Paramiana new species 3

Diagnosis: Paramiana new species 3 is the most distinctive species of the smaragdina species group. The forewing is light to medium brown in contrast to the gray or black tints of the other species. There are no patches or reflections of metallic green. The forewing basal and subterminal areas are distinctly lighter than the median area. The basal line is represented by a black line on the costa and is edged on its outer side by a light band. The basal area is slightly darker on the costa. The antemedial line is dark brown and has three large scallops projecting into the medial area. The inner side of the antemedial line is accented with a light brown band, although this band may not be visible against the light brown of the basal area. The claviform mark is indistinct and consists of a dark brown, ovate line. The orbicular mark is a small round circle, lightly colored in its interior, and contrasting against the dark brown of the median area. The renifrom mark is a larger oval, also light colored in its interior and contrasting with the median area. A vague interior gray oval is present, but may be indistinct. The medial line is absent. A vague dark brown patch is present on the interior side of the postmedial line opposite the claviform mark. The postmedial line is indicated primarily by the contrast between the dark median area and the lighter subterminal region. The postmedial line curves inward below the reniform mark and than proceeds in nearly a straight line to the inner margin. A series of black accented indentations interrupt the postmedial line on the veins. The subterminal area is light brown and contrasts with the darker median area. The subterminal line is very vague but when apparent consists of an irregular, slightly lighter brown line. The terminal region of the wing is slightly darker in color than the subterminal area. The hindwing is suffused with brown with vague indications of a postmedial line and discal dot. The male genitalia are typical of the group. The clasper is well developed and near reaches the costa of the valve. The vesica of the single known male has not been everted but appears to share the basic features of the vesica of the species in the smaragdina species group. The female genitalia are unremarkable and virtually indistinguishable from those of smaragdina. Wing length: mean = 12.23 mm, standard deviation = 0.40 mm, n = 4.

Adults have been collected in August and September.

Distribution: This species is known from Cochise and Pima Counties in southern Arizona. The four known specimens are all old and the species has apparently not been collected recently. Too little material exists to comment on variability.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

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