Pollex hamus, Fibiger, 2007

Fibiger, Michael, 2007, Revision of the Micronoctuidae (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea). Part 1, Taxonomy of the Pollexinae, Zootaxa 1567 (1), pp. 1-116 : 67

The hamus species-group

The hamus species-group comprises 1 species. It is characterised by the following 5 character states:

- inner margin of hindwing transformed into cylindrical pockets for pheromones;

- fultura superior dorsally with two symmetrical processes directed ventrally; apices of processes blunt and free from diaphragm;

- ampulla and digitus partly to completely fused;

- pollex broadest basally; and

- phallus with a small, gently curved cornutus.

The pockets in the hindwing probably serves in gland production or scent deposit. It releases a male pheromone, which is the ‘answering mecanism’ to the female before mating. This structure has transformed the characteristic invagination by the termen and is indicated by the unequally long parts of the hindwing. Other than Pollex hamus , this feature is not seen elsewhere in the genus. This pheromone repository is probably connected with the scent-brushes on the hindlegs of the male.