Heliothinae

Genus Guides

Heliothinae is a of in the Noctuidae containing approximately 400 described worldwide. The group is particularly diverse in seasonally arid tropical and subtropical regions. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including Helicoverpa armigera and Helicoverpa zea.

Schinia vacciniae by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda. Used under a CC-BY license.

Schinia cumatilis by (c) Colin Croft, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Colin Croft. Used under a CC-BY license.

Schinia fulleri by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Heliothinae: /ˌhiːliˈɒθɪnaɪ/

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Habitat

thrive in hot, dry regions with highest diversity in seasonally-arid tropics and subtropics.

Distribution

distribution with major centers of diversity in Australia, parts of Asia, southwestern United States, and Africa.

Diet

Larvae exhibit variable feeding strategies: some are feeders restricted to limited plant ranges, while others are .

Human Relevance

Contains multiple economically significant agricultural pest including Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm), Helicoverpa zea (corn earworm), Helicoverpa assulta, Helicoverpa punctigera, and Heliothis virescens (tobacco budworm).

More Details

Taxonomic history

The has been subject to extensive taxonomic study, with important works by Hardwick (1965, 1970) and Matthews (1988). Molecular phylogenetic studies have addressed the evolution of range and pest status within the group.