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This
tribe is often associated (e.g. Hampson, 1913) with the Ophiusini, given the
general size and appearance of the type genus, Phyllodes
Boisduval,
the spining of the tibia of every leg and the flash coloration of the hindwings
coupled with cryptic, leaf-mimicking forewing facies. However, these features
except for tibial spining are also shared with the Calpini, especially Eudocima
Billberg,
and there are several biological similarities, including host-plant specialism,
that the Phyllodini share with Eudocima (see
below): presence of ocellate marks at the anterior of the larva; method of
pupation; shape of the pupa (Bell, MS); Menispermaceae as the principal larval
host plant family. Features of the male and female abdomen, particularly the
‘framed corematous’ type of male eighth segment and of the juxta seen in the
former, and the relatively unmodified seventh segment of the latter, suggest
that the group may be more closely related to Calpini.
In
addition to the type genus, the tribe probably includes the mainland Oriental
genera Xylophylla Hampson and Oporophylla Hampson,
the African genera Lobophyllodes Hampson and Miniodes
Guenée
and Miniophyllodes
Joannis
from Madagascar (see also Berio (1959)). Lobophyllodes has a calpine forewing shape and
bipectinate male antennae.
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