Superfamily
Guides
Carposinoidea
fruitworm moths, copromorphoid moths
Carposinoidea is a superfamily of small to medium-sized moths (10–50 mm wingspan) commonly known as fruitworm moths. The group was historically divided into two families (Carposinidae and Copromorphidae), though this division has been questioned by some authorities. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae are associated with a variety of host plants including gymnosperms and dicots, with some species considered agricultural pests.
Choreutoidea
metalmark moths
Choreutoidea is a superfamily of Lepidoptera containing a single family, Choreutidae (metalmark moths). The group was elevated to superfamily status by Minet in 1986 based on morphological evidence, resolving long-standing taxonomic uncertainty. Members are small moths known for distinctive wing patterns that often resemble metal markings, and some species exhibit remarkable predator mimicry of jumping spiders.
Epermenioidea
Fringe-tufted Moths
Epermenioidea is a superfamily of Lepidoptera containing the single family Epermeniidae, commonly known as fringe-tufted moths. The group comprises approximately 14 genera distributed across multiple continents including Australia, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The superfamily was previously classified within Yponomeutoidea or Copromorphoidea but is now recognized as distinct based on morphological features. Taxonomic revisions continue to clarify generic boundaries and species diversity.
Galacticoidea
Galacticoid Moths
Galacticoidea is a monotypic superfamily of Lepidoptera containing the single family Galacticidae. These moths were historically classified within several different superfamilies before molecular and morphological studies established their distinct placement at the base of Apoditrysia, a major clade of Lepidoptera. The superfamily remains poorly studied, with limited ecological and biological data available.
Geometroidea
Geometrid and Swallowtail Moths
Geometroidea is a superfamily of moths within Lepidoptera containing more than 24,000 described species across five families: Geometridae (the largest), Uraniidae, Epicopeiidae, Sematuridae, and Pseudobistonidae. The superfamily is notable for its exceptional diversity in form and habitat, with members ranging from small, cryptically colored inchworms to large, iridescent swallowtail moths. The family Geometridae alone represents one of the most species-rich lepidopteran families, with larvae commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to their distinctive locomotion.
Hemisarcoptoidea
Hemisarcoptoidea is a superfamily of mites within the order Sarcoptiformes, established by Oudemans in 1908. This group comprises several families of astigmatid mites, including the family Hemisarcoptidae. Members of this superfamily are generally small, soft-bodied arachnids with reduced sclerotization. The group has been documented in ecological studies, particularly regarding associations with insects and other arthropods.
Noctuoidea
Owlet Moths and Allies
Noctuoidea is the largest superfamily of Lepidoptera, comprising more than 70,000 described species. Members are commonly known as owlet or noctuid moths. The superfamily is characterized by the presence of a metathoracic tympanal organ (hearing structure). Classification remains unstable due to extensive molecular phylogenetic revisions, with major families including Noctuidae, Erebidae, Nolidae, Euteliidae, Notodontidae, Oenosandridae, and Scranciidae. The group is divided into two major lineages based on forewing venation: trifid (Oenosandridae, Notodontidae) and quadrifid (all other families).
Oripodoidea
Oripodoidea is a superfamily of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) established by Jacot in 1925. It comprises approximately 19 families and at least 1,300 described species, making it one of the most diverse superfamilies within the suborder Oribatida. Members are classified within the infraorder Brachypylina and cohort Poronoticae.
Platypezoidea
Platypezoidea is a superfamily of true flies within the section Aschiza of the suborder Brachycera. Adults lack the ptilinum—a sac-like structure used by Schizophora to emerge from the puparium—and therefore do not possess the characteristic inverted-U-shaped ptilinal suture above the antennae. The superfamily contains five families: Phoridae (coffin and scuttle flies), Opetiidae (flat-footed flies), Ironomyiidae (ironic flies), Lonchopteridae (spear-winged or pointed-wing flies), and Platypezidae (flat-footed flies). Some classifications separate Ironomyiidae, Lonchopteridae, and Phoridae as the distinct superfamily Phoroidea.