Abstract
The surveys to different localities of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand yielded three species of genus Sphrageidus Maes, namely S. similis (Fuessly), S. simlensis (Gupta) and S. xanthorrhoea (Kollar) of subfamily Lymantriinae. The external morphological characters particularly wing maculation and venation along with genitalia characteristics have been studied and illustrated in detail. The male genitalic features like distinct saccus, ring-like juxta, simple valva, aedeagus with a hook or reversed spine at the apex and distinct wing venation, i.e., absence of vein M2 in hindwing completely conform the characterization of the genus. In the present studies, the species simlensis has been placed under genus Sphrageidus Maes making a new combination as Sphrageidus simlensis (Gupta) for its proper placement. The genus diagnosis has also been updated. The external morphological characters including wing maculation, venation and particularly the genitalic features proved significant from taxonomic point of view in all the three species.
Highlights
Maes (1984) with similis Fuessly, 1775 as its type species from Europe was proposed. Holloway (1999) updated the status of virguncula Walker, 1855 and xanthorrhoea Kollar, distinct wing venation, i.e., absence of vein M2 in hindwing completely conform the characterization of the genus
To study of wing venation, the methodology proposed by Zimmermann (1978) was followed
The external morphological characters like ornamentation of antennae, legs and abdomen, wing maculation, wing venation, and significantly the external genitalic features contributed towards the authentic identification and characterization of examined taxa
Summary
Maes (1984) with similis Fuessly, 1775 as its type species from Europe was proposed. Holloway (1999) updated the status of virguncula Walker, 1855 and xanthorrhoea Kollar, distinct wing venation, i.e., absence of vein M2 in hindwing completely conform the characterization of the genus. Male genitalia with uncus robust; saccus long; juxta ring-like; valva simple, slightly upcurved; aedeagus with a hook or reversed spine at the apex. Wing maculation: Forewing with ground colour white, a small black or brown tornal mark, absent in females; fringe white; underside with costal area irrorated with greyish scales.
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