Asteraceae-specialists

Guides

• Stiriinae

  owlet moths

  Stiriinae is a subfamily of owlet moths (Noctuidae) comprising approximately 160 described species across more than 20 genera. The group underwent significant taxonomic revision in 2019–2021 based on phylogenetic research, with the former tribe Stiriini elevated to subfamily status and internal classification reorganized into two tribes: Stiriini and Annaphilini. The subfamily exhibits exceptional host plant specialization, with many species feeding on a single Asteraceae species.

  Noctuidaeowlet-mothsseed-feedersAsteraceae-specialistsNearcticdesert-faunahost-plant-specializationontogenetic-matchingphylogenetic-revision

• Tephritinae

  Tephritinae is a subfamily of tephritid fruit flies comprising approximately 2,000 described species across 11 recognized tribes and several unplaced genera. Members are predominantly non-frugivorous, with many species specialized on flowerheads of Asteraceae. The subfamily exhibits a global distribution and is notable for widespread associations with co-evolved bacterial symbionts of the genus Candidatus Stammerula.

  fruit-fliesDipteraTephritidaeAsteraceae-specialistsbacterial-symbiosisStammerulanon-frugivorous