Many Oecophorids feed on dead plant material and play a useful part in nutrient recycling. However, the family includes the Whiteshouldered House Moth Endrosis sarcitrella, a widely distributed species whose larvae infest stored grain, and the Brown House Moth Hofmannophila pseudospretella, which feeds on textiles and carpets as well as stored foodstuffs. Other pest species include the blackheaded caterpillar Opisina arenosella on coconut palms in India, and Peleopoda arcanella on oil-palms in Central America.
Oecophorids have also been put to useful service - Agonpterix ulicetella, a native of Hawaii - has been introduced to New Zealand in attempt to control the European gorseUlex europaeus, and Agonopterix alstroemeriana has been used against Poison HemlockConium maculatum in the USA.
Mallee moths and their close relatives in the family Oecophoridae represent one of the most remarkable evolutionary radiations in the Australian environment because there are so many species.
Several species may sometimes damage pasture crops, some damage damp and rotting wood, and two introduced species of Oecophoridae are sometimes pests of stored produce.
Four new species of Telanepsia Turner (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) with larvae feeding on koala and possum scats.
The labial palps of Eclecta aurorella (Family Depressariidae) have the same shape as those in Oecophoridae.
Species belonging to Oecophoridae occur all over the world, and in Australia they have diversified so that they make up the second largest family of organisms on the continent.
Most Oecophoridae are small, with a wingspan between 8 mm - 30 mm.
Feeds |
Contact