Protorthodes orobia (Harvey, 1876)

Lafontaine, J. Donald, Walsh, J. Bruce & Ferris, Clifford D., 2014, A revision of the genus Protorthodes McDunnough with descriptions of a new genus and four new species (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Noctuinae, Eriopygini), ZooKeys 421, pp. 139-179 : 148

Taxon classification Animalia Lepidoptera Noctuidae

Protorthodes orobia (Harvey, 1876) Fig. 24, 61, 79; Map 7

Mamestra orobia Harvey, 1876: 154.

Type material.

Mamestra orobia : syntype ♂, BMNH, examined. Type locality: Texas.

Diagnosis.

Protorthodes orobia is closely related to Protorthodes oviduca , but can be recognized by the gray-brown color of the forewing with a dusting of white scales that gives the wing a hoary appearance; the maculation is defined by thin white lines with the transverse lines represented on the costa by seven wider white spots that immediately separate this species from Protorthodes oviduca . Unlike Protorthodes oviduca , the reniform and orbicular spots of Protorthodes orobia are concolorous with the rest of the forewing, being defined only by the white outline. The white subterminal line of Protorthodes orobia is white and contrasting, not yellow buff with red shading on its inner margin as in Protorthodes oviduca . Structurally, the two species differ by the characters of the vesica given in the key.

Distribution and biology.

Protorthodes orobia is known only from eastern Texas with most records being on the Gulf Coast. All adults were collected in October. The immature stages are unknown.