Synemon | |
---|---|
Synemon discalis | |
Scientific classification | |
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. Edward Doubleday described it 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] They can use their hindwings 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]