Bicilia
Amsel, 1956
Species Guides
1Bicilia is a of in the Crambidae, Spilomelinae. The genus was established by Amsel in 1956 and contains four described distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. These moths are relatively poorly studied, with limited published information on their and .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Bicilia: /bɪˈsɪliə/
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Identification
Bicilia can be distinguished from related spilomeline crambids by genitalia , particularly male valvae structure. External morphology varies by species; B. iarchasalis and B. persinualis show more pronounced wing patterning than B. lentistrialis and B. olivia. Accurate identification to species level requires dissection and reference to original descriptions.
Distribution
Neotropical region. Bicilia iarchasalis is known from Brazil; B. lentistrialis from Ecuador; B. olivia from Jamaica; B. persinualis from Mexico and Central America.
Similar Taxa
- HerpetogrammaSimilar wing shape and size in Spilomelinae, but Herpetogramma typically show more distinct transverse wing lines and different male genitalia structure.
- SyllepteOverlapping distribution and general habitus; Syllepte often have more pointed forewings and different abdominal patterning.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was erected by Hans Georg Amsel in 1956, with Bicilia iarchasalis (originally described as Botys iarchasalis by Walker in 1859) as the type . The genus has remained small and stable, with only four species described to date.
Research status
Despite being established nearly 70 years ago, Bicilia remains poorly known. No comprehensive revision has been published, and most information derives from original descriptions and scattered collection records.