Acrapex relicta
Ferguson, 1991
Acrapex relicta is a small in the Noctuidae, described by Ferguson in 1991. It represents the first recorded occurrence of the Acrapex in the New World. The is known from a restricted range in the southeastern United States, with documented in South Carolina, North Carolina, and southeastern Virginia.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acrapex relicta: /əˈkreɪpɛks rɪˈlɪk.tə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Noctuidae in its region by its small size and association with the Acrapex, which was previously unknown from the New World. The specific wing patterns and genitalic characteristics described in the original description (Ferguson 1991) would be required for definitive identification. Similar small noctuids in the region would require dissection or molecular analysis for reliable separation.
Appearance
Small noctuid with forewing length of 7.5–10 mm in males and 8.5–10 mm in females. Detailed wing pattern and coloration have not been described in the available literature.
Distribution
Southeastern United States: South Carolina, North Carolina, and southeastern Virginia. This represents the only known New World occurrence of the Acrapex, which is otherwise distributed in the Old World.
Similar Taxa
- Other small Noctuidae (e.g., certain Elaphria, Hyperstrotia, or similar genera)Overlap in small size and general noctuid in the southeastern United States. Acrapex relicta requires careful examination or dissection to separate from these superficially similar .
More Details
First New World Record
The description of Acrapex relicta in 1991 marked the first documentation of the Acrapex from the New World. The genus was previously known only from the Old World, making this discovery biogeographically significant.