Sympistis shirleyae Troubridge, 2008

Troubridge, J. T., 2008, A generic realignment of the Oncocnemidini sensu Hodges (1983) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Oncocnemidinae), with description of a new genus and 50 new species, Zootaxa 1903 (1), pp. 1-95 : 49

Sympistis shirleyae Troubridge sp. n.

(Figs. G-20, O-2)

Diagnosis. In S. shirleyae , the tip of the valve has a terminal spine as in other members of the S. dayi Grote group but the ampulla of the clasper is swollen at the base with an apical spine. In other members of the S. dayi group the ampulla of the clasper is spine-like, not swollen at the base and arises much closer to the apex of the valve. Externally it cannot be confused with any other member of the group. The mix of white and black scales on the forewing give it a dark blue gray appearance. The orbicular and reniform spots are filled with reddish scales the area distal and adjacent to the reniform spot is not filled with white scales and the basal area of the hindwing is not darker than the median area. In addition the vesica of S. shirleyae bends downward, not upward in the other species of the S. dayi group.

Description. Head with a mix of black and white scales with narrow black band between eyes. Antennae filiform. Eye orbicular. Dorsal surface of thorax with a mix of white scales and black scales with white tips and an antero-dorsal tuft of brown scales. Thoracic collar black basally followed by bands of white, brown, black, and white. Foretibia with single stout black seta. Forewing length 14 mm. Dorsal forewing basal area a mix of black and white scales; thin, brown basal dash edged with black scales. Rust brown reniform, orbicular, and claviform spots edged with white and then black scales; white antemedial line irregular edged distally with black scales. Postmedial line white edged basally with black scales. Subterminal band of deep white chevrons between veins with base of chevrons meeting outer margin on veins. Fringe with three rows of white tipped black scales checkered with whitish scales at tips of veins. Dorsal hindwing basal area light grayish brown with black scales on veins; marginal band black; fringe with two rows of scales: basal row black with white at base outer row white. Male genitalia. (Fig. O-2) Valve tapers distally with terminal spine. Ampulla of clasper swollen basally with terminal spine; vesica curves downward with a dense patch of prostrate spinelike cornuti running along right side and a less dense patch of spine-like cornuti running along left side. A third cluster of spine-like cornuti occurs ventrally below the apex and a short apical spine is present. Female genitalia unknown.

Type material. Holotype male: California. Plumas Co., Jackson Creek , 39° 50'N, 120° 39' W, 5400' 28 viii 2000, J. Troubridge, in the CNC . Paratype: 1♂: same data as holotype .

Etymology. This species is named in honor of the late Shirley R. Troubridge.

Distribution. This species is known from the northern Sierra Nevada in California and the Siskiyou Mts. of southwestern Oregon.