Ogdoconta sexta Barnes & McDunnough, 1913

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 : 171

Ogdoconta sexta Barnes & McDunnough, 1913 Figs 7, 8, 24, 25, 38

Ogdoconta sexta Barnes and McDunnough 1913: 117, pl. 5 fig. 6.

Type material.

Ogdoconta sexta is based on an unspecified number of syntypes. There are currently two syntypes in the USNM labeled "Type ♂" and "Type ♀" respectively. The male syntype bearing the locality "Brownsville, Texas" is labeled and hereby designated as Lectotype to ensure the stability of the name.

Diagnosis.

The best superficial character to separate Ogdoconta sexta from Ogdoconta altura is found near the apex of the forewing. Ogdoconta sexta has a small streak of white scales, best seen with low magnification, from just before the apex of the wing to just below the outward angulation of the postmedial line. This feature gives the forewing costa of Ogdoconta sexta , just before the apex, a frosted appearance (Figs 7, 8). Otherwise, the region following the postmedial line of Ogdoconta sexta is not lighter than the rest of the subterminal area. Most of the maculation of the forewing is obscure. However the postmedial line is moderately distinct, straight, except for a slight basally directed angulation near the costa, and white or yellow in color. Hind wing is suffused with dull brown; hind wings of some males are not as dark as the hind wings of females. There is no geographical variation. To the naked eye, Ogdoconta sexta appears slightly larger than Ogdoconta altura ; the wing measurements show them to be the same size. Forewing length: 10.5-13.0 mm.

In the male genitalia the apex of the cucullar region of the valve is ovate-capitate in Ogdoconta sexta , but narrower and more lineate in Ogdoconta altura . In the female genitalia of Ogdoconta sexta the ostium is wider than long, but the ostium of Ogdoconta altura is longer than wide or the two measurements are approximately equal. The ostium of Ogdoconta altura appears larger when compared to the ostium of Ogdoconta sexta .

Distribution and biology.

Ogdoconta sexta is known from Hidalgo and Cameron Counties in the southernmost Texas. Its distribution in Mexico is not known. The larva and its food plants are unknown. Adults were collected from March to June and again in September. Ogdoconta sexta is infrequently collected.

Remarks.

Ogdoconta sexta and Ogdoconta altura are difficult to separate superficially. Both species are similar in size, and the overall coloration is brown with a green-gray cast. Males tend to be slightly lighter than females, and in particular the subterminal area of the male can be significantly lighter than the medial area. A few males have significantly weaker brown suffusion in the hind wing than do other males and all females. When held in the light at the correct angle, the wings appear to be shiny.