Lek-behavior
Guides
Estigmene
Ermine Moths
Estigmene is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1820. Species in this genus are native to North and Central America. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with many African and Asian species formerly included now separated into different genera. The most well-known species is Estigmene acrea, commonly called the saltmarsh caterpillar or woollybear, which is a widespread generalist herbivore and occasional agricultural pest.
Hepialidae
Ghost moths, Swift moths
Hepialidae, commonly known as ghost moths or swift moths, comprise approximately 700 species in 82 genera and represent the most diverse family of the infraorder Exoporia. These moths exhibit numerous ancestral characteristics, including very short antennae, absence of a functional proboscis, and homoneurous wing structure with similar forewings and hindwings. Species range dramatically in size from small moths to a record wingspan of 250 mm in Zelotypia. The family shows highest diversity in ancient landmasses, particularly Australia, South Africa, and Chile, reflecting their Gondwanan origins. Many species display pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males typically smaller but more boldly marked than females.
Hirtodrosophila
Hirtodrosophila is a genus of fruit flies in the family Drosophilidae, elevated from subgenus status within Drosophila by Grimaldi in 1990. The genus comprises approximately 150 described species divided into ten species groups, with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Most species are mycophagous, with larvae feeding on fungi, though at least one species has evolved predatory behavior on frog embryos. The genus belongs to the monophyletic Zygothrica genus group of mycophagous drosophilids, though Hirtodrosophila itself is paraphyletic.
Richardiidae
Richardiidae is a small family of acalyptrate flies in the superfamily Tephritoidea, comprising over 30 genera and approximately 175 species. The family is predominantly Neotropical in distribution, with most species occurring in tropical regions of the Americas. General biology remains poorly known, though larvae of some species feed on living plant tissue, pollen, or decaying plant material. Adults are frequently observed on vegetation and are characterized by conspicuously patterned wings and often metallic body coloration.