Paramiana smaragdina (Neumoegen)

Hadena smaragdina Neumoegen, 1883, Papilio,   3: 140.

Diagnosis: Paramiana smaragdina is very closely related to new species 2. The characters that can be used to separate the two species are given in the discussion of new species 2. On the whole smaragdina is a "rounder" species with more distinct maculation and a generally cleaner appearance. The forewing is rich, chocolate brown with patches of green iridescence. The basal area is heavily flecked with green scales. The claviform mark is a oval defined by a black line. A patch of black scales is present along the postmedial line opposite the claviform mark. The orbicular and reniform marks are both filled with green scales. The medial area (except for the orbicular and reniform marks) is not flecked with green scales in constrast to the portions of wing before the antemedial line and following the postmedial line. The postmedial line is double, vague, the line broken up into vague sections by the forewing veins. The subterminal line is a vague concentration of green scales. The hindwing is gray-brown without any significant markings. Wing length: mean = 12.73 mm, standard deviation = 0.46 mm, n = 10.

Adults have been collected in August and September.

Distribution: This species is known from southeastern Arizona westward to the Baboquivari Mountains in Pima County. The species has also been collected in the Chisos Mountains of the Big Bend region of western Texas. There is some variation in size. There is also variation in the extent of the green scaling, although the distinctness of the green patches is strongly affected by the freshness of the specimen.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

Similar Species

Paramiana new species 2