Goniographa

Goniographa is a genus of noctuid moths (family Noctuidae). They belong to the tribe Xestiini of the typical noctuid subfamily Noctuinae, though some do not separate this tribe and include the genus in the Noctuini.

Goniographa
Goniographa marcida imago
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Lepidoptera
Division:
Ditrysia
Section:
Cossina
Family:
Noctuidae
Subfamily:
Noctuinae
Tribe:
Xestiini (disputed)
Genus:
Goniographa

Varga & Ronkay, 2002
Type species
Agrotis decussa
Staudinger, 1897
Diversity
8 species, possibly more

This genus was only established in 2002, when a group of species was newly described and discovered to be relatives of some long-known species traditionally placed in Eugraphe.[1]

Description

These moths have the usual noctuine shape, with a rather hairy and plump body. Their wingspan is about 30–35 mm, with a forewing length of about 15 mm or somewhat less. In color and pattern, they are quite similar to other Xestiini: their buff forewings typically have a dark brownish submarginal band and sprinkles, in particular two larger and angular dots in the cell are almost invariably present. The hindwings are creamy white or light buff, shading to a darker buffy hue towards the submargin, with the thin marginal band abruptly lighter again.[1]

As was commented upon in the mid-20th century already, the genitalia of Goniographa resemble those of other Xestiini, most notably Eugnorisma, more than they resemble the true Eugraphe (E. sigma and any close allies it might have). The female genitalia are generally similar to Eugnorisma and Protognorisma in their strongly sclerotized (hardened) bursal apparatus. While differing in some details it is roughly intermediate between the plump and more robust of the former and the slender and more delicate of the latter. The male genitalia are more characteristic; especially the valval tip with its three pointed projections is conspicuous (though at least in this general form found in other genera too). Furthermore, the unornamented vesica penis points dorsally and bears an evertible toothed bar. This combination of characters is unique, as far is hitherto known.[1]

Species

The 8 hitherto known species fall into 3 groups:[1]

decussa-group

funkei-group

marcida-group

Some other members of Eugraphe sensu lato, e.g. "E." versuta, are also probably not assigned to the correct genus. Whether they belong here is not yet determined.[1]

Footnotes
  1. Varga & Ronkay (2002)
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References
  • Varga, Z. & Ronkay, L. (2003): A revision of the Palaearctic species of the Eugraphe Hübner, [1821] 1816 generic complex. Part I. The genera Eugraphe and Goniographa (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 48(4): 333–374. PDF fulltext
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