Azelinini

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Geometroidea
Family: Geometridae
Subfamily: Ennominae
Tribe: Azelinini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Azelinini: /ˌæzəlɪˈnaɪnaɪ/

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

Images

Pero flavisaria -25970, Det. R. Hannawacker, Alamo Canyon, Organpipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona. 21 April 1947, John L. Sperry (49550737576) by Robb Hannawacker. Used under a Public domain license.

Pero macdunnoughi -25972 Det. John L. Sperry Julian, California. September 1948, Noel Crickmer (49550783271) by Robb Hannawacker. Used under a Public domain license.

Samuel Camilo Actor Colombiano by Angulo Pedro. Used under a CC0 license.

Santa Catalina de Siena (ca. 1681-1685) de Juan Correa en Símbolo y Reino 02 by Luis Alvaz. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pero mizon3 by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Pero behrensaria1 by Jeremy deWaard, University of British Columbia. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

The Azelinini are a tribe of stocky geometer moths in the Ennominae subfamily, recognized for their distinct resting posture and wing structure. First described in 1948, they share some morphological traits with related tribes but differentiate mainly in male genital structures and the absence of particular sensory features.

Physical Characteristics

Stocky body with wings resting out parallel to the surface; forewings lighter at the outer third compared to the middle; hindwings hidden under forewings; male genitalia with complex modifications including hypertrophied ampulla and gnathos; female genitalia with a narrow ovipositor and funnel-shaped antrum.

Identification Tips

Look for a conspicuously lighter outer third of the forewings and a distinctive spot at the apical end of the forewing cell; absence of certain sensillae on antennae may also aid identification.

Habitat

Primarily found in various habitats in the Southern Hemisphere, with several species also located in North America.

Distribution

Widespread in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly South America; limited distribution in North America.

Diet

Caterpillars are likely herbivorous, feeding on various host plants, though specific diet information is not provided.

Life Cycle

Caterpillars have vestigial prolegs and pupate with antennal tubercles.

Reproduction

Details on reproduction cycles are not specified; however, it is indicated that their ovipositor is narrow for laying eggs.

Evolution

The tribe is proposed to be closely related to the Campaeini, Ennomini, Lithinini, and Nacophorini, suggesting a potential subsumption into the Ennomini due to close ties.