Erbessa is a genus of moths of the family Notodontidae. It is found in the lowlands of the Neotropics, usually at elevations of 100–500m (330–1,640ft), but sometimes as high as 1,800m (5,900ft). Moths in this genus are colorful and striking with bright orange-yellow to metallic blue wings. The length of the forewings is 11.0–26.0mm for males and 12.5–30.0mm for females. The host ecology of the genus is very poorly known, with hosts documented for only 10 species, but the genus seems to depend on Melastomataceae plants, especially those in the genus Miconia.
Taxonomy
The genus Erbessa was erected by the English entomologist Francis Walker in 1854 for the species Dioptis sobria. The genus has not been divided into species groups due to the absence of male specimens in many specimens and the homogeneity of both male and female genitalia across the genus.
Description
Erbessa is a genus of colorful and striking moths with a variety of wing colors, from bright orange-yellow to metallic blue. Species in this genus have long labial palps, long and thin antennae, and big eyes. The ventral The abdomen is long in males and thick in females. The length of the forewings is 11.0–26.0mm for males and 12.5–30.0mm for females.
Distribution and habitat
The genus is found in the lowlands of the Neotropics, with a range that largely tracks with that of the genus Miconia, on which its caterpillars feed. Most species occur at elevations of 100–500m (330–1,640ft), but E. corvica can be found as high as 1,800m (5,900ft). The host ecology of the genus is very poorly known, with hosts documented for only 10 species, but the genus seems to depend on Melastomataceae plants, especially those in the genus Miconia. Two species are also known to feed on Myrtaceae such as Eugenia valerii and non-native Eucalyptus.
Species
Erbessa is the second-largest genus in its subfamily and has over 60 described species. The following species have been described as of 2008:
