Hawaiian-radiation
Guides
Drosophila
small fruit flies, pomace flies, vinegar flies, wine flies
Drosophila is a genus of small flies in the family Drosophilidae containing over 1,500 described species. The genus exhibits exceptional diversity in appearance, behavior, and breeding habitat, with species ranging from 2–4 mm to larger than a house fly. Drosophila melanogaster is one of the most extensively studied model organisms in genetics and developmental biology. The genus is distinguished from true fruit flies (Tephritidae) by morphology and ecology. Hawaiian Drosophila represent a major adaptive radiation with over 800 species.
Eupithecia
pug moths, pugs
Eupithecia is the largest genus of moths in the family Geometridae, with over 1,400 described species. Members are commonly known as pugs and are found on every continent except Australasia. Adults are small (typically 12–35 mm), with muted colors and a distinctive resting posture where forewings are held flat at right angles to the body. Species-level identification is difficult and often requires examination of dissected genitalia.
Geometridae
geometer moths, geometrid moths, inchworms, spanworms, loopers, cankerworms, measuring worms
Geometridae is one of the largest families of moths, with approximately 23,000 described species worldwide. The family name derives from Greek "geo" (earth) and "metron" (measure), referring to the distinctive looping locomotion of their larvae, commonly called inchworms or loopers. These caterpillars possess only two or three pairs of prolegs at the posterior end, compared to five or more pairs in most other Lepidoptera, forcing them to arch their bodies in a characteristic "measuring" gait. Adults are typically nocturnal with slender bodies and broad wings, often exhibiting cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against bark and vegetation.