Noctuid-moths
Guides
Amphipyrinae
Amphipyrinae is a subfamily of owlet moths (Noctuidae) historically used as a catchall taxon for genera lacking clear morphological synapomorphies for assignment to other subfamilies. Molecular phylogenetic studies have significantly redefined the group, transferring numerous genera to other subfamilies. Following major revisions, the genus Amphipyra is now the only genus definitively retained in Amphipyrinae. The subfamily currently contains over 50 genera and 210 described species, though this classification remains unstable pending further research.
Celiptera
Celiptera is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae. The genus was established by Guenée in 1852 and includes approximately 12 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region and North America. Species in this genus are characterized by their nocturnal habits and typical underwing moth morphology. Several species have been described relatively recently, with two new species added in 2003.
Noctuoidea
Owlet Moths and Allies
Noctuoidea is the largest superfamily of Lepidoptera, comprising more than 70,000 described species. Members are commonly known as owlet or noctuid moths. The superfamily is characterized by the presence of a metathoracic tympanal organ (hearing structure). Classification remains unstable due to extensive molecular phylogenetic revisions, with major families including Noctuidae, Erebidae, Nolidae, Euteliidae, Notodontidae, Oenosandridae, and Scranciidae. The group is divided into two major lineages based on forewing venation: trifid (Oenosandridae, Notodontidae) and quadrifid (all other families).
Properigea
Properigea is a genus of noctuid moths erected by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1926. The genus comprises ten described species distributed primarily in North America. Members of this genus are classified within the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest and most diverse groups within the Noctuidae family.
Zale
Zale Moths
Zale is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Hübner in 1818. The genus contains numerous species of owlet moths distributed primarily in North America. Larvae of several Zale species are known hosts for parasitoid wasps, including the sphecid wasp Ammophila nigricans. The genus is taxonomically well-established but individual species-level biology remains incompletely documented for many members.