Spilomelinae

Pearl Moths

Tribe Guides

Spilomelinae is a -rich of Crambidae (crambid snout moths) containing approximately 4,180 described species in 351 worldwide, making it the most diverse group among pyraloid moths. Formerly treated as tribe Spilomelini within Pyraustinae, it was elevated to subfamily status based on phylogenetic studies. The subfamily includes numerous agricultural pests as well as the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis).

Cydalima perspectalis by (c) nbasargin, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

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

Lamprosema baracoalis by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Spilomelinae: /ˌspaɪloʊˈmɛlɪˌnaɪ/

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Identification

Distinguished from Pyraustinae by synapomorphic characters of the , particularly the reduced maxillary palpi and female genitalia structure. The 13 tribes within Spilomelinae are separable by genitalic characters: "euspilomeline" tribes (9 tribes including Agroterini, Margaroniini, Spilomelini) share male abdominal tergite 8 with edge, convex valva , and reduced phallus ; "non-euspilomeline" tribes (Hydririni, Lineodini, Udeini, Wurthiini) retain plesiomorphic characters including straight to concave valva costa and presence of "ediacaroid" signum in female corpus bursae.

Images

Habitat

are diverse and generally correspond to plant availability. Some linked to drier habitats in Africa. The Cydalima perspectalis occupies parks and gardens with box trees. Dichocrocis frenatalis has been recorded from mangrove environments. Many species associated with agricultural and horticultural settings due to host plant preferences.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. India documented with 370 (120 ), representing 9.05% of global species. Hainan Island, China: 95 species in 54 genera with strong Oriental region affinity and cross-regional distribution patterns. Iran: multiple genera including Maruca, Patania, Udea. Turkey: Cydalima perspectalis established and spreading. Africa: numerous and newly described genera including Cristabotys. Ecuador: tropical rainforest species such as Diaphania yurakyana.

Diet

Larval feeding habits are highly diverse across the . Many tribes exhibit narrow specificity: Lineodini feed on Solanaceae, Hydririni primarily on Sapindaceae and Convolvulaceae, Trichaeini on Rubiaceae. Some Steniini are . Niphopyralis larvae live in weaver nests and feed on ant larvae. Range extends from ferns and gymnosperms to broad spectrum of angiosperms.

Host Associations

Solanaceae - larval Lineodini, Leucinodes, Neoleucinodes
Poaceae - larval Cnaphalocrocis, Marasmia on Oryza, Sorghum, Zea
Fabaceae - larval Maruca (legume pod borer)
Amaranthaceae - larval Maruca
Sapindaceae - larval Hydririni, Patania harutai
Convolvulaceae - larval Hydririni
Rubiaceae - larval Trichaeini
Buxaceae - larval Cydalima perspectalis on box trees (Buxus)
Moraceae - larval Glyphodes caesalis on jack-fruit
Styracaceae - larval Patania crepuscularia
Oleaceae - larval Glyphodes vertumnalis on jasmine
Weaver ants (Oecophylla) - symbiotic/parasiticNiphopyralis larvae in nests, feeding on ant larvae

Life Cycle

Cydalima perspectalis in Turkey produces three annually; generation number potentially increases in warmer southern regions. Most presumably multivoltine in tropical regions. Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Specific developmental durations vary by species and climate.

Behavior

Cydalima perspectalis larvae exhibit , consuming pupae. Niphopyralis larvae live socially within weaver nests. Resting posture varies: most fold wings triangularly over , some spread wings widely (Maruca), others fold narrowly along body (Atomopteryx, Lineodes).

Ecological Role

Larvae function as herbivores across diverse plant lineages from ferns to angiosperms; some Steniini are . Niphopyralis occupies unique predatory/parasitic role within colonies. Many are significant agricultural pests, affecting cereal crops, legumes, solanaceous crops, and ornamental plants. The is described as economically important due to pest species impact.

Human Relevance

Contains numerous major agricultural pests: Leucinodes and Neoleucinodes damage Solanaceae crops; Cnaphalocrocis and Marasmia are rice pests; Maruca vitrata is a significant legume pest; Spoladea feeds on multiple crop . Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth), native to East Asia, was accidentally introduced to Europe in mid-2000s and North America in 2018, causing severe damage to ornamental Buxus plantings. Some are subjects of taxonomic and biodiversity research.

Similar Taxa

PyraustinaeHistorically included Spilomelinae as tribe Spilomelini; separable by plesiomorphic characters retained in "non-euspilomeline" tribes but with distinct synapomorphies in true Spilomelinae
Other Crambidae subfamiliesCybalomiinae, Evergestinae, Glaphyriinae, Odontiinae differ in genitalic and lack the characteristic Spilomelinae synapomorphies (reduced maxillary palpi, ventrally projecting fornix tympani, specific female ductus bursae structure)

Misconceptions

Formerly believed polyphyletic, but molecular and morphological phylogenetic study by Mally et al. (2019) confirmed monophyly. Taxonomic placement of Crambidae itself varies: some authorities treat Crambidae as Crambinae of Pyralidae, which would place Spilomelinae as separate subfamily within Pyralidae.

More Details

Systematic revision

Mally et al. (2019) proposed 13 tribes within Spilomelinae: Agroterini, Asciodini, Herpetogrammatini, Hydririni, Hymeniini, Lineodini, Margaroniini, Nomophilini, Spilomelini, Steniini, Trichaeini, Udeini, Wurthiini. Approximately one-third of (132 of 339) remain unplaced to tribe.

Euspilomeline vs non-euspilomeline tribes

Four tribes (Hydririni, Lineodini, Udeini, Wurthiini) share plesiomorphic characters with Pyraustinae and form a "non-euspilomeline" group. Nine "euspilomeline" tribes form a monophyletic derived group with shared synapomorphies in male and female genitalia.