Lithinini
Lithinini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Geometroidea
- Family: Geometridae
- Subfamily: Ennominae
- Tribe: Lithinini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lithinini: //lɪˈθɪnɪˌnaɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Lithinini is a tribe within the Ennominae subfamily of the Geometridae moth family, featuring a wide diversity of species that play important ecological roles but also include some pest species.
Physical Characteristics
Most species in the Lithinini tribe, like others in the Ennominae subfamily, are fairly small, but some, such as the peppered moth, can grow considerably large.
Identification Tips
Look for typical geometric shapes in the wing patterns, often found in foliage as part of their camouflage.
Habitat
Commonly found in various habitats including forests, grasslands, and shrublands, often associated with their host plants.
Distribution
Global distribution, especially diverse in temperate regions.
Diet
Larvae primarily feed on leaves of various plants, often causing defoliation in some species.
Life Cycle
Life cycle includes egg, larval (caterpillar), pupal, and adult stages; the duration of each stage can vary widely among species.
Reproduction
Reproductive strategies can involve seasonal mating behaviors, with females laying eggs on or near host plants for larvae.
Predators
Natural predators include birds, small mammals, and various insectivorous animals.
Ecosystem Role
Play a significant role in the ecosystem as herbivores in the larval stage and as a food source for various predators in their adult form.
Economic Impact
Some species are considered pests due to their defoliating behavior, which can affect forestry and agriculture.
Collecting Methods
- Light trapping
- Hand collecting from host plants
- Net sweeping in the field
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Alcohol preservation
- Entomological collection boxes
Evolution
The tribe Lithinini, as part of the Ennominae subfamily, has diverse evolutionary histories with some taxonomic debates around classifications and potential merges with other tribes.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some may confuse certain Lithinini members with other moth families due to their cryptic coloration and wing shapes.
Tags
- Lepidoptera
- Geometridae
- Ennominae
- Moths
- Lithinini