Family PYRALIDAE

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Introduction

[Modified after Shaffer, M., Nieslen, E.S. & Horak, M. in Nielsen et al. (1996)]
A basic division of the Pyralidae was first noted by Börner (1925) and again by Kennel & Eggers (1933), based on the presence or absence of a ventral extension of the praecinctorium and the shape of the abdominal tympanum. Further support was derived by Hasenfuss (1960) from studies on larvae. Details are discussed by Minet ([1982], 1985). Munroe (1972a) used the group names Pyraliformes and Crambiformes to reflect the division, but still retained the group under the name Pyralidae. Tympanal organ structures are further detailed by Minet (1980, [1982]) and 1985) and Maes (1985). Some authors consider that the split indicated by Munroe should be of family rank and treat Pyralidae and Crambidae as separate families (J.C. Schaffer 1990; Solis 1992). Common (1990) and Scoble (1992) treat the group as a single family subdivided into Pyraliformes and Crambiformes by Scoble, the system followed in the present work.

The Pyralidae are world wide in distribution and now generally recognised as being the most speciose group in the Lepidoptera with approximately 25,000 - 30,000 named species, which probably represents less than half the world fauna. Pyralids are also extrememly diverse in appearance, in size, wing shape and in wing markings and though they are usually of delicate build they have given rise to genera closely mimicking other families, notably Noctuidae, Limacodidae, Notodontidae and even Sphingidae and Saturniidae. Sexual dimorphism is frequent. Minet ([1982]) recognised 25 subfamilies, though not all are generally accepted. In the Australian fauna there are 22 subfamlies recognised. Pyralidae have paired abdominal tympanal organs, a scaled probiscus (when present) and a characteristic configuration of Sc+R in the hindwing.

 

General References

Börner, C. 1925. Lepidoptera, Schmetterlinge. pp. 358-387 in Brohmer, P. (ed.). Fauna von Deutschland. 3 verbesserte Auflage. Leipzig : Quelle & Meyer.

Common, I.F.B. 1990. Moths of Australia. Carlton : Melbourne University Press vi+535 pp., 32 pls.

Hasenfuss, I. 1960. Die Larvalsystematik der Zünsler (Pyralidae) aus dem Zoologischen Institut der Universität Erlangen. Abhandlungen zur Larvalsystematik der Insekten. Berlin 5: 1-263, pls 1, 2

Kennel, J.V. & Eggers, F. 1933. Die abdominalen Tympanalorgane der Lepidopteren. Zoologische Jahrbucher. Abteilung für Anatomie 57: 1-104, pls 1-6

Maes, K. 1985. A comparative study of the abdominal tympanal organs in Pyralidae (Lepidoptera). I. Description, terminology, preparation technique. Nota Lepidopterologica 8: 341-350

Minet, J. 1980. Création d'une sous-famille particulière pour Noorda Walker, 1859, et définition d'un nouveau genre parmi les Odontiinae. Bulletin de la Société Entomologique de France 85: 79-87

Minet, J. 1982. Les Pyraloidea et leurs principales divisions systématiques (Lep. Ditrysia). Bulletin de la Société Entomologique de France 86: 262-280 [year of publication 1981]

Minet, J. 1985. Étude morphologique et phylogénétique des organes tympaniques des Pyraloidea. 2. Pyralidae; Crambidae, première partie. (Lepidoptera Glossata). Annales de la Société Entomologique de France N.S. 21: 69-86

Munroe, E. 1972. Pyraloidea Pyralidae comprising subfamilies Scopariinae, Nymphulinae. In, Dominick, R.B. et al. (eds). The Moths of America North of Mexico. London : E.W. Classey Limited and R.B.D. Publications Inc. Vol. 13.1a. 134 pp.

Scoble, M.J. 1992. The Lepidoptera. Form, Function and Diversity. Oxford : Natural History Museum Publications & Oxford University Press xi + 404 pp.

Shaffer, M., Nielsen, E.S. & Horak, M. 1996. Pyraloidea. pp. 164-199 in Nielsen, E.S., Edwards, E.D. & Rangsi, T.V. (eds). Checklist of the Lepidoptera of Australia. Monographs on Australian Lepidoptera. Collingwood : CSIRO Publishing Vol. 4 xiv 529 pp. & CD-ROM.

Solis, M.A. 1992. A phylogenetic analysis and reclassification of the genera of the Pococera complex (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Epipaschiinae). Journal of the New York Entomological Society 101: 1-83

 

History of changes

Published	As part of group	Action Date	Action Type	Compiler(s)
03-Oct-2012		03-Oct-2012	MODIFIED
03-Oct-2012		20-Mar-2012	MODIFIED
		12-Feb-2010	(import)