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Family of moths From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Schreckensteinioidea is a superfamily in the insect order Lepidoptera containing a single family, Schreckensteiniidae, or "bristle-legged moths", because of the stout spines on the hindlegs. The superfamily and family were both described by Thomas Bainbrigge Fletcher in 1929. The relationships of this family within the group Apoditrysia are currently uncertain. One of the species, the blackberry skeletoniser (Schreckensteinia festaliella), is widespread and common across Europe and has been introduced as a biological control to Hawaii, whilst three species of Corsocasis occur in Southeast Asia (Dugdale et al., 1999).
| Schreckensteiniidae | |
|---|---|
| |
| Schreckensteinia festaliella | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Infraorder: | Heteroneura |
| Clade: | Eulepidoptera |
| Clade: | Ditrysia |
| Clade: | Apoditrysia |
| Superfamily: | Schreckensteinioidea T. B. Fletcher, 1929 |
| Family: | Schreckensteiniidae T. B. Fletcher, 1929 |
| Genera | |
| |
| Diversity | |
| Twelve species | |
Members of the Schreckensteiniidae family are small moths characterized by their slender bodies and distinctively spined hindlegs, which give them the common name "bristle-legged moths." Their wings are typically narrow with fringed edges, and they often display intricate patterns that provide camouflage against predators. The larvae are leaf miners or feed externally on host plants, depending on the species.
Schreckensteiniidae are primarily found in the Palearctic region, with some species extending into the Nearctic and Indomalayan realms. Schreckensteinia festaliella has a particularly broad distribution, being native to Europe and introduced to other regions for pest control purposes. The genus Corsocasis is mainly distributed in Southeast Asia, reflecting the family's adaptability to various climates and habitats.
The life cycle of Schreckensteiniidae moths includes complete metamorphosis with distinct egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Eggs are typically laid on the host plants, where larvae will either mine leaves or feed externally. Pupation occurs in protected environments such as leaf litter or within the mines themselves. Adults are mostly nocturnal and are attracted to light sources.
Schreckensteinia festaliella specifically targets blackberry plants, making it an effective biological control agent against invasive blackberry species. Its introduction to Hawaii has helped manage blackberry populations, though care must be taken to monitor potential non-target effects on native flora.
The Schreckensteiniidae family is the sole representative of the superfamily Schreckensteinioidea. Initially classified based on morphological characteristics, recent molecular studies have aimed to clarify its placement within the Apoditrysia. However, genetic data remains limited, and further research is needed to resolve its phylogenetic relationships with related superfamilies.
Currently, there are no major conservation concerns for the Schreckensteiniidae family. However, habitat destruction and the use of pesticides could impact local populations. The introduction of species like Schreckensteinia festaliella for biological control purposes requires careful management to avoid unintended ecological consequences.
Research on Schreckensteiniidae has primarily focused on taxonomy, distribution, and their role in biological control. Studies like Dugdale et al. (1999) have provided comprehensive overviews of their systematics, while ongoing molecular research seeks to better understand their evolutionary relationships within Lepidoptera.
_in_Kawal,_AP_W_IMG_1808.jpg){kind=small} | This Ditrysia-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
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