The Lymantriinae (formerly called the Lymantriidae) are a subfamily of moths of the family Erebidae. The taxon was erected by George Hampson in 1893.

Many of its component species are referred to as "tussock moths" of one sort or another. The caterpillar, or larval, stage of these species often has a distinctive appearance of alternating bristles and haired projections. Many tussock moth caterpillars have urticating hairs (often hidden among longer, softer hairs), which can cause painful reactions if they come into contact with skin.

The subfamily Lymantriinae includes about 350 known genera and over 2,500 known species found in every continent except Antarctica. They are particularly concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and South America. One estimate lists 258 species in Madagascar alone.<!-- Schaefer, 1989 --> Apart from oceanic islands, notable places that do not host lymantriines include the Antilles and New Caledonia. They are mostly nocturnal, but Schaefer while others remain unclassified (incertae sedis):

  • Arctornithini
  • Daplasini
  • Leucomini
  • Locharnini
  • Lymantriini
  • Orgyiini
  • Nygmiini
  • Incertae sedis

See also the list of Lymantriinae genera.

Systematics

thumb|Illustration of tussock moth (1917)

Taxonomy is a dynamic discipline, and recent phylogenetic studies have reclassified the family Lymantriidae as the subfamily Lymantriinae of the newly formed family Erebidae. The studies found that the family Lymantriidae form a specialized lineage within the Erebidae and is part of a clade that includes the litter moths (Herminiinae), the Aganainae, and the tiger and lichen moths (Arctiinae). The reclassification affected the former family as a whole and largely kept the clade intact. <!-- More study is needed to complete the internal classification of the genera into the tribes. -->

This description clarifies the standing of the former name "Lymantriidae" relative to other proposed names, e.g. Liparidae and other currently unacceptable alternatives. It authoritatively explains the status of the family name Lymantriidae and its various alternatives as matters stood towards the end of the 20th century:

In the 1980 The Generic Names of Moths of the World: Volume 2, Allen Watson, D. S. Fletcher and I. W. B. Nye wrote:

As pointed out, "Liparidae" once was an alternative family name for the Lymantriidae, but nowadays "Liparidae" is firmly established as the name of a family of fish, and according to the conventions of zoological taxonomy, family names have to be unique, even though they are permitted to coincide with botanical names.

Notable species and genera

  • Brown-tail, Euproctis chrysorrhoea
  • Yellow-tail, Sphrageidus similis
  • Spongy moth, Lymantria dispar
  • Nun moth, Lymantria monacha
  • Dark tussock moth, Dicallomera fascelina
  • Pale tussock moth, Calliteara pudibunda
  • Northern pine tussock moth, Dasychira plagiata
  • Arctic woollybear moth, Gynaephora groenlandica
  • Rusty tussock moth or vapourer, Orgyia antiqua
  • Western tussock moth, Orgyia vetusta
  • White-marked tussock moth, Orgyia leucostigma
  • Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudostugata
  • Satin moth, Leucoma salicis
  • Coca moth, Eloria noyesi
  • Painted apple moth, Teia anartoides
  • Rahona

References

Further reading

  • Schintlmeister, Alexander (2004). The Taxonomy of the Genus Lymantria Hubner, [1819] (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae).