Family Erebidae Research Articles

Rediscovery of the gypsy moth <Lymantria kanara> Collenette, 1951 (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Erebidae) from Kerala, India, after 73 years and its taxonomic redescription

Lymantria kanara Collenette of family Erebidae, is a rare taxon considered to be endemic to southern India. Here we provide information on the recently rediscovered Lymantria kanara from Kerala, India, after 73 years hiatus. Prior to this study, all published research on this taxon was based on catalogues or the type specimens housed in museums with scanty descriptions. Hence, a detailed taxonomic description of adult male and male genitalia features is provided in this study.

EXPLORING MOTH DIVERSITY ACROSS RURAL AND URBAN AREAS OF SOUTH GOA

The investigation aimed to comprehend moths diversity across the rural and urban areas in the Salcete Taluka of South Goa in India. Moths were documented from August 2023 to January 2024 by setting up light traps. Ahigher diversity and abundance within rural areas, hosting 510 individuals from 24 families, was reported compared to urban settings, with 366 individuals from 17 families. The families Erebidae and Crambidae emerged as the most dominant across both habitats. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index indicated that the rural areas had higher species diversity than the study sites in the city. The Sorensen similarity index, with a value of 39%, showed a low similarity between the moth communities of both habitats, suggesting distinct differences in their species composition. Representatives from the families Lecithoceridae and Zygaenidae previously reported from Maharashtra and Karnataka were found for the 1st time in Goa. These findings underscore the significance of understanding moths and their habitats for effective conservation and management strategies.. KEYWORDS :Diversity, Habitat-specific, Moths, Shannon-Wiener index, Sorenson index

From Glory to Decline: Uncovering Causes of Oak Decline in Iran

ABSTRACTOak decline is a major concern in Iran. A literature search with the terms ‘Iran’ AND ‘oak’ OR ‘Quercus’ from 1963 through 2023 resulted in 635 articles with over 200 dealing specifically with oak decline. In Iran, oak decline is most severe in the Zagros forests, followed by the Arasbaran and Hyrcanian forests. Of Iran's 11 native oak species, Quercus brantii is the most affected. Several factors have been identified as contributing to oak decline in Iran. Some economic and social factors include high rural unemployment, livestock overgrazing and uncontrolled cutting of live tree branches with the wood used for firewood and foliage used as food for farm animals. These pruning wounds can serve as entry points for pathogens and attract insects. Important abiotic factors included extended drought, increasing air temperature and wind speed, and increased levels of airborne dust and heavy metals. Important pathogens identified in the early 2000s included Armillaria mellea and charcoal rot fungus (Biscogniauxia mediterranea). More recently, many other fungal pathogens (e.g., Discula quercina, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, Obolarina persica, Paecilomyces formosus and Phaeoacremonium tuscanicum) and bacterial pathogens (e.g., Bacillus pumilus, Brenneria goodwinii, Gibbsiella quercinecans, Rahnella victoriana and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) were found in association with declining oaks. Among the insects, severe oak defoliation has resulted from various Lepidoptera in the families Erebidae, Geometridae and Tortricidae. Similarly, several bark‐ and wood‐boring beetles in the families Buprestidae and Cerambycidae were reported from declining oaks, with the buprestid Agrilus hastulifer being one of the most common. It is hoped that this review will improve our understanding of the many factors involved in oak decline in Iran and promote the development of management strategies.

Macromoths (Erebidae: Lepidoptera) and Geometer Moths (Geometridae: Lepidoptera) Species Diversity in Central Sindh, Pakistan

Moths are primarily nocturnal, phytophagous, pests of agriculture, night pollinators, and potential bioindicators. The current study is the first to provide information on the diversity, richness, and abundance of moth species in central Sindh, Pakistan. Moths were collected by light traps, light sheets, and insect nets. A total of 517 specimens were collected during four seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn) and sorted out into 2 families. Moreover, Family Erebidae was sorted out into 3 subfamilies (Arctinae, Calpinae, and Erebinae) of 5 genera (Utethesia, Chalciope, Creatonotus, Grammodes, and Eudocima) with 8 species (Utethesia pulchella Linnaeusn1758, Utethesia lotrix Cramer 1789, Chalciope mygdone Cramer 1775, Creatonotus transiens Walker 1855, Grammodes geometrica Fabricius 1775, Grammodes stolida Fabricius 1775, Eudocima phalonia Linnaeus 1763, and Eudocima maternal Linnaeus 1767) while family Geometridae was sorted out into 3 subfamilies (Sterrhinae, Ennominae, and Geometrinae) of 3 genera (Scopula, Isturgia, and Microloxia) with 5 species (Scopula pulchella Fabricius 1794, Scopula minorata Boisduval 1833, Isturgia disputaria Guenee 1858, Isturgia Pulinda Walker 1860, and Microloxia herbaria Hubner 1800). However, the family Erebidae was found to be the most prevalent with 8 species while the family Geometridae was found to be the least prevalent with 5 species. However, the family Geometridae was found to be highest in abundance with 305 specimens while the family Erebidae was found to be lowest in abundance with 212 specimens. According to the localities, the highest value (0.91) of Simpson's index (D) was recorded for Matiari; while the lowest value (0.86) was recorded for Jamshoro. The survey locations featured varied moth fauna, as evidenced by the fact that Matiari was recorded as the highest value (2.394) Shannon index (H) while Jamshoro was recorded as the lowest value (2.034).

Description of a new species of Parens Fibiger, 2011 (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Hypenodinae) from Korea.

The genus Parens comprises small moths, with a wingspan of 9-13 mm, belonging to the family Erebidae. Until now, only four species have been described worldwide. In Korea, only one species, P.occi (Fibiger & Kononenko, 2008) has been known to date. In this study, a new species from Korea, P.fibigerina Lee & Byun, sp. nov., is described. As a result, two Parens species are now known from Korea. Figures of adults, male and female genitalia, and a key to the species of Parens in Korea are provided.

Checklist of the Moth (Lepidopteran) Fauna of District Buner Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

An annotated checklist of the Moth (Lepidopteran) fauna of District Buner, KP, Pakistan were presented. In the current study 563 specimens of Moth were collected. Throughout entomological investigation a total of 28 species belonging to 25 genera names asCyana hemata (Walker, 1854), Aloa lactinea (Cramer, 1777), Creatonotos transiens (Walker, 1855), Olene mendosa (Hubner, 1823), Cyana puella (Drury, 1773), Syntomoides imaon (Cramer, 1779),Spilosoma obliqua (Walker, 1855), Stigmatophora palmata (Moore, 1878),Marumba sperchius (Menetries, 1857), Psilogramma increta (Walker1865), Leucophlebia lineata (Westwood, 1847), Polyptychus dentatus (Cramer, 1777), Theretra alecto (Linnaeus, 1758),Theretra oldenlandiae (Fabricius, 1775), Biston suppressaria (Guenée, 1858), Declana atronivea (Walker, 1865), Dysgonia torrida (Guenee, 1852), Polytela gloriosae (Fabricius, 1781), Chasmina candida (Walker, 1865),Anua tirhaca (Cramer, 1777), Aegocera venulia (Cramer, 1777), Anua coronata (Fabricius, 1976), Bradina diagonalis (Guenee, 1852), Archernis capitalis (Fabricius, 1794), Dinara combusta (Walker, 1855), Phalera raya (Moore, 1849), Euthrix potatoria (Linnaeus, 1758) and Ocinara varians (Walker, 1855) were reported. The species recorded under 8 families. i.e.Family Erebidae, Family Sphingidae, Family Geometridae, Family Noctuidae, family Crambidae, Family Notodontidae, Family Lasiocampidae and Family Bombycidae. Among them the most abundant family was Family Erebidae.

Spotting differences early: A comparative account of sensilla on antennae and mouthparts in larval stages of two moth species from family Erebidae (Lepidoptera)

Spotting differences early: A comparative account of sensilla on antennae and mouthparts in larval stages of two moth species from family Erebidae (Lepidoptera)

Newly recorded species of the Family Erebidae (Lepidoptera) collected at Byeonsanbando National Park in Korea

Mocis frugalis (Fabricius, 1775) was collected in Byeonsanbando National Park and reported as a newly recorded species in Korea. This species is known as a major crop pest abroad, and its domestic settlement is unclear.

Complete Mitochondrial Genome Characterization of Schrankia costaestrigalis (Insecta: Erebidae: Hypenodinae) and Its Phylogenetic Implication.

The pinion-streaked snout Schrankia costaestrigalis is a new potato pest that has recently been recorded in China. In this study, we analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of S. costaestrigalis. The results revealed the mitogenome (GenBank: OQ181231) to occur as a circular DNA molecule of 16,376 bp with 51.001% AT content, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and 1 control region. Notably, the PCGs exhibited typical ATN (Met) start codons, including cox1, which deviated from the usual CGA start codon observed in other lepidopteran mitogenomes, and followed the conventional TAN stop codons. The 22 tRNA genes demonstrated the ability to form a cloverleaf structure, with the exception of trnS1-NCU, which lacked the DHU arm present in other Erebidae mitogenomes. Additionally, conserved motifs like "ATAGA + poly-T (19 bp) stretch" and five microsatellite-like elements (TA) were identified in the AT-rich region. The phylogenetic trees revealed that the Hypenodinae subfamily forms an independent lineage closely related to Erebinae and Catocalinae. The comprehensive mitogenome of S. costaestrigalis will greatly enhance future studies focused on the molecular classification and phylogenetic understanding of the Hypenodinae subfamily within the larger family Erebidae.

Scanning Electron Microscope Studies on Ornamentation of Egg Chorion of Capissa vagesa (Moore, 1859) (Erebidae) and Trabala vishnou (Lefèbvre, 1827) (Lasiocampidae) (Ditrysia: Lepidoptera) from India

The eggs of Capissa vagesa (Moore, 1859) and Trabala vishnou (Lefèbvre, 1827) from the families Erebidae and Lasiocampidae were examined and characterized under scanning electron microscope. Significant morphological traits on the eggshells of both analyzed species are presented in current study. Descriptions and comparative morphological assessments for both species of these moths are provided, in addition to the structural complexity of the eggs uncovered throughout the course of this study. This study showed that ultrastructural egg chorion features investigated in the current study i.e., shape of Micropylar rosette, polygonal cells, number of micropyles and aeropyles have high taxonomic significance at specific and generic levels, and these sort of investigations must be expanded to improve and elevate the morphological depiction at levels of earlier life stages in various moth families.

The Phylogenetic Placement of an Enigmatic Moth Egybolis Vaillantina Based on Museomics

Here, we present multi-locus sequencing results from the enigmatic Afrotropical monotypic genus Egybolis Boisduval (occurring in East- and South Africa—previously placed in the subfamily Catocalinae, Noctuidae). Model-based phylogenetic analysis places Egybolis within a strongly supported clade comprising four Old World Tropical genera Cocytia Boisduval, Avatha Walker, Anereuthina Hübner, and Serrodes Guenée from the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae. Hence, we propose to formally assign the monotypic genus Egybolis to the subfamily Erebinae and the tribe Cocytiini. Timing of divergence analysis reveals the late Oligocene origin around 25 million years ago (Ma) for the tribe Cocytiini, and an early Miocene ( ~21 Ma) for the split between Cocytia and Egybolis.

Phylogenomics resolves major relationships of Catocala underwing moths

AbstractUnderwing moths in the genus Catocala Schrank are among the most charismatic of Lepidoptera. Catocala is also one of the most diverse genera worldwide in the speciose family Erebidae, but a phylogenetic framework for the genus is lacking. Here we reconstruct the first comprehensive molecular phylogeny for the genus based on 685 anchored hybrid enrichment loci sampled from 161 Catocala species (99 Nearctic, 62 Palearctic), four species of Ulotrichopus Wallengren and 33 outgroups. Phylogenetic analysis unambiguously recovers Catocala and Catocala + Ulotrichopus as monophyletic with strong support and resolves many backbone relationships within Catocala. Our results confirm the classification of previously proposed taxonomic subgroups of Catocala, including seven based on recent molecular/morphological evidence, and ten based on early twentieth‐century morphological research. Mapping of larval host plant use onto the tree shows Fabaceae to be the likely ancestral host plant family for Catocala and Catocala + Ulotrichopus. There appear to have been at least 18 independent larval host plant shifts to nine plant families, the most common shift being from Fabaceae to Fagaceae. Larval host plant use has likely played an important role in the evolutionary history of Catocala, with several rapid diversification events propelled by shifts to novel larval host plants, particularly in the North American Catocala fauna.

Ultrastructure of Egg Chorion and Its Sculpture in Two Arctiids (Erebidae: Arctiinae)

The identification of moths has been always dependent on characters like wing maculation, wing venation, male and female genitalic features, but the ultrastructural characters like egg chorion patterns have been completely ignored. These are equally important for identification. In the present study, scanning electron microscope was used to inspect, characterize, and depict eggs of two tiger moth species i.e., Andala unifascia Walker, 1855 and Creatonotos transiens (Walker, 1855) referable to family Erebidae. On the eggshells of both these species, morphological features have been observed and these are of great taxonomic value at species as well as at genus levels. These characters will enable identifying moths at much earlier stages of their life histories i.e., eggs.

Phylogenomics including the newly sequenced mitogenomes of two moths (Noctuoidea, Erebidae) reveals Ischyja manlia (incertae sedis) as a member of subfamily Erebinae.

We sequenced the mitogenomes of two Erebid species, namely Ischyja manlia (Cramer, 1776) and Rusicada privata (Walker, 1865) to analyse the phylogenetic relationship and to establish the taxonomic position of incertae sedis members of the family Erebidae. The two circular genomes of I. manlia and R. privata were 15,879bp and 15,563bp long, respectively. The gene order was identical, containing 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and an A + T-rich region. The nucleotide compositions of the A + T-rich region of both mitogenomes were similar: 80.65% for R. privata, and 81.09% for I. manlia. The AT skew and GC skew were slightly positive in I. manlia and negative in R. privata. In I. manlia and R. privata, except for cox1 which started with CGA and TTG codons, all the other 12 PCGs started with ATN codon. The A + T-rich regions of I. manlia and R. privata were 433 and 476bp long, respectively, and contained common characteristics of Noctuoidea moths. At present, Ischyja is treated as Erebinae incertae sedis. However, phylogenetic analysis conducted in the present study reveals that the genus Ischyja is most likely to be a member of the subfamily Erebinae.

Preliminary studies of macro-moths diversity (Lepidoptera) in chirpine forests of Himachal Pradesh

The present biodiversity study was conducted in Himachal Pradesh, India to find the status of moth diversity in Chirpine forests. During the study, about 526 specimens of moths were collected with the help of light trap from different selected sites of Chirpine forests. All the specimens were sorted into 80 species of moths belonging to 71 genera and 11 families. Out of which 06 species from family Crambidae, 03 from family Drepanidae, 29 from family Erebidae, 01 species from family Euteliidae, 14 from Geometridae, 02 species from family Lasciocampidae, 18 species from family Noctuidae, 02 species from family Nolidae, 01 species of family Notodontidae, 03 species from family Sphingidae and 01 species from family Uraniidae were recorded. This is the first record of moth diversity study in the Chirpine forest of Himachal Pradesh.

Faunistic account on the Heterocera of Tirthan Valley, Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area: a preliminary checklist (Insecta: Lepidoptera)

The Present study represents 165 species belonging to 17 families, reported from Tirthan valley of Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area. The study was conducted in April 2018 to July 2019. Family Erebidae and Geometridae was found dominated with 45 species each followed by Crambidae 30 species. With this addition of moth species, Great Himalayan National Park Conservation area is now home to 385 species of moths. The study was conducted for the first time in the Tirthan valley of Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area.

A CHECKLIST ON THE MOTH DIVERSITY (LEPIDOPTERA: HETEROCERA) AT MADRAS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE CAMPUS, TAMBARAM EAST, CHENNAI

Moths are diverse group of insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera and suborder Heterocera.
 They are regarded as one of the indicators of a healthy environment. This study deals with the first checklist of moth species in Madras Christian College campus, Tambaram. The study was carried out from December 2018 to September 2019. In total, 32 species of moths were identified from 29 genera falling under 9 families. The Moths identified belonged to the families of Erebidae, Noctuidae, Crambidae, Sphingidae, Eupterotidae, Uraniidae, Saturniidae, Geometridae and Tineidae of which, family Erebidae was found to be the superior family. The results of this preliminary study sheds light on the unknown biodiversity of moth, which needs to be strengthened through comprehensive future surveys. The objective of this study is to document moth diversity in Madras Christian College, Tambaram.

A preliminary checklist of moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) of Jahangirnagar university campus, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Lepidopterans (moths and butterflies) are one of the most suitable, best known groups of insects to study diversity, abundance and species richness as they constitute a major share of living organisms on this earth. The present survey was conducted from February 2022 to June 2022 to explore the diversity of moth species in Jahangirnagar University campus, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Moths were collected using an 18W UV light trap powered by a 900 Watt generator. A total of 78 moth species under 50 genera and 9 families were recorded during the sampling period covering 60 trapping hours. The recorded moth families were Noctuidae, Erebidae, Pyralidae, Crambidae, Geometridae, Psychidae, Nolidae, Totrichidae and Cossidae. The highest number of species were recorded from the family Erebidae followed by Crambidae, Noctuidae and Geometridae. Only two species were identified from each of the family Pyralidae, Psychidae, Nolidae and Totrichidae, and a single genus from Cossidae. This is the first time report on moth fauna of Jahangirnagar University campus and amongst the reported 78 species, 61 species are new for the moth inventory of Bangladesh. Results of this study would be helpful to prepare a baseline data for the moth diversity of Jahangirnagar University campus.

The occurrence of a troglophile and an oriental species of Erebidae (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea) in Korea

The occurrence of a troglophile and an oriental species of Erebidae (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea) in Korea

The (non) accuracy of mitochondrial genomes for family‐level phylogenetics in Erebidae (Lepidoptera)

AbstractThe use of molecular data to study the evolutionary history of organisms has revolutionized the field of systematics. Now with the appearance of high throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies, more and more genetic sequence data are available. One of the important sources of genetic data for phylogenetic analyses has been mitochondrial DNA. The limitations of mitochondrial DNA for the study of phylogenetic relationships have been thoroughly explored in the age of single locus phylogenetic studies. Now with the appearance of genomic scale data, increasing number of mitochondrial genomes are available, leading to an increasing number of mitophylogenomic studies. Here, we assemble 47 mitochondrial genomes using whole genome Illumina short reads from representatives of the family Erebidae (Lepidoptera), in order to evaluate the accuracy of mitochondrial genome application in resolving deep phylogenetic relationships. We find that mitogenomes are inadequate for resolving subfamily‐level relationships in Erebidae, but given good taxon sampling, we see its potential in resolving lower level phylogenetic relationships.