Gelechiidae

/ɡɛləˈkiːɪdiː/ noun

Definition

A large family of small moths characterized by narrow wings, many of which are important agricultural and stored-product pests.

Etymology

Scientific Latin family name, derived from the genus 'Gelechia', formalized with the '-idae' suffix used for all animal families in taxonomic nomenclature.

Kelly Says

Gelechiidae is one of the largest moth families by species count, yet most people have never heard of them because they're tiny and mostly nocturnal—but they're constantly around us, evolving resistance to pesticides in our grain stores.

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