Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Home » Forums » General Discussion

What is a Micro Moth and...

Why aren't they all called Moths irregardless of size? Is there a size limit or something? I've seen the term used here on BG and I thought I'd ask.

Thanks in advance!
Contributed by Scott Justis on 10 August, 2008 - 2:53pm

One possibility
If it is not used simply to refer to size, it may refer to the division into "microlepidoptera" and "macrolepidoptera." The original moths, c. 60 million years ago, were small. A few more recently evolved lines, such as butterflies and geometrid moths, are large.

At least one, and possibly both, of these groups are not so-called "natural groups", meaning they do not include a common ancestor and all its descendants. (For example, "moths" in common vernacular do not form a natural group because butterflies are one small interior branch of the moth family tree. On the other hand, both dragonflies and damselflies are natural groups -- neither is a subgroup of the other.)
… John F. Carr, 10 August, 2008 - 4:52pm

 
Thanks John...
For the explanation.
… Scott Justis, 10 August, 2008 - 7:52pm

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2024 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by:

Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology at Iowa State University logo