Gelechiidae
| Vernacular names | |
|---|---|
| • Deutsch: | Palpenmotten |
| • English: | gelechiid moths |
| • Español: | gelequíidos |
Gelechiidae - (gelechiid moths)
The family contains 4-5,000 species of small moths. This includes important pests like the grain moth, the pink bollworm or the potato tuber moth. The larvae usually feed among spun leaves and shoots. They may be also leafminers or attack stored grains and vegetables.
The adults are small to very small with a wingspan of up to 20 mm. The wings are narrow and often have a metallic colouration. Both pairs of wings, especially the hind wings have long fringes on the apical and hind borders. The threadlike antenna almost reach the length of the wings. The venation of the forewings is important for identifying members of this family.
The following genera and individual species are currently entered under Gelechiidae:
