Bombycina

Definition

A taxonomic subsection of ditrysian Lepidoptera characterized by a dorsal heart vessel and spineless pupae, encompassing generally larger moths and butterflies across multiple superfamilies including Bombycoidea, Noctuoidea, Geometroidea, and Papilionoidea. Formerly treated as a subsection within Section Cossina, though contemporary phylogenetic studies have largely superseded this rank-based classification.

Etymology

From Bombyx (the type genus of Bombycidae, from Greek bombux 'silkworm') + Latin feminine suffix -ina, indicating a group associated with silkworm moths.

Example

The sphinx moth Manduca sexta belongs to Bombycina as a member of superfamily Bombycoidea, sharing the subsection's characteristic dorsal heart vessel and obtect, spineless pupa.

Related Terms

• Ditrysia
• Cossina
• Bombycoidea
• Noctuoidea
• Geometroidea
• Papilionoidea
• Heteroneura
• Glossata

Usage Notes

Bombycina is a historical rank (subsection) from the hierarchical Linnaean system of lepidopteran classification. Modern molecular phylogenetics has reshaped relationships among these superfamilies, and the formal rank 'subsection' is rarely used in current taxonomy. The group is essentially equivalent to the 'macroheterocera' plus butterflies in informal usage, though exact composition varies by source. Contrast with Section Tineina (smaller moths with different pupal characteristics). The dorsal heart vessel trait, while diagnostic in classical treatments, is not exclusive and has been supplemented by molecular characters.