Erynnini
Duskywings and Allies
Genus Guides
8- Anastrus
- Chiomara
- Ephyriades
- Erynnis(duskywings)
- Gesta
- Gorgythion(Spread-winged Skippers)
- Grais
- Timochares
The Erynnini are a tribe of in the Pyrginae, characterized by their relatively plesiomorphic and generally inconspicuous appearance. The group is moderately diverse, with most restricted to the Neotropics; notable exceptions are the Holarctic species of the type Erynnis (duskywings). The tribe was historically merged into a broadly defined Pyrgini but is now recognized as distinct following phylogenetic reorganization of the Pyrginae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Erynnini: /ɛˈrɪnɪnaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Members of this tribe can be distinguished from the more visually striking Achlyodidini, their sister group within Pyrginae, by their subdued coloration and less elaborate wing patterns. Within the tribe, the type Erynnis (duskywings) is recognizable by dark, often sooty wing coloration and relatively robust body form compared to other skippers.
Images
Distribution
Primarily Neotropical, with the Erynnis extending into the Holarctic region.
Human Relevance
The 'Duskywings and Allies' reflects the prominence of Erynnis in temperate regions where they are familiar to observers.
Similar Taxa
- AchlyodidiniSister group within Pyrginae; strikingly different in appearance, with more vivid coloration and pattern compared to the subdued Erynnini.
- Pyrgini (sensu lato)Historically included Erynnini; modern circumscription of Pyrgini sensu stricto excludes Erynnini based on phylogenetic reorganization.
More Details
Phylogenetic History
The Erynnini were formerly submerged in a massive, non-monophyletic Pyrgini when only four tribes were recognized in Pyrginae. Modern systematic work has reorganized the to achieve monophyletic tribes, necessitating recognition of Erynnini as distinct.
Subtribal Structure
The tribe contains two subtribes (Clitina and Erynnina) plus numerous unplaced , including the well-known hermit skipper (Grais) and the duskywings (Erynnis).