Teak Moths

Hyblaeoidea

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hyblaeoidea: /haɪˌbleɪəˈɔɪdiə/

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

Images

Hyblaea puera (The Teak Defoliator) (1) (29797907483) by Balakrishnan Valappil. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
Hyblaea puera (The Teak Defoliator) (2) (29798819784) by Balakrishnan Valappil. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
Hyblaea puera larva (29797907483) by Balakrishnan Valappil. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
Hyblaea puera at Kadavoor by 
Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Hyblaea puera @ Kanjirappally by Praveenp. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Hyblaea puera (The Teak Defoliator) തേക്കിലയന്‍ (29798820294) by Balakrishnan Valappil. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Summary

Hyblaeoidea, commonly known as teak moths, includes two families: Hyblaeidae and the monotypic Prodidactidae. The superfamily is noted for having variable phylogenetic links within Ditrysian Lepidoptera. Its caterpillars have specific host plants and are a part of the broader Lepidoptera order.

Physical Characteristics

Males possess a specialised 'hair-pencil' on the hindleg.

Habitat

Distributed throughout the Old World tropics and in the Neotropics.

Distribution

Globally present, with species particularly in tropical regions.

Diet

Caterpillars feed primarily on host plants from families such as Bignoniaceae, Verbenaceae, Avicenniaceae, and Rhizophoraceae.

Evolution

Recent phylogenetic studies suggest close relationships with Pyraloidea and Thyridoidea, or possibly butterflies.

Tags

  • Hyblaeoidea
  • teak moths
  • Hyblaeidae
  • Lepidoptera