Depressariinae

Meyrick, 1883

Depressariinae is a of in the superfamily , comprising approximately 600 as of 1999. Modern treat this group as the distinct Depressariidae, though its taxonomic position has historically varied, with placements in lato or expanded . The group exhibits highest diversity in temperate regions, particularly the Holarctic, and is presumed to be of Palaearctic origin. typically develop in leaves spun together with , as , or as seed and flower feeders of dicotyledonous plants.

Depressaria depressana by (c) aarongunnar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by aarongunnar. Used under a CC-BY license.

Exaeretia by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.

Himmacia by (c) Daniel Mesa, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Daniel Mesa. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Depressariinae: //dɛˌprɛsəˈriː.ae.naɪ//

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Identification

Members of Depressariinae are small to -sized gelechioid . The is distinguished from related groups by a combination of characteristics and, in some , subtle pattern differences that require microscopic examination. has proven useful for distinguishing cryptic species, with genetic divergences of 4-5% or more indicating specific separation in some cases.

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Habitat

Found in diverse terrestrial worldwide except oceanic islands and frozen wastelands. Highest diversity occurs in temperate regions. Specific inhabit mountain areas at elevations from 800-2300m, forested habitats in Mediterranean regions, and various other terrestrial environments.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution except some oceanic islands and frozen wastelands. Highest diversity in temperate regions with presumed Holarctic, possibly Palaearctic, origin. Documented from Europe (over 160 and , with more than 80 from Central Europe), Australia (approximately 20 species), and other regions. Specific records include Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Morocco, and the Canary Islands.

Host Associations

Carthamus caeruleus - Larval for Agonopterix carduncelli
Elaeoselinum asclepium - Larval for Agonopterix pseudoferulae; Apiaceae

Life Cycle

typically develop in leaves spun together with , as , or as seed and flower feeders of dicotyledons. of some have been collected in March and successfully reared to .

Similar Taxa

AmphisbatinaeOften considered sufficiently close to be included within Depressariinae, particularly when Depressariinae is elevated to rank; sometimes treated as tribe Amphisbatini within Depressariinae
CryptolechiinaeGroup around Cryptolechia sometimes included in Depressariinae when treated as , though sometimes separated as tribe Cryptolechiini
Orophia lineageCacochroa and relatives sometimes included in Depressariinae as tribes Orophiini and Cacochroini, particularly when Depressariinae is treated as a full
XyloryctidaePreviously considered a of and sometimes included in Depressariinae treatments
Semioscopis lineageOccasionally separated from core Depressariinae as tribe Epigraphiini

More Details

Taxonomic instability

The circumscription of Depressariinae has varied considerably across . When treated as a of , different tribal arrangements apply than when elevated to full rank as Depressariidae. The core group becomes tribe Depressariini in all treatments that recognize subdivisions.

Ongoing species discovery

New continue to be described regularly. Three new and one new were described from Europe in 2017 alone, including species first collected decades earlier but not formally recognized. is increasingly used to resolve cryptic diversity.