Erebinae

Leach, 1815

erebine moths

Genus Guides

Erebinae is a large of in the Erebidae, comprising approximately 10,000 distributed across all continents except Antarctica, with highest diversity in tropical regions. The subfamily includes well-known groups such as underwing moths (Catocala) and witch moths (Thermesiini). Members range from medium-sized to exceptionally large, with the white witch moth (Thysania agrippina) holding the record for widest wingspan among all Lepidoptera. The subfamily was reinstated and redefined based on molecular phylogenetic studies, with several morphological synapomorphies now recognized.

Celiptera frustulum by (c) brendanboyd, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Catocala palaeogama by (c) Nick Block, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Block. Used under a CC-BY license.

Catocala praeclara by (c) Raven Dandridge, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Raven Dandridge. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Erebinae: /ˌɛrəˈbaɪnaɪ/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Erebidae by combination of (smooth apex with styloconica), female seventh abdominal sternite divided into two lobes surrounding ostium bursae, larval dorsolateral on A8, and often waxy pupal bloom. Within Noctuoidea, erebine possess among the most sensitive tympanal hearing organs for bat detection. The Catocala-type forewing/hindwing color contrast is diagnostic for that tribe but not universal across subfamily.

Images

Appearance

Medium to large with wingspans typically 7–10 cm, ranging up to nearly 30 cm in Thysania agrippina. Forewings often cryptically colored in mottled, drab patterns for camouflage against grass and tree bark. Some , notably Catocala, possess brightly colored hindwings concealed at rest and revealed suddenly when disturbed. with smooth apex and styloconica dorsally. Seventh abdominal sternite in females modified, divided into two lobes surrounding the ostium bursae. Larvae with dorsolateral on abdominal segment A8. Pupae often exhibit waxy bloom.

Distribution

All continents except Antarctica; greatest in tropical regions. Specific documented records include Palaearctic, Oriental, and Australasian regions for Chrysopera combinans; Palaearctic and Oriental regions for Entomogramma fautrix.

Diet

Caterpillars feed on broad range of plants including grasses and legumes. Some are agricultural pests of castor bean, sugarcane, rice, pistachios, and blackberries. Entomogramma fautrix associated with Pithecellobium dulce (Leguminosae).

Host Associations

Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. - plantfor Entomogramma fautrix only

Behavior

Defensive includes sudden revelation of bright hindwing colors when disturbed from rest, thought to startle vertebrate and allow escape. Erebine detect echolocating bat calls using highly sensitive tympanal hearing organs.

Human Relevance

Some are agricultural pests of castor bean, sugarcane, rice, pistachios, and blackberries.

Similar Taxa

Catocalinae (historical)Formerly used name for this group; synonymized with Erebinae based on molecular phylogenetic evidence
Other Erebidae subfamiliesDistinguished by apex structure, female seventh sternite , and larval A8

More Details

Taxonomic history

Prior to molecular phylogenetic studies, most Erebinae were classified within Noctuidae Catocalinae based on Hampson's early 20th century classification. Fibiger and Lafontaine transferred Erebinae to Erebidae and reinstated it as subfamily; Catocalinae was later synonymized with Erebinae.

Tribal diversity

Zahiri et al. recognized 19 tribes within Erebinae based on consistent molecular support and identified potential morphological synapomorphies for the .