Rhotana Walker, 1857

Zelazny, B. & Webb, M. D., 2011, 3071, Zootaxa 3071, pp. 1-307 : 66-67

Genus Rhotana Walker

Rhotana Walker, 1857: 160 . Type species: Rhotana latipennis Walker, 1857 , by monotypy.

Genestia Stål, 1858: 450 . Type species: Genestia vitriceps Stål, 1858 , by monotypy, synonymised by Stål, 1858: 450.

Decora Bierman, 1910: 19 . Type species: Decora pavo Bierman, 1910 , by monotypy, synonymised by Zelazny, 1981: 264.

Diagnosis. In the genus Rhotana Walker the forewing venation is similar to that of the genera Levu Kirkaldy , Rhotanella Fennah , and Dichotropis Kirkaldy. The genus can be recognized by the combination of the following characters:

1. Forewings broad and unpowdered or with only small powdered patches.

2. Forewings with 5 narrow costal cells.

3. Fore- and/or hindwings often with elaborate colour patterns.

4. Male pygofer often with prominent, pointed, lateral projections.

As far as live specimens have been observed, the forewings are mostly carried in a common plane (8 species seen) and are then often raised, see figures 4, and 28-32. However, in at least one species ( Figs. 33 and 34) the forewings are carried in a tectiform position. The differences to Levu are in particular the larger size, the elaborate markings on fore- and hindwings, prominent projections on the male pygofer, and/or facial carinae which are separated or just touching in front of the eyes. In comparison to Rhotanella the first costal cell of the forewings is narrow and in comparison to Dichotropis the male genital styles lack a finger-like process arising from its base and bearing terminal bristles (however some species of Rhotana have a needle-like process).

Gender. Walker did not explain the origin of the name Rhotana and we are unaware of any Latin or Greek word that this name could have been derived. Therefore, we consider Rhotana to be feminine, following article 30.2.4 of the Code.

Note. Already in the original description of Genestia Stål synonymises this genus with Rhotana Walker. A possible explanation is that Stål's publication appeared shortly after Walker's and the synonymy could have been a last minute addition.

Distribution. The genus is widely distributed in southern Asia, Australia and the Pacific (see Fig. 120 and Table 6), but many species have been only rarely collected.

Grouping and keys. In the following, we provide keys and descriptions for the species of 6 species groups. Finally we include 10 keys for identifying the species which occur in different countries and regions.