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Abstract
This study is a cladistic analysis of the tribes of Crambinae (sod-webworm moths) and the genera of Crambini of America north of Mexico (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Forty-three characters were utilized. The morphology of the tympanal organs and microsculpture of the antennae were analysed in detail for the first time in this group of Lepidoptera. The morphology of the genitalia and the wing venation were also studied. The cladistic analysis was made with PAUP and Hennig86. The monophyly of the Crambinae was supported by three synapomorphies. Of the five previously recognized North American tribes of Crambinae, two (Crambini, Diptychophorini) were supported by new synapomorphies. The Chilonini is not recognized although five genera formerly placed in this taxon formed a monophyletic group (Haimbachiini, new tribe (type genus: Haimbachia Dyar, 1909)) which is supported by a newly discovered synapomorphy. The taxon called Ancylolomiini is dismantled and its North American taxa placed in a new taxon (Prionapterygini, new tribe (type genus Prionapteryx Stephens, 1834)). The Argyriini is not supported by any synapomorphy but its status is left unchanged. The relationships between the tribes remain unresolved while those between the genera of Crambini are partly resolved. Nineteen genera of Crambini in North America are recognized and two species described in Crambus are left unassigned to any genus. Descriptions and a key to these taxa are provided. The genera are redefined, most often on the basis of newly discovered synapomorphies. The status of Crambus Fabricius, Fissicrambus Bleszynski, Loxocrambus Forbes, Parapediasia Bleszynski and Thaumatopsis Morrison is revised to include species formerly placed in other genera or to exclude species. Two genera of Crambini are described as new: Almita new gene (type species: Almita texana n. sp.); Neodactria new genus (type species: Crambus luteolellus Clemens). The Neotropical genus La Bleszynski is newly reported in North America from a new species (La cerveza n. sp.). Two more species are described as new (Almita portalia n. sp. and Parapediasia torquatella n. sp.). A study of the primary types of the North American Crambinae in the British Museum (Natural History) is presented, and 35 lectotypes are designated.
