Taxonomic Studies on Three Species of Genus Asota Hübner (Erebidae: Lepidoptera) from Himachal Pradesh, India

Author: P.C. Pathania, Amit Katewa and Rachita Sood

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Abstract

The present study has been undertaken from 04 districts i.e., Kangra, Mandi, Bilaspur and Hamirpur of state Himachal Pradesh. In all, 03 species i.e., Asota ficus (Fabricius), A. caricae Fabricius and A. plaginota Butler of genus Asota Hübner have been collected and taxonomically studied. The details on their distribution, diagnosis, adult description and their male and female genitalia have been given. The coloured photographs of adult moths, labial palpi, legs, wings and genitalia have also been given in the form of plates. The dichotomous key for these species is also provided.

Keywords

Asota ficus (Fabricius), A. caricae Fabricius, A. plaginota Butler, Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Punjab

Conclusion

The surveys from 05 different localities of 04 districts Himachal Pradesh led to the collection of 47 examples (25 males and 22 females) of 03 species i.e., Asota ficus (Fabricius), A. caricae Fabricius and A. plaginota Butler of genus Asota Hübner have been identified. The species A. ficus is more in abundance and A. caricae is less represented in the areas. All the species are congeneric to the genus Asota Huber showing that male genitalia valve are simple and elongated, somewhat expanded apically with a single harpe at the end of sacculus. Aedeagus is short, broad, the vesica large, bearing a small group of cornuti or a single cornutus. The coremata are usually small and well developed and female genitalia in which the ductus bursae is poorely sclerotised towards base and also forewings with closed discal cell is about half the length and aerole is also present.

References

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How to cite this article

P.C. Pathania, Amit Katewa and Rachita Sood (2023). Taxonomic Studies on Three Species of Genus Asota Hübner (Erebidae: Lepidoptera) from Himachal Pradesh, India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(2): 1097-1100.