Frostetola gramivora (Schaus, 1896)

(Fig. 14)

Castnia gramivora Schaus, 1896

Taxonomic history. Originally described in the genus Castnia by Schaus (1896). It was later placed in the genus Tephrostola by Houlbert (1918). However, since it was a preoccupied name, Oiticica (1955) replaced it with the new name Frostetola . The misleading original descriptions given by Schaus (1896), of the form parana by Strand (1913), and of the putative species Castnia fenestrata by Houlbert (1918) complicated the taxonomic treatment of this taxon.

Distribution. Although Miller (1986) mentions that this species is restricted to the states of São Paulo and Paraná in southeastern Brazil, several individuals have been collected and seen flying in the region of Hernandarias, Alto Paraná, Paraguay (O. Mielke, pers. comm.). As far as we know, this is the first published mention of Frostetola gramivora for Paraguay.

Biology and behavior. Adults are active from late December to mid January, flying during noon hours along grassy marshes (Miller 1986). Some adults were seen perching on grasses in Brazil (Miller 1986). Hosts are unknown.

Material examined. ALTO PARANÁ: 13, 21 -I-1980, 10Km N de Hernandarias, Paraguai, 250m, Coll. O.C. Mielke & Miers leg. (MGCL); 33, 1Ƥ, eggs, 21.I. 1980, 10 km N de Hernandarias, Paraguai. 250m, Coll. O. Mielke & Miers leg. (DZUP). Regarding these specimens collected by Mielke, he wrote that the species is “… muito comum em Hernandarias, uns 10 km ao norte de Cidade de Leste”. Thus, they were found in Hernandarias proper and not “ 10 km N” of it as written in the label (O. Mielke, pers. comm.).