Abstract
A new species of the mimetic tiger moth genus Sphecosoma, S. pattiannae Simmons sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The presumed sister species, S. tarsalis (Walker), is redescribed with illustrations of the male and female genitalia. These two species bear a novel androconial structure, which is a dorsal pouch at the base of the genitalia; this structure is described and illustrated. Phylogenetic placement of S. tarsalis and S. pattiannae within Sphecosoma Butler is discussed, with male and female genital comparisons to S. cognatum (Walker).References
Forbes, W.T.M. (1939) The muscles of the lepidopterous male genitalia. Annals of Entomological Society of America, 32, 1–10.
Hampson, G.F. (1898) Syntomidae. Catalogue of the Lepidoptera Phalaenae in the British Museum, vol. I. Trustees of the British Museum, London, 559 pp.
Herrich-Schäffer, G. A. W. (1850–1869) Sammlung neuer oder wenig bekannter aussereuropäischer Schmetterlinge. G. J. Manz, Regensburg, 32 pp.
Klots, A. B. (1970) Lepidoptera. In: Tuxen, S.L. (Ed.) Taxonomist's glossary of genitalia in insects, second edition. Munksgaard, Copenhagen, pp. 115–130.
Simmons, R.B. & Weller, S.J. (2004) Review of the Sphecosoma genus group using adult morphology (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae). Thomas Say Monograph Series, Entomological Society of America, Lanham, 101 pp.
Walker, F. (1854) Lepidoptera Heterocera, Part 1. List of the specimens of Lepidopterous insects in the collection of the British Museum. Trustees of the British Museum, London, 278 pp.
Weller, S.J., Simmons, R.B., Boada, R. & Conner, W.E. (2000) Abdominal modifications occurring in wasp mimics of the Ctenuchine-Euchromiine clade (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae). Annals of Entomological Society of America, 93, 920–928.
Winter, W. D. (2000) Basic techniques for observing and studying moths and butterflies. Lepidopterists’ Society Memoir no. 5, 1–444.