Attacini
Genus Guides
5- Callosamia(promethea moths)
- Eupackardia
- Hyalophora(Giant Silk Moths)
- Rothschildia
- Samia
Attacini is a tribe of giant silk moths within the Saturniidae, Saturniinae. Members are characterized by their large size, reduced or non-functional mouthparts, and complete involving a silken cocoon. The tribe includes notable North American such as Hyalophora cecropia, one of the continent's largest native . Attacini larvae typically feed on woody plants, and adults rely on fat reserves accumulated during the larval stage.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Attacini: //ˌætəˈkaɪnaɪ//
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Images
Distribution
Members of Attacini occur across North America, with documented presence from Canada to Florida. Specific range varies by .
Seasonality
In most of their range, Attacini have a single per year. typically emerge in spring and early summer.
Life Cycle
Attacini undergo complete with four stages: , larva, pupa, and . Larvae hatch from eggs laid on plant leaves and pass through multiple instars with dramatic color changes. The final instar spins a silken cocoon, often incorporating leaves or attached to host vegetation, in which it overwinters as a pupa. Adults emerge with warm weather, mate, and die without feeding.
Behavior
do not feed; they rely on larval fat reserves. Males possess large, feathery to detect female over considerable distances. Mating typically occurs shortly after .
Ecological Role
Larvae serve as herbivores on woody plants. provide food for including birds and bats. The tribe has been impacted by introduced , particularly Compsilura concinnata, which has reduced or extirpated some .
Human Relevance
Attacini are valued for their size and beauty, making them subjects of citizen science and educational interest. They have no significant economic impact as do not feed; larvae occasionally cause minor defoliation but are not considered pests.
Similar Taxa
- SaturniiniAnother tribe within Saturniinae; distinguished by specific morphological and biogeographic patterns not detailed in available sources.
- BunaeiniTribe within Saturniinae primarily distributed in Africa and Asia; Attacini are predominantly Nearctic.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The classification Attacini: Saturniinae: Saturniidae is directly supported by taxonomic sources citing Hyalophora cecropia, but tribal-level diagnostic characters are not specified in available materials.
Conservation Concern
Introduced agents, specifically the tachinid fly Compsilura concinnata brought to North America for gypsy moth management, have been documented reducing Attacini throughout New England.