Longarista, Volynkin, 2019

Volynkin, Anton V., Huang, Si-Yao & Ivanova, Maria S., 2019, An overview of genera and subgenera of the Asura / Miltochrista generic complex (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae). Part 1. Barsine Walker, 1854 sensu lato, Asura Walker, 1854 and related genera, with descriptions of twenty new genera, ten new subgenera and a check list of taxa of the Asura / Miltochrista generic complex, Ecologica Montenegrina 26, pp. 14-92 : 54

Genus Longarista Volynkin, 2019

( Figs 76, 77 , 143 , 198 )

Longarista Volynkin, 2019, Ecologica Montenegrina 20: 98 (Type species: Miltochrista longaria Daniel, 1951 , by original designation).

Diagnosis. Small moths with orange or red colouration and blackish pattern. Species of the genus resemble superficially some species of Ammatho and females of Fossia . Antennae of both sexes are ciliate. The autapomorphic feature of Longarista male genitalia is the unique structure of its juxta, which is swollen, heavily sclerotised and densely covered with small denticles, whereas other members of the generic complex have flattened juxta, only Ammatho (Idopterum) has lateral swollen dentate lobes, and Fossia has the juxta with serrulate apical processes. In addition, the male genitalia of Longarista are characterised by the combination of such features as (1) the absence of a medial costal process; (2) the absence of a distal membranous lobe of valva; (3) the prominent and heavily sclerotised distal costal and saccular processes; and (4) the aedeagus vesica having several diverticula armed with clusters of small but stout trigonal cornuti. The female genitalia of Longarista are characterized by the presence of a swollen postvaginal plate, which is absent or flattened in other genera of the Asura / Miltochrista generic complex.

Distribution. Southern China and northern Indochina.

Number of species. The genus comprises two valid species reviewed by Volynkin (2019a).

Figures

Figures 64–81. Type species of genera and subgenera of the Asura / Miltochrista generic complex: adults. Depositories of specimens: 64, 65 – CAV; 66, 68, 69, 78–81 – NHMUK; 67, 73, 75 – CKC; 70, 74, 76 – MWM/ZSM; 71, 72, 77 – ZMB.

Figures 140–143. Type species of genera and subgenera of the Asura / Miltochrista generic complex: male genitalia.

Figures 198–204. Type species of genera of the Asura / Miltochrista generic complex: female genitalia.