Pleurotinae
Toll, 1956
Pleurotinae is a of in the , established by Toll in 1956. The subfamily contains at least four recognized : Pleurota, Minetia, Holoscolia, and Aplota. These are small to -sized moths generally associated with concealed larval habits. The subfamily is part of the diverse superfamily, which contains many with cryptic lifestyles.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pleurotinae: //ˌplʊəroʊˈtɪniː//
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Identification
Pleurotinae can be distinguished from other by genitalic characters, particularly features of the male valvae and female signum. The Pleurota, the genus, exhibits characteristic patterns with metallic or iridescent markings in many . Reliable identification to subfamily level generally requires dissection and microscopic examination of .
Distribution
The has a broad distribution with records from the Palearctic, Nearctic, and other regions. The Pleurota is predominantly Palearctic in distribution. Specific range limits for the subfamily as a whole remain incompletely documented.
Similar Taxa
- OecophorinaeOverlaps in general and shares ; distinguished by genitalic structure and larval biology
- DepressariinaeHistorically associated with and similar in appearance; separated by and larval feeding habits
More Details
Taxonomic history
Pleurotinae was established by Toll in 1956. The of and its has undergone significant revision, with some authors previously treating Pleurotinae as a tribe or synonymizing it with other groups. Current molecular and morphological studies support its recognition as a distinct subfamily.
Data availability
The is represented by over 2,700 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate citizen science documentation, though many records likely remain unidentified to or level due to the taxonomic expertise required for accurate determination.