Erastria

Hübner, [1813]

Species Guides

4

Erastria is a of geometrid moths erected by Jacob Hübner in 1813. The genus contains approximately 30 described distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. are characterized by distinctive morphological features including upturned palpi, minutely ciliated in males, and abdominal tufts. Larvae possess four pairs of abdominal , consistent with the Geometridae.

Erastria cruentaria by (c) Laura Clark, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Clark. Used under a CC-BY license.- 6705 – Erastria cruentaria – Thin-Lined Erastria Moth (48216164837) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Thin-lined erastria (25675243203) by Melissa McMasters from Memphis, TN, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Erastria: /ɛˈræstriə/

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Identification

Distinguished from related geometrid by the combination of: upturned palpi reaching above the vertex with prominent third joint; long and narrow forewing areole; hindwing venation with 3 and 4 from ; strong abdominal tufts shorter than hindwings; and naked legs. The male with minute ciliation provides additional diagnostic characters.

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Habitat

Tropical and subtropical environments. Specific microhabitat preferences are not documented at the level.

Distribution

Primarily Africa and Asia. Records include subtropical Africa (South Africa, Senegal, Ethiopia), India, and Madagascar.

Life Cycle

Larval stage with four pairs of abdominal . Further details on , pupal stages, or number of per year are not documented.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Geometridae generaErastria shares the four pairs of larval and general body plan with other geometrid moths, but differs in the specific combination of palpal structure, forewing areole shape, and hindwing venation pattern.

More Details

Taxonomic history

The was erected by Jacob Hübner in 1813. have been described by numerous authors including Hübner, Walker, Warren, and Swinhoe across the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Species diversity

Approximately 30 have been described, with significant diversity in subtropical Africa and the Indian subcontinent.

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Sources and further reading