Thera variata (Denis et Schiffermüller), Denis et Schiffermuller

Schmidt, Olga, 2014, Comparison of the structure and musculature of male terminalia in the tribe Cidariini Duponchel (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae) once again throws into doubt a sister relationship with the Xanthorhoini, Zootaxa 3856 (3), pp. 399-418 : 411

Thera variata (Denis et Schiffermüller)

( Figs 21–22 )

The valvae are large, narrowed medially, with the costa valvae very broad, weakly sclerotized and apically roundly projected, with a medial rounded projection, and a broad sclerotized sacculus, and with the ventral margin bearing a long claw-like medial process. The broad muscles m5(7) run along the proximal valval half, as in Pennithera firmata . The muscles m1 are powerful, large for the tribe and run broadly from the anterior margin of the tegumen to the base of the uncus. The transtilla is laterally attached to the basal elongated projections of the costa valvae. The muscles m4 extend from the vinculum to the rounded lateral curves of the transtilla, whereas the muscles m3(2) are inserted on the transtilla dorsad of the m4 and run to the lateral corners of the anterior margin of the tegumen. The muscles m2(10) are attached on the tegumen close to the muscles m3(2) and run parallel to the very weakly sclerotized subscaphium towards the distal part of the anal tube. The location of the muscles m8(3) is like in most cidariine moths, they connect the posterior margin of the saccus to the posterior part of the juxta. The aedeagus is broad apically, with a ring of stout cornuti. The muscles m6(5) extend from the distal area of the vinculum to the short basal process of the aedeagus. The muscles m7(6) run from the anterior margin of the saccus to the distal portion of the aedeagus.

Figures

FIGURES 21 – 22. Thera variata, male genitalia and muscles: 21. Armature (subscaphium, muscles m 4 on the left side and muscles m 5 (7) on the right side not shown). 22. Aedeagus.