Aseptis ethnica (Smith, 1899)

Mustelin, Tomas & Crabo, Lars G., 2015, Revision of the genus Aseptis McDunnough (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Noctuinae, Xylenini) with a description of two new genera, Paraseptis and Viridiseptis, ZooKeys 527, pp. 57-102 : 65-66

Taxon classification Animalia Lepidoptera Noctuidae

Aseptis ethnica (Smith, 1899) Figs 5-8, 60, 77

Hadena ethnica Smith, 1899: 263.

Type material.

Holotype male [USNM, examined]. Type Locality: Yosemite, California.

Diagnosis.

Aseptis ethnica is a large and broad-winged, wingspan 41.2 ± 1.5 mm (n=25; range 38.0-43.5 mm) with ill-defined markings. In southern California its forewing is dull grayish tan with a grainy appearance (Figs 5 and 6). In central and northern California and Oregon, it is dull deeper brown, sometimes with some reddish tones surrounding the dark-filled reniform and orbicular spots (Figs 7 and 8). The holotype from Yosemite is of the darker form and is reminiscent of Aseptis fumeola . Most Aseptis ethnica are much less contrasting than Aseptis fumeola and lack its contrasting black-outlined spots, patchy dark shading, and reddish postreniform patch. Aseptis ethnica can be challenging to distinguish from Aseptis fanatica , particularly when worn. Typically, Aseptis ethnica is larger with a broader forewing, has a grainier forewing pattern, and is the lighter species in any location. In southern California, Aseptis ethnica is pale grayish tan whereas Aseptis fanatica is darker gray brown. In northern California, Aseptis ethnica is as dark as Aseptis fanatica in San Diego County, but in this area Aseptis fanatica is nearly black. In San Diego County, Aseptis ethnica can be distinguished from Aseptis murina by being grainier and browner, and by lacking its characteristic pale costa.

The male genitalia of Aseptis ethnica can be distinguished from those of Aseptis fanatica by the angle subtended by the two valves as noted in the key. The female bursa is slightly shorter in Aseptis ethnica than in Aseptis fanatica , approximately 5 × its width in Aseptis ethnica and 7 × in the latter species.

The CO1 barcode DNA sequence of Aseptis ethnica is closest to Aseptis murina , differing by 1.8%.

Distribution and biology.

Aseptis ethnica is known from Arizona, California, western Oregon, and Baja California Norte, Mexico. The northern limit is not known precisely due to similarity of this species and Aseptis fanatica in this portion of its range; however, it occurs at least to Jefferson County, Oregon, based on DNA. Aseptis ethnica flies in open Pine and Oak forest and mountain chaparral, mostly at elevations of above 1500 m in southern California but at lower elevations farther north. It has been found from early May to August and can be locally abundant during its peak flight in June and July. In the mountains of southern California (e.g., Laguna, Volcan, Palomar, and Santa Rosa Mountains) it often flies together with Aseptis fumeola , Aseptis fanatica , and occasional specimens of Aseptis ferruginea . The immature stages are unknown, but the larval food plant was revealed by J.B. Smith’s description of the species in 1899 based on adult specimens raised from caterpillar on manzanitas ( Arctostaphylos spp.).

Discussion.

The name ethnica is Latin and means heathen. Perhaps Smith was inspired by the raw wilderness of Yosemite in late 1899.