Abstract
The genus Rhabdorthodesgen. n. is described for three previously unnamed noctuid moths from the mountains of south-western United States and Mexico. It is assigned to subfamily Noctuinae, tribe Eriopygini. Rhabdorthodespattersonisp. n. from the United States and Rhabdorthodesdurangosp. n. and Rhabdorthodespetersonisp. n. from Mexico are described. These moths are small, dull gray brown, and lack highly diagnostic wing markings, but are distinctive structurally. The adults and genitalia of both sexes are illustrated and distribution maps are presented. Two species eponyms honor persons who have facilitated the study and enjoyment of moths in North America by creating moth-specific websites.
Highlights
Lafontaine and Schmidt (2010) produced the first new major check list of Canadian and United States Noctuoidea since Hodges et al (1983)
Assignment of this genus to subfamily Noctuinae tribe Eriopygini is based on the presence of hairy eyes, similarity of the adults to species of other genera in this tribe, and the association of the barcode of R. pattersoni sp. n. with those of Protorthodes McDunnough on neighbor-joining trees
The main morphologic difference between tribes Hadenini and Eriopygini is in the mandible and spinneret of the larva (Fibiger and Lafontaine 2005), currently unknown for Rhabdorthodes. This classification is supported by the presence of a long coiled vesica in males of Rhabdorthodes, since this is a typical feature of many species in the tribe Eriopygini (Fibiger and Lafontaine op. cit.)
Summary
Lafontaine and Schmidt (2010) produced the first new major check list of Canadian and United States Noctuoidea since Hodges et al (1983). Discoveries of novel Erebidae and Noctuidae have continued unabated since with over 40 newly described species added to the fauna in subsequent updates (Lafontaine and Schmidt 2011, 2013, 2015). Another new species is named, a widespread nondescript noctuid moth from the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. In contrast to the drab superficial appearance of this moth, reproductive structural features of both sexes are far from ordinary - especially the male juxta and valves and female sternite A7–warranting a new genus for it. These tools make accessible to anyone with a computer what was previously the domain of experts with access to large collections and rare literature sources
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