Oecophoridae
Submitted by walwyn
White-shouldered house moth (Endrosis sarcitrella)
The Oecophoridae, or concealer moths, are a family of about 3,150 species of small moths in the superfamily Gelechioidea. They occur nearly worldwide, with highest diversity in Australia and the tropics; around 200 species are recorded in North America, and 27 in the UK. The family was established by Charles De Koninck in 1857.
Adults have wingspans of 7–35 mm, with broad forewings, flat bodies, and subtle patterns; they are held roof-like at rest. Most are nocturnal. Larvae are concealed feeders, using silk shelters, cases, or webs to consume dead leaves, fungi, detritus, or living plant parts; some bore in wood or flowers, and a few are predatory on scale insects or spiders. Species like Hofmannophila pseudospretella (brown house moth) are household pests.
The family includes subfamilies such as Oecophorinae (largest, with genera Agonopterix, Esperia, and Hofmannophila) and Stathmopodinae. Many species remain undescribed, especially in Australia and the Neotropics. Recent studies use molecular data to resolve phylogeny and larval habits.
