Model-organisms
Guides
Drosophilinae
Drosophilinae is the largest subfamily of Drosophilidae, containing the genus Drosophila and numerous related genera. The subfamily is characterized by complex phylogenetic relationships, with the genus Drosophila being paraphyletic as several genera (Zaprionus, Scaptomyza, Lordiphosa) are nested within it. Molecular studies have revealed distinctive gene evolution patterns in this group, including a rare retroposition event of the e(y)2 gene in Protostomes.
Formicini
Formicini is a tribe of ants within the subfamily Formicinae, established by Latreille in 1802. The tribe includes approximately 13 extant and 5 extinct genera, with Formica representing the most species-rich genus. Notable members include the slave-making genera Polyergus and Rossomyrmex, which practice dulotic social parasitism by raiding nests of related host species. The tribe exhibits diverse ecological strategies across temperate and arid regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Formicoidea
ants
Formicoidea is a superfamily within the order Hymenoptera comprising ants and their extinct relatives. The group originated approximately 120 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous from vespoid wasp ancestors. Formicoidea is defined by the inclusion of the family Formicidae (living and fossil ants) and the extinct family †@@@idae, which includes the mid-Cretaceous genera †Camelomecia and †Camelosphecia. The superfamily is characterized by eusocial behavior, a distinct narrow petiole (waist), and metapleural glands. Ants within Formicoidea represent one of the most ecologically dominant and diverse groups of terrestrial insects, with more than 13,800 described species and estimates of up to 22,000 total species.
Galleriinae
wax moths, snout moths
The Galleriinae are a subfamily of snout moths (Pyralidae) with approximately 306 described species distributed worldwide. This subfamily includes the commercially significant wax moths, whose larvae (waxworms) are mass-produced as pet food and fishing bait. Several species are economically important pests: wax moths (Achroia and Galleria) damage honeybee colonies, while others such as the rice moth (Corcyra cephalonica) infest stored food products. The subfamily exhibits notable morphological diversity, with five recognized tribes including the recently described Joelminetiini (2007).
Gryllidae
True crickets
Gryllidae, commonly known as true crickets, is a family of insects in the order Orthoptera, suborder Ensifera. Members are characterized by long, thread-like antennae, cylindrical bodies, enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping, and forewings modified for sound production. The family has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many former subfamilies (including tree crickets, ground crickets, and sword-tail crickets) elevated to family status. True crickets exhibit worldwide distribution except Antarctica and are known for their acoustic communication, with males producing species-specific calling songs to attract females.