Biology:Synemon

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Short description: Genus of moths

Synemon
Synemon discalis 30391076.jpg
Synemon discalis
Scientific classification e
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Castniidae
Subfamily: Castniinae
Tribe: Synemonini
Genus: Synemon
Doubleday, 1846
Species

See text

Synemon (commonly known as the Sun-moths) is a genus of moths within the family Castniidae. It was described by Edward Doubleday in 1846.[1] The genus contains 24 described and 20 undescribed species.[2] These species are found across mainland Australia and on Kangaroo Island, with the highest diversity in Western Australia.[2] Synemon species can be found in a range of habitats, including woodlands, heathlands and native perennial grasslands.[2] The adults fly during the daytime in warm to hot weather.[2] They have clubbed antennae, and are often mistaken for butterflies.[3]

Sun-moths typically have dull coloured forewings which, at rest, conceal their brightly coloured hindwings.[2] The hindwings can be used to startle potential predators.[3] All known larvae of sun-moths feed on monocotyledonous plants, such as Rytidosperma, Gahnia, Lepidosperma and Lomandra.[3] Since European settlement, many species have suffered drastic reductions in their distributions due to habitat loss from agriculture and other threats.[2] Some are listed as threatened, including Synemon plana, which is listed as critically endangered under the Australian Government Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.[4]

Species

The genus includes the following species:

References

Wikidata ☰ {{{from}}} entry