Ultrasonic-communication
Guides
Arctiinae
Tiger Moths and Allies, Tiger Moths, Woolly Bear Moths, Footmen, Lichen Moths, Wasp Moths
Arctiinae is a large and diverse subfamily of moths within the family Erebidae, comprising approximately 11,000 species worldwide. The subfamily includes tiger moths, footmen, lichen moths, and wasp moths. Many species are characterized by aposematic coloration, chemical defenses, and the production of ultrasonic sounds for defense and communication. The group was formerly classified as the family Arctiidae but was reclassified as a subfamily of Erebidae based on phylogenetic studies.
Cisthene
lichen moths
Cisthene is a genus of lichen moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Francis Walker in 1854. Species in this genus are known to produce acoustic warning signals that deter bat predators, a behavior termed acoustic aposematism. Research on Cisthene martini has demonstrated this phenomenon occurs in natural habitats, not just laboratory settings. Some species exhibit reduced evasive flight behavior when approached by bats, suggesting reliance on sound-based defense.
Galleria mellonella
Greater Wax Moth, Honeycomb Moth
Galleria mellonella is a globally distributed moth in the family Pyralidae, best known as a destructive pest of honeybee colonies. The larvae tunnel through honeycomb, consuming wax, pollen, honey, and cast skins of bee larvae, causing significant economic damage to apiculture. Adults are nocturnal, with males producing ultrasonic mating calls at 75 kHz. The species has become an important model organism in biomedical research due to its innate immune system functionally similar to mammals, and has attracted recent attention for the ability of its larvae to degrade polyethylene plastic through salivary enzymes.
Prionoxystus robiniae
Carpenterworm Moth, Locust Borer
Prionoxystus robiniae is a moth in the family Cossidae, found across much of North America from southern Canada through most of the United States. Adults are active from May to July, with wingspans ranging from 43–85 mm. The larvae are wood-borers that tunnel into hardwood trees, causing economic damage to timber. Females release sex pheromones to attract males, which fly upwind to locate them; mating occurs at dusk and early night, with copulation lasting 1–2 hours.