Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Erebidae, Leach 1815
* formerly part of Noctuidae; includes the former noctuid subfamilies Calpinae, Catocalinae, Herminiinae, Hypeninae, among others.
Explanation of Names
Erebidae from the type genus
Erebus (Latreille), Greek meaning "from the darkness."
(1),
(2)Numbers
956 species in our area according to Pohl et al.
(3)Identification
Below is a guide to the local subfamilies of Erebidae. The images included are meant to be illustrative of the general appearance of each subfamily as an aid for narrowing down possibilities for identification. While the commonest elements of forewing maculation in each subfamily are represented, many patterns are not.
Remarks
A monophyletic family. One of five North American families in the superfamily Noctuoidea.