Ephysteris is a genus of the twirler mothfamily (Gelechiidae). Among these, it is assigned to tribeGnorimoschemini of the subfamilyGelechiinae. Even though it is a rather diverse and widespread group, most of these small and inconspicuous moths were overlooked by scientists until the early 20th century. Almost 90 species are known today but new ones are still being discovered.
These moths typically have forewing veins 2 and 3 separate but veins 6-8 originating from a common stalk. Somewhat less characteristically, their labialpalps have a pointed tip and a furrow on the second segment.[2]
Ochrodia and Opacopsis were initially established as subgenera of Ephysteris but elevated to full genus status later. However, this is not universally accepted and both are included in the present genus here. Microcraspedus is another subgenus of Ephysteris, to which many of the European species are assigned; Echinoglossa is another. But before any of these can be accepted as subgenus or even distinct genus, the internal systematics of Ephysteris sensu lato are in need of review.[3]
Clarke, John Frederick Gates (1986): Pyralidae and Microlepidoptera of the Marquesas Archipelago. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology416: 1-485. PDF fulltextArchived 2012-03-27 at the Wayback Machine (214 MB!)
Savela, Markku (2001): Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and some other life forms – Ephysteris. Version of 2001-NOV-08. Retrieved 2011-OCT-17.
Junnilainen, J. & K. Nupponen, 2010: The gelechiid fauna of the southern Ural Mountains, part I: descriptions of seventeen new species (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Zootaxa2366: 1-34. Abstract: [1].
Li, H.-H. & O. Bidzilya, 2008: A review of the genus Ehystris Meyrick, 1908 from China, with descriptions of two new species (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Zootaxa1733: 45-56 Abstract: [2].
Mey, W., 2011: New and little known species of Lepidoptera of southwestern Africa. Esperiana Buchreihe zur EntomologieMemoir 6: 146-261.
