Description
The Hepialidae (Ghost Moths) are a family of often spectacular micro-moths. The Australian region isone of the hot spots for hepialid diversity and the fauna is divided into three groups: primitive Hepialidaewith small, often overlooked species; oxycanine Hepialidae, containing the large and poorly known genus
Oxycanus and its allies; and finally the hepialine Hepialidae, which span from stunning, green Splendid Ghost Moths in the genus
Aenetus, to the enormous moths in the genera
Zelotypia and
Abantiades (which include some of the most impressive insects in the world), to smaller, drab pest species in the genus Oncopera.
Splendid Ghost Moths and Their Allies is the first work to provide comprehensive information about the taxonomy, biology, diversity and morphology of all 70 Australian hepialine Hepialidae species, including the descriptions of 15 species and one genus new to science. Each species is illustrated with colour photographs of males and females and drawings of the genitalia, and the book also contains identification keys to genera and species. Distribution maps and detailed information on where each species is found are included, as well as a species richness map for the group in Australia. This book is an invaluable reference for moth enthusiasts, professional entomologists and nature conservationists alike.
FEATURES:
- Comprehensive information on the taxonomy, biology, diversity and morphology of all 70 Australian hepialine Hepialidae species
- Provides identification keys to genera and species, as well as colour photographs of males and females of each species and drawings of the genitalia
- Describes 15 hepialine Hepialidae species and one genus that are new to science
