Tribe Hemarini

Tutt, 1902

Etymology

Hemarini: Hemara, a Greek word meaning “day,” is one possible explanation for this name since these moths are primary diurnal fliers. Another interpretation ties the story of Pyramus and Thisbe; two ill-fated lovers who tragically kill themselves when they believe the other is dead, thus spilling their hema, the Greek word for “blood.” The blood-red scales present on the wings of Hemarini tribe species is thought to be the connecting reason for the name. The epic tragedy was redone by many including William Shakespeare both in Romeo and Juliet and in A Midsummer Night's Dream, which included another ill-fated female named, Hermia.

The suffix ini is standard taxonomic nomenclature to indicate that the word pertains to a zoological tribe.

Pronunciation

Hem-ar-eye-ny

Overview

Hemarini is a small tribe of moths that contains two common and one uncommon species in Indiana.

Photo Credits

Image courtesy of Pamela Wang.