Ogdoconta altura Barnes, 1904

Metzler, Eric H., Knudson, Edward C., Poole, Robert W., J. Donald Lafontaine, & Pogue, Michael G., 2013, A review of the genus Ogdoconta Butler (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Condicinae, Condicini) from North America north of Mexico with descriptions of three new species, ZooKeys 264, pp. 165-191 : 172

Ogdoconta altura Barnes, 1904 Figs 9, 10, 26, 27, 39

Ogdoconta altura Barnes 1904b: 243.

Type material.

Ogdoconta altura is based on an unspecified number of syntypes. The USNM has three syntypes, 2 females and 1 male with red-bordered type labels that are verifiably part of the original syntype series. The male syntype bearing the locality "Kerrville Texas" is labeled and hereby designated as Lectotype to ensure the stability of the name.

Diagnosis.

The best character to separate Ogdoconta altura from Ogdoconta sexta is found near the apex of the forewing. Ogdoconta altura is lacking the small smear of white scales near the apex described in the diagnosis of Ogdoconta sexta . In Ogdoconta altura , the forewing costa proximal to the apex, lacks a frosted appearance (Figs 9, 10). The region following the postmedial line in Ogdoconta altura is lighter than the rest of the subterminal area. Forewing length: 9.5-13.0 mm.

The genital differences between Ogdoconta altura and Ogdoconta sexta are given in the diagnosis of Ogdoconta sexta .

Distribution and biology.

Ogdoconta altura has a wider distribution than Ogdoconta sexta . Ogdoconta altura was collected in south central and southern Texas as well as in northeastern Mexico. The larva and its food plants are unknown. Adults were collected in April, May, July, August, and September. Ogdoconta altura is infrequently collected.

Remarks.

Ogdoconta altura and Ogdoconta sexta are difficult to separate superficially. Both species are similar size, and the overall coloration is brown with a green-gray cast. When held in the light at the correct angle, the wings appear to be shiny. The hind wing of the female is more heavily suffused with brown than the male, although the amount of dark suffusion is variable among males. Among males, some individuals have a smoother and slightly lighter appearance than others. There is no geographic variation.