Lyces ignorata (Hering), 1925

Miller, James S, 2009, Generic Revision Of The Dioptinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea: Notodontidae) Part 2: Josiini, Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 2009 (321), pp. 675-1022 : 768

Lyces ignorata (Hering) , new combination Plate 29

Josia ignorata Hering, 1925: 525 , fig. 71f.

TYPE LOCALITY: [Not known].

TYPE: Holotype ♀, ex Staudinger Collection ( ZMH).

DISCUSSION: Lyces ignorata is represented in collections solely by the female holotype (pl. 29). That specimen bears no locality data, but in his original description, Hering (1925: 525) stated that it might have originated from Colombia. Lyces ignorata is closely related to L. ena , and the two could be easily confused. However, it differs in significant ways. The type of L. ignorata , with a FW length of 15.5 mm, is slightly larger than L. ena , the largest specimens of which have a FW length of 14.5 mm. The yellow FW band of L. ignorata is also much wider. Finally, the female genitalia of the ignorata type (JSM-1761) show structural differences distinguishing them from L. ena , especially with regard to the configuration of the folds at the base of the CB and the shape of the signum. I conclude that this taxon represents a valid species, and await the discovery of additional material.

DISTRIBUTION: Not known.

DISSECTED: Holotype ♀ ( JSM-1761 ).