Definition
Syllepte dentilinea is a species of moth in the family Crambidae, order Lepidoptera.
Overview
Syllepte dentilinea belongs to the large genus Syllepte, which comprises numerous species distributed worldwide, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. The species was formally described by the entomologist George Hampson in the early 20th century. It is listed in taxonomic databases such as the Global Information System on Pyraloidea (GlobIZ) and the LepIndex of the Natural History Museum, London. Detailed information on its biology, ecology, and precise geographical range remains limited in the publicly available literature.
Etymology / Origin
The generic name Syllepte derives from Greek roots meaning “catch” or “seize,” a term historically used for various moth genera. The specific epithet dentilinea combines the Latin denti (“tooth”) and linea (“line”), likely referring to a toothed or dentate line pattern observed on the wings of the moth, as noted in the original description.
Characteristics
The diagnostic features of S. dentilinea were outlined in Hampson’s original description, which highlighted:
- A characteristic dentate (tooth‑like) transverse line on the forewings, giving the species its name.
- Wing coloration and pattern typical of many Syllepte species, with variations in shades of brown or gray, though exact coloration details are not extensively documented in secondary sources.
- As with other members of the Crambidae, the moth possesses a slender body and a wingspan that generally falls within the range of 20–30 mm for the genus, although precise measurements for S. dentilinea have not been widely published.
Further morphological details, such as genitalia structure used for definitive species identification, are recorded only in specialist taxonomic revisions and are not broadly accessible.
Related Topics
- Genus Syllepte – a diverse genus of crambid moths with over 200 described species.
- Family Crambidae – commonly known as “grass moths,” a large family containing agriculturally significant pest species.
- George Hampson – British entomologist who authored extensive catalogs of Lepidoptera, including the description of many Syllepte species.
- GlobIZ (Global Information System on Pyraloidea) – an online database providing taxonomic reports for pyraloid moths, including S. dentilinea.
Note: While the taxonomic existence of Syllepte dentilinea is well‑established, comprehensive data on its distribution, life history, and ecology are limited in the current scientific literature.