Eur. J. Entomol. 94 (4): 503-510, 1997
The unusual male brush apparatus of Hypopteridia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
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The male scent organs of Hypopteridia reversa (Moore) are described and compared with other androconial organs occurring in the Mythimnini. Abdominal segments A1-A4 possess an organ composed of a pair of little brushes that are linked to the ends of levers which branch off the posterior margin of sternum A2 and a pair of large pleural hair tufts. In the resting position, the tufts are contained in a complex ventral pouch that consists of a base covered by lateral flaps, the latter of which were created by extensive modifications of segments A3-A4. This configuration has no correspondence in other Noctuidae so far examined and is considered autapomorphic to Hypopteridia. Another large posterior abdominal brush is also present on sternum A8. Phylogenetic value of the profound deviations from the groundplan of the abdominal brush organ morphology of trifine Noctuidae is emphasized.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Mythimna-Leucania complex, androconial organs, male scent organs, trifine brush organs
Accepted: November 21, 1996; Published: October 1, 1997 Show citation
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