Tropical-moths
Guides
Aglaonice
Aglaonice is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Hypeninae, established by Möschler in 1890. The genus is named after an ancient Thessalian figure associated with astronomical knowledge. The genus contains species found in tropical regions.
Anatrachyntis
pink scavenger moths, pandanus flower moths
Anatrachyntis is a genus of small moths in the family Cosmopterigidae, established by Meyrick in 1915. The genus contains approximately 60 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with particularly high diversity in the Indo-Pacific region, Africa, and Australia. Some taxonomists include this genus within Pyroderces, though this classification remains disputed. Several species have documented ecological associations, including predation on spider eggs and herbivory on plants.
Epipaschiinae
snout moths
Epipaschiinae is a subfamily of Pyralidae (snout moths) containing over 720 described species. The group is predominantly tropical and subtropical in distribution, with notable absence from Europe as native fauna. Adult males exhibit distinctive morphological traits including an upturned third segment of the labial palpi, a ventrally curved phallobase extending beyond the ductus ejaculatorius, weakly sclerotized tegumen, and often a conspicuous scaled projection from the scape of the antennae. Larvae are leaf rollers, leaf tiers, and leaf miners; some species are minor crop pests on avocado, mahogany, and corn.
Eurrhyparodes
Eurrhyparodes is a genus of snout moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was established by Snellen in 1880 and contains approximately 12 recognized species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Species in this genus are characterized by their relatively broad wings and often exhibit bold patterning. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with at least one species transferred to the genus Gonocausta.
Geometrinae
Emerald Moths
Geometrinae is the nominate subfamily of the geometer moth family Geometridae, commonly known as emerald moths for their characteristic light bluish-green coloration. The subfamily contains approximately 2,300 described species, predominantly distributed in tropical regions. It is taxonomically complex, with 13 recognized tribes, many of which are small or monotypic. A 2018 molecular phylogenetic analysis established the current tribal classification.
Limacodidae
slug caterpillar moths, slug moths, cup moths
Limacodidae, commonly called slug caterpillar moths or cup moths, is a family of approximately 1800 described species of moths distributed worldwide with greatest diversity in tropical regions. The family derives its common name from the distinctive larval form: caterpillars are dorsoventrally flattened and move using ventral suckers rather than prolegs, resembling slugs in appearance and locomotion. Many larvae possess urticating spines or hairs capable of delivering painful stings. The family is also called "cup moths" for the distinctive circular, calcium-hardened cocoons constructed by larvae.
Orphanostigma
Orphanostigma is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, established by William Warren in 1890. The genus contains at least seven described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. One species, Orphanostigma abruptalis, has been documented as an agricultural pest of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), where larvae fold leaves lengthwise and web them to the plant.
Rindgeria
Rindgeria is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae, established by Heppner in 2010. It belongs to the diverse group of geometer moths, which are characterized by slender bodies and broad wings. The genus appears to be relatively recently described with limited published documentation. Observations suggest it occurs in tropical and subtropical regions.
Samea
Samea is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, established by Achille Guenée in 1854. The genus comprises approximately 25 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Samea multiplicalis, commonly known as the Salvinia moth, has been extensively studied for its potential use as a biological control agent against the invasive aquatic fern Salvinia. Most species in this genus appear to be associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Stenomatinae
Stenomatine moths
Stenomatinae is a subfamily of small moths in the family Depressariidae, first described by Meyrick in 1906. The subfamily includes diverse genera distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, with notable representation in the Neotropics including the Brazilian Cerrado and Mascarene islands. Members are characterized by their small size and often inconspicuous appearance. Some species have been documented with specialized host plant associations, particularly with woody plants in families such as Malpighiaceae.
Syngamia
Syngamia is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, established by Guenée in 1854. The genus contains approximately 24 recognized species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Members are small to medium-sized pyraloid moths, with several species exhibiting distinctive color patterns including orange, yellow, or violet markings.
Thyrididae
Window-winged Moths, Picture-winged Leaf Moths
Thyrididae is a family of moths commonly known as window-winged or picture-winged leaf moths, distinguished by square or rectangular translucent spots on their wings. The family comprises the sole member of superfamily Thyridoidea, with over 760 described species worldwide and hundreds more awaiting description. Most species inhabit tropical and subtropical regions, with only about 12 species recorded in North America. Adults of many species are diurnal and colorful, exhibiting day-flying behavior unusual among moths.
Thyridinae
window-winged moths
Thyridinae is a subfamily of moths within the family Thyrididae, commonly referred to as window-winged moths. Members of this subfamily are characterized by distinctive translucent or clear patches on the wings, created by reduced wing scaling. The subfamily contains numerous genera distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Tiquadra
Tiquadra is a genus of moths in the family Tineidae, established by Francis Walker in 1863. The genus comprises approximately 35 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Species have been recorded from the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, indicating broad biogeographic dispersal. As tineid moths, members likely exhibit the family characteristic of larval feeding on keratinous or plant materials, though specific biological details for most Tiquadra species remain undocumented.
Zeuzerinae
Leopard Moths
Zeuzerinae is a subfamily of carpenter moths (Cossidae) commonly known as leopard moths. The group includes approximately 60 genera distributed across tropical and temperate regions worldwide. Many species are known for their striking spotted or patterned wing coloration. Larvae of several genera, including Zeuzera and Polyphagozerra, are significant wood-boring pests that tunnel into living trees and woody plants.