The
Peloridiidae or
moss bugs are a
family of
true bugs, comprising eighteen genera and thirty-four species. They are small, ranging in length from 2 to 4 mm, rarely seen, peculiarly lumpy, flattened bugs found in
Patagonia (
Argentina and
Chile),
New Zealand, eastern
Australia,
Lord Howe Island, and
New Caledonia. All the Peloridiidae species are flightless, except one. Their present distribution suggests they have existed before the breakup of Gondwana, and their relation to
Heteroptera (true bugs) dates back to at least the upper
Permian, more than 230 Mya ago. Peloridiids are found amongst
mosses and
liverworts, commonly in association with
southern beech forests. They have become known as moss bugs for their habit of feeding on mosses.