Phylogenetic analysis and systematics of the Acrapex unicolora Hampson species complex (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Apameini),
With the description of five new species from the Afrotropics
Abstract
Acrapex is a genus of noctuid stemborers (commonly known as owlet moths, cutworms or armyworms). The categorisation of these insects is constantly changing.
The study reviews 10 morphologically similar species of Acrapex Hampson, 1891 (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Noctuinae, Apameini). The researchers visually sampled damaged grasses over ten years (2004–2014) in 7 countries of eastern and southern Africa for larval stages, which they reared to adult stage, and also collected adult insects in light traps.
The study shows that the 10 species make up a morphologically similar group, which contradicts the statement made by Tams & Bowden (1953) that the genus Poecopa is isolated. The study also reports on 5 Acrapex species that are new to science.
This work is an output of the ‘Noctuid Stem Borer Biodiversity’ project, It was partly funded by the UK Department for International Development, a core donor of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology.
Citation
Le Ru B., Capdevielle-Dulac C., Musyoka B. K., Pallangyo B., Njaku M., Mubenga O., Chipabika G., Ndemah R., Bani G., Molo R., Ong’amo G. and Kergoat G.L. (2017) Phylogenetic analysis and systematics of the Acrapex unicolora Hampson species complex (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Apameini), with the description of five new species from the Afrotropics. European Journal of Taxonomy 270, 1–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2017.5270.