|
This
subfamily is best defined on features of the male genitalia, though the species
generally have rather satiny, often silvered, forewings that lack raised scales.
The group lacks male tymbal organs. The wing venation is typically of the
groundplan type, except in Negeta Walker, where the areole is absent and
the radial sector branching is (R2 (R3, R4)). The apodemes of the male eighth
tergite are relatively short.
In
the male genitalia the tegumen is very much longer than the vinculum in all
genera except Miaromima
Meyrick. The uncus, when present (lost in
Pterogonia
Swinhoe), is highly setose, with a terminal hook. The anal tube is usually
generally sclerotised over a short distance, sometimes with a narrower, more
sclerotised dorsal band. The components of the transtilla are usually broad,
angled upwards. The valves expand to a largely rounded apex that bears a fringe
of basally directed setae. The sacculus often has a harpe, and there may be a
marginal lobe or cleft where the setal fringe meets the end of the sacculus. The
aedeagus vesica often contains cornuti, and these are occasionally deciduous.
In
the female genitalia the ovipositor lobes are short, form a ring and are highly setose. Otherwise, the structure is diverse across the genera as described
below.
The pupal abdomen has beading, and the pupa is known to shiver in the cocoon.
Host-plant specialisation has been noted, particularly to Terminalia (Combretaceae)
as in Aiteta
of the Careini.
The group is found throughout the Old World tropics, but the relationship of
African taxa to, and their placement in, the genera defined below needs
investigation.
>>Forward <<Return
to Content Page
|
