iliini

Iliini is a taxonomic tribe name used in zoological classification. The term has been employed for more than one distinct group of organisms in different families, orders, or higher taxa, and there is no single, universally recognized Iliini across all lineages. In zoological nomenclature, a tribe ranks between family and genus; names are usually formed by adding the suffix -ini to a stem derived from a genus name, so the use of Iliini reflects historical naming choices rather than a single clade shared by all organisms bearing the name.

Because taxonomy is revisionary, the membership of Iliini has varied with taxonomic treatments. Different authorities may include different genera, reassign others to separate tribes, or suspend the rank in favor of alternative classifications. The concept of Iliini thus depends on the particular lineage being discussed, and its circumscription can change with new data or revised taxonomy.

Geographic distribution and ecological roles, when described, pertain to the specific lineage in which Iliini is used rather than to a universal group. For readers encountering Iliini in scientific literature, it is essential to identify the taxon under discussion (family or order) to determine which tribe is being referenced, and to consult up-to-date classifications or databases for current circumscription.

See also: Taxonomic ranks, Tribe (biology), List of animal tribes.