Twirler-moths
Guides
Aristotelia intermediella-group
The Aristotelia intermediella-group comprises tiny twirler moths in the family Gelechiidae. These microlepidoptera are characterized by bold, exotic-looking markings despite their small size. The group contains multiple closely related species that are difficult to distinguish without detailed examination. Members are attracted to ultraviolet light sources at night and have been documented in Colorado and New Mexico.
Battaristis
Battaristis is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, a large and diverse group of microlepidoptera commonly known as twirler moths. The genus contains multiple species, including at least one undescribed species that has been documented but not formally named in scientific literature. Gelechiidae moths are characterized by their relatively small size and often subtle coloration. Species within Battaristis are poorly documented in public sources, with limited information available regarding their biology, distribution, and distinguishing characteristics.
Faculta
Palo Verde Webworm (F. inaequalis)
Faculta is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Busck in 1939. The genus contains three described species: F. inaequalis, F. synthetica, and F. triangulella. F. inaequalis, commonly known as the Palo Verde Webworm, is the best-known species due to its conspicuous larval behavior of spinning silken tubes on host trees. The genus is restricted to arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico.
Gelechiinae
twirler moths
Gelechiinae is a large subfamily of moths within the family Gelechiidae, first described by Henry Tibbats Stainton in 1854. The subfamily contains numerous species of small moths commonly known as twirler moths. Members of this subfamily are found globally and include many economically important agricultural pests. The group has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision, with molecular studies continuing to clarify relationships among its constituent tribes and genera.
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.