Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
BugGuide currently follows the moth classification and nomenclature used at
All-Leps.
Numbers
873 species in 2 subfamilies in North America listed at
All-Leps
about 630 North American species had been described by 1983; in 1998 Hodges estimated that about 30 percent of the total Nearctic species had been described
more than 4,600 described species in about 500 genera worldwide, according to
Mississippi State U.Size
wingspan 7-25 mm (most species in 10-20 mm range)
Identification
forewing narrowly rounded or pointed at tip; labial palps long, upcurved, with third segment long and tapering; long hair-scales on hind tibia
hindwing of most species trapezoidal, drawn out to point at apex; outer margin concave below apex
Food
larval habits vary widely: includes leaf miners, leaf folders and tiers, gall makers, and fruit & seed feeders
Remarks
Many species are serious pests of crops and stored grain products. See
list of example pests at Mississippi State U.
Internet References
family information and images including overview, specimen preparation, classification, checklists, key to subfamilies, references, and a photo gallery of pinned adults of 80 species (Joe MacGown, Mississippi State U.)
common name reference [Twirler Moths] (Tree of Life, tolweb.org).
