Yagra fonscolombe (Godart, [1824])

Ríos, Sergio D. & González, Jorge M., 2011, A synopsis of the Castniidae (Lepidoptera) of Paraguay, Zootaxa 3055, pp. 43-61 : 55-56

Yagra fonscolombe (Godart, [1824])

( Fig. 16 )

Castnia fonscolombe Godart , [1824]

Taxonomic history. Described originally in the genus Castnia , it was later placed in the genus Graya by Buchecker ([1880]). Since Graya was preoccupied, Oiticica (1955) proposed Yagra as replacement. According to Miller (1986) the similarity between Yagra and Hista “called into question the maintenance of Yagra as a separate taxonomic entity” but she found enough diagnostic morphological and behavioral differences to keep Yagra as a separate genus. Moraes et al. (2011) have recently corroborated that morphological features in the genus are not shared with other Neotropical Castniidae and their genitalia are quite distinct and diagnostic.

Distribution. Distributed in southeastern Brazil and northeastern Argentina. We suspect that the species could appear in eastern Paraguay, next to the Brazil and Argentina borders, in the regions of Amambay, Canindeyú and Alto Paraná Departments.

Biology and behavior. This species with warm-brown colored forewings has been observed flying from 10:30 to 13:00 at 7–12 m above ground in tropical forests ( Miller 1986). They have a flying pattern similar to that of Caligo Hübner ( Nymphalidae : Morphinae , Brassolini ). The hosts are unknown. However, species in the genus have been recorded feeding on “ Bromeliaceae ” in Brazil ( Miller 1986, Zikán & Zikán 1968).

Material examined. 1 3, Brazil, J.Doll. Ac. 24352 ( AMNH); 1 3, Brazil, F.E. Watson; 1 male Brazil, Coll.? ( AMNH); 1 3, Brazil, South America ( ANSP); 1 Ƥ, Joinville, S.C. [ Brazil], IV-1976, Coll.? ( BYU); 1 3, Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brasil, 6. 0 1. 1990, Local coll. leg. (RVC); 1 3, Brazil, Cornell U. Lot 283, sub. 12. G. Francke ( CUIC); 1 3, Rio de janeiro, Brasil, Br. Pohl, i-1931, Cornell U. Lot 819, sub. 121 ( CUIC); 1 3, Brazil, 1932, B.K. Smith Coll., Cornell U. lot. 814, sub. 2337 ( CUIC); 1 3, Joinville, Sta. catarina, S. Brazil, III-1972, J. Kasselring, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil, August Scmitt Collection, C.U. lot 1030 ( CUIC); 1 3, Joinville, Sta. catarina, S. Brazil, 1-II-1973, J. Kasselring, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil, August Scmitt Collection, C.U. lot 1030 ( CUIC); 1 Ƥ, Brazil, lot 283, sub. 12, cosl. ay. ( CUIC); 1 3, Brazil, Rio Iguazu, 1920, Ex Coll. Brabant ( MGCL); 1 Ƥ, Brazil, I, 218, Lectotype, Ancienne Collection ( MHNP, from a photograph provided by Dr. G. Lamas); 2 33, Misiones, Argentina, Coll. A. Breyer ( MLP); 1 3 Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brasil, 16.0 6.1989, Local coll leg. (RVC)

Figures

FIGURES 10 – 16. Adults of Castniidae. 10. Ceretes marcelserres (Godart), 3, Misiones, Argentina (CFP); 11, Ceretes marcelserres (Godart), Ƥ, Misiones, Argentina (CFP); 12. Prometheus cochrus (Fabricius), 3, Brazil (FMNH); 13. Gazera heliconioides micha (Druce), 3, Sapucay, Paraguay (MNHNPY); 14. Frostetola gramivora (Schaus), 3, Alto Paraná, Paraguay (DZUP); 15. Paysandisia archon (Burmeister), 3, Spain (RVC); 16. Yagra fonscolombe (Godart), 3, Brazil (FMNH).