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Noctuidae - Condicinae - Condicini
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Condica new species 2 Diagnosis: Condica new species 2 looks like a small, brownish version of vecors, but morphologically belongs to an entirely different species group. The species is so far known only from San Patricio County along the southeastern coast of Texas. The species closest relative is Condica fidelia (Druce) from South and Central America. Condica fidelia has been collected as far north as Tamazunchale in southern San Luis Potosi in Mexico. The vesica of Condica new species 2 is more globular than that of fidelia and has a second diverticula and three internal denticulate patches. In the female genitalia the ostium is a thin sclerotized ridge in Condica new species 2, but is a complex spiney mound in fidelia. Superficially the two species are nearly identical. In Condica new species 2 the postmedial line is nearly vertical and straight below the reniform spot in the forewing. In contrast there are usually at least two or three inner scallopings of the postmedial line in the species of the vacillans species complex, including fidelia. The general color of Condica new species 2 is brown, without the blackish tints found in vecors. The claviform spot is generally distinct, large, and black. There is a distinct black basal line. The postmedial line consists of a wide light band with a series of black lines running across the band along the veins. The postmedial band curves around the reniform spot, but lacks the scalloping of both the inner and outer margins of the band found in most other species of the genus. The hindwing is suffused with dark brown. Condica new species 2 has a small clasper in the valve of the male genitalia. The vesica of Condica new species 2 is basically globular with two large diverticula; three strongly dentate nodules in vesica, two near base and largest near apical tail. Distribution: This species is known definitely only
from San Patricio County along the southeastern coast of Texas. There
are only three specimens, so nothing can be said about variability. Identification Quality: Excellent Larva: Unknown Foodplants: Unknown
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Condica new
species 2
This species is most likely to be confused with Condica vecors. Condica new species 2 can be very difficult to separate from vecors superficially. The male and female genitalia are abundantly distinct, however (compare the relevant figures in the plates). All of the superficial differences mentioned below are relative and certainly not invariably true. Condica new species 2 is a consistently brown species. In contrast vecors usually, but not always is tinted with black-brown. Condica new species 2 is generally smaller than vecors, although small specimens of vecors approach Condica new species 2 in size. The most consistent difference seems to be in the inner of the two lines making up the postmedial line. The inner line is scalloped in vecors but is not scalloped in knudsoni. In addition there are usually a series of black dashes between the two components of the postmedial line in its upper half in Condica new species 2, but not so in vecors. Finally the claviform spot is larger and more distinct in Condica new species 2 than in vecors. |
Similar Species
Condica vecors
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