Hemioslaria pima Barnes and Benjamin

Hemioslaria pima Barnes and Benjamin, 1924, Contr. Nat. Hist. Lepid. N. Am., 5(3):167.

Diagnosis: Hemioslaria pima is a pretty and easily recognized species from southeastern Arizona. The forewing is ovate and almost entirely glossy white. The only maculation cosists of fine black lines along the costa and inner margin marking the antemedial, postmedial, and basal lines. The hindwing is dull, dark gray. The species superficially resembles a gigantic verision of some of the species in the genus Grotella. Superficial appearance, the two large claws on the first prothoracic tarsal segment, the long irregularly spaced hair-like setae on the prothoracic tarsal segments, and the round frontal process with its central ridge will readily separate Hemioslaria pima from any other noctuid in North America. Wing length from base to apex: mean = 17.22 mm., standard deviation = 0.37 mm., n = 7.

Distribution: Hemioslaria pima has been collected only in the Santa Rita and Baboquivari Mountains of southern Arizona.

Adults have been collected in August and September.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

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