Superfamily Geometroidea (Geometrid and Swallowtail Moths)
Family Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
Subfamily Ennominae
Tribe Bistonini
Explanation of Names
From type genus Biston. In Greek mythology Biston was the son of Ares and Calliope. (1)
Numbers
A total of 22 species are represented in our fauna. (2)
Life Cycle
At times some species are of economic importance as defoliators of woodlands and shade trees. (2)
Remarks
Some members of the tribe, including species of Biston and Phigalia for example, have melanic forms: these have been studied for 'industrial melanism.' (Rindge 1975)
Print References
Rindge, F.H. 1975. A revision of the New World Bistonini, (Lepidoptera, Geometridae). Bulletin of the AMNH 156 (2)