Swallowtail Moths
Uraniidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Geometroidea
- Family: Uraniidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Uraniidae: /ʊˈræn.i.aɪ.iː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The Uraniidae, or Swallowtail Moths, are a mostly tropical family known for their vibrant colors and toxic nature as a warning to predators, with both diurnal and nocturnal species.
Physical Characteristics
The Uraniidae family includes large, colorful moths with bright colors and iridescent scales. Diurnal species are more vividly colored and may possess multiple tails, while nocturnal species tend to be smaller and pale-colored.
Identification Tips
Look for bright, butterfly-like colors in diurnal species, and note the difference in wing veining patterns compared to geometer moths.
Habitat
Primarily tropical regions across the Americas, Africa, and Indo-Australia.
Distribution
Found throughout the tropics, with some species present in North America (2 species) and Canada (0 species). Only one species, Urania fulgens, strays north to southern Texas.
Evolution
Includes four subfamilies, with 90 genera and roughly 700 species. The subfamily Epipleminae was formerly classified as a separate family, Epiplemidae.
Similar Taxa
- Geometer Moths
Misconceptions
Some species may be mistaken for butterflies due to their bright coloration and day-flying behavior.
Tags
- Lepidoptera
- Moths
- Tropical Moths
- Uraniidae
- Sunset Moths