Nacophorini
Genus Guides
11Nacophorini is a tribe of geometer moths ( Ennominae) characterized by robust, hairy bodies and distinctive male genitalia structures. They represent the most diverse Ennominae lineage in Australia and are widespread in the Americas, with a probable Gondwanan origin. The tribe exhibits notable morphological specializations including -distributing structures on male legs and , and symmetrical furcae in the male genitalia. Taxonomic boundaries remain provisional, with potential merger of related tribes Lithinini and Campaeini under consideration.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nacophorini: //ˌnækoʊˈfɔːrəˌnaɪ//
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Identification
Distinguished from related Ennominae tribes by combination of: symmetrical furcae in male genitalia (unlike Ourapterygini); pointed tip with little variation (unlike other geometer moths); presence of at least one -distributing structure in males (swollen hindleg tibia or tibial 'pencil' or both); well-developed interantennal horn. Differs from Boarmiini in lacking complex harpe modifications. Separated from Azelinini and Caberini by genitalia details, though Oratha shows suspicious similarity and may require reclassification.
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Distribution
Most diverse in Australia. Widespread in the Americas. Rare in Eurasia. Tentatively includes African and Declana from New Zealand, which would confirm distinctly Gondwanan distribution. Probable origin in Australia, South America, or Antarctica.
Diet
Larval food plants predominantly Rosidae. Australian and South American feed mainly on Myrtaceae (Campomanesia, Eucalyptus, Eugenia, Psidium). Faboideae and Mimosoideae also recorded. African tentatively placed in tribe recorded from Cunoniaceae, Ericaceae, Fabaceae, Thymelaceae. Declana (New Zealand) larvae found on Myrtaceae, Pinaceae (Larix, Pinus radiata, Pseudotsuga menziesii), Nothofagaceae, and Olearia (only euasterid recorded).
Host Associations
- Campomanesia - larval food plantMyrtaceae
- Eucalyptus - larval food plantMyrtaceae; major for Australian and some American
- Eugenia - larval food plantMyrtaceae
- Psidium - larval food plantMyrtaceae; guavas
- Larix - larval food plantPinaceae; Declana only
- Pinus radiata - larval food plantPinaceae; Declana only
- Pseudotsuga menziesii - larval food plantPinaceae; coast Douglas-fir; Declana only
- Nothofagaceae - larval food plantsouthern beeches; Declana only
- Olearia - larval food plantonly euasterid recorded for tribe; Declana only
Behavior
typically rest with hindwings tucked under forewings. Male distribution: structures on hindleg tibia and third abdominal segment probably serve to distribute pheromones. The full set of these structures (swollen tibia, tibial 'pencil', and abdominal comb) is rarely found outside this tribe.
Ecological Role
Herbivores as larvae, with some significant defoliators of plantation trees. Thyrinteina arnobia (Brazilian eucalyptus brown looper) can be commercially significant pest in eucalyptus plantations.
Human Relevance
Thyrinteina arnobia is a commercially significant pest in eucalyptus plantations in tropical Americas. Most lack documented economic impact.
Similar Taxa
- LithininiShare of male genitalia including symmetrical furcae; caterpillars very similar; likely to be merged with Nacophorini
- CampaeiniPossibly related; may warrant inclusion in expanded Nacophorini group; boundaries unclear
- EnnominiClosest living relatives along with Azelinini and Caberini; radical taxonomic approach would merge Nacophorini into Ennomini
- AzelininiClosest living relative; Oratha suspiciously similar to Azelinini genus Pero
- CaberiniClosest living relative; Oratha suspiciously similar to Caberini genus Rhinodia
- BoarmiiniSimilar valval bristles but differ in harpe structure and other genitalia features
- OurapteryginiHave similar-looking but probably analogous asymmetrical furcae, versus symmetrical in Nacophorini
More Details
Taxonomic instability
Tribe boundaries remain provisional. As traditionally delimited, probably nearly monophyletic but requires movements to achieve clade status. Correct name for clade might become Lithinini or Campaeini due to type considerations. Phaeoura (including Nacophora type species) appears closer to Ennomini, which would make Nacophorini a junior synonym of Ennomini if merged.
Provisional genus assignments
Numerous Ennominae remain unassigned to tribe. Genera Acalyphes, Dirce (Tasmania), and possibly Archiearides (South America) probably need moving from Archiearinae to Nacophorini. African genera and Declana (New Zealand) tentatively assigned. Some Lithinini and perhaps Campaeini likely belong here.
Morphological synapomorphies
Male leg and abdominal structures for distribution (swollen hindleg tibia, tibial 'pencil', abdominal comb) represent unusual specialization within Ennominae. While individual structures occur elsewhere, the full set is rarely found outside this tribe.