Subfamily Thyatirinae — False Owlet Moths

Smith, 1893

Etymology

Thyatirinae: Thyatira was an ancient Greek city referenced in the Bible as a location of one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. The church contained the teachings of a false prophetess as written in the book of Revelations. The name may be a reference to this subfamily's common name as False Owlet moths.

The suffix inae is standard taxonomic nomenclature to indicate that word pertains to a zoological subfamily.

Pronunciation

thye-uh-tye-rye-nee

Overview

Known as the “false owlet moths,” Thyatirinae, the second largest of three subfamilies of moths in the family Drepanidae was until recently classified as a separate family named Thyatiridae.

Distribution of Subfamily Thyatirinae
Taxonomic Level	Worldwide	North America	Midwestern USA	Indiana
Genera	~52	6	4	4
Species	~250	19	5	4-5

Documented Occurrences

This map shows the confirmed sightings of the subfamily Thyatirinae in Indiana. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).

Photo Credits

Pseudothyatira courtesy of Dan McCord.