A new concept of the generic composition of the geometrid moth tribe Ennomini (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) based on functional morphology of the male genitalia

Abstract

Two unique apomorphies in the skeleto-muscular apparatus of the male genitalia in a series of genera of the subfamily Ennominae have been discovered: (1) a more or less broad membranous area on the ventral side of the vinculum, partly or completely dividing this sclerite along the sagittal plane, and (2) the paired muscle m 3 attached distally to the medial invagination of the basal portion of the juxta. Such a structure provides resilient flexion of the ventral portion of the vinculum in the sagittal plane as the valvae are abducted by contraction of muscle m 3. Based on these apomorphies and taking into account the general morphological pattern in the Ennominae, a new generic composition of the tribe Ennomini including 148 valid genera is proposed. A new diagnosis for Ennomini as a monophyletic group is given, with the following synonymy of the family group names established: Ennomini sensu novo = Urapteridae, syn. n.; = Odopteridi; = Emplocidae, syn. n.; = Oxydiidae, syn. n.; = Pantheridae, syn. n.; = Nephodiinae, syn. n.; = Leuculinae, syn. n.; = Cingiliini, syn. n. The musculature of the male genitalia in Ennomos infidelis and Ourapteryx koreana is described for the first time and that of Tristrophis veneris is revised. The American origin of the tribe Ennomini is hypothesized. The mainly Palaearctic tribe Prosopolophini is regarded as a probable sister group of Ennomini sensu novo.