Taxonomy and geographical distribution of Panchrysia Hübner, [1821] of China, with description of a new species (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Plusiinae)

Abstract

Panchrysia can be readily recognized by the brilliant silvery markings diffused on forewings except Panchrysia marmorea (Ronkay, 1986) and Panchrysia deaurata (Esper), which are characterized by the lack of silvery marking. As currently, this genus is consisted of six species, all of species have been recorded from Eurasian geographic distribution (Ronkay et al., 2008). In China, P. marmorea, Panchrysia tibetensis Chou & Lu, 1982, Panchrysia dives (Eversmann, 1844) and Panchrysia ornate (Bremer, 1864) have been recorded (Chou & Lu, 1978, 1979, 1982; Ronkay, 1986; Han et al., 2005; Ronkay et al., 2008). In this article, four species of Panchrysia are reviewed and a new species Panchrysia longcanggouensis sp. nov. is described herein. Their distribution patterns indicate that Panchrysia has a rather wide range from South-West China through the central China to North-East China, and absent in southeastern and northwestern China. A key to species of the genus in China is provided. Adults and genitalia are illustrated. Also a briefly outline the distribution of the component species is given.