Perigonica tertia Dyar, 1903

Fig. 53

Perigonica fermata Smith, 1911, NEW SYNONYM

Perigonica fermata Smith, 1911 was described from San Diego, California; it was diagnosed as a reddish species very similar to P. tertia . However, the lectotype of P. t e r t i a (USNM) and all specimens from southern California that I have dissected, including reddish specimens that match the types of fermata, are identical in genital morphology (Fig. 53). While the types of P. t e r t i a are pale specimens, the species shows remarkable variation in southern California, with the ground color ranging from pale yellowish gray to pinkish, rusty red, brown, and dark grayish brown. The amount of dark dusting and maculation also varies considerably. However, based on male genitalia these color forms appear to represent a single species. In contrast, Perigonica fulminans Smith, 1888 (Fig. 54) and P. angulata Smith, 1890 (Fig. 55) have distinctive valve morphologies.