Erebidae systematics: past, present, and future—progress in understanding a diverse lepidopteran lineage

Abstract Erebidae, the largest family of Lepidoptera with approximately 25,000 known species globally, forms the major clade of the superfamily Noctuoidea. Currently classified into 18 subfamilies, erebids display extraordinary morphological and behavioral diversity, with lineages that include adult wingspans ranging from 6 to 280 mm, ultrasonic anti-bat defenses such as sonar jamming, and caterpillars exhibiting a wide array of feeding strategies, including detritivory and specialization on toxic plants. Historically, their classification has been unstable, undergoing significant revisions due largely to advances in molecular phylogenetics. Recent phylogenomic studies have supported the monophyly of Erebidae and some of its subfamilies, although the composition of and relationships among many subfamilies remain unresolved. Understanding the taxonomy and phylogenetic structure of Erebidae is crucial for evolutionary biology, conservation, agriculture, and biosecurity, as many species are significant pollinators, pests, or key components of food webs. With environmental changes such as habitat loss and climate change intensifying, documenting erebid diversity is increasingly urgent. Research should prioritize tropical regions, where erebids are most diverse, and leverage techniques such as whole-genome sequencing and expanded taxon sampling of museum specimens to produce a stable, well-resolved classification of this ecologically significant family of Lepidoptera.