Macroglossini

Harris, 1839

Genus Guides

14

Macroglossini is a tribe of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) established by Thaddeus William Harris in 1839. Members are classified within the Macroglossinae. The tribe includes numerous and distributed across multiple continents, with documented observations exceeding 335,000 records. Specific biological traits documented at the tribe level remain limited; most detailed studies focus on individual species.

Xylophanes libya by (c) brendanboyd, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Macroglossum by (c) Drepanostoma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Drepanostoma. Used under a CC-BY license.Darapsa myron by (c) Raven Dandridge, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Raven Dandridge. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Macroglossini: //ˌmækroʊˈɡlɒsɪnaɪ//

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

Identification

Macroglossini generally possess the characteristic hawkmoth body plan: streamlined, robust , narrow wings, and relatively long . Tribe-level diagnostic features require examination of genitalic structures and wing venation patterns that distinguish them from related tribes within Macroglossinae. Definitive identification to tribe typically requires taxonomic expertise and reference to specialized keys.

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Distribution

Widespread across multiple continents including North America, Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. Specific distribution records include Kazakhstan (Theretra alecto) and the southwestern United States (Euproserpinus euterpe in California).

Human Relevance

Includes Euproserpinus euterpe (Kern Primrose Sphinx Moth), a federally threatened in the United States subject to conservation concern and research attention.

Similar Taxa

  • SphinginiAnother tribe within Sphingidae; distinguished by different wing venation and genitalic characteristics, though specific differentiating traits not detailed in available sources
  • DilophonotiniRelated tribe in Macroglossinae; morphological distinctions require expert examination of structural features

More Details

Taxonomic stability

The tribe has maintained consistent recognition since 1839, with Macroglossini accepted in major taxonomic databases including Catalogue of Life and NCBI

Sources and further reading