Wurthiini
Roepke, 1916
Genus Guides
1Wurthiini is a tribe of small to medium-sized within the Spilomelinae ( Crambidae), containing nine and 43 . The tribe was originally erected as a subfamily in 1916, underwent multiple taxonomic revisions, and was re-established in its current form in 2019 following molecular studies. moths typically have wingspans of 20–30 mm, though the genus Niphopyralis is smaller at 12–22 mm. The tribe is distinguished by unique male genitalia features, particularly a deeply split juxta.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Wurthiini: /ˈwʏr.ti.aɪ.niː/
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Identification
Diagnosed by the deeply split or divided juxta in male genitalia, a synapomorphy of the tribe. Additional diagnostic features include the slender, tapering valvae with concave and the strongly sclerotised sacculus arm with spinulose or needle-shaped tip. Niphopyralis differs in smaller size, bicapitate uncus, and highly derived male genitalia. Aristebulea, Mimetebulea, and Pseudebulea possess a medially directed process on the mediodorsal sacculus.
Distribution
Apilocrocis and Diaphantania occur in the Americas (Diaphantania restricted to the Antilles); remaining genera distributed across the East Palearctic, Oriental, and Australasian realms.
Diet
Apilocrocis glaucosia larvae feed on Celtis iguanaea (Cannabaceae). Niphopyralis larvae are myrmecophilous in nests of Oecophylla and Polyrhachis ants, feeding on , larvae, and pupae. Food plants of other are unknown.
Host Associations
- Celtis iguanaea - food plantfor Apilocrocis glaucosia larvae
- Oecophylla - myrmecophilous ; Niphopyralis larvae feed on brood
- Polyrhachis - myrmecophilous ; Niphopyralis larvae feed on brood
Life Cycle
Larval and pupal stages described only for Niphopyralis; details for other unknown.
Behavior
Niphopyralis larvae exhibit myrmecophily, living as in nests.
Ecological Role
Niphopyralis acts as a of nest-weaving ants. Role of other in is poorly documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Spilomelinae tribesWurthiini distinguished by deeply split juxta and other genitalia features; historically confused due to Niphopyralis's unusual Limacodidae-like appearance and lack of
- LimacodidaeNiphopyralis was historically misclassified due to superficial resemblance in habitus; differs in genitalia structure and molecular
Misconceptions
The tribe's classification was long uncertain due to Niphopyralis's unusual ; it was variously placed in , Schoenobiinae, and Pyraustinae before molecular studies confirmed its position within Spilomelinae.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally erected as Wurthiinae in (1916), transferred to Schoenobiinae (1923), split with Niphopyralis in Pyraustinae (1981), Wurthia synonymized with Niphopyralis (1996), Wurthiinae synonymized with Spilomelinae (2012), and re-erected as tribe Wurthiini (2019). Contains nine : Apilocrocis, Aristebulea, Cotachena, Diaphantania, Loxocorys, Mimetebulea, Niphopyralis (type genus, with synonym Wurthia), Pseudebulea, and Togabotys.