Micromoths
Guides
Alucitoidea
Many-plumed and False Plume moths
Alucitoidea is a superfamily of small Lepidoptera comprising many-plumed moths (Alucitidae) and false plume moths (Tineodidae). The superfamily contains approximately 160 described species, with the majority belonging to Alucitidae. These moths are distinguished by their unique wing structure, where each wing consists of multiple narrow strips of membrane radiating from major veins rather than forming a continuous surface. The superfamily occupies a basal position within Apoditrysia, though its precise phylogenetic relationships remain disputed.
Coleophoridae
case-bearers, casebearing moths, case moths
Coleophoridae is a family of small moths in the superfamily Gelechioidea, comprising over 1,000 described species. Adults are slender with fringed wing margins. Larvae are known as case-bearers: they construct portable silken cases, often incorporating plant material or frass, which they carry and rebuild as they grow. The family is most diverse in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly the Palearctic. Approximately 95% of species are placed in the genus Coleophora, though this classification remains problematic due to unresolved phylogenetic relationships.
Eralea
Eralea is a genus of small moths in the family Cosmopterigidae, established by Hodges in 1962. The genus contains at least two described species: Eralea abludo and Eralea albalineella (formerly also known as E. striata). Cosmopterigidae moths are generally small with narrow wings and often exhibit metallic or contrasting color patterns. The genus is part of the superfamily Gelechioidea, a diverse group of small moths commonly known as twirler moths or micromoths.
Gelechioidea
curved-horn moths, gelechioid moths, case-bearers and twirler moths
Gelechioidea is a large superfamily of micromoths within Lepidoptera, containing case-bearers, twirler moths, and relatives. It comprises approximately 16,250 described species across about 1,425 genera, though estimates suggest only 25% of actual diversity has been documented, potentially making it one of the largest superfamilies of Lepidoptera. The superfamily represents one of the basal lineages of the Ditrysia. Classification remains disputed, with family-level arrangements varying between 16 and 21 families depending on morphological versus molecular phylogenetic approaches.
Yponomeutinae
ermine moths (subfamily)
Yponomeutinae is a subfamily of small moths (micromoths) in the family Yponomeutidae, containing the type genus Yponomeuta. The subfamily has worldwide distribution. Members are characterized by their small size and often distinctive wing patterns. The group has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, particularly in Asia where new species continue to be described.
Ypsolopha
Ypsolopha is a genus of micromoths comprising over 120 described species, representing approximately 95% of the family Ypsolophidae's known world diversity. The genus is primarily Holarctic in distribution, with the majority of species recorded from temperate regions. Species exhibit considerable variation in external morphology, though male and female genitalia are remarkably homogeneous across the genus. Adults are predominantly nocturnal and display a distinctive resting posture with the head lowered and posterior body elevated.