Attevidae

Mosher, 1916

Tropical Ermine Moths

Genus Guides

1

is a of small in the superfamily Yponomeutoidea, containing a single Atteva with approximately 52 described worldwide. Members are commonly known as tropical ermine moths, though at least one species (Atteva aurea) extends into temperate regions. The family is characterized by vivid coloration and intricate wing patterns. Several species are significant defoliators of Simaroubaceae plants, with larvae constructing extensive silken webs.

Atteva aurea by (c) Zihao Wang, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zihao Wang. Used under a CC-BY license.Atteva aurea by (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Atteva aurea by (c) Zihao Wang, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zihao Wang. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Attevidae: //ætˈtɛvɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

-level diagnostic characters include: antennal scape without pecten; three-segmented maxillary palpi; forewing lacking pterostigma; abdominal without spines; and male genitalia with lacking basal scape and W-shaped gnathos. Forewings display vivid ground coloration with intricate white spot patterns. identification requires examination of genitalia and .

Images

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical environments; some occur in montane regions up to 1524 m elevation. At least one species extends into temperate zones. are attracted to light sources including mercury vapour and ultraviolet lamps.

Distribution

Pantropical distribution with highest diversity in the Oriental Region (20 ). Recorded from Indochina Peninsula, Bangladesh, India, Laos, Honduras, and the United States (Vermont).

Host Associations

  • Ailanthus triphysa - Simaroubaceae; severe defoliation recorded in Kerala, India

Behavior

Larvae construct extensive silken leaf webs on plants. After feeding, larvae migrate to accumulated dried foliage on the ground or pupate among residual silk masses or under leaves. are and attracted to light traps.

Ecological Role

Herbivore; some cause severe -level defoliation of trees. Larval may cause irritation in humans upon contact.

Human Relevance

Several are forestry and agroforestry pests due to defoliation of economically important trees. Contact with dense larval has been reported to cause intense itching, suggesting possible urticating setae. The provides baseline data for monitoring and management in urban landscape systems.

Similar Taxa

  • YponomeutidaeShared superfamily Yponomeutoidea; distinguished by 's lack of antennal pecten, distinct wing patterning, and male genitalia

More Details

Taxonomic stability

No consistent hypotheses regarding relationships, placement, and ranking of have been published, though the prevalent view is that they likely form a within Yponomeutoidea.

DNA barcoding

First COI barcode data for Atteva from Laos documented for A. niveigutta and A. sciodoxa, supporting identification in this morphologically challenging group.

Sources and further reading