Plagiomimicus olvello (Barnes)

Stibadium olvello Barnes, 1907, Canad. Ent., 39:94.

Diagnosis: This species is one of the most distinctive noctuids in North America. The forewing is medium tan in color. The claviform mark is represent by a huge round silver-white spot. The reniform mark is a silver-white lunule with its points directed toward the costa. All other maculation is absent except for a vague, dull white postmedial line. The frontal process is round and its lower margin is slightly concave. The central prominence is represented by a small vague knob. The male clasper is a double structure. The distal part is large and slightly curved distally. The basal process is small and represented by a small knob. The uncus is 4 to 5 ? as long as wide and not swollen medially. The vesica is unremarkable for the subfamily. The ovipositor lobes of the female genitalia are highly sclerotized with long, pointed apices projecting from wide bases. The ovipositor neck is short and heavily covered with hair like spicules. The spicules are not arranged in clear cut rows. The appendix bursae is large relative to the spumosum group and not convoluted into sclerotized wrinkles as in that species complex. This species does not appear to have any obivous close relatives. Wing length from base to apex: mean = 14.40 mm., standard deviation = 0.53 mm., n = 10.

Distribution: Plagiomimicus ovello occurs in Cochise County in southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and southwestern Texas. The species undoubtedly also occurs in the corresponding regions of northern Mexico, but no specimens have been seen. There is no obvious variation in the species.

Adults have been collected in September and October.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

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