Micropterigoidea
Quick Summary
Micropterigoidea is a superfamily of primitive moths, characterized by having mandibulate (chewing) mouthparts in their larvae, pupae, and adults. This is a distinguishing feature, as most other lepidopterans have reduced or non-functional adult mouthparts. The superfamily contains only one family, Micropterigidae, also known as mandibulate moths. There are about 120 species, found in the Northern Hemisphere, Australia, and New Zealand. Adults feed on pollen, while their larvae consume mosses and liverworts. They are considered the most primitive of all lepidopterans.1
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