A preliminary phylogenetic analysis of the lichen moths of the genus Crambidia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Arctiinae)

The genus Crambidia is a member of the tribe Lithosiini within the family Noctuidae. The males of species in this genus bear androconial-like organs on the abdomen that may be involved in courtship. In order to determine the identity and purpose of this structure, we intend to describe its variation between species, examine the possible step-wise change of specific aspects of this structure across the genus, i.e., character evolution, and its use within a behavioral context. The goal of the present study is focused on investigating and identifying a preliminary suite of morphological characters useful for producing a phylogenetic analysis of species within this genus.