Protorthodes antennata (Barnes & McDunnough, 1912)

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 : 156

Taxon classification Animalia Lepidoptera Noctuidae

Protorthodes antennata (Barnes & McDunnough, 1912) Figs 44, 45, 69, 86. Map 13

Eriopyga antennata Barnes & McDunnough, 1912a: 21.

Type material.

Syntypes 4 ♂, 3 ♀, USNM, examined. Type locality: Arizona, Redington.

Diagnosis.

Males of Protorthodes antennata can easily be identified by the very long pectinations of the antennae, which gives them a feathery appearance. The other diagnostic feature, which applies to females as well, is the form of the reniform spot. In Protorthodes antennata the reniform spot is not outlined like in other species of Protorthodes ; there is a series of tiny white dots that partially define the reniform spot, and a series of tiny yellow dots that form a partial outer border of the spot. Forewing length varies from 10 to 14 mm with females tending to be larger than males. The male genitalia are characterized by the short, broad, apically-truncated digitus, and the very narrow, posteriorly tapered juxta. The apex of the aedeagus has a double field of flattened scale-like sclerites that create a lizard-skin appearance. In the female genitalia, the ductus bursae is inflated mesially and covered with minute sclerotized spicules; the ductus is mainly membranous except for a narrow sclerotized “collar” at the posterior end.

Distribution and biology.

Protorthodes antennata is rarely collected but can occasionally be locally common. It has a small distribution extending from central Arizona to northernmost Mexico. Adults seem to have an abbreviated flight period between mid-May and mid-June, and in October. The immature stages are unknown.