These are medium-sized to very large moths, usually with drab, cryptically marked forewings and brightly coloured hindwings.

They have clubbed antennae and are day flying, and are often mistaken for butterflies.

Indeed, some previous classification systems placed this family within the butterflies or skippers.

The larvae are internal feeders, often on roots of epiphytes or on monocotyledons.

This article relating to moth family Castniidae is a stub.