Revision of the species of Mythimna Ochsenheimer, 1816 (Pseudaletia) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae: Leucaniini) occurring in Brazil

ABSTRACT The genus Mythimna Ochsenheimer, 1816 groups aproximatelly 270 species worldwide. This genus is subdivided into many subgenera and species-groups, with those species occurring in the Neotropical region included in the subgenus Mythimna (Pseudaletia) Franclemont, 1951. Species of this subgenus frequently reach high population levels, causing economic damage to Poaceae cultivars. Hence, it is crucial a well-defined taxonomy allowing rapid and precise identifications. However, the species of this subgenus are cryptic, their recognition requires molecular analyses and in-depth morphological studies, which has often resulted in misidentifications. In Brazil, the occurrence of the following species had been mentioned: Mythimna (P.) adultera (Schaus, 1894), Mythimna (P.) roraimae Franclemont, 1951, Mythimna (P.) sequax Franclemont, 1951, and Mythimna (P.) unipuncta (Haworth, 1809). Yet, until now, we lack a broader knowledge about the geographic distribution and taxonomy of these species. Thus, this study aims to revise the taxonomy of those species based on morphological and molecular (COI) data to provide an updated comprehension of this group in the country. The analysis of 1,664 specimens allowed us to confirm the presence of three species in the country: Mythimna (P.) adultera, Mythimna (P.) sequax, and Mythimna (P.) unipuncta. A lectotype for Mythimna (P.) adultera is designated; a new synonym is proposed: Pseudaletia roraimae syn. nov. of Mythimna (P.) unipuncta; and a new species, Mythimna (P.) celiae sp. nov. is described from Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Hidden in plain sight: a morphological study revealing three new species of the skipper genus Drephalys Watson, 1893 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from Brazil.

Three new species of Drephalys Watson, 1893 from Brazil are described as follows: D. dracarys Madruga, Siewert, Mielke Dolibaina, sp. n. from Acre, Mato Grosso and Rondônia states, D. electrinus Siewert, Madruga, Mielke Dolibaina, sp. n. from Acre and Amazonas states, and D. citrinus Madruga, Siewert, Mielke Casagrande, sp. n. from Amazonas state. Drephalys heraclides Bell, 1942 was reported for the first time from Brazil. To characterize the new species, illustrations of the male genitalia of D. heraclides, D. phoenice (Hewitson, 1867) and D. phoenicoides (Mabille Boullet, 1919) are provided. Diagnosis, adult photos, illustration of the male genitalia and a geographical distribution map are provided for the new species.