmasses, particularly Australia, South Africa, and Chile, reflecting their Gondwanan origins. Many species display pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males typically smaller but more boldly marked than females.
Hepialoidea
Ghost Moths, Swift Moths
Hepialoidea is a superfamily of moths comprising over 650 species in approximately 70 genera, commonly known as ghost moths and swift moths. The group is characterized by primitive morphological features including a regressed haustellum (reduced proboscis), short antennae, and distinctive wing venation with a displaced Rs3 vein. Hepialoidea has a cosmopolitan distribution except for Madagascar and Antarctica, with greatest diversity in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly southern South America, southern Africa, and the Australian region. The superfamily includes several families, with Hepialidae being the most species-rich; fossil evidence suggests an origin in the mid-Jurassic with Hepialidae diverging by the mid-Cretaceous approximately 95 million years ago.