User:Shield toad/Allophyes corsica

Allophyes corsica is a moth from the Noctuidae family found in the northern Pyrenees, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and Southern Italy.

Characteristics
The moths have a wingspan of 40-50 millimeters, and are similar in appearance to the Green-brindled Crescent (Allophyes oxyacanthae). However, the white mark on the tornus (posterior corner) of Allophyes corsica's wing is more curved and distinct. Additionally, the hind wings are darker and browner in coloration, and the antemedian line is weaker. The genitals of both sexes also differ between the two species.

The subspecies ''A corsica. parenzani'' is paler. The genitals of males from the subgroup differ slightly from Allophyes corsica, while the genitals of females from the two species are nearly indistinguishable.

Similar Species

 * Green-brindled Crescent (Allophyes oxyacanthae) (LINNAEUS, 1758) Europe
 * Allophyes alfaroi AGENJO, 1951, Iberian Peninsula and Pyrenees
 * Allophyes cretica PINKER AND REISSER, 1978, Crete

Geographical Distribution and Habitat
Allophyes Corsica prefers warm and dry habitats such as lightly forested regions, karst oak forests, and shrub-covered areas ranging from the lowlands to hilly regions and the lower parts of mountain ranges. The moths are very common in some areas, and depending on the region, migrate as a generation from the middle of October to the end of December. Not much is known about the earlier stages of the moth's life cycle. It is likely that it resembles that of the Green-brindled Crescent. The moths can be lured in great numbers by light sources and sugary baits.

A. corsica can be found in the northern Pyrenees, Corsica, and Sardinia. A. corsica parenzani ranges from Southern Italy through Sicily.

Taxonomy
Allophyes corsica was first described as Allophyes oxycanthae var. corsica by Arnold Spuler in 1905. The subspecies parenzani was first described as Allophyes parenzani by Edmond de Laever in 1976. Allophyes corsica is the sister species of the Green-bristled Crescent (Allophyes oxyacanthae) within the Allophyes genus. It is not clear if hybrids of Allophyes corsica and Allophyes alfaroi exist in the Pyrenees.

Synonyms

 * A. protai BOURSIN, 1967
 * A. dujardini BOURSIN, 1968

Literature

 * Lázló Ronkay, José Luis Yela & Márton Hreblay: Hadeninae II. In: Michael Fibiger, Martin Honey (Hrsg.): Noctuidae Europaeae. Band 5. Entomological Press, Sorø 2001, ISBN 87-89430-06-9 (english). S. 274

Weblinks

 * |Allophyes corsica from Fauna Europaea. Visited on October 24, 2014.
 * Lepiforum