Pantheinae

Smith, 1898

Genus Guides

8

Pantheinae is a small of within Noctuidae, historically treated as a distinct (Pantheidae). The subfamily contains approximately 20 distributed primarily in the Holarctic and Neotropical regions, with notable diversity in the Andean Mountains. Several Neotropical genera form a distinctive 'Jaguar Moth' clade characterized by bold patterning and potential mimicry of tiger moths.

Pseudopanthea palata by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.Panthea greyi by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.Panthea furcilla by no rights reserved, uploaded by Kent McFarland. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pantheinae: /pænˈθeɪnaɪ/

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Images

Habitat

Andean occur in montane cloud forest at elevations of 1950–3050 m.

Distribution

Holarctic and Neotropical; Andean Mountains from Venezuela to Bolivia (Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia documented).

Behavior

of Andean are sexually dimorphic in size, with females larger than males. Males of some genera possess hyaline or semi-hyaline wings while females have more fully scaled wings. Antennal form varies: in both sexes in some genera, serrate in males and filiform in females in others. Members of the 'Jaguar Moth' clade (including Gaujonia, Lafontaineana, Bathyra, Lichnoptera) have been observed to be frequently confused with cicadas by observers in South America.

Ecological Role

Millerana tigrina has been documented as a pest of pines in Ecuador.

Human Relevance

Andean are rarely collected, suggesting limited direct human interaction. One species has been recorded as an agricultural pest.

Similar Taxa

Sources and further reading