Lineodini

Distinguished from other Spilomelinae by the combination of: single frenular bristle in females (two in Rhectosemia); ventrally open sacci tympani; and unsclerotized ductus bursae in females (a tribal synapomorphy). The variable but characteristic male genitalia—particularly fibula structure and valva shape—aid in genus-level identification. Atomopteryx and Lineodes are recognizable by their narrow wings and elongated, plume moth-like habitus.

Predominantly Neotropical to temperate Nearctic. The genus Leucinodes is exceptional with Old World distribution (Asia, Africa). Species associated with globally traded Solanaceae fruits are frequently intercepted outside native ranges, including European ports where Leucinodes orbonalis (Asian) and L. africensis, L. pseudorbonalis, and L. rimavallis (Afrotropical) are commonly detected.

Larvae feed exclusively on Solanaceae (nightshade family). Known host plants include tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), eggplant (S. melongena), potato (S. tuberosum), Capsicum (pepper), Physalis, and numerous other genera within the family. Larvae tie leaves together or bore into plant tissues, particularly fruits.

• Solanum lycopersicum - larval food planttomato
• Solanum melongena - larval food planteggplant
• Solanum tuberosum - larval food plantpotato
• Capsicum - larval food plantpepper
• Physalis - larval food plant

Larval stage characterized by leaf-tying behavior or boring into plant tissues, especially fruits. Specific details of egg, pupal, and adult longevity not documented in available sources.

Larvae exhibit two primary feeding strategies: tying leaves together with silk to create shelters, and boring directly into plant tissues. Fruit-boring behavior significantly reduces marketable value of host crops.

Major agricultural pests of Solanaceae crops. Larval feeding in fruits renders produce unmarketable. Species are frequently transported internationally via infested fruits in global trade, leading to quarantine interceptions and potential establishment outside native ranges. Leucinodes orbonalis and related species are of particular concern for biosecurity.

• Other Spilomelinae tribesLineodini is distinguished by the synapomorphy of unsclerotized ductus bursae in females, ventrally open sacci tympani, and single frenular bristle (mostly); other Spilomelinae lack this combination and often show euspilomeline characteristics.
• Pterophoridae (plume moths)Atomopteryx and Lineodes superficially resemble plume moths due to narrow wings and long legs, but lack the divided wings characteristic of Pterophoridae and possess typical crambid tympanal organs.

The tribe was long considered a synonym of Pyraustinae and later Spilomelinae due to insufficient understanding of evolutionary relationships; its reinstatement in 2019 reflects modern phylogenetic resolution rather than new morphological discovery.

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• iNaturalist taxon