Bistonini

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bistonini: /bɪˈstoʊnɪˌnaɪ/

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

Images

Erannis vancouverensis larva by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

- 6657 – Hypagyrtis brendae – Brenda's Hypagyrtis Moth (15182675085) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

- 6665 – Erannis tiliaria – Linden Looper Moth (10896952786) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Erannis vancouverensis m1 by Jeremy deWaard, University of British Columbia. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

- 6657 – Hypagyrtis brendae – Brenda's Hypagyrtis Moth (44038467921) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Peppered Moth - Biston betularia f. typica (top view) - geograph.org.uk - 3559428 by Rob Farrow . Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Summary

The Bistonini are a tribe of large, hairy geometer moths in the subfamily Ennominae, with diverse genera and species that play significant ecological roles and have economic implications as defoliators.

Physical Characteristics

Bistonini members tend to be large and hairy compared to other geometer moths. They retain more plesiomorphic traits within their group.

Identification Tips

Look for large and hairy moths that exhibit certain melanic forms, especially in the genera Biston and Phigalia.

Habitat

Woodlands and shade trees where their host plants are found.

Distribution

Widely distributed, containing a total of 22 species represented in our fauna, with the genus list being preliminary due to ongoing taxonomic assessments.

Diet

Larvae typically feed on the foliage of host plants, with some species being defoliators.

Life Cycle

Details on the specific life cycle stages of Bistonini are not provided in the text.

Reproduction

Not specified in the text.

Predators

Not mentioned in the text.

Conservation Status

Not specified in the text.

Ecosystem Role

Bistonini species serve as herbivores and can impact vegetation structure by defoliating trees and shrubs.

Economic Impact

Some species are economically important as defoliators of woodlands and shade trees.

Cultural Significance

The name 'Biston' is derived from Greek mythology, specifically a son of Ares and Calliope.

Health Concerns

None mentioned in the text.

Evolution

The tribe is considered basal within the enlarged Boarmiini group, suggesting they may retain ancestral traits compared to more derived groups.

Similar Taxa

Boarmiini
Erannini

Misconceptions

The entire tribe can sometimes be merged into a larger group (Boarmiini), but distinct characteristics justify their separation in certain classifications.