Piduriklotsides

piduriklotsides are a genus of extinct moths in the family Hepialidae. They are known from fossil records found in amber and rock formations, primarily in the Baltic region. The genus was first described in 1999 by Klass and Weidelt.

The name "piduriklotsides" is derived from the species name piduriklotsis, which refers to the specific characteristics of the genus. Piduriklotsides moths were characterized by their relatively large size, with wingspans reaching up to 75 millimeters. The wings were patterned with distinctive markings, including stripes and spots.

The majority of piduriklotsides fossils have been discovered in the Baltic amber, a type of fossilized tree resin dating back to the Eocene epoch, around 40 million years ago. This suggests that the genus was active during this time period. Additionally, some fossils have been found in rock formations from the Cretaceous and Paleogene epochs, indicating that the genus may have existed for a longer time period.

Piduriklotsides, like other moths in the Hepialidae family, were likely nectar-feeding insects, as suggested by the presence of proboscis-like structures in their head. Their fossil records provide valuable information about the evolution and behavior of moths during the Paleogene and Eocene epochs. Further research into piduriklotsides fossils continues to shed light on the diversity of life during this critical period in Earth's history.