Episcepsis nereus, Zerny, 1931

Pinheiro, L. R. & Gaal-Haszler, S., 2015, Illustrated catalogue of Neotropical Ctenuchina, Euchromiina and Pericopina types (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Arctiini) described by Hans Zerny, with discussion on their taxonomic status, Zootaxa 3925 (4), pp. 505-535 : 515

nereus Zerny, 1931

( Fig. 18 )

Episcepsis nereus Zerny, 1931a: 248 . Lectotype hereby designated, male, [ BRAZIL, Pará, Santarém], Taperinha, with three labels: one printed label “Unt. Amaz. Taperinha b. Santarem 21–31.viii.27 Zerny”, “Auf Heliotropium indicum L.”, and “ Episcepsis nereus Zerny Type ♂”. Nine paralectotypes, all males. All with the same labels as the lectotype, differing only in date, except for one from the same date. The dates of the others are as follows: three males from “1– 10.viii.[19]27”; one from “ 11–20.vii. [19]27”; another from “ 11–20.viii. [19]27”; and three others from 21–31.vii. [19]27.

Current combination. Episcepsis nereus Zerny, 1931 .

Condition of the types. Lectotype. Forewings somewhat rubbed. Paralectotypes. One of the males from 11–20.vii.1927 has the apex of forewings badly rubbed, almost without the white scales that characterise the species. One of the specimens from 21–31.vii.1927 has lost its abdomen. Another from the same date has lost its left antenna. All others have only minor rubbing on the forewings.

Remarks. This species was described from 12 syntypes, all from Fazenda Taperinha. The specimens collected in July and August are deposited at the NHMW. The remaining two could not be traced. Because they were collected by Hagmann, it was logical to think that they might be held at the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, but William Overal, present curator of Lepidoptera of that institution, found no specimens with compatible labels.

The lectotype by present designation is the specimen here illustrated. In relation to the paralectotype, which bears exactly the same labels, it can be distinguished by having the wings slightly more worn, and by the position of the antennae.

Figures

FIGURES 1 – 24. 1) Eucyane phanoptoides (Lectotype); 2) Eucyane variabilis flavofasciata (Lectotype); 3) Eucyane variabilis variabilis (Lectotype); 4) Pseudophaloe xiphydria (Holotype); 5) Pseudosphenoptera boyi (Holotype); 6) Correbia rufescens columbiana (Lectotype); 7) Diptilum [sic] crassum (Holotype); 8) Ptychotrichos [sic] fenestrifer (Holotype); 9) Episcepsis flavipuncta (Lectotype); 10) Schasiura gymnelioides (Holotype); 11) Heliura hagmanni (Lectotype); 12) Cercopimorpha hoffmanni (Lectotype); 13) Teucer imbecillus (Holotype); 14) Desmotricha josioides (Lectotype); 15) Eucereon lychnis (Lectotype); 16) Eucereon maternum (Holotype); 17) Episcepsis melanoneura (Lectotype); 18) Episcepsis nereus (Lectotype); 19) Ceramidia pinguis (Holotype); 20) Ctenucha reimoseri (Holotype); 21) Episcepsis rotundipennis (Lectotype); 22) Eucereon sericeum (Lectotype); 23) Pompiliodes acroleuca (Lectotype); 24) Calonotos acutipennis (Lectotype). Scale bars: 1 cm.