Confirmed occurrence of the tribe Apameini (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Noctuinae) in the Neotropical region: a new genus endemic to Costa Rican montane forests.

Abstract

The genus Nublapamea gen. nov. is described (type species: Tracheaaltivolans Schaus), here determined to belong to the primarily temperate Holarctic tribe Apameini (Noctuidae: Noctuinae). Currently known only from mid- to upper elevation montane forests of Costa Rica, Nublapamea is a disjunct southern extension of a largely northern hemisphere temperate region fauna. The life history of Nublapameaaltivolans is unknown; it may be associated with chusquea bamboo (Chusquea Kunth), as most Apameini are dietary specialists on graminoids.