Polymixis (Lophotyna) albosignata ( Moore, 1881 ) Benedek & Volynkin & Babics & Saldaitis, 2021

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 : 24-25

Polymixis (Lophotyna) albosignata ( Moore, 1881) , comb. nov.

( Figs 1–4 , 21 , 30 )

Trigonophora albosignata Moore, 1881 , Proceedings of the Scientific Meetings of the Zoological Society of London , 1881: 355 (Type locality: [ India, Himachal Pradesh, Kasauli] “ Kussowlie, N.W. Himalaya).

Type material examined. Photographs of the syntype: female, “ N.W. Himalayas, Kasauli.” / “ Trigonophora albosignata type Moore” / red ring “Type” label / “Moore Cool. 94-106” / QR-code label with unique number “NHMUK010354678” ( NHMUK) .

Additional material examined. PAKISTAN: 1 male, 1 female, Kashmir , Himalaya Mts. , 30 km N of Murre, near Nathia Ghali, Ayubia village, 2600 m, 22–25. x. 1998, leg. Gy. M. László & G. Ronkay, gen. prep. Nos.: JB1699 ♂, JB1700 ♀ ( BBT) ; 7 males, Kashmeer [Kashmir], height 11208, October 2007, set by JJE Wright, 09 ( HSV) .

Diagnosis. The forewing length is 22 mm in males and 23 mm in females. Polymixis albosignata ( Figs 1–4 ) is very similar externally to P. hoenei ( Figs 5, 6 ), from which it can be distinguished by the larger size, the somewhat more elongate forewing with the darker ground colour and the slightly more contrast pattern. In the male genital capsule, P. albosignata ( Fig. 21 ) differs clearly from P. hoenei ( Fig. 22 ) in its subapically dilated valva with the more prominent dorsal costal protrusion and the somewhat less elongate cucullus with a more rounded apex, whereas the distal section of the valva of P. hoenei is narrowed, the dorsal costal protrusion is less prominent and narrower, and the tip of the cucullus is somewhat more elongate. The left digitus of P. albosignata is wide and more or less lobelike, whereas in P. hoenei it is narrower and consisting of two separated narrow lobes directed distally and ventrally. The right digitus of P. albosignata is clavate, directed distally and having a short and thin dorsal lobe, whereas the largest lobe of that of P. hoenei is curved ventrally and the smallest one is directed dorsally. The clavi of P. albosignata are asymmetrical and thick, whereas those of P. hoenei are narrow and symmetrical. Additionally, the dorsal margin of the sacculus of P. albosignata is less concave and the clasper is markedly narrower than in P. hoenei . The aedeagus of P. albosignata differs from that of P. hoenei by the dentate tip of the carina which is smooth in P. hoenei . The vesicae of the two species display no remarkable differences. The female genitalia of P. albosignata ( Fig. 30 ) differ from those of P. hoenei ( Fig. 31 ) by the somewhat less elongate medial ventral process of the antrum and the somewhat wider ductus bursae.

Distribution and bionomics. The species is known from Afghanistan ( Boursin 1956), Pakistan ( Hacker & Weigert 1990) and north-western India (Jammu & Kashmir) ( Moore 1881). Adults are on the wing in late autumn (October and November) and generally common in their habitats which are the partly forested slopes at altitudes of 2000–3000 m.

Figures

FIGURES 1–8. Polymixis spp.: adults. Depositories of the specimens: 1, 2 and 7 in NHMUK (©The Trustees of NHMUK) (photo by A. Zilli); 3 and 4 in BBT; 5 and 6 in ZFMK (photo by D. Stüning); 8 in HNHM (photo by Zs. Balint & G. Katona).

FIGURES 21–23. Polymixis spp.: male genitalia. Depositories of the specimens dissected: 21 in BBT; 22 in ZFMK (photo by D. Stüning); 23 in HNHM (photo by Zs. Balint & G. Katona).

FIGURES 30–35. Polymixis spp.: female genitalia. Depositories of the specimens dissected: 30, 33–35 in BBT; 31 in ZFMK (photo by D. Stüning); 32 in HNHM (photo by Zs. Balint & G. Katona).