Noctuidae - Condicinae - Condicini

 

 

 

Ogdoconta new species 1

Diagnosis: Ogdoconta new species 1 is an easily recognized species within the genus Ogdoconta. The forewing is completely suffused with a dark ash-black. Most of the maculation is obscure, however both the orbicular spot and the reniform spot are present as distinct light spots. The orbicular spot is small and round and the reniform spot mostly consists of a light patch in the upper half of the reniform spot. The basal and antemedial lines are absent as is the claviform spot. The postmedial line is present, but weak and consists of a series of dull white dentations, the teeth pointing toward the base of the wing. There are no markings between the postmedial line and the outer margin of the wing. The hindwing is dull white, heavily suffused with gray-black. The thorax and abdomen are of the same ash-black color as the forewing. This species might be confused with the female of Fotella notalis with which it occurs in western Texas. However the female of Fotella notalis in this area has lighter patches of scales in the terminal region of the forewing and is almost never totally suffused with ash-black.

The male genitalia of Ogdoconta new species 1 are very close to those of the other species of the altura species group. The cucullar region of the valve is ovate-capitate. The clasper is absent. The vesica of the aedoeagus is elongate with a slightly bulbous base rapidly narrowing outwardly. There are not spines or other ornamentation of the vesica except for the usual minute denticules found in this species group. The female genitalia are likewise near identical to those of the other members of the altura group. The ostium is about twice as wide as long and there is a rectangular sclerotized plate in it. The ductus bursae narrows rapidly from the ostium to the middle of the ductus, and then widens again before it enters the bursae. The corpus bursae is globular, slightly narrower before the junction of the ductus bursae. The appendix bursae is coiled and large. There is no clear differentiation between the appendix bursae and the ductus seminalis.

Distribution: This species is known almost exlusively from Culberson County in Western Texas. There is a single specimen from Shafter in Presidio County. There is little or no variation in this species.

Adults have been collected in July and September.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

 

Ogdoconta new species 1

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