Erebidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Erebidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Erebidae: //ˈɛrɛbɪˌdiː//

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

Images

Aganais speciosa by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Erebidae is a large family of moths within the superfamily Noctuoidea, known for its great diversity and inclusion of several well-known moth groups. They exhibit varied lifestyles, including fruit-piercing and feeding on decaying organic matter.

Physical Characteristics

Adult moths of Erebidae have quadrifid forewings and usually quadrifine hindwings. Size ranges from large (>5 in or 127 mm wingspan in some species) to small (0.25 in or 6 mm wingspan in some Micronoctuini). They exhibit a wide range of coloration from dull, camouflaged to vivid and contrasting colors.

Identification Tips

Identification can be aided by examining forewing maculation, which can vary widely among subfamilies. The presence of quadrifid forewings and quadrifine hindwings is a key identification characteristic.

Habitat

Erebidae moths inhabit diverse environments across all continents except Antarctica, and species can be found in various ecosystems.

Distribution

Erebidae are distributed worldwide, spanning across all continents excluding Antarctica.

Diet

Larvae are mostly herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plants. Some taxa, such as Lithosiini (Arctiinae), feed on algae and lichens, while members of Herminiinae primarily consume dead or withered leaves.

Life Cycle

Erebidae undergo complete metamorphosis with distinct egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The larvae generally appear smooth, although those of certain subfamilies can be hairy.

Reproduction

Details on specific reproductive traits are not provided, but like most moths, Erebidae engage in sexual reproduction with distinct male and female moths.

Ecosystem Role

Erebidae play important roles in ecosystems as pollinators and as part of the food web, serving as prey for various predators.

Evolution

Erebidae is a monophyletic family that was reclassified from Noctuidae based on phylogenetic studies that showed former noctuid lineages were more closely related to Erebidae subfamilies than to other noctuids.