Momphidae

Herrich-Schäffer, 1857 *

The Momphidae are a family of moths with over 110 species described, although the results of a 2019 phylogeny research has increased the number. Species delimitation analyzes combined with morphological data revealed 56 undescribed species, many of which are oligophages and have specialized on plants of the Onagraceae family in the southwestern United States. **

These moths are quite small, with a wingspan of up to 21mm. The wings are kept folded over the body at rest and often have groups of raised scales. The larvae are rarely visible as they live as miners inside leaves or seeds or stems.

* Dissemination site, dedicated to the butterflies and moths of Italy - https://www.papilionea.it
**Phylogeny, host use, and diversification in the moth family Momphidae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea) - https://plos.org/