Noctuidae - Acontiinae






Ponometia new species 1

Diagnosis: Ponometia new species 1 is weakly sexually dimorphic. The male is easily identified. The basal half of the forewing to the postmedial line is pure white with a most a highly diffused scattering of light scales at the base and a small brown dot on the costa in the location of the antemedial line. The postmedial line is strong accentedly with black on its inner side and with a triangular projection reaching the inner side of the reniform. The reniform is ovate and distinct, filled with light gray. A subterminal line is present as a vague yellow-green line stretching from the apex to the inner margin. The terminal line is a regular line of dark brown dashes. The fringe is white, but with brown patches; one about one-fourth the distance from the forewing apex and the other near the inner angle. The dark patches in the fringe give the male a slightly falcate appearance even though the outer margin is evenly curved. The female is similar to the male, but not as distinctly marked. In particular the postmedial line is not as distinctly edged with black and the subterminal line is white, not yellow-green. Wing expanse from base to apex in one selected individual 11 mm.

Distribution: (Based only on material in the USNM). This undescribed species is known only from southern California.

Identification Quality: Good

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

Distribution map based on specimens in the USNM


Ponometia new species 1

Ponometia new species 1 is most likely to be confused with Ponometia actus. The male of the new species 1 is easily separated because of its much more distinct markings. The general appearance of new species 1 is broader relative to the elongate, pointed appearance of acutus. The female of new species 1 is less distinctly marked than the male, but the maculation is still more marked than that of acutus. The hindwing of the female is pure white except along the outer margin. The male aedoeagus has two major spines in new species 1. Only one major spine is present in acutus.

Ponometia altera is easily identified by the double, black postmedial line filled with dull yellow-green.

Similar Species

Ponometia acutus

Ponometia altera