Pyralid moth - Pyralid moth

Japanese: メイガ(螟蛾) - メイガ

A general term for insects in the Pyralidae family of the Lepidoptera order. The larvae of the rice stem borer, known as a major rice pest in Japan since ancient times, were called Meichu (worms) or Zuimushi (pith worms), and so the family to which it belongs came to be called Pyralidae (worm moths). It is the third largest family in the Lepidoptera order in terms of number of species, with over 600 species known in Japan. Most species are small, with a wingspan of 1.5 to 3 cm, but there are also medium-sized species with wingspans of over 4 cm. In general, they have long, slender bodies and long legs.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

鱗翅目メイガ科Pyralidaeの昆虫の総称。昔から日本でイネの大害虫として知られているニカメイガの幼虫をメイチュウ(螟虫)あるいはズイムシ(髄虫)と呼んでいたので，この所属する科をメイガ(螟虫の蛾)と称するようになった。種数は，鱗翅目のなかで3番目に多い大きな科で，日本には600種以上が知られている。翅の開張1.5～3cmの小型種が多いが，なかには4cmを超える中型種も含まれる。一般に体は細長く，脚も長い。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

<<: Brand name - Meigara

>>: Famous family - Meika