Emesidini

Genus Guides

A tribe of metalmark butterflies (Riodinidae) comprising approximately 70 distributed primarily in the Neotropics, with the Apodemia extending northward into temperate North America. Recent genomic phylogenetic analysis has substantially revised the tribal classification, redefining the genus-level composition into three genera (Apodemia, Curvie, and Emesis) and establishing six subgenera within Emesis. Members are characterized by reduced foreleg and distinctive wing patterns. The tribe represents a significant component of riodinid diversity in tropical and subtropical regions.

Apodemia mormo 98260006 by Pinnacles National Park. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Lange metal mark butterfly insect apodemia mormo langei by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Used under a Public domain license.

Mormon Metalmark (Apodemia mormo)2 by Steve Berardi. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Emesidini: /ɛˈmɛsɪˌdaɪniː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Riodinidae tribes by genomic synapomorphies and morphological characters including reduced forelegs with brush-like scaling in males. Recent taxonomic revision provides diagnostic morphological characters for the three recognized : Apodemia (including former Neoapodemia and Plesioarida as subgenera), Emesis (partitioned into six subgenera: Emesis, Aphacitis, Poeasia, Mandania, Brimia, and Tenedia), and Curvie (, containing the formerly known as Emesis emesia).

Images

Distribution

Primarily Neotropical, with highest in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The Apodemia extends northward as a temperate offshoot, reaching southern Canada.

Similar Taxa

BefrostiiniNewly proposed sister tribe containing the Befrostia, separated from Emesidini based on genomic phylogenetic analysis and distinct morphological characters.