Arctiidae is a family of moths that is widely distributed across the world. They are commonly known as tiger moths, and they are known for their bright colors and patterns. This article will explore the definition and meaning of Arctiidae, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Arctiidae is a family of moths that belongs to the order Lepidoptera. They are characterized by their bright colors and patterns, which serve as a warning to predators that they are toxic or unpalatable. The family includes over 11,000 species, which are found in all parts of the world.
Origin
The origin of Arctiidae can be traced back to the Late Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago. Fossil evidence shows that the family has remained relatively unchanged since then, with many of the same genera and species still present today.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Arctiidae is defined as “a family of moths having hairy or furry larvae and often brightly colored adults that are often diurnal and frequently have a pattern of bold contrasting markings.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines Arctiidae as “a family of moths characterized by their bright colors and patterns, which serve as a warning to predators that they are toxic or unpalatable.”
Associations
Arctiidae is associated with bright colors, patterns, and toxicity. They are often used as a model organism in studies of chemical defense and predator-prey interactions.
Synonyms
The synonyms of Arctiidae include tiger moths, woolly bears, and arctiid moths.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of Arctiidae, as it is a specific family of moths.
The same root words
The root word of Arctiidae is “arct,” which means “bear.” This is because the larvae of many Arctiidae moths are covered in dense, woolly hairs, which give them a bear-like appearance.
Example Sentences
- The bright colors and patterns of Arctiidae moths serve as a warning to predators that they are toxic or unpalatable.
- The woolly bear caterpillar is a famous member of the Arctiidae family.
- Scientists are studying the chemical defenses of Arctiidae moths to better understand predator-prey interactions.