pyralid (redirected from Pyraloidea)

py·ral·id  (p-rld, pr-ld) also py·ral·i·did (p-rl-dd)

n.

Any of numerous small or medium-sized moths of the diverse, widely distributed family Pyralidae.

adj.

Of or belonging to the family Pyralidae.

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[From New Latin Pyralidae, family name, from Pyralis, type genus, from Greek puralis, puralid-, an insect said to live in fire, from pr, fire; see pyre.]

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pyralid [ˈpɪrəlɪd]

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any moth of the mostly tropical family Pyralidae, typically having narrow forewings and broad fringed hind wings: includes the bee moths and the corn borer

adj

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) of, relating to, or belonging to the family Pyralidae

[via New Latin from Greek puralis: a mythical winged insect believed to live in fire, from pur fire]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

pyralid - usually tropical slender-bodied long-legged moth whose larvae are crop pests pyralid moth moth - typically crepuscular or nocturnal insect having a stout body and feathery or hairlike antennae family Pyralidae, family Pyralididae, Pyralidae, Pyralididae - bee moths; corn borers; flour moths bee moth, Galleria mellonella, wax moth - moth whose larvae live in and feed on bee honeycombs corn borer moth, European corn borer moth, Pyrausta nubilalis, corn borer - native to Europe; in America the larvae bore into the stem and crown of corn and other plants Anagasta kuehniella, Mediterranean flour moth - small moth whose larvae damage stored grain and flour cacao moth, Ephestia elutella, tobacco moth - small moth whose larvae feed on tobacco and other dried plant products almond moth, Cadra cautella, fig moth - a moth whose larvae feed on and mat together with webbing various stored products of vegetable origin Cadra figulilella, raisin moth - moth whose larvae attack dried fruits and cereal products