Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Phycitini Zeller, 1839
Acrobasiina Agenjo, 1958
Identification
There currently is no accepted classification scheme within Phycitini, though close relationships between certain sets of genera are clearly evident (Brian Scholtens, pers. comm. June 2023). With this in mind, I (ASH) have split this tribe in nine to facilitate easier identification here on BugGuide. My division is partly artificial, and at least a few of the groupings of genera I have made are surely polyphyletic. Each division consists of one or two nearby complete portions of the P3NA phylogenetic checklist. Each division is labeled with the range(s) of P3NA numbers included, which links to the relevant MPG pinned plate(s).
Acrobasis Group —
800150–800192 — Three genera, possibly monophyletic, share a distinctive ridge of raised scales proximally bounding the AM line of the forewing from near the costa to the inner margin; 41 of the 43 species in North America north of Mexico are in the large genus
Acrobasis;
Anabasis ochrodesma is found throughout FL and along the coast from eastern TX to SC, and
Hypargyria slossonella occurs in FL and TX.
Euzophera Series —
800193–800222 — 15 genera, 29 species — Heterogeneous grouping
Ephestia Series —
800223–800264, 800270–800278 — 19 genera, 49 species — Probably mostly a natural grouping; most species are shades of gray and brown with complete AM and PM; palpi usually short to medium-length
Pima Series —
800265–800269, 800279–800295 — 6 genera, 22 species — Heterogeneous grouping
Nephopteryx Series —
800296–800408 — 22 genera, 112 species — Includes two potential monophyletic groups and a number of related genera; palpi recurved except in
Pyla; antennae usually strongly modified at base in males, the source of a common name for Phycitinae (knot-horn moths); some with ridge of raised scales on forewing as in
Acrobasis
Salebriaria Group — 7 genera, 35 species — Potentially monophyletic group closely related to the following group
Sciota Group — 4 genera, 35 species — Potentially monophyletic group closely related to the preceding group
Dioryctria —
800409–800448 — 40 species — discal spots fused fused and white, often conspicuous, uniquely among Nearctic Phycitinae
Sarata Series —
800449–800556 — 50 genera, 108 species — Heterogeneous grouping
Cactus-Feeding Group —
800557–800615 — 16 genera, 58 species — Gray and brown moths; most feed on cactus, and
Laetilia on scale insects
Homoeosoma Series —
800616–800651 — 10 genera, 35 species — Most gray; AM line usually incomplete or poorly-marked
