Geyeria uruguayana (Burmeister, 1879)

Ríos, Sergio D. & González, Jorge M., 2011, A synopsis of the Castniidae (Lepidoptera) of Paraguay, Zootaxa 3055, pp. 43-61 : 56-57

Geyeria uruguayana (Burmeister, 1879)

( Fig. 18 )

Castnia uruguayana Burmeister, 1879

Taxonomic history. Originally described in the genus Castnia it was later placed in the genus Geyeria ( Buchecker [1880]). Even though three subspecies were recognized by Miller (1986, 1995), they were all synonymyzed under uruguayana by Lamas (1995).

Distribution. The species is distributed in Argentina, Uruguay and Southeastern Brazil where it flies from November through February–March ( Miller 1986).

Biology and behavior. The flight pattern is slow and hovering, atypical of most Castniidae . While individuals can be observed flying during mid-day, they occasionally fly at different times if disturbed ( Miller 1986). Biezanko (1961a) states that the larvae feed on Eryngium paniculatum Cav. & Dombey ex F. Delaroche (Apiaceae) .

Material examined. 1 3, Castnia uruguaiana [sic] Bium.[sic], Col. F. Bourquin, Rep. Argentina, Paysandu. Slide N° M-7135, 3 append. Jacqueline Y. Miller ( MGCL); 1 Ƥ, Castnia uruguayana Burm., Col. F. Bourquin, Rep. Argentina, Paysandu, I-30; 1 Ƥ, Castnia uruguayana champaquiensis , Córdoba, Argentina, Cerro Champaquí, Sierras de Cordoba, 2.400 m. I-1929, Coll. A. Breyer, Typus ( MLP) [this specimen is the one illustrated by Breyer (1929)]; 1 3, Tibagi PR, Boa Vista, Brazil, 1000 m., 12.0 5.2005 (RVC).

Figures

FIGURES 17 – 19. Adults of Castniidae. 17. Castnia lecerfi Dalla-Torre, 3, Argentina (MHNP); 18. Geyeria uruguayana (Burmeister), 3, Argentina (MGCL); 19. Ceretes thais (Drury), 3, Brazil (FMNH).