Claterna Explained

Claterna is a monotypic moth genus of the family Noctuidae erected by Francis Walker in 1858.^[1] Its only species, Claterna cydonia, was first described by Pieter Cramer in 1775.^[2]

Description

Species are similar to Episparis, differ in the palpi having a longer third joint and ciliated antennae in the male. Hindwings with angled outer margin instead of being produced to a point. Female with the outer margin of both wings very slightly angled.^[3]

The species shows slight sexual dimorphism. In the male, the apex in forewings is more produced, whereas in the female the apex is slightly angled. Body is greyish, tinged with brownish on the forewings and more mauve on the hindwings in both sexes. Caterpillars are known to feed on Mussaenda species.^[4]

Distribution

It is found in the Indian subregion and from Sri Lanka,^[5] to New Guinea.^[6]

References

• Web site: Pitkin . Brian . Jenkins . Paul . amp . Search results Family: Noctuidae . Butterflies and Moths of the World . Natural History Museum, London.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Savela . Markku . Claterna Walker, 1858 . Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms . January 14, 2019.
2. Web site: Species Details: Claterna cydonia Cramer, 1775 . Catalogue of Life . 2 March 2018.
3. Book: Hampson, G. F. . George Hampson

   . George Hampson . 1894 . The Fauna of British India, Including Ceylon and Burma: Moths Volume II . Taylor and Francis . Biodiversity Heritage Library.

4. Web site: Claterna cydonia Cramer . The Moths of Borneo . 2 March 2018.
5. Koçak . Ahmet Ömer . Kemal . Muhabbet . 20 February 2012 . Preliminary list of the Lepidoptera of Sri Lanka . Cesa News . 79 . 1–57 . Centre for Entomological Studies Ankara . Academia.
6. Web site: Pitkin . Brian . Jenkins . Paul . amp . November 5, 2004 . Claterna Walker, 1858 . Butterflies and Moths of the World . Natural History Museum, London . October 5, 2018.