Lithophane scottae, Troubridge, J. T., 2006

Troubridge, J. T., 2006, Three new species of Lithophane Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Xyleninae), Zootaxa 1284, pp. 61-68 : 63-66

Lithophane scottae new species

( Figs. 2 , 5 )

Diagnosis. Externally, L. scottae most closely resembles L. vivida (Dyar) or L. baileyi Grote but is most easily separated from these species by the prominent patch of pale scales that extends from the distal margin of the reniform spot to or through the postmedial line toward the apex. The male genitalia are similar to those of L. querquera Grote , but the subbasal diverticulae on the vesica are smaller and the apical portion of the valve (distal to the pollex) as well as the digitus are longer and less stout than those of L. querquera .

Description. ( Fig. 2 ). Holotype: Forewing length 17 mm. Antenna filiform, ciliate; eye orbicular, lashed; head, palpus, prothoracic collar, and tufted thorax gray; tegula gray, bordered with black scales. Dorsal forewing medium gray; basal dash black, edged with white on anterior margin; antemedial line gray, thinly edged with black on anterior and posterior margins; medial line black; postmedial line gray, thinly edged with black on anterior and posterior margins; subterminal line light gray, edged basally with darker scales; oblong orbicular spot and reniform spot slightly paler than ground color of wing; a prominent but diffuse patch of pale scales extends from distal margin of reniform spot through postmedial line toward apex of wing; claviform spot dark gray, edged with black scales. Fringe gray. Dorsal hindwing gray brown, slightly paler basal to obscure median line with slightly darker discal lunule; fringe pale gray. Male genitalia ( Fig. 5 ). Costa of valve broadly sclerotized, extending beyond clasper, cucullus reduced to a small dorsal process above digitus. Digitus with finger­like process near base of clasper and very long needle­like spine extending from tip of valve. Clasper arcs widely away from dorsal margin of valve. Uncus thickens slightly medially, squared off at apex. Vesica bulbous, bending upward and then posteriorly with two ventral subbasal diverticulae and two small subapical diverticulae, one with a patch of spine­like cornuti. Female genitalia. Unknown.

Type material. Holotype male: Canada, Ontario, [Ottawa], Carp Ridge, E. side, 45°24.63’N, 76°03.45’W, 16 April 2005, Lynn Scott ( CNC). Paratype: Ontario: 1 male, Frontenac Co., Perth Road, 11 May 1971, P. Ward ( CNC).

Derivation of the name. I name this species for Lynn Scott, who collected the holotype.

Distribution and habitat. Lithophane scottae has been collected in hardwood forests in eastern Ontario. Nothing is known of its life history.

Figures

FIGURES 1 – 3. Adults of Lithophane species. 1 a, b) L. lanei, Ottawa, ON; 2) L. scottae, Ottawa, ON; 3 a, b, c) L. boogeri, nr. Tumalo, OR.

FIGURES 4 – 8. Male genitalia of Lithophane species. 4) L. lanei; 5) L. scottae; 6) E. boogeri; 7) L. longior (tip of valve); 8) L. subtilis (tip of valve).