Elachistidae

Subfamilies of Elachistidae in Indiana

Family Elachistidae — Grass Miner Moths

Bruand, 1851

Etymology

Elachistidae: Combination of the Greek elachys, meaning “small,” with the Latin suffix ist, used to denote nouns.

The suffix idae is standard taxonomic nomenclature to indicate that word pertains to a zoological family.

Pronunciation

el-uh-kis-tuh-dee

Overview

Elachistidaeis a large family of micro-moths within the superfamily Gelechioidea.

Taxonomic Level	Worldwide	North America	Midwestern USA	Indiana
Distribution of Family Elachistidae
Subfamilies	~3	2	2	2
Genera	~30	~18	5	5
Species	~998	~179	27	23

Widespread across the temperate zone, the approximately 998 moths are located on every continent except Antarctica.
Taxonomists dispute many of the subfamilies and genera within Elachistidae. As such, the numbers contained in the above tables are approximations, which will continue to evolve with science.

Documented Occurrences

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

GAIN LP
documented
in county.

Photo Credits

Agonoxeninae courtesy of Chris Joll. Elachistinae photo courtesy of Dan McCord.