Athyrma
Hübner, [1823] 1816
Species Guides
2Athyrma is a of in the Erebidae, tentatively placed in the Erebinae, tribe Poaphilini based on morphological similarity to Mimophisma. The genus was revised in 2022, recognizing sixteen in the New World, including nine newly described species. Several species were restored to valid status, synonymies were resolved, and were designated for multiple species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Athyrma: /əˈθɪrmə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Athyrma can be distinguished from related by genitalic , particularly the structure of male and female external and internal genitalia. The genus shares similarities with Mimophisma Hampson, 1926, which influenced its tribal placement. Specific diagnostic features for individual species rely on detailed examination of habitus and genitalic characters.
Images
Distribution
New World. occur across diverse regions including the Caribbean (A. ciboney), South America (A. itatiaia in Brazil, A. yasuni in Ecuador), and North America (A. fakahatchee in Florida).
Host Associations
- Dilleniaceae - larval Listed in keywords of revision paper; explicit biological confirmation not detailed in provided text
- Vitaceae - larval Listed in keywords of revision paper; explicit biological confirmation not detailed in provided text
Behavior
Larvae exhibit a startle pattern, mentioned in revision keywords, though specific behavioral details are not described in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Mimophisma Hampson, 1926Morphological similarity in genitalic structure; this resemblance influenced the tentative placement of Athyrma in Poaphilini
- Celiptera levina Stoll, 1781Formerly confused with Athyrma; Athyrma cordigera Walker, 1869 was synonymized with Celiptera levina
- Ezra gen. nov.Athyrma misera Butler, 1879 was removed from Athyrma and placed in this new based on revised classification
- Facies gen. nov.Nymbis resecta Dognin, 1912 was removed from Athyrma and placed in this new
More Details
Taxonomic revision
The 2022 revision by Adams & McCabe designated lectotypes and neotypes for multiple : lectotype for A. adjutrix; neotypes for A. nodosa, A. orbana, A. tuberosa, and A. ganglio. Athyrma ganglio and A. dormitrix were restored from synonymy to valid species status.
New species described 2022
Nine were newly described: A. brigittae, A. tapichensis, A. urbanae, A. yasuni, A. ciboney, A. cryani, A. itatiaia, A. romacki, and A. svensoni. Several are named after specific localities (Yasuni National Park, Tapiche River, Itatiaia National Park) or people.
Former placement
Athyrma was previously associated with Eulepidotinae but reassigned to Erebinae: Poaphilini in the 2022 revision.