Monotrysian
Guides
Adelidae
Fairy Moths, Fairy Longhorn Moths
Adelidae, commonly known as fairy longhorn moths or fairy moths, is a family of small monotrysian moths in the infraorder Heteroneura. Males are distinguished by extraordinarily long antennae, often 1–3 times the length of the forewing, while females have antennae about twice the forewing length. Most species exhibit metallic coloration and are diurnal, though some are crepuscular with drab coloration. The family was first described by Charles Théophile Bruand d'Uzelle in 1851 and was formerly treated as a subfamily (Adelinae) of Incurvariidae.
Adeloidea
Fairy Moths and Allies, Leafcutters, Yucca Moths and Relatives
Adeloidea is a superfamily of primitive monotrysian moths within Lepidoptera, comprising families including Adelidae (fairy longhorn moths), Heliozelidae (shield-bearer moths), Incurvariidae (leafcutter moths), Prodoxidae (yucca moths), and Tridentaformidae. Members are characterized by a piercing, extensible ovipositor used for inserting eggs into plant tissue. Many species exhibit diurnal activity and metallic coloration patterns.
Nepticuloidea
Pygmy Leafminer Moths
Nepticuloidea is a superfamily of minute monotrysian Lepidoptera comprising two families: Nepticulidae (pygmy moths) and Opostegidae (white eyecap moths). Members are among the smallest moths worldwide, with wingspans of only a few millimetres. The superfamily is characterized by prominent eyecaps covering the compound eyes. Molecular phylogenetic studies indicate the group originated in the early Cretaceous, approximately 100 million years ago, coinciding with angiosperm diversification.
Tischerioidea
Trumpet Leafminer Moths, Trumpet Leaf Miner Moths
A monobasic superfamily of minute moths containing a single family, Tischeriidae. Larvae are leaf miners that produce distinctive trumpet-shaped mines in host plant foliage. The group holds phylogenetic significance as a candidate sister taxon to the Ditrysia, the largest clade of Lepidoptera. Females possess a monotrysian reproductive system, a plesiomorphic trait shared with other basal lepidopteran lineages.