REDESCRIPTION OF BETHULIA CHAMPIONELLA RAGONOT (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE: PHYCTINAE)

Authors: NUNZIG, H - NC STATE UNIVERSITY; Solis, M Alma

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/30/2006
Publication Date: 3/28/2006
Citation: Nunzig, H.H., Solis, M.A. 2006. Redescription of Bethulia Championella Ragonot (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Phyctinae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 108:(2)285-288.

Interpretive Summary: Insects attacking stored products cause millions of dollars in losses each year. A species closely related to the Indian Meal Moth, one of the most frequently intercepted stored product pests at U.S. ports, was originally described from a single female specimen from Guatemala. We describe the previously unknown male, and give data for a broader distribution from Arizona, U.S.A, south to Ecuador based on newly discovered specimens. Illustrations and photographs are provided so the species can be readily identified by researchers. This information will be useful to scientists, and action agency identifiers and regulatory personnel at ports.

Technical Abstract: Based on a single female specimen, Ragonot (1888) described the genus Bethulia and its included species championella. Recently, additional specimens of both sexes have been collected, chiefly in the Neotropics. Using this new material, the genus and species are redescribed.