Noctuidae - Condicinae - Condicini

 

 

 

Ogdoconta altura Barnes

Ogdoconta altura Barnes, 1904, Canad. Ent., 36:243.

Diagnosis: Ogdoconta sexta and altura are a pair of sister species that are very difficult to separate superficially. Both species are small and the overall coloration is brown with a distinct green-gray cast to it. Most of the maculation of the forewing is obscure. However the postmedial line is a moderately distinct straight white line except for a slight inangulation near the costa. The hindwing is suffused with dull brown. Superficially altura is slightly smaller and slightly grayer than sexta. The best character to separate the two is found near the apex of the forewing. In sexta there is a small streak of white scales from just before the apex of the wing to just below the outward angulation of the postmedial line. In addition the region following the postmedial line is not lighter than the rest of the subterminal area in sexta, but just such a region exists in most specimens of altura. In the male genitalia the apex of the cucullar region of the valve is ovate-capitate in sexta, but narrower and more lineate in altura. In the female genitalia the ostium is wider than long in sexta, but the ostium of altura is longer than wide, or the two measurements are approximately equal; the cephalad half of the ductus bursae significantly wider than caudal half in sexta, but approximately equal in width along its entire length in altura.

Distribution: Ogdoconta altura has a wider distribution than sexta. It has been found in south central and southern Texas as well as in north-eastern Mexico. The hindwing of the female is more heavily suffused with brown than the male, although the amount of dark suffusion is variable between males. Among males some individuals have a smoother and slightly lighter appearance than others. There are too few individuals in collections to make any meaningful comments on geographic variation.

Adults have been collected in April, May, July, August, and September.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

 

Ogdoconta altura

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Similar Species

Ogdoconta sexta