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The External Morphology of Mythimna (Pseudaletia) sequax (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

  • Systematics, Morphology and Physiology
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Abstract

Mythimna (Pseudaletia) sequax Franclemont, 1951 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidade) is the most important armyworm in the American tropics and subtropics. In this study, we describe the external morphology of the immatures and adults, based on larvae fed on quicuio grass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov - Poaceae). The external morphology of the eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults is described and illustrated. Important taxonomic structures of the larvae are described, including hypopharynx, spinneret, and mandible. Adult structures that allow the differentiation of the species, such as male genitalia and scent brushes, are also described. The results are compared and discussed based on morph functionality and with publications on the congeneric species.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (CME) and Rede Paranaense de Coleções Biológicas (Taxon-line) of Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) for the photographs. Prof. Dr. Luís Amilton Foerster provided specimens for photography. Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de nível Superior - CAPES for the fellowship granted to the authors (JMS – Edital Capes/Embrapa no. 15/2014 and LMGS –2012-03-02-D/UFPR). Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico – CNPq (MMC proc. 302084/2017-7, AS proc. 306601/2016-8 and 403376/2013-0) and Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (SEG MP2 02.13.14.006.00.00) provided for research funds.

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  1. Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil

    J Madruga, L M G Salik & M M Casagrande

  2. Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, Brasil

    A Specht

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  1. J Madruga
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  2. A Specht
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Contributions

JM, AS, and MMC—conceived and designed the study; JM and LMGS, MMC—executed experimental work; JM, LMGS, and MMC—wrote the manuscript with input from all authors, and JM, AS, and MMC—discussed the results and contributed to the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to A Specht.

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Madruga, J., Specht, A., Salik, L.M.G. et al. The External Morphology of Mythimna (Pseudaletia) sequax (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Neotrop Entomol 48, 834–852 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-019-00703-7

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