hepcidiini

The Hepcidiini are a tribe of moths belonging to the family Erebidae. They are characterized by their often dull, cryptic coloration, which aids in camouflage against tree bark and other natural surfaces. This tribe is primarily distributed across the Old World, with a notable concentration in Africa and parts of Asia.

Species within Hepcidiini are typically medium-sized moths. Their larval stages, or caterpillars, usually feed on leaves of various plants, and their host plant specificity can vary significantly between species. Adult moths are generally nocturnal, becoming active during the night. Their diet as adults is often limited or non-existent, with many species relying on stored fat reserves from their larval stage.

While not as widely recognized as some other moth groups, the Hepcidiini play a role in their respective ecosystems as herbivores and as a food source for predators. Their taxonomy is subject to ongoing research, and the precise number of species and their phylogenetic relationships are continuously being refined through genetic and morphological studies. Some members of this tribe may exhibit unique defense mechanisms or behaviors, contributing to the biodiversity of the Lepidoptera order.