Arctiidae
family of insects / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Arctiidae is a large family of moths with around 11,000 species found all over the world. It included 6,000 neotropical species.[1] This family includes the groups commonly known as tiger moths (or tigers). Tiger moths usually have bright colours, footmen (which are usually much drabber), lichen moths and wasp moths. Many species have 'hairy' caterpillars which are popularly known as woolly bears or woolly worms. The scientific name refers to this (Gk. αρκτος = a bear). Caterpillars may also go by the name 'tussock moths' (more usually this refers to Lymantriidae, however).
Quick Facts Scientific classification, Type species ...
Arctiidae | |
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Harnessed Tiger Moth Apantesis phalerata | |
Scientific classification | |
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Superfamily: | Noctuoidea |
Family: | Arctiidae Leach, 1815 |
Type species | |
Arctia caja Linnaeus, 1758 | |
Subfamilies | |
Arctiinae | |
Diversity | |
1,400-1,500 genera Approximately 11,000 species |
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