Noctuidae - Psaphidinae - Azeniini
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Azenia edentata Grote 1883
Diagnosis: Azenia edentata is a polymorphic species
although the polymorphism is incomplete in the sense that a variable set
or intergrades exist between the basic color forms. Three basic color
forms exist. The forewing is a light dull yellow in the typical form (as
represented by the type of edentata). The forewing maculation is usually
weak, sometimes nearly absent, in this light yellow form, two small brown
spots on the costa and inner margin on the medial line. The second form
is dark, suffused with light brown. The maculation in this form is much
more distinct with the two patches mentioned above and a third on the
costa at the postmedial line. Small dots represent the antemedial and
postmedial lines. This second form is responsible for the names procida
and nepotica. The amount of tan suffusion in the forewing of this second
form is variable ranging from almost none to specimens approaching the
third and final form. The forewing of the third form is totally suffused
with brown, the brown submerging any forewing pattern there may be. This
form was christened with the name umbria. Individuals from any part of
the range of edentata can generally be assigned to one of these three
basic forms, although the polymorphism is not perfect and many integrades
exist. The polymorphism does not appear to be sex linked in any way. Adults have been collected in August in southern Arizona. Distribution: In the United States Azenia edentata has been collected in southern Arizona and very recently in western Texas. The species has an extensive distribution in Mexico and parts of Central America ranging as far south as Costa Rica. The range may be even more extensive than that. Three specimens in the USNM from the state of Lara in northern Venezuela represent either a local population or sister species of edentata. More material from this region is needed to determine its relationship to edentata, however. From the limited Mexican and Central American material present, I have not been able to determine if the degree of polymorphism is geographically linked in Mexico and Central America from the limited material available. All individuals in a small series from Costa Rica, however, are light yellow with distinct maculation, a deviation from the situation found in Mexico and southern Arizona. Identification Quality: Excellent Larva: Unknown Foodplants: Unknown |
Azenia edentata The male and female genitalia of edentata are similar to those of obtusa. The base of the male clasper is closer to the saccular margin than in obtusa. The midpoint of the sacculus in edentata bears a setose lobe that is mostly absent in obtusa. The female bursa in edentata is about one third shorter than in obtusa. |
Similar Species
Azenia obtusa |