Moths of
the Amazon and Andes
Moonlight Queen
Siga liris
CRAMER, 1775
Superfamily -
PYRALOIDEA
Family - CRAMBIDAE
subfamily -
PYRAUSTINAE
Tribe -
introduction
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habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
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Siga liris,
San Pedro, Manu cloudforest, Peru. |
Introduction
The superfamily Pyraloidea is estimated to contain about
30,000 moth species, though currently a mere 16,000 have been scientifically
described. These species are distributed widely throughout temperate and
tropical regions of the world, although the neotropics have by far the greatest
biodiversity and abundance.
The Pyraloidea are an extremely diverse group, which includes
:
Bagworm and Clothes moths ( Tineodidae )
Plume moths
( Pterophoridae )
Many-plumed moth (
Alucitidae )
Picture-wing
moths ( Thyrididae )
China-mark and Pyralid
moths ( Pyralidae )
Grass moths ( Crambidae )
The
taxonomy of the Pyraloidea is under revision so the placement of the Crambidae
and various other subfamilies is subject to further analysis.
The
Crambidae are a familiar group to Europeans and North Americans, as the tiny
moths which average less than 2cms in wingspan are extremely abundant in
grassland habitats and take readily to flight if disturbed during daylight. It
may come as a surprise to find that
Siga liris is a member of the same family, as it is
very different in appearance, and comparatively gargantuan in size, measuring
about 8 cms in wingspan.
The
genus Siga
comprises 4 species - pyronia, saturniana, thalassarcha
and liris.
The
distribution of Siga liris
is not ascertained, but includes Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.
Habitats
Primary rainforest and
cloudforest habitats at altitudes between about 400-2000m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
This common species flies in the early evening and is regularly
attracted to tungsten and fluorescent lighting.
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