Minute to small (10–18 mm wingspan) moths with yellowish, brownish, or mottled black and white wings. Th ey can usually be recognized by the erect scales on the head, short labial palps with stiff lateral bristles, a poorly developed proboscis without scales at the base, and the resting posture, with the wings held tentlike over the body. Larvae feed on fungi and detritus, often in specialized habitats such as vertebrate nests or fungal fruiting bodies. Several species are pests of stored products or of fabrics made of wool, fur, or feathers. Many species are not attracted to light and are rarely collected.

Approximately 3000 species of tineids have been described worldwide. In North America, 116 species are known; 19 species are reported from AB. Th e group is in need of taxonomic work, and many species remain undescribed, including at least one new species found in AB. Many genera have not been placed or have been placed only tentatively to subfamily. Robinson (2003) maintains a website of worldwide nomenclature. Th e only large taxonomic works were published by Dietz (1905) and Forbes (1923). The former treats all but two of the species known or expected to occur in AB, but it is poorly illustrated and out of date nomenclaturally. Other useful works include Davis (1978c) and Robinson (1986). Identification is best done by comparison to authoritatively determined material.