Gracillarioidea

insect superfamily

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "Gracillarioidea" refers to a superfamily of moths. This group comprises approximately 2,300 species worldwide, belonging to the families Gracillariidae and Douglasiidae.1

Key characteristics of Gracillarioidea include:
* Larvae: They are primarily leaf miners or stem borers. Their legs and mandibles are degenerative, and they are often greatly flattened.1
* Adults: The adult moths are small, with narrow, long-fringed wings. These wings frequently display metallic markings.1

The family Gracilariidae specifically includes small, dull or metallic-colored moths whose larvae mine the leaves of various plants.2

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Lepidoptera
Annotated classification
Superfamily Gracillarioidea Approximately 2,300 species worldwide; small moths; larvae are mainly leaf miners or stem borers Families Gracillariidae and Douglasiidae Approximately 2,000 species worldwide whose larvae have degenerative legs and mandibles; adults with narrow, long-fringed wings often with metallic markings; larvae mostly
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Superfamily Gracillarioidea Approximately 2,300 species worldwide; small moths; larvae are mainly leaf miners or stem borers Families Gracillariidae and Douglasiidae Approximately 2,000 species worldwide whose larvae have degenerative legs and mandibles; adults with narrow, long-fringed wings often with metallic markings; larvae mostly
Read More