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ZOOTAXA
ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition)
ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition)
Accepted by R. Zahiri: 6 Jul. 2022; published: 22 Jul. 2022 319
Zootaxa 5168 (3): 319–331
https://www.mapress.com/zt/
Copyright © 2022 Magnolia Press Article
https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5168.3.4
http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FFA6DC3B-0BF7-4842-900A-030B0B6675D9
Three new species of Miltochrista Hübner from India, Myanmar, Nepal and China
(Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini)
ANTON V. VOLYNKIN1*, NAVNEET SINGH2*, KAREL ČERNÝ3,
JAGBIR SINGH KIRTI4 & HARVINDER SINGH DATTA5
1Altai State University, Lenina Avenue, 61, RF-656049, Barnaul, Russia.
�
monstruncusarctia@gmail.com; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9447-4925
2Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India.
�
nsgill007@gmail.com; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6657-7983
3Tiergartenstrasse 27, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
�
natura.cerny@aon.at; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7207-2255
4Department of Zoology & Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147002, Punjab, India.
�
prjagbir2005@gmail.com; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9670-5931
5Department of Zoology & Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147002, Punjab, India.
�
harvinder.datta@gmail.com; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7224-6411
*Corresponding authors
Abstract
Three new species of the genus Miltochrista Hübner, [1819] are described: M. idiomorfa sp. n. (India, Nepal, N Myanmar
and SW China), M. dankana sp. n. (India and north-western Myanmar) and M. etalina sp. n. (Northeast India). Miltochrista
straminea Walker, 1856, stat. rev. is restored to species level. The lectotype for Miltochrista straminea is designated.
Adults, male and female genitalia of the new and similar species are illustrated.
Key words: lectotype, Nudariina, revised status.
Introduction
Miltochrista Hübner, [1819] is one of the largest genera of lichen-moths (family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae, tribe
Lithosiini, subtribe Nudariina) belonging to the Asura Walker / Miltochrista generic complex and distributed widely
in the Oriental and Palaearctic Regions. The taxonomy of this large and diverse genus comprising more than 200
species (Volynkin et al. 2019) is still inadequately studied, many species-groups of the genus are still in need of a
revision and a number of new species is awaiting descriptions.
Three Miltochrista taxa are currently considered as junior subjective synonyms of M. undulosa (Walker, 1854)
described from Myanmar and widespread in Indochina. Examination of the syntype specimen of one of these taxa,
Miltochrista straminea Walker, 1856 described from India, revealed that it is not conspecific to M. undulosa and M.
straminea should be restored to species level. During examination of numerous unsorted Miltochrista specimens
superficially similar to M. straminea collected in India, Nepal and Myanmar and housed in various European and
Indian collections we found three additional unknown species. These three species have male and female genitalia
conspicuously different from those of M. straminea and other known species of the genus Miltochrista as well and
are described below as new.
Material and methods
Abbreviations of the depositories used: CKC = private collection of Karel Černý (Innsbruck, Austria); MfN =
Museum of Natural History, Berlin (Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany); MWM/ZSM = Museum Witt in
VOLYNKIN ET AL.
320 · Zootaxa 5168 (3) © 2022 Magnolia Press
the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology (Zoologische Staatssammlung München), Munich, Germany; NZCZSI =
National Zoological Collections, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, India; OUMNH = Oxford University Mu-
seum of Natural History (Oxford, United Kingdom). Other abbreviations used: HT = holotype; LT = lectotype; PT
= paratype. In the type labels citations, different labels are separated by a slash (“/”) while the different lines of the
same label are separated by an upright slash (“|”).
The genitalia were dissected and mounted in Euparal on microscope slides. The photographs of adults were
taken using a Nikon D3100/AF-S camera equipped with a Nikkor, 18–55 mm lens while the genitalia were imaged
using the same camera attached to a microscope with an LM-scope adapter. All photographs were processed using
the Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 software.
The male and female genitalia terminology follows Volynkin & Černý (2017), Volynkin et al. (2019), Goater et
al. (2003) and Fibiger (1997).
Data of comparative material examined
Miltochrista lyclenoides Černý, 2016. Paratypes: LAOS: 35 males, 29 females, prov. Khammouane, Muang Gno-
marat, 150 m, 17°33.259’N, 105°9.778’E, ♀ 1.VI.2014, ex ovo K. Černý, gen. prep. Nos.: AV2838 (male) and
AV2839 (female) (prepared by Volynkin); 10 males, 18 females, Muang Khai, 160 m, 17°27.681’N, 104°54.980’E,
27.–29.V.2014, K. Černý leg.; 2 males, 2 females, Khoun Ngeun, Sala Viewpoint, 480 m, 18°10.7’N, 104°29’E,
30–31.V.2014, K. Černý leg.; 1 male, prov. Bolikhamxai, 5 km west Khoun Kham, 550 m, 10.VIII.2010, ex coll.
Kenichiro Nakao, no. 100810049 (all in CKC).
Taxonomic part
Miltochrista idiomorfa sp. n.
(Figs 1–5, 17, 18, 25)
Type material. Holotype (Figs 1, 17): male, “India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamen, 5.iv.2009, Rahul Joshi leg.” (NZC-
ZSI).
Paratypes. INDIA: 1 male, data same as holotype (NZCZSI); 1 male, Arunachal Pradesh, Tippi, 15.v.2016,
H.S. Datta leg. (NZCZSI); 1 male, West Bengal, Darjeeling, 19.iv.2009, Rahul Joshi leg. (NZCZSI); 5 males, Sik-
kim, Mangan, 19.iv.2010, Rahul Joshi leg. (NZCZSI); 1 female, Mizoram, Mamit, 8.ix.2016, Santosh Singh leg.
(NZCZSI); 2 males, Mizoram, Serchhip, 9.iv.2017, H.S. Datta leg. (NZCZSI); 1 male, Mizoram, Reiek, 19.iv.2017,
H.S. Datta leg. (NZCZSI); 1 male, Mizoram, Reiek, 20.iv.2017, H.S. Datta leg. (NZCZSI); 2 males, 5 females, As-
sam, Kaziranga Wildlife, Pan Bari Reserv[e] Forest, 26°45’N, 93°10’E, 100 m, 12–21.XI.1997, V. Siniaev [recte:
Sinyaev] & M. Murzin, leg., gen. prep. Nos.: ZSM Arct. 274/2017, ZSM Arct. 2019-451 (males) (prepared by
Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, 2 females, Assam, Nambor Reserv[e] Forest, Garampani, H=100 m, 26°30’N,
93°55’E, 21–29.XI.1997, V. Siniaev [recte: Sinyaev] & M. Murzin leg., gen. prep. Nos.: ZSM Arct. 260/2017
(male), ZSM Arct. 2019-452 (female) (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, Assam, [W Meghalaya], Garo
Hills, Nokrek National Park, 25°40’N, 91°04’E, 1150m, 2–13.VII.1997, Afonin & Sinajev [recte: Sinyaev] leg.,
gen. prep. No.: ZSM Arct. 261/2017 (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, 9 females, 1000 m, Tamil Nadu,
Kalkad Wildlife Sanctuary Manjolai, 6–7.IV.97, 8.15’N, 77,27’E, tea estate / rainforest, Sinjaev [recte: Sinyaev] &
Schintlm[e]st[e]r [leg.], gen. prep. Nos.: ZSM Arct. 2019-461 (male), ZSM Arct. 2019-462 (female) (prepared by
Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); MYANMAR: 1 male, Putao, 500m, 23.V.1998, S. Murzin & [V.] Siniaev [recte: Sinyaev]
leg., gen. prep. No.: ZSM Arct. 259/2017 (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); NEPAL: 1 female, Godawani, W.
Thomas leg., gen. prep. No.: AV5469 (prepared by Volynkin) (CKC); CHINA: 1 male, Yunnan, Simao District,
Mangxi Ba Mts, 18 km S of Simao, 1280m, 11–20.III.1999, Dr R. Brechlin leg., gen. prep. No.: ZSM Arct. 2019-
460 (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM).
Remarks. (1) The species varies in the forewing shape, the shape of the medial line and the size of the spots of
the subterminal line. However, the male and female genitalia structures of different forms are uniform and display
no remarkable variability. (2) Kirti & Singh (2016) illustrated this species as Miltochrista phaeodonta Hampson,
THREE NEW MILTOCHRISTA (LEPIDOPTERA) Zootaxa 5168 (3) © 2022 Magnolia Press · 321
1911 by misidentification. The latter currently belongs to the genus Barsipennis Volynkin, 2019 (Volynkin & Černý
2019; Volynkin et al. 2019; Huang et al. 2021).
Diagnosis. Miltochrista idiomorfa sp. n. (Figs 1–5) is superficially very similar to M. dankana sp. n. (Figs
6–8), M. straminea (Figs 9–13) and M. etalina sp. n. (Fig. 14) and in most cases a reliable identification requires the
examination of the genitalia. The male genital capsule of the new species (Figs 17, 18) differs from the similar con-
geners (Figs 19–23) in the presence of two postero-lateral apically serrulate processes of the juxta and the short and
thick distal saccular process bearing and additional lengthwise crest inwardly. The phallus of M. idiomorfa sp. n. is
similar to that of M. dankana sp. n. due to the presence of the distal thorn-like process of the carina but in the new
species it is longer (in proportion to the genital capsule) and the distal carinal process is longer and curved ventrad
(whereas it is almost straight in M. dankana sp. n.). The vesica of the new species is similar to those of M. dankana
sp. n. and M. straminea due to the lack of cornuti but differs in the elongate and weakly sclerotised basal section
and the larger globular distal diverticulum. The female genitalia of M. idiomorfa sp. n. (Fig. 25) differ from the
similar congeners (Figs 26–28) in the presence of a long and heavily sclerotised antrum (it is absent in M. dankana
sp. n. and M. straminea) and a conical, gelatinous postero-lateral diverticulum of the posterior section of the corpus
bursae positioned at the junction with the ductus bursae. The corpus bursae of the new species bear larger spinules
than in M. dankana sp. n. and M. straminea and lacks serrulate plates which are characteristic of M. straminea.
The appendix bursae of M. idiomorfa sp. n. is markedly smaller than in M. dankana sp. n. and positioned laterally
on the left side whereas it is positioned postero-laterally on the right side in M. dankana sp. n. and anteriorly in M.
straminea.
Description. External morphology of adults (Figs 1–5). Forewing length 9–10 mm in males and 11–12 mm
in females. Antenna ciliate in both sexes with longer cilia in male. Sexual dimorphism limited: female larger than
male, with more elongate forewing and longer spurs of postmedial line. Head and body straw yellow. Thorax
with three rounded blackish spots medially. Abdomen pale straw yellow; in male, with intense admixture of black
scales in posterior third. Forewing ground colour straw yellow, pattern blackish-grey. Costal margin blackish-grey
in antemedial area. Subbasal spot small, more or less round or short dash-shaped. Antemedial area with five short
lengthwise dashes of various lengths. Antemedial line W-like sinuous, more strongly protruding in cell. Medial line
slightly sinuous medially, in most specimens positioned close to antemedial line or touching it in cell. Discal spot
small, dash or comma-shaped. Postmedial line strongly irregularly dentate on veins, out curved between veins R
and Cu. Subterminal line interrupted into short dash-like lengthwise spots on veins, curved parallel to postmedial
line. Terminal line interrupted into small spots on veins with blackish-grey suffusion between veins. Cilia monoto-
nous straw yellow. Hindwing pale yellowish-creamy, with weak grey suffusion at costa subapically in male. Male
genitalia (Figs 17, 18). Uncus slender, elongate, slightly down curved and tapered distally with tiny claw-like tip.
Tuba analis broad, with thin and weakly sclerotised scaphium and broad and weakly setose subscaphium. Tegumen
with narrow penicular area anteriorly. Vinculum somewhat shorter than tegumen, thick and heavily sclerotised, U-
shaped. Valva dilated and up curved in distal 2/5. Costa slightly convex medially with short swollen setose ventral
protrusion sub-proximally. Transtillae broad and moderately sclerotised, fused. Distal lobe of valva broadly trian-
gular and apically rounded. Sacculus moderately broad, weakly setose subbasally, with short but robust, somewhat
up curved triangular distal process bearing lengthwise crest inwardly and small thorn-like tip. Juxta shield-like with
two more or less rectangular postero-lateral processes serrulate apically and inwardly. Phallus narrow, cylindrical,
somewhat down curved and dilated proximally, with broadly conical and apically rounded coecum; carina with
elongate, slender but heavily sclerotised, medially down curved thorn-like dorsal process directed distally. Vesica
projecting dorsad, tubular and weakly sclerotised subbasally and sack-like distally, with small semiglobular lateral
diverticulum and two distal diverticula: broad semiglobular one directed dorsad and longer, narrowly conical and
apically rounded one directed distally. Vesica ejaculatorius originates laterally, with short and thin basal plate. Fe-
male genitalia (Fig. 25). Papilla analis broad, trapezoid with rounded corners, setose. Apophyses long and slender,
more or less equal in length, apophysis anterioris somewhat dilated in proximal half. Ostium bursae broad. Antrum
long, heavily sclerotised, dilated posteriorly, champagne glass-shaped. Anterior section of ductus bursae tubular,
short, membranous. Posterior section of corpus bursae curved sideways, perpendicular to ductus bursae axis, gelati-
nous, with conical diverticulum directed laterally. Anterior section of corpus bursae sack-like, densely covered with
spinules. Appendix bursae short, narrowly conical, membranous, originating latero-medially, directed sideways.
Distribution. Known from India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, West Bengal,
Tamil Nadu), Nepal, northern Myanmar (Kachin State) and south-western China (Yunnan Prov.).
VOLYNKIN ET AL.
322 · Zootaxa 5168 (3) © 2022 Magnolia Press
Etymology. ‘Idiomorfos’ is a Latin transliteration of the Greek ‘ιδιόμορφος’ meaning ‘peculiar’. The specific
epithet refers to the unusual male genitalia structures.
Miltochrista dankana sp. n.
(Figs 6–8, 19, 20, 26)
Type material. Holotype (Figs 6, 19): male, “India, Nagaland, Kigwema, 26.iv.2017, H.S. Datta leg.” (NZCZSI).
Paratypes. INDIA: 1 female, data same as holotype. MYANMAR: 1 male, 1 female, Chin Hills, Myohaung Camp,
2060m, 3–5.x.2002, W. Mey leg., LF [light trap] / Natma Taung NP. Area of Mt. Victoria, gen. prep. Nos.: AV4237
(male) and AV4235 (female) (prepared by Volynkin) (MfN).
Diagnosis. Miltochrista dankana sp. n. (Figs 68) is superficially very similar to M. idiomorfa sp. n. (Figs
1–5), M. straminea (Figs 9–13) and M. etalina sp. n. (Fig. 14) and in most cases a reliable identification requires
the examination of the genitalia. The male genital capsule of the new species (Figs 19, 20) differs from the similar
congeners (Figs 17, 18, 21–23) in the long and robust, claw-shaped distal saccular process and the presence of a
short, straight, spike-like distal process of carina. The valva shape of M. dankana sp. n. is similar to M. idiomorfa
sp. n. but, besides the distal saccular process structure, differs from it in the more prominent medial dorsal costal
protrusion, the more rounded distal lobe of the valva, and the more distally positioned ventral swollen costal pro-
trusion. The transtilla of the new species is narrower than in M. idiomorfa sp. n. and the juxta bears short postero-
lateral protrusions instead of elongate and serrulate processes which are present in the congener. The phallus of M.
dankana sp. n. is shorter than in M. idiomorfa sp. n. (in proportion to the tegumen-vinculum complex length) and
bears a shorter and straight distal carinal process which is medially down curved in M. idiomorfa sp. n. Compared to
M. idiomorfa sp. n., the vesica of the new species lacks a weakly sclerotised basal tubular section, has a somewhat
shorter distal conical diverticulum, a markedly smaller distal semiglobular diverticulum, and a short but broad coni-
cal medial diverticulum ventrally which is absent in the congener. The female genitalia of M. dankana sp. n. (Fig.
26) differ from those of M. idiomorfa sp. n. (Fig. 25) in the lack of an antrum and a gelatinous posterior section of
the corpus bursae, the broader corpus bursae covered with finer spinules, and the conspicuously longer and broader
appendix bursae positioned postero-laterally on the right side whereas it is positioned laterally on the left side in
the congener. The ostium structure of the new species is most similar to M. straminea (Fig. 27, 28) but M. dankana
sp. n., the ventral edge of the ostium of is trapezoid (rectangular in M. straminea) and the dorsal postvaginal area
is shorter than in M. straminea and has a rugose surface whereas it bears a weakly sclerotised triangular plate in the
congener. Additionally, the corpus bursae of M. dankana sp. n. is longer and broader than in M. straminea, lacks
serrulate plates, and covered with larger spinules. The appendix bursae of the new species is broadly conical and api-
cally rounded and positioned postero-laterally whereas it is short, narrow, distally tapered and positioned anteriorly
in M. straminea.
Description. External morphology of adults (Figs 6–8). Forewing length 11 mm in males and 12.5 mm in
female. Antenna ciliate in both sexes with longer cilia in male. Sexual dimorphism limited: female larger than
male, with more elongate forewing apex and shorter spurs of postmedial line. Head and body straw yellow. Thorax
with three rounded blackish spots medially. Abdomen pale straw yellow; in male, with intense admixture of black
scales in posterior third. Forewing ground colour straw yellow, pattern blackish-grey. Costal margin blackish-grey
in antemedial area. Subbasal spot small, more or less round or short dash-shaped. Antemedial area with five short
lengthwise dashes of various lengths. Antemedial line W-like sinuous, more strongly protruding in cell. Medial line
slightly sinuous medially, positioned close to antemedial line, touching it in cell. Discal spot small, comma-shaped.
Postmedial line strongly irregularly dentate on veins, out curved between veins R and Cu. Subterminal line inter-
rupted into short dash-like lengthwise spots on veins, curved parallel to postmedial line. Terminal line interrupted
into small spots on veins with blackish-grey suffusion between veins. Cilia monotonous straw yellow. Hindwing
pale yellowish-creamy, with weak grey suffusion at costa subapically. Male genitalia (Figs 19, 20). Uncus elon-
gate, slender, laterally flattened, smoothly down curved medially, distally tapered and apically pointed. Tuba analis
broad, with thin and weakly sclerotised scaphium and broad and weakly setose subscaphium. Tegumen with short
penicular area anteriorly. Vinculum somewhat shorter than tegumen, thick and heavily sclerotised, U-shaped. Valva
dilated and up curved in distal half. Costa slightly convex medially. Transtillae broad and moderately sclerotised,
fused. Distal lobe of valva semielliptical. Sacculus broad, with setose dorsal surface and long and heavily sclero-
THREE NEW MILTOCHRISTA (LEPIDOPTERA) Zootaxa 5168 (3) © 2022 Magnolia Press · 323
tised, apically pointed and up curved claw-shaped distal process. Juxta shield-like with two short triangular and
apically rounded postero-lateral processes. Phallus narrow, cylindrical, almost straight, with slightly down curved
apically rounded coecum; carina with short, straight, slender but heavily sclerotised spike-like dorsal process di-
rected distally. Vesica projecting dorsad, with short but broad conical medial diverticulum medially and conical and
semiglobular diverticula distally. Vesica ejaculatorius originates laterally, with short and thin basal plate. Female
genitalia (Fig. 26). Papilla analis broad, rectangular with rounded corners, weakly setose. Apophyses long and thin,
apophysis anterioris dilated posteriorly and somewhat shorter than apophysis posterioris. Ostium bursae broad, with
weakly sclerotised trapezoid ventral margin. Postvaginal dorsal area rugose. Ductus bursae short, membranous, di-
lated anteriorly. Corpus bursae broad, sack-like, densely covered with tiny spinules. Appendix bursae broad, conical
and apically rounded, positioned postero-laterally on right side.
Distribution. Known from Northeast India (Nagaland) and north-western Myanmar.
Etymology. ‘Dankana’ is a Latin transliteration of the Greek ‘δαγκάνα’ meaning ‘a claw’. The specific epithet
refers to the robust, claw-like distal saccular process in the male genitalia.
Miltochrista straminea Walker, 1856, stat. rev.
(Figs 9–13, 21, 22, 27, 28)
Miltochrista straminea Walker, 1856, List of the specimens of lepidopterous insects in the collection of the British Museum, 7:
1685 (Type locality: “Hindostan”).
Type material examined. Lectotype (designated herein) (Figs 11, 27): female, “TYPE LEP: No. 445 Miltochrista
straminea Walker HOPE DEPT.OXFORD” / A Walker’s type ♀ Miltochrista straminea” / “Type.” / “Ind[ia]” /
“473” / “straminea n.” / “= excurrens Walk.” / “Slide AV6525♀ A. Volynkin” (OUMNH).
Additional material examined. INDIA: 5 males, Sikkim, Gangtok, 23.iv.2009, Rahul Joshi leg. (NZCZSI); 7
males, Sikkim, Mangan, 23.iv.2009, Rahul Joshi leg. (NZCZSI); 5 males, Sikkim, Mangan, 12.iv.2010, Rahul Joshi
leg. (NZCZSI); 2 males, Sikkim, Golitar, 20.iv.2010, Rahul Joshi leg. (NZCZSI); 1 female, Sikkim, Chungthang,
28.iv.2014, Davinder Singh leg. (NZCZSI); 3 females, Sikkim, Aritar, 29.iv.2009, Rahul Joshi leg. (NZCZSI); 10
males, 14 females, Sikkim, Mt. Kangchenjunga SE, 27°30’N, 88°20’E, 2000 m, 22–31.VII.1995, E. Afonin & V.
Sinyaev leg., gen. prep. Nos.: MWM 33.606, ZSM Arct. 2019-612, ZSM Arct, 2019-613 (males), MWM 33.607
(female) (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 3 males, 4 females, Sikkim, Pemayangtse Umg., Geysing, 1400 m,
light trap, 24.VIII.1988, Dr. W. Thomas leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, 1 female, Sikkim, Legship, 800m, 24–
28.VII.1990, Werner Thomas leg., gen. prep. Nos.: AV5470 (male), AV5471 (female) (prepared by Volynkin) (CKC);
1 female, Sikkim, Pemayangtse, 1200 m, below Rimbi, light trap, 26.VIII.1988, Dr. W. Thomas leg. (MWM/ZSM);
1 male, 1 female, W.B., Darjeeling, 2000m, 12–20.VIII.1985, W. Thomas leg., gen. prep. Nos.: ZSM Arct. 2019-620
(male), ZSM Arct. 2019-621 (female) (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, W.B., 650m, Darjeeling, Man-
jitar, 5.IV.1986, W. Thomas leg., gen. prep. No.: ZSM Arct. 2019-622 (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 1
male, same data as previous but 28.VI.1986, gen. prep. No.: ZSM Arct. 2019-624 (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/
ZSM); 1 male, W.B., 850m, Darjeeling, Pashok, 29.III.1986, W. Thomas leg., gen. prep. No.: ZSM Arct. 2019-623
(prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 8 females, W.B., Darjeeling, Mangpu Road, 1900 m, light trap, 29.VI.1987,
Dr. W. Thomas leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, W.B., Darjeeling, 2100m, 29.VII.–1.VIII.1990, W. Thomas leg., gen.
prep. No.: AV5481 (prepared by Volynkin) (CKC); 1 female, Assam, [W Meghalaya], Garo Hills, Nokrek National
Park, 25°40’N, 91°04’E, 1150m, 2–13.VII.1997, Afonin & Sinyaev leg., gen. prep. No.: ZSM Arct. 275/2017 (pre-
pared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, 3 females, Mizoram, Reiek, 19.iv.2017, H.S. Datta leg. (NZCZSI); 1
male, 1 female, Mizoram, Reiek, 20.iv.2017, H.S. Datta leg. (NZCZSI); 2 females, Mizoram, Jowai, 8.ix.2009,
Rahul Joshi leg. (NZCZSI); 1 male, 3 females, Nagaland, Wokha, 30.v.2010, Rahul Joshi leg. (NZCZSI); 2 males,
1 female, Nagaland, Kohima, 23.iv.2017, H.S. Datta leg. (NZCZSI); 1 female, Nagaland, Kohima, 24.iv.2017, H.S.
Datta leg. (NZCZSI); 1 female, Arunachal Pradesh, Khonsa, 4.ix.2005, N. Singh leg. (NZCZSI); 1 female, Arunach-
al Pradesh, Raga, 5.v.2016, H.S. Datta leg. (NZCZSI); 1 female, Arunachal Pradesh, Bomdila, 11.v.2016, H.S.
Datta leg. (NZCZSI); 2 female, Arunachal Pradesh, Tippi, 15.v.2016, H.S. Datta (NZCZSI), 2 males, 1 female, Ut-
tarakhand, Nainital, 29–30.vi.1994, APS Kaleka leg. (NZCZSI); 1 male, Meghalaya, Jowai, 08.ix.2009, Rahul Joshi
leg. (NZCZSI); 1 male, Kumaon-Himalaya, Nainital Distr., Bhimtal, 1500 m, Smetacek leg., 21–23.VIII.1977
(MWM/ZSM); 1 female, same data as previous but 25.IX.1977 (MWM/ZSM); 1 female, same data as previous but
VOLYNKIN ET AL.
324 · Zootaxa 5168 (3) © 2022 Magnolia Press
14.IX.1979 (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, same data as previous but 12.VI.1979, gen. prep. No.: ZSM Arct. 2019-615
(prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 2 males, same locality as previous but 3.VII.1971, de Freina leg., gen. prep.
Nos.: ZSM Arct. 2019-614, ZSM Arct. 2019-616 (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, same data as previ-
ous but 28–29.V.1971, gen. prep. Nos.: ZSM Arct. 2019-617, ZSM Arct. 2019-618 (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/
ZSM); 1 male, NW Himalaya, 1500 m, Uttar Pradesh, Kumaon Dist., Bhimtal, Nainital, VI.1974, F. Smetacek leg.,
light trap (MWM/ZSM); 1 female, U.P., Bhimtal, 1500m, 11–20.VI.1975, W. Thomas leg., gen. prep. No.: ZSM
Arct. 2019-619 (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, T.[amil] N.[adu], Palani Hills, Perumalmalay, 1500m,
14.VII.1990, W. Thomas leg., gen. prep. No.: AV5480 (prepared by Volynkin) (CKC); PAKISTAN: 1 male, Prov.
NW-Frontier, 35km N of Murree, Ayubia NP, 2300m, 1.VIII.1998, Tibor Csővári & László Mikus leg., gen. prep.
No.: ZSM Arct. 2019-675 (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 2 females, Pakistan, Kashmir, Himalaya Mts., 30
km N Muree, near Nathia Ghali, Aybia, 2600 m, 25–27.VI.1998, Gy. Fábián & B. Herczig leg. (MWM/ZSM); NE-
PAL: 1 female, 1615 m, Taplejung area, Shimbu (Pakora), 11.X.1994, M. Hreblay & T. Csővári leg. (MWM/ZSM);
1 female, Taplejung area, Tambowa, 2115 m, 12.X.1994, M. Hreblay & T. Csővári leg. (MWM/ZSM); 15 females,
Koshi, Taplejung area, Tawa, 1200 m, 87°49’E, 27°30’N, 1.IV.1996, G. Csorba & S.T. Kovacs leg. (MWM/ZSM);
8 males, 2 females, Koshi, Taplejung area, Tapethok, 1600 m, 87°52’E, 27°32’N, 2.IV.1996, G. Csorba & S.T.
Kovács leg. (MWM/ZSM); 3 males, 2 females, Koshi, Taplejung area, SW of Mamankhe, 1700 m, 87°57’E,
27°26’N, 6–7.IV.1996, Csorba & Ronkay leg. (MWM/ZSM); 2 females, Koshi, Taplejung area, Mitlung, 1100 m,
87°48’E, 27°27’N, 31.III.1996, G. Csorba & S.T. Kovács leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 female, Koshi, Taplejung area,
above Yamphudin, 2600 m, 87°59’E, 27°28’N, 5.IV.1996, G. Csorba & S.T. Kovács leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 female,
Mechi, Taplejung area, between Mamankhe and Anpang, 2000 m, 87°54’E, 27°26’N, 01.XI.1996, Gy. M. László &
G. Ronkay leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, Mechi, Taplejung area, Nesum village, 1550 m, 87°29’E, 27°17’N, 21.X.1996,
Gy. M. László & G. Ronkay leg. (MWM/ZSM); 2 females, Ganesh Himal, 2165 m, 2 km W of Thangjet, 85’17’E,
28’10’N, M. Hreblay & T. Csővári leg., 17–18.IX.1994 (MWM/ZSM); 3 males, Ganesh Himal, 1700 m, 3 km W
Gogne, Mailung Khola, 85°12’E, 28°05.5’N, 25.III.1995, Gy. M. László & G. Ronkay leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 male,
Ganesh Himal, 2000 m, near Nesim, 85°17’E, 28°08’N, 22.III.1995, Gy. M. László & G. Ronkay leg. (MWM/
ZSM); 1 female, Ganesh Himal, 3 km NE of Sunpati, 2330 m, 13.VI.1993, M. Hreblay, G. Csorba leg. (MWM/
ZSM); 5 males, 2 females, Annapurna Himal, Poon Hill, 2700 m, 13–15.VII.1998, Sinyaev & Afonin leg. (MWM/
ZSM); 1 male, 1250 m, Annapurna Region, Sudame, 24–25.III.95, 83°45’E, 28°20’N, M. Hreblay & L. Nemeth leg.
(MWM/ZSM); 4 males, 4 females, Annapurna Himal, 2 km N Landrung, 1540 m, 83°49’E, 28°23’N, 8.IV.1995, Gy.
M. László & G. Ronkay leg. (MWM/ZSM); 8 males, Annapurna Himal, 2 km S Bichowk, 1400 m, 83°48’E,
28°20’N, 10.IV.1995, Gy. M. László & G. Ronkay leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, 2 females, Annapurna Himal, Ulleri,
1900 m, 83°43’E, 28°23’N, 3.X.1994, Csorba & Ronkay leg., gen. prep. Nos.: ZSM Arct. 2019-456 (male), ZSM
Arct. 2019-457 (female) (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, 2 females, Annapurna Himal valley of Kali
Gandaki, 2080 m, near Ghasa, 83°39,5’E, 28°36’N, 04.VI.1996, Gy. M. László & G. Ronkay leg. gen. prep. No.:
ZSM Arct. 49/2017 (male) (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 2 females, same data as previous but 18–
19.VI.1996 (MWM/ZSM); 1 female, same data as previous but 21.VII.1995 (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, Annapurna
Himal valley of Kali Gandaki, Kokethanti village, 1650m, 17.VI.1996, Gy. M. László & G. Ronkay leg., gen. prep.
No.: ZSM Arct. 48/2017 (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, Annapurna Himal, near Geirigan, 1340 m,
83°45’E, 28°20’N, 31.III.1995, Gy. M. László & G. Ronkay leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 female, Annapurna Himal, 1 km
NW Chitre, 2300 m, 83°41’E, 28°25.5’N, 23.VII.1995, Gy. M. László & G. Ronkay leg. (MWM/ZSM); 2 males,
East Nepal, Milke Danda, Nesum, 1500 m, 2.VIII.2000, Csővári & Hreblay leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 female, East Ne-
pal, Milke Danda, Gursa, 2100 m, 3.VII.1998, Márton Hreblay & Balázs Benedek leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, East
Nepal, Surke Danda, 1 km W of Kesawa, 2000 m, 30.X.1999, Yangzi Sherpa leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 female, same
locality as previous but 17.V.1997, Hreblay & Scecsenyi leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, Langtang, 5 km NNE of
Dunche, Barkhu, 28°08’N, 85°18’E, 1835m, 16.IX.1994, Márton Hreblay & Tibor Csővári leg., gen. prep. No.:
ZSM Arct. 2019-458 (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, Katmandu, 1235m, 6–7.X.1994, Márton Hre-
blay & Tibor Csővári leg., gen. prep. No.: ZSM Arct. 2019-459 (prepared by Volynkin) (MWM/ZSM); 1 female,
500 m, Dhumre, Bimal Nager, 26–28.III.1995, 84’26’’E, 27’55’N, M. Hreblay & L. Nemeth leg. (MWM/ZSM); 2
females, Nepal occ., Surkhet, 25.VII.1996, 1000 m, Hreblay & Szin leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, West Nepal, 10 km
N of Surkhet, 2000 m, 7.VIII.1996, M. Hreblay & B. Szin leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 female, Nepal, Kathmandu, 1350
m, 4.VIII.1995, M. Hreblay & T. Csővári leg. (MWM/ZSM); 2 males, East Nepal, Nesum, 1200 m, 28.X.1999,
Yangzi Sherpa leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 female, East Nepal, Deorali Danda, 1 km N of Yamphudin, 2000 m, 7.VIII.2000,
THREE NEW MILTOCHRISTA (LEPIDOPTERA) Zootaxa 5168 (3) © 2022 Magnolia Press · 325
FIGURES 1–8. Miltochrista spp.: adults. Depositories of the specimens: 1 and 6 in NZCZSI; 2–4 in MWM/ZSM; 5 in CKC;
7 and 8 in MfN.
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FIGURES 9–16. Miltochrista spp.: adults. Depositories of the specimens: 9, 10, 12–14 in MWM/ZSM; 11 in OUMNH; 15 and
16 in CKC.
THREE NEW MILTOCHRISTA (LEPIDOPTERA) Zootaxa 5168 (3) © 2022 Magnolia Press · 327
Csővári & Hreblay leg. (MWM/ZSM); 2 males, 1 female, 2 km WNW of Muldi (Murre), 2200 m, 11.10.95
(85°54’E, 27°20’N), M. Hreblay & L. Bodi leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 male, Langtang, 1950 m, 1.5 km NE Dhunche,
85°18’E, 28°06’N, 24.IX.1994, Csorba & Ronkay leg. (MWM/ZSM); 1 female, Godawani, W. Thomas leg., gen.
prep. No.: AV5468 (prepared by Volynkin) (CKC); BHUTAN: 1 male, 1 female, 4 km W Singor, 27°21’N, 91°02’E,
25.X.2009, 2420m, Yury Bezverkhov & Viktor Sinyaev leg., gen. prep. Nos.: AV2785 (male), AV2786 (female)
(prepared by Volynkin) (CKC).
Remark. Walker (1856) described only female of the species but did not specify a number of specimens there-
fore an existence of female syntypes is possible. In order to stabilize the nomenclature, we hereby designate the
female specimen deposited in OUMNH as lectotype.
Diagnosis. The forewing length is 9–10 mm in males and 12–13 mm in females. Males of M. straminea (Figs 9,
10) are very similar to M. idiomorfa sp. n. (Figs 1–3), M. dankana sp. n. (Figs 6, 7) and M. etalina sp. n. (Fig. 14)
and reliable identification of them in most cases requires the examination of the genitalia. Female of M. straminea
(Figs 11–13) is somewhat larger than in the similar species (Figs 4, 5, 8) and has slightly longer dentation of the
postmedial line. The male genital capsule (Figs 21, 22) of the species clearly differs from those of the similar conge-
ners (Figs 17–20, 23) in the strongly distally dilated valva with medially swollen costa and a relatively short, claw-
shaped distal saccular process. In the female genitalia, the two serrulate and weakly sclerotised plates in the corpus
bursae are characteristic for M. straminea (Figs 27, 28). The ostium bursae structure of M. straminea is similar to M.
dankana sp. n. (Fig. 26) but the ventral margin of the ostium is rectangular (trapezoid in M. dankana sp. n.) and the
postvagianl dorsal area bears a triangular weakly sclerotised plate whereas it is rugose in the congener. Additionally,
the appendix bursae of M. straminea originates from the anterior end of the ductus bursae and is directed anteriorly
whereas appendices bursae of the similar congeners originate laterally (Fig. 25) or postero-laterally (Fig. 26).
Distribution. Known from Pakistan, Nepal, India and Bhutan.
Miltochrista etalina sp. n.
(Figs 14, 23)
Type material. Holotype (Figs 14, 23): male, “NE India | Arunachal Pradesh | near Etalin | 700m, 12–15.V.1997 |
leg. local collector” / “Genitalpräparat Heterocera Nr. 37.110 Museum Witt München” (MWM/ZSM).
Diagnosis. The new species (Fig. 14) is superficially similar to small specimens of M. idiomorpha sp. n. (Figs
1–3) but is distinguished by the somewhat narrower forewing. However, the male genitalia of M. etalina sp. n. (Fig.
23) are most similar to those of the superficially dissimilar M. lyclenoides (Figs 15, 16) recently described from
Laos. The male genital capsule of the new species differs from M. lyclenoides (Fig. 24) in the scobinated anellus (it
is membranous in the congener), the shorter and narrower vinculum, the less distally dilated valva with a prominent
medial dorsal protrusion (absent in M. lyclenoides), and the somewhat shorter and less up curved distal saccular
process. The phallus of M. etalina sp. n. is shorter than in M. lyclenoides (in proportion to the genital capsule).
Compared to M. lyclenoides, the vesica of the new species is medially broader and has a remarkably shorter lateral
diverticulum bearing a shorter cluster of more robust spinules. The distal cluster of the new species is longer and
broader than in M. lyclenoides and consists of longer spinules.
Description. External morphology of adults (Fig. 14). Forewing length 9.5 mm in holotype male. Male
antenna ciliate. Head straw yellow, frons with medial black spot. Thorax stray yellow, tegula with medial black
spot. Abdomen pale ochreous-yellow. Forewing with smoothly convex costal margin and rounded apex. Forewing
ground colour straw yellow, markings black. Costal margin blackish-grey in antemedial area. Subbasal spot ellipti-
cal, positioned on vein R. Antemedial area with four lengthwise streak-like spots of different lengths. Antemedial
line strongly sinuous. Medial line smoothly arcuate. Discal spot small, elliptical. Postmedial line strongly and ir-
regularly dentate. Subterminal line interrupted into short lengthwise dashes on veins. Terminal line interrupted into
tiny spots on veins with black suffusion between veins. Cilia monotonous straw yellow. Hindwing monotonous
pale yellowish-creamy. Male genitalia (Fig. 23). Uncus elongate, slender, laterally flattened, slightly down curved,
distally tapered and apically pointed. Tuba analis moderately broad with thin and weakly sclerotised scaphium and
distally setose subscaphium. Arms of tegumen dilated posteriorly and fused in posterior third. Vinculum somewhat
shorter than tegumen, with heavily sclerotised, more or less V-shaped saccus having slightly convex arms and
rounded tip. Valva somewhat dilated distally. Costa with strong, rounded medial dorsal protrusion. Distal lobe broad,
VOLYNKIN ET AL.
328 · Zootaxa 5168 (3) © 2022 Magnolia Press
FIGURES 17–20. Miltochrista spp.: male genitalia. Depositories of the specimens dissected: 17 and 19 in NZCZSI; 18 in
MWM/ZSM; 20 in MfN.
THREE NEW MILTOCHRISTA (LEPIDOPTERA) Zootaxa 5168 (3) © 2022 Magnolia Press · 329
FIGURES 21–24. Miltochrista spp.: male genitalia. Depositories of the specimens dissected: 21–23 in MWM/ZSM; 24 in
CKC.
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330 · Zootaxa 5168 (3) © 2022 Magnolia Press
FIGURES 25–28. Miltochrista spp.: female genitalia. Depositories of the specimens dissected: 25 and 28 in MWM/ZSM; 26
in MfN; 27 in OUMNH.
THREE NEW MILTOCHRISTA (LEPIDOPTERA) Zootaxa 5168 (3) © 2022 Magnolia Press · 331
rounded. Sacculus broad, weakly setose basally, with long, narrow but robust, gradually tapered and up curved distal
process. Juxta short, shield-like with rounded posterior section. Anellus spinulose scobinated. Phallus cylindrical,
straight, with distally tapered and apically rounded coecum. Main chamber of vesica broad, globular. Proximal
lateral diverticulum short, semiglobular, covered with numerous robust spinules. Distal cluster elongate, consisting
of moderately long and robust spinules. Distal lateral diverticulum short, semiglobular, with narrow cluster of weak
spinulose scobination. Distal diverticulum broad, conical and apically rounded, membranous. Basal plate of vesica
ejaculatorius elongate, narrow and moderately sclerotised.
Female unknown.
Distribution. Known only from its type locality in Northeast India (Arunachal Pradesh).
Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the type locality.
Acknowledgements
The senior author expresses his sincere thanks to the following colleagues for their kind assistance during the
visits to the collection under their care: Axel Hausmann, Mei-Yu Chen and Ulf Buchsbaum (ZSM); James Hogan
(OUMNH); Wolfram Mey, Théo Léger and Viola Richter (MfN). Navneet Singh, Jagbir Singh Kirti and Harvinder
Singh Datta are thankful the Director, Zoological Survey of India and Head, Department of Zoology & Environ-
mental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala for support and facilities and to the Forest officials of different states
of North East India for permissions regarding field works.
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