ARS | Publication request: A review of five species, and descriptions of three new species, in the genus Ogdoconta Butler (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Condicinae, Condicini) from North America north of Mexcio

Submitted to: ZooKeys
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 19, 2012
Publication Date: February 6, 2013
Citation: Metzler, E.H., E.C. Knudson, R.W. Pool, J.D. Lafontaine and M.G. Pogue 2013. A review of the genus Ogdoconta Butler (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Condicinae, Condicini) from North America north of Mexcio with descriptions of three new species. ZooKeys 264:165-191.

Interpretive Summary: The Owlet moths represents the largest family of moths, contains more agriculturally important species than any other family of moths, and causes billions of dollars annually to agricultural commodities worldwide. In order to document the diversity of owlet moths in North America and to be able to identify potential invasive species entering the United States, either by man or naturally, it is important to describe new species in this agriculturally important group. This report describes three new species from Arizona, New Mexico, and the Gulf coast states that have been confused with named species from these areas. Species were also examined that occur in Mexico to insure that these species did not represent new invasive species. All North American species in this group are diagnosed and a key is given in order to correctly identify them. One species is described from Carlsbad Caverns National Park and will be important to the park’s overall management program. This information will be useful to all entomological researchers, national park management staff, and researchers in North American Natural History Museums.

Technical Abstract: The species of the genus Ogdoconta Butler, 1891 (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Condicinae, Condicini) from North America north of Mexico are reviewed, and a description of the genus is given. Ogdoconta satana Metzler, Knudson, & Poole, new species, is described from New Mexico and Texas, Ogdoconta rufipenna Metzler, Knudson, & Poole, new species, is described from Arizona, and Ogdoconta fergusoni Metzler, new species, is described from Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana. A key to the species of Ogdoconta of North America north of Mexico is provided. Adult moths and male and female genitalia of Ogdoconta satana, O. rufipenna, O. fergusoni, O. cinereola (Guenée, 1852), O. moreno Barnes, 1907, O. sexta Barnes and McDunnough, 1913, O. altura Barnes, 1904, and O. tacna (Barnes, 1904) are illustrated.