Superfamily Bombycoidea — Royal, Silkworm, and Sphinx Moths

Latreille, 1802

Etymology

Bombycoidea: Evolving from the Greek bombyc, for “silkworm or silk.”

The suffix oidea is standard taxonomic nomenclature to indicate that the word is a zoological superfamily.

Pronunciation

BOM-bee-COY-dee-uh

Overview

The superfamily Bombycoidea is one of approximately 46 such superfamilies within the insect order of Lepidoptera (butterflies, moths, and skippers.) Worldwide, Bombycoidea consists of nine families, 482 genera, and over 3,500 species to date. Three families, seven subfamilies, and 35 genera are represented in Indiana. Currently, the GAINLP has recorded over 40 species of the approximately 60 species in this Superfamily that have been known to occur in Indiana.

Documented Occurrences

This map shows the confirmed sightings of the superfamily Bombycoidea Indiana. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals that contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).

Photo Credits

Saturniinae, Apatelodinae, and Sphingidae courtesy of Rick Malad.