Polymixis (Lophotyna) calligrapha Benedek & L. Ronkay, 2002

Benedek, Balázs, Volynkin, Anton V., Babics, János & Saldaitis, Aidas, 2021, Review of the subgenus Lophotyna Hampson of the genus Polymixis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae), with descriptions of two new species from Myanmar, Zootaxa 4999 (1), pp. 22-40 : 37-38

Polymixis (Lophotyna) calligrapha Benedek & L. Ronkay, 2002

( Figs 19, 20 , 29 , 38 )

Polymixis (s. l.) calligrapha Benedek & L. Ronkay, 2002 , Esperiana , 9: 412, plate 22, fig. 1 (Type locality: Pakistan, Karakoram Mts. , Naltar valley).

Type material examined. Holotype: male, Pakistan, Karakoram Mts , Naltar valley, 2800m, 74°12´E 36°09.6´N, 18.x.1998, leg. Gy. M. László & G. Ronkay, slide No. RL 6774 ( GRB).

Additional material examined. Paratypes: 2 males and female, Pakistan, Karakoram Mts. , Chalt Nagar district, 2300–2700 m, November 2000, leg. Fida Hussein, gen. prep. Nos.: JB2415 ♂, JB2416 ♀ ( BBT & HSV) .

Diagnosis. The forewing length is 23–24 mm in both sexes. Polymixis calligrapha ( Figs 19, 20 ) is externally reminiscent of P. crinomima ( Figs 15–18 ) but differs by the larger size, somewhat wider forewing with a more distinct pattern and a reddish suffusion in the terminal area, and the darker hindwing in both sexes. The male genitalia of P. calligrapha ( Fig. 29 ) differ from those of P. crinomima ( Figs 28, 27 ) by the distally broader valva and the shape of digiti: in P. calligrapha , they are strongly elongate, narrow and bearing dentation basally, whereas those of P. crinomima are shorter, strongly dilated distally and lacking basal dentation. Additionally, the sacculus of P. calligrapha is somewhat wider and more angular distally and bearing slightly narrower clavus than in P. crinomima . The carina of the aedeagus of P. calligrapha bears a very short and rounded ventral crest, whereas that of P. crinomima bears a large triangular and apically dentate crest. The female genitalia of the two species are very similar, but the postvaginal plate of P. calligrapha ( Fig. 38 ) has two round incisions medio-laterally, whereas the posterior margin of the postvaginal plate of P. crinomima ( Figs 36, 37 ) has only one medial shallow depression.

Distribution and bionomics. The species is known only from northern Pakistan ( Benedek & Ronkay 2002). Polymixis calligrapha is a local and infrequent species preferring hot and dry rocky habitats with bushy vegetation. Adults are on the wing late in the autumn.

Figures

FIGURES 17–20. Polymixis spp.: adults. Depositories of the specimens: 17 and 18 in AFM; 19 and 20 in BBT.

FIGURES 27–29. Polymixis spp.: male genitalia. Depositories of the specimens dissected: 27 and 29 in BBT; 28 in AFM.

FIGURES 36–38. Polymixis spp.: female genitalia. Depositories of the specimens dissected: 36 and 38 in BBT; 37 in AFM.

FIGURES 9–16. Polymixis spp.: adults. Depositories of the specimens: 9 and 10 in JSL; 11 in NSMT (photo by U. Jinbo); 12–16 in BBT.