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Submitted to: Zootaxa
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/9/2017 Publication Date: 6/15/2017 Citation: Goldstein, P.Z. 2017. Review of the enigmatic genus Boalda with transfer of pulcherrima Köhler from Nephelistis and description of a new species. Zootaxa. 4276(1):139-144. Interpretive Summary: Moths in the family Noctuidae are the most economically impactful of any Lepidopteran group, and one of the least well known. Three species, two newly described and one formerly placed in another genus, are placed in Boalda, a genus formerly occupied only by a single species, gyona. This genus has been enigmatic for over 50 years, and its taxonomic relationships unknown. Based on comparative examination, it may be relevant to ongoing studies of owlet moths that feed on ferns, which is important because of the defensive chemistry involved and because of the introduction of fern-feeding invasive species. Provisional data suggest possible affinities to one of two subfamilies that includes high concentrations of fern-feeders, several currently being explored for purposes of bio-control of invasive plants. Technical Abstract: The enigmatic monobasic genus Boalda Schaus is revised to include Boalda pulcherrima (Köhler) NEW COMBINATION and Boalda poguei NEW SPECIES in addition to the type Boalda gyona Schaus. The habitus and male genitalia of all three species are figured, as are the female genitalia of B. poguei. Independent suggestions by Todd and Köhler to the effect that gyona and pulcherrima be classified as Hadeninae are discussed in light of recent nomenclatural and taxonomic flux within noctuid subfamilies. |
