Drepanidae

As stated above, the Drepanidae can be defined by their characteristic tympanal organs, most recently discussed by Minet (1983), Scoble & Edwards (1988) and Scoble (1992). They are derived from tergosternal sclerites connecting sternum A2 with tergum A1, and can be seen as a pair of small oval structures, each composed of two interconnecting chambers. The tympanum is uniquely situated within the oval structures between the two chambers. There is an additional pleural component to each, a fold supported by a three-armed sclerite, that provides a framework for anterior and posterior counter-tympanal membranes enclosing the pleural chamber of each tympanal organ. These structures are described in detail by Scoble, and can be seen in Figs 153 to 155.

More general features of the group are noted by Scoble & Edwards (1988), Common (1990) and Scoble (1992). The frenulum, when present, is often apically clubbed. The forewing venation often shows reduction of branches of the radial system, usually with a narrow areole within it. The humeral angle of the hindwing is usually expanded. Vein Sc of the hindwing remains close to Rs, or approximates to it, just beyond the cell. Chaetosemata are reduced or absent, and ocelli are usually absent. The male antennae have a tendency to be prismatic or lamellate (rather flattened), sometimes with pectinations, or more extensively bipectinate.

The genitalia of both sexes show some variety of structure, the tegumen usually with socii of some sort. The aedeagus vesica rarely has cornuti. The bursa copulatrix of the female often has a signum or signa.

Three subfamilies are currently recognised, differing markedly in appearance and structure. The Australian genus Hypsidia Rothschild, unplaced to subfamily by Scoble & Edwards (1988), is discussed with the Thyatirinae. These differences extend to the larvae, where the head is hypognathous when they are mature. Secondary setae are usually absent or few in Drepaninae: Drepanini, few in Thyatirinae and numerous in Cyclidiinae and Drepaninae: Oretini. The anal prolegs are normal in Cyclidiinae, weak in Thyatirinae and vestigial, without crochets in Drepaninae. The larvae are arboreal feeding.

The family as a whole is much more diverse in the Old World, particularly the Oriental Region, to which the Cyclidiinae are restricted.