Academic literature on the topic 'Bombycoidea'

AbstractThis paper is chiefly aimed at reassessing the limits of four bombycoid families, namely the Eupterotidae, Saturniidae, Lemoniidae, and Brahmaeidae. An incompletely resolved cladogram is proposed for the whole 'bombycoid complex' (Mimallonoidea + Lasiocampoidea + Bombycoidea). Within the Bombycoidea, the primary dichotomy is considered to lie between the Eupterotidae + Bombycidae s.lat. + Endromidae + Mirinidae + Saturniidae, and the Carthaeidae + Lemoniidae + Brahmaeidae + Sphingidae. Sharing at least nine synapomorphies, the Lemoniidae and Brahmaeidae are regarded as reliable sister groups, and the Lemoniidae + Brahmaeidae are proposed as a sister group to the Sphingidae. Another newly proposed clade groups together the Endromidae, Mirinidae and Saturniidae. At family level, the Hibrildidae are synonymized with the Eupterotidae (syn. n.), for which the most significant autapomorphy lies in a previously unnoticed particularity of the female hind leg (distitarsus typically provided with a midventral row of spines). Sexual dimorphism in leg structure also leads to a redefinition of the Saturniidae, a family which must include, with subfamily rank (stat. rev.), the 'Oxytenidae' and 'Cercophanidae' of modern authors. A pair of distal, tooth-like structures on the fourth tarsomere of the female fore leg can thus be ascribed to the ground plan of the Saturniidae, along with a few other convincing autapomorphies. On the other hand, the 'Apatelodidae' are only tentatively placed in the 'Bombycidae sensu lato', a group provisionally resurrected insofar as the Apatelodidae sensu auct. prove to be diphyletic. As a matter of fact, the 'apatelodid' subfamily Epiinae is synonymized with the Bombycinae (syn. n.) in consideration of a rather large number of synapomorphies. When more extensively studied, the morphology of the eighth sternum of the male abdomen might lead to a slightly different, more restricted, concept of the Bombycidae (Le. excluding 'true' Apatelodidae). Often regarded as incertae sedis, the African genera Sabalia Walker and Spiramiopsis Hampson are definitely assigned to the Lemoniidae and Brahmaeidae respectively. Autapomorphies of these two families are recorded and discussed, as are those found to characterize the Sphingidae. Three subfamilies are tentatively recognized within the latter (Smerinthinae stat. rev., Sphinginae, Macroglossinae), five within the Eupterotidae (Hibrildinae, Tissanginae, Janinae, Panacelinae, Eupterotinae), and four within the Bombycidae s.lat. (Apatelodinae, Phiditiinae subfam. n., Prismostictinae [= Oberthueriinae, syn. rev.], Bombycinae). Three of these subfamilies are considered in a new sense, viz. the Panacelinae, Apatelodinae, and Bombycinae. Although the phylogeny of the Saturniidae is not fully taken into account in the present study, the composition of three saturniid subfamilies is critically examined (Oxyteninae, Cercophaninae, Ludiinae), and the Oxyteninae are viewed as the most 'primitive' member of the family.

The revision of family Eupterotidae (Bombycoidea) is very less reviewed and studied by various entomologists around the globe. Later, family name was reinstated, synonymized or re-described and remain as a mystery. The purpose of this manuscript is to know about the current status of family Eupterotidae in the present scenario. This paper is providing the review, classification, economic significance of this family along with detailed remarks on two genus namely Eupterote and Apona with special reference to their wing venation and external genitalia of their type species.

Thesis (M.S.) -- University of Maryland, College Park, 2004.
Thesis research directed by: Dept. of Entomology. Title from t.p. of PDF. Includes bibliographical references. Published by UMI Dissertation Services, Ann Arbor, Mich. Also available in paper.

La sous-famille des Saturniinae est le groupe le plus hétérogène des Saturniidae. Après un rappel détaillé de l'état des connaissances sur ce groupe, une analyse phylogénétique est réalisée sur la base de trois jeux de caractères : la morphologie des adultes, la morphologie des premiers états,et les séquences du gène 16S. Les résultats des analyses de chacune de ces matrices sont présentés et discutés, et une procédure inédite de pondération a posteriori est proposée. Une analyse simultanée de l'ensemble des données est réalisée et ses résultats seront retenus. La monophylie de la sous-famille ainsi que celle des Bunaeini, Micragonini et Attacini est fortement soutenue au terme de l'analyse ; les Saturniini apparaissent paraphylétiques et les Urotini polyphylétiques. La position de genres problématiques est discutée et une reconstruction de l'histoire biogéographique de la sous-famille est proposée : son origine serait africaine et 2 lignées principales se seraient différenciées
The Saturniinae subfamily is the most heterogeneous group of the Saturniidae. Following a detailed overview of the background knowledge on this group, a phylogenetic analysis is carried out based on three sets of characters: the morphology of the adults, the morphology of the immature stages, and the sequences of the 16S-LSU gene. The results of the analyses of each of these matrices are presented and discussed, and an original procedure for a posteriori weighting is put forward. A simultaneous analysis of the data as a whole is carried out and the results of this taken into account. The monophyly of the Saturniinae, as well as that of tribes Bunaeini, Micragonini and Attacini are strongly supported by the combined datasets; Saturniini are paraphyletic and Urotini polyphyletic. The position of problematic genera is discussed and an hypothesis for the biogeographical history of the subfamily is proposed : an African origin is suggested and 2 main lineages appeared subsequently

Defence sounds are widespread and diverse amongst insects. Despite their ubiquity and variability, hypotheses explaining their functions and evolutionary origins have been understudied. My thesis focused on these topics using silk and hawkmoth Bombycoidea caterpillars as a model system. In Chapter Two I investigated why defence sounds have evolved in some caterpillars but not others by testing the hypothesis that large body size is a factor in the evolution of defence sounds. To test this hypothesis, I followed the development of defence sounds in four Bombycoidea species from hatching to pupation. I predicted that early instars would not produce defence sounds, and that within sound producing instars defence sounds would be more likely to occur in larger caterpillars. Results showed that defence sounds were absent in the first and second instar, and that they developed in the third through to the fifth instar in all species. Moreover, the onset of sound production occurred when all species were the same relative size (~1.12 g, ~26.37 mm), despite the fact that the species differed in their final instar size. I concluded that early instar caterpillars do not make defence sounds, and that there is a critical size when defence sounds develop. I further tested the hypothesis that smaller caterpillars do not have enough energy to make defence sounds, by analyzing the relationship between size and several temporal characteristics of the sounds. I predicted that smaller caterpillars would signal less than larger caterpillars, and produce shorter signal units and trains, with lower duty cycles. Results partly supported the hypothesis, showing that in two species there was a positive relationship between size and the number of units produced within two seconds following an attack, the mean number of units per train, and the mean duration of the units in one species. I also tested the hypothesis that sounds of small caterpillars are not in the hearing range of predators. I predicted that there would be a relationship between caterpillar size, and the sound pressure levels and dominant frequencies of the sounds. Results showed no significant relationships with dominant frequencies or sound pressure levels and size. I concluded that the caterpillars made sounds that were within the hearing range of major predators from the onset of sound production. In Chapter Three I followed the other antipredator defences of the four species throughout development. I investigated whether the frequency of defences changed with instar. I found that the caterpillars employed up to seven different secondary defences throughout development. In one species the frequency of dropping and major thrashing increased in the late instars, and in a different species the frequency of regurgitation increased. I concluded that in some cases defence sound production accompanies other secondary defences that increase with the size of caterpillars during development. In Chapter Four I tested the hypothesis that the defensive whistle of the walnut sphinx caterpillar, Amorpha juglandis (Sphingidae: Sphinginae), functions to startle birds. I predicted that the birds would startle to the sounds, and habituate upon repeated exposure within a trial. Results showed that play-back recordings of the whistles elicited a startle response in captive red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and caused them to hesitate and/or flee from prey. I concluded that the whistles function as a startle display. Together, the experiments conducted within my thesis addressed important outstanding questions regarding the evolutionary origins of defence sounds in caterpillars, and their functions in predator-prey interactions.

Thesis (M.S.) -- University of Maryland, College Park, 2007.
Thesis research directed by: Dept. of Entomology. Title from t.p. of PDF. Includes bibliographical references. Published by UMI Dissertation Services, Ann Arbor, Mich. Also available in paper.

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, 2014.
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As espécies de Sphingidae (Lepidoptera: Bombycoidea) possuem asas anteriores longas e estreitas, asas posteriores curtas e subtriangulares e abdome robusto e fusiforme, muito grande em relação ao tamanho das asas. Esta forma é adaptada para voos potentes, tanto os longos e rápidos, utilizados na migração por algumas espécies, quanto o pairado, como dos beija-flores, utilizado na alimentação do néctar de flores. São importantes polinizadores de uma variedade de famílias de plantas, possuem vida adulta longa e seu tamanho pode variar de 3 cm a mais de 20 cm de envergadura alar. Apesar dessa amplitude de tamanho a variação no formato das asas não é aparente, embora nunca tenha sido propriamente descrita ou investigada. Este estudo investigou a variação morfológica no formato das asas anteriores e posteriores, em diversos níveis taxonômicos, de 105 espécies da família, além da presença de dimorfismo sexual em sete dessas espécies, utilizando a morfometria geométrica. A variação interespecífica mostrou-se bastante restrita pelas relações filogenéticas, com baixos efeitos alométricos, sugerindo que os formatos das asas foram definidos cedo na evolução dos grupos. A tribo Ambulycini apresentou asas com o formato mais reto e com pontas aguçadas, adaptadas ao voo em ambientes abertos, com baixa capacidade de manobra. Dilophonotini e Macroglossini possuem asas com extremidade abaulada, o que favorece maior manobrabilidade e estão, possivelmente, adaptadas aos voos rápidos.Philampelini, Sphingini e Acherontini apresentaram asas intermediárias que indicam maior velocidade e boa manobrabilidade. A investigação do dimorfismo sexual mostrou que a variação no formato das asas entre os sexos apresenta um efeito alométrico maior do que a variação interespecífica. Ainda assim, quando este efeito foi medido e retirado, a variação mostrou-se também adaptativa, com formatos de asa que sugerem maior velocidade de voo nos machos. Pode-se concluir que a variação interespecífica em Sphingidae possui restrições filogenéticas que limitam variações inclusive de natureza alométrica, enquanto a variação intraespecífica é fruto tanto de efeitos alométricos quanto de adaptações resultantes da história de vida de cada sexo. _________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT
Hawkmoths (Lepidoptera: Bombycoidea, Sphingidae) have long, narrow forewings, hind wings that are short and subtriangular, robust and fusiform abdomen, very large relative to the size of the wings, that are adapted for powerful flight, both long and fast, used in migration for some species, as well as for hovering flight, like hummingbirds, used in feeding from the nectar of flowers. They are important pollinators of a variety of plant families, adults are long lived and their size can range from 3 cm to over 20 cm of wing span. Despite this size range, the variation in the shape of the wings is not apparent, though never properly investigated or described. In the present study we investigated the morphological variation in the format of the fore and hind wings, in various taxonomic levels, of 105 species of the family, and the presence of sexual dimorphism in seven of these species. The interspecific variation proved to be very constrained by phylogenetic relationships, with low allometric effects, suggesting that the shapes of the wings were set early in the evolution of groups. Ambulycini tribe presented straight edge wings, best suited for open habitats, with low maneuverability. Dilophonotini and Macroglossini tribes presented rounded edge wings, with great maneuverability and good capacity for speed, more adapted to the exploration of closed and complex environments such as gallery forests. Philampelini, Sphingini and Acherontini showed intermediate wings that indicate greater capacicity for fast fligths, but still good maneuverability. Investigation of the sexual dimorphism found that intersexual shape variation of the wings has a larger allometric effect than interspecific variation. Even when this effect was measured and removed, variation also proved to be adaptive, with wing shapes that suggest higher flight speed in males. We conclude that interspecific variation suffers filogenetic constrictions that limit variation, wich is mostly adaptive since allometric effects are shown to be very low. On the other hand, intraspecific variation is present and it is born both from allometric effects and adaptive changes.

Resumo: Descrever a riqueza e abundância das comunidades é uma forma de entender os padrões de diversidade encontrados ao redor do mundo. A variação temporal destes padrões também é um importante elemento na história natural dos organismos. Este estudo descreve as assembleias de Saturniidae e Sphingidae quanto à sua estrutura e variação temporal no município de Tijucas do Sul, no estado do Paraná, em uma área de Floresta Ombrófila Mista Montana (25°50'8.93"S, 49°02'55.20"O; 880m). Amostragens foram realizadas entre novembro de 2010 a setembro de 2011 durante duas noites de cada um dos 12 novilúnios do período com uma armadilha luminosa equipada com lâmpada de luz negra (ultravioleta) de 46 watts (Golden®) e ao lado desta, duas lâmpadas de mercúrio HWL 250 watts (Osram®) das 18:00 até as 06:00h. Todos os exemplares foram coletados manualmente e sacrificados em frasco mortífero contendo amônia ou éter; ou com uma gota de amônia injetada no tórax, sendo então acondicionados em envelopes entomológicos e armazenados em lotes por hora/dia. O esforço amostral totalizou 288 horas e todas as estações anuais foram amostradas. A média de capturas por hora foi baixa: 4,28 indivíduos por hora. As maiores taxas de captura foram durante o novilúnio do mês de janeiro (verão), com 7,04 indivíduos coletados por hora e em abril (outono), com 7,71. Este esforço amostral total foi responsável pela coleta de 1233 exemplares, distribuídos em 127 espécies: 856 exemplares e 89 espécies de Saturniidae e 377 exemplares e 38 espécies de Sphingidae. As espécies registradas em mais de oito coletas e com abundância superior a 10 indivíduos foram: Catacantha ferruginea (Draudt, 1929), Dirphia araucarie Jones, 1908 e Adhemarius eurysthenes (R. Felder, 1874). Ressalta-se a amostragem de 14 morfotipos considerados novas espécies, sendo uma do gênero de Automerella Michener, 1949, duas de Hylesia Hübner, [1820], duas de Lonomia Walker, 1855 e nove de Periga Walker, 1855. Os métodos usados para conhecer as relações temporais de Saturniidae e Sphingidae incluíram análise de agrupamento e o método de ordenamento NMDS, utilizando-se o coeficiente de similaridade de Bray-Curtis. Foi possível descrever padrões de variação temporal sugeridos pela alteração na composição da riqueza e da abundância para as assembleias. Para Saturniidae a riqueza e a abundância se mantêm constantes, porém com a alternância frequente de espécies que se mostram com maior restrição temporal quando comparada com Sphingidae, que mantém sua maior riqueza e abundância restrita à primavera e ao verão. Sphingidae é representado por um menor número de espécies, com baixa abundância, mas, com uma distribuição temporal maior.

Drugiai Lietuvoje tiriami jau seniai, tačiau dažniausiai tai buvo epizodiniai tyrimai. Yra mažai duoneų apie konkrečios vietovės drugių bendrijas. Šiame darbe aprašomi Ignalinos rajono, agrarinio kraštovaizdžio naktinių makrodrugių tyrimų metodai ir rezultatai. Tirti drugiai priklauso antšeimiams Geometroidea, Bombycoidea, Drepanoidea, Lasiocampoidea, Noctuoidea ir Hepialoidea. Tyrimų medžiaga buvo renkama 2008-2010 m. Antagavės ir Stagalėnų apylinkėse (Ignalinos rajonas), nuo gegužės iki lapkričio. buvo naudojama Jalo modelio šviesinė vabzdžių gaudyklė su Philips ML 160W lempa. Marinimui naudotas etilacetatas. Antagavėje buvo rastos 169 drugių rūšys, Stagalėnuose 201, surinkti iš viso 13244 individai. Stagalėnai yra Aukštaitijos nacionaliniame parke. Šiose apylinkėse rasta 33% visų parke žinomų drugių rūšių. Nenustatyta eudominantinių ir dominantinių rūšių. Gausiausios rūšys buvo Rivula sericealis (sudarė 3,89% visų bendrijos individų), Xestia (Megasema) c-nigrum (3,41%), Caradrina (Caradrina) morpheus (3,12%). 26 rūšys sudarė daugiau nei 1% visų bendrijos drugių individų. Gausiausios rūšys Antagavėjė buvo Noctua pronuba (7,96%) ir Caradrina morpheus (6,39%). Tai dominantinės rūšys šioje vietovėje. Didžiausias drugių rūšių ir individų gausumas buvo liepos mėnesį.
Lithuanian moths (Lepidoptera) were studied by various researchers for a long time, but mostly only episodic studies were carried on. There are little data concerning nocturnal Lepidoptera investigations of concrete district. Methods and results of nocturnal macrolepidoptera research in agricultural landscape in Ignalina administrative district are described in this work. Analyzed species belong to superfamilies Geometroidea, Bombycoidea, Drepanoidea, Lasiocampoidea, Noctuoidea and Hepialoidea. The material of nocturnal Lepidoptera was collected in Antagavė and Stagalėnai localities (Ignalina administrative district) during May and October 2008-2010. Jalas model automatic light trap with Philips ML 160W lamp bulb was used. Ethyl acetate was used as a killing agent. There were 169 moth species collected in Antagavė and 201 in Stagalėnai with the total number of 13244 individuals. Stagalėnai is in Aukštatija national park. In this village found 33% of the national park known species. There was no eudominants or dominants. The most abundant species were Rivula sericealis (species made 3,89% of all individuals in Stagalėnai), Xestia (Megasema) c-nigrum (3,41%), Caradrina (Caradrina) morpheus (3,12%). 26 macrolepidoptera species made more than 1% of all individuals. They characterise the community. Most abundant species in Antagavė were Noctua pronuba (7,96%) and Caradrina morpheus (6,39%). They are dominants in this territory. Greatest abundance of species and individuals was... [to full text]