Abstract
The Neotropical genus Centronia Hübner, 1818 is monotypic and represented by the species Centronia melanitis Hübner, 1818. Individuals of this species display diurnal habits and are attracted by plant bait of Heliotropium sp.. Specimens of Centronia are very rare in museum collections. The present study, notes are provided for the male specimens and the first time the female is mentioned in the scientific literature. The presence of androconial organs in Centronia melanitis and other species of Ctenuchina is hypothesized to be related to the visits to pyrrolizidine sources and their role in the pheromones production and the sexual attraction for mating.
Highlights
The Ctenuchina are distributed in the Neotropical region and comprises 92 genera of which 30% are monotypic (Zerny 1912)
Parascepsis Dognin, 1923 (Grados & Mantilla 2020) and Epanycles Butler, 1876, the latter represented by the species E. imperialis (Walker, 1854) which would be closely related to Episcepsis satania Schaus, 1924, based on morphological characters (Grados & Mantilla, in prep.)
The species was originally described as Centronia melanitis, type-locality Brazil, and recent studies have considered this genus name instead Episcepsis when referring to the species (Grados 1999) (ICZN 1999: Art.23.1)
Summary
The Ctenuchina are distributed in the Neotropical region and comprises 92 genera of which 30% are monotypic (Zerny 1912). In this study, was redescribe C. melanitis, providing photographs and notes on the androconial organ and their function, and the first report of a female specimen. Tegulas blackish brown and with one small white spot on medial surface.
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