Cerurinae
Ruthe, 1832
Genus Guides
2- Americerura
- Furcula(prominent moths)
Cerurinae is a of prominent moths (Notodontidae) comprising approximately 14 distributed across Africa, the Palearctic, the Americas, Indomalaya, and Australasia. Molecular phylogenetic studies support an African origin with subsequent Miocene to other regions. The subfamily is characterized by caterpillars with distinctive defensive and associations with Salicaceae plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cerurinae: //sɛr.jʊˈraɪ.naɪ//
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Identification
lack consistent diagnostic external morphological characters across the ; identification relies on genitalia and molecular data. Larvae often possess modified anal and can exhibit characteristic defensive postures.
Images
Distribution
Native to Africa with subsequent of the Palearctic, the Americas, Indomalaya, and Australasia. At least three independent colonizations of the Americas occurred: one in the mid-Miocene and two in the Pliocene and Pleistocene.
Host Associations
- Salicaceae - primary larval foodplantGlobal spread of Cerurinae hypothesized to be enabled by of Salicaceae plants
Behavior
Final instar larvae exhibit characteristic defensive , though specific details vary by .
Similar Taxa
- HeterocampinaeThe Tecmessa was historically misassigned to Cerurinae; molecular place Tecmessa annulipes in Heterocampinae, indicating previous confusion between these .
More Details
Phylogenetic revision
The Americerura was erected to accommodate 17 transferred from Tecmessa, resolving paraphyly in the former classification.
Diversification patterns
State-dependent diversification analyses indicate cerurines diversified most rapidly in temperate climates.