Lithosiini

Billberg, 1820

Lichen Moths

Tribe Guides

Lithosiini is a tribe of lichen moths within the Erebidae, containing approximately 2,752 . The was originally described by Gustaf Johan Billberg in 1820 as Lithosiinae at rank, but was reclassified to tribe status following the reorganization of the former family into the subfamily Arctiinae within Erebidae. Members are commonly known as lichen moths due to their typical cryptic coloration resembling lichen substrates. The tribe is divided into multiple subtribes, though the remain in need of revision.

Lithosiina by (c) SteveM4560, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by SteveM4560. Used under a CC-BY license.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lithosiini: //ˌlɪθoʊˈsaɪ.ɪˌnaɪ//

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

Identification

Lithosiini are distinguished from other Arctiinae by their typically small to medium size and cryptic coloration—often gray, brown, or black-and-yellow patterns that resemble lichen substrates. The tribe can be separated from related tiger moths (Arctiini) by generally more subdued coloration and less robust body form. Specific identification to subtribe or requires examination of male genitalia characters, including uncus shape, valva structure, presence or absence of harpe, and cornuti arrangement in the vesica.

Images

Habitat

Lithosiini occupy diverse including subtropical mixed forests, coniferous and broadleaf forests, and dry to mesic woodlands. Collection records indicate occurrence at elevations ranging from approximately 958 m to 1,318 m in forested areas with dense understory vegetation including shrubs, ferns, and grassland patches. Specific habitat associations vary by species and geographic region.

Distribution

Widespread across the Northern Oriental region, central and eastern Palaearctic region, and the Neotropics. Documented from China (Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Heilongjiang), Mongolia, Russia (East Siberia), India (Assam), Vietnam (Gia Lai), and throughout the Americas. The tribe has been recorded in Arizona and southeastern United States, with observations on goldenrod flowers in prairie and woodland .

Behavior

of at least some are attracted to mercury vapor lamps and ultraviolet light sources. Some species exhibit mimicry—Lycomorpha pholus, for example, mimics netwinged beetles (Lycus spp.) in coloration.

Similar Taxa

Arctiini (tiger moths)Formerly classified together in ; distinguished by generally brighter aposematic coloration and more robust body form compared to the typically cryptic, lichen-mimicking Lithosiini.
Syntomini (wasp moths)Another tribe within Arctiinae; distinguished by different wing venation and often -like appearance rather than lichen-mimicking coloration.

More Details

Taxonomic History

The tribe was previously treated as the Lithosiinae within the . Following reclassification that lowered Arctiidae to subfamily rank (Arctiinae) within Erebidae, Lithosiinae was correspondingly lowered to tribe rank as Lithosiini. Former tribes within Lithosiinae were reduced to subtribe status by changing the suffix from -ini to -ina (e.g., Acsalini became Acsalina).

Subtribes

The tribe currently contains eight recognized subtribes: Acsalina, Cisthenina, Endrosina, Eudesmiina, Lithosiina, Nudariina, Phryganopterygina, and numerous placed as incertae sedis. The delimitation of proposed subtribes Afridina, Cisthenina, Endrosina, and Eudesmina requires validation.

Systematic Uncertainty

The of Lithosiini are explicitly noted as being in need of revision, with proposed subtribes requiring validation and delimitation of content.