Pantocestas

Pantocestas is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae. The genus was first described by William Schaus in 1913. Pantocestas moths are found in South America. They are characterized by their wing patterns and the structure of their genitalia.

The type species of Pantocestas is Pantocestas argentea, also described by Schaus in 1913. Other species that have been included in this genus have sometimes been reassigned to other genera over time as taxonomic understanding has evolved. The exact number of species currently recognized within Pantocestas can vary depending on the taxonomic authority.

Information on the life cycle and specific ecological roles of Pantocestas moths is generally limited, as is common for many smaller insect genera. Studies focusing on tropical Lepidoptera often contribute to the understanding of such groups. Research typically involves morphological examination, genetic analysis, and field observations to delineate species and understand their distribution.