Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Sometimes, Zethus is placed in its own subfamily, Zethinae.
Explanation of Names
Zethus is a Greek mythological name. Quoting Wikipedia--
Amphion and Zethus:
Amphion and Zethus (also Zethos), in ancient Greek mythology, were the twin sons of Zeus by Antiope. They are important characters in one of the two founding myths of the city of Thebes, because they constructed the city's walls....Zethus became a hunter and herdsman, with a great interest in cattle breeding. They built the walls around the Cadmea, the citadel of Thebes.
Amphion is a genus of sphinx moths.
Numbers
Nearctica.com lists 6 spp.
Arnett, p. 589, lists 7 spp.
(1)Identification
Petiolate abdomen similar to Eumenes.
Range
In North America only in the east and the south (six species). Many species occur in Central and South America.
Contributed by
Cotinis on 7 September, 2004 - 12:43pm
Additional contributions by
Matthias BuckLast updated 13 May, 2009 - 8:56am
