Scopulini

Duponchel, 1845

Genus Guides

Scopulini is a tribe of geometer moths (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) comprising approximately 900 across seven , with Scopula containing the vast majority of species. The tribe has a distribution with highest described diversity in sub-Saharan Africa and the Oriental region. Recent phylogenetic studies have clarified tribal boundaries, revalidating genera Cinglis and Scopuloides while synonymizing Pseudocinglis and Glossotrophia. No unique morphological characters diagnose the tribe; Scopulini is characterized by homoplastic synapomorphies.

Scopulini by (c) katunchik, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by katunchik. Used under a CC-BY license.

Scopulini by (c) Kai Squires, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kai Squires. Used under a CC-BY license.

Scopula luteolata, det. John Sperry, -26361, North Rim, Grand Canyon, Arizona, August 1949, Crickmer (49550355366) by Robb Hannawacker. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scopulini: /skoˈpu.li.ni/

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

Identification

Scopulini lacks unique diagnostic characters; identification relies on combinations of homoplastic synapomorphies including thoracic characters. The tribe is distinguished from other Sterrhinae tribes by phylogenetic analysis rather than exclusive morphological traits. Within Scopulini, the large Scopula (800+ ) contains small to medium-sized with typically delicate, often whitish or pale wings bearing fine transverse lines; Problepsis species are generally larger with more contrasting patterns. Genitalia , particularly of the male valvae and female bursa copulatrix, provides species-level identification.

Images

Distribution

global distribution. Highest described occurs in the African (especially sub-Saharan) and Oriental biogeographical regions. peaks in temperate zones of the Northern hemisphere and at low latitudes, decreasing toward higher latitudes. Notably few described from the Neotropics. In Europe, only Scopula and Problepsis occur.

Similar Taxa

CosymbiiniHistorically confused with Scopulini; distinguished by phylogenetic position in the Cosymbiini + Rhodometrini + Timandrini lineage rather than the Scopulini lineage within Sterrhinae.
ProblepsiniFormerly recognized as separate tribe but phylogenetically nested within Scopulini; Problepsis are retained in Scopulini following molecular and morphological analysis.
AletiniPreviously treated as distinct tribe but phylogenetic analysis places Aletini within the concept of Scopulini, rendering Scopulini if excluded.

More Details

Taxonomic instability

Scopulini has experienced substantial taxonomic revision. The name Scopulini was historically an old synonym of Sterrhinae (Meyrick, 1892). Recent molecular phylogenetic studies using mitochondrial and up to nine nuclear gene regions have redefined generic limits, revalidating Cinglis and Scopuloides at level while synonymizing Pseudocinglis with Cinglis and Glossotrophia with Scopula.

Species discovery

The cumulative curve of described Scopulini has not reached asymptote, indicating substantial undescribed diversity remains. Species description rates peaked around 1900, remained high through the 1940s, and continue with modern taxonomic revisions incorporating and extensive genitalia examination.