Abantis, Hopffer, 1885

Cock, Matthew J. W. & Congdon, T. Colin E., 2011, Observations on the biology of Afro-tropical Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera) principally from Kenya. Part 2. Pyrginae: Tagiadini 2893, Zootaxa 2893 (1), pp. 1-66 : 31

The Abantis group

We introduce this term, which has no taxonomic status, to recognise the similarity of the three genera Caprona , Netrobalane and Abantis . Given the similarities of the adults, we assume that the biology of Leucochitonea will prove to be similar and include it in this group. As we describe below, the biology of the group is distinguished by the covering of long linear scales (resembling ribbons or straps) on the ova, unusual hairs on the body and head of caterpillars, white pupae with dark markings and a strong frontal process. The genitalia of all four genera are peculiar in that the clasps are asymmetric. As far as we are aware, no other genera of African or Asian Tagiadini present exactly this combination of characters, particularly with regard to the use of long linear scales rather than hairs or hair-like scales to cover the ova. The affinities and allied species will be discussed below.