Superfamily Cossoidea — Carpenter and Leopard Moths

Leach, 1815

Etymology

Cossoidea: Cossi or cossus was the Latin word for “worm,” or “grub” found in the bark of trees.

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

Pronunciation

Co-SOY-Dee-uh

Overview

The superfamily Cossoidea is one of approximately 46 such superfamilies within the insect order of Lepidoptera (butterflies, moths, and skippers). Worldwide, Cossoidea consists of two families, seven subfamilies, over 100 genera, and over 700 species to date.

Photo Credits

Cossidae image courtesy of Anthony Lara.